The Versatile Master Artist

”So it’s impossible, huh?”

Hearing Mr. Chen’s introduction about the difficulty of the Lion City Art Exhibition, Koukou’s father pouted, thinking anyone can boast like that.

”Who can really say for sure with art?” Mr. Chen disagreed with the inspector.

”Since you’re saving this painting for the exhibition, I won’t push you. I really like your work, so why don’t you do a sketch for me? This technique that combines sketching with line drawing is truly impressive.” The collector changed his proposal.

Gu Weijing immediately took out a pen and sketch paper.

Everything else aside, just Chen’s pointers on his composition alone were worth a sketch.

Practice makes perfect,

Gu Weijing could now complete a line sketch in no time.

Under his pen’s fluent strokes, a middle-aged man’s profile began to emerge.

It was the same pose when the man was discussing the thought-provoking concept of the ”5% developed society.”

Mr. Chen’s face was profound, eyes staring into the distance, his right hand extending five fingers.

Knowledgeable, deep, gentle.

Like the statue of a philosopher.

Unexpected yet natural, this sketch received a ”Heartfelt” rating in the system evaluation.

Some people lack presence; you might study together for years, yet forget their name shortly after graduation.

Others have a strong presence, naturally possessing charisma.

Clearly meeting for the first time, yet you find yourself drawn to them.

Chen Shenglin was the latter.

Before today, Gu Weijing had only seen his name in the papers, but after a brief encounter, Mr. Chen left a deep impression.

”I heard you priced one of your paintings at fifteen dollars? People think it’s too expensive and won’t buy it.” Chen Shenglin chuckled, pinching his chin.

While Gu Weijing was sketching,

The tactful secretary had found out about Gu Weijing’s ”pricing rule” during his fieldwork and shared it as an amusing story with the boss.

”Mr. Chen, just a joke. Otherwise, everyone would want a painting; it’s just too much trouble.” Gu Weijing was helpless.

”Fifteen dollars, by Yangon street artist standards, is indeed pricey.” Mr. Chen laughed.

”A little money-grubber, huh? Bet you’ve earned quite a bit of pocket money.” Koukou’s Old Dad timely teased, supporting the entrepreneur.

”But considering the quality of this work...”

Chen Shenglin shifted his tone after a pause: ”Haha, I won’t talk about money.”

”You put your heart into this piece; some works with spirit are rare and precious. It would be an insult to this art to price it at fifteen dollars, and I couldn’t even present it.” He shook his head.

”Here’s the deal, I’ll make you a promise. Studying art in Myanmar is expensive and challenging. You’ve got my business card, kid; if you need financial support or other help, just call the number on it.”

Chen Shenglin didn’t seem to be joking.

”Of course, I retain the right to interpret this promise, on the condition it’s something I’m capable of and willing to do,” he said casually.

There was a series of gasps around them.

When Mr. Chen handed the business card to Gu Weijing earlier, the inspector was only surprised, but now his face turned greenish with envy.

”Damn, what on earth does this guy have to deserve such regard from Boss Chen.”

One sketch has brought about such a promise?

Even a painting in gold dust wouldn’t be this valuable.

Boss Chen’s promise, while the terms are at the entrepreneur’s discretion, Old Dad Koukou assured that even if Gu Weijing brazenly asked for a Ferrari sports car.

The man would probably not even bat an eye.

Of course, asking for a Ferrari with this kind of promise would just show a lack of intelligence.

The inspector contemplated,

If he were Gu Weijing, he would either keep this promise for later, or ask Mr. Chen for support in studying at the elite European Academy of Fine Arts.

Those private art institutes in Europe are ridiculously expensive.

Considering living costs, without international scholarships and financial aid, getting a postgraduate degree might not be cheaper than a Ferrari.

Moreover, such a request is reasonable and moderate, gaining benefits while leaving a good impression, maintaining a long-term, good personal relationship with Mr. Chen.

A promise like this, given to a high schooler, really feels like a waste.

It might just be because the other party is a high school student that the entrepreneur gives such a promise.

”If only I had such an opportunity, would Mr. Chen help me advance in the police force? Or...”

Imagining all sorts of possibilities in his mind.

Koukou’s Old Dad’s potbelly under the police uniform trembled, taking deep breaths to stop himself from voicing his jealousy.

”In that case. I do have one thing I’m struggling with and would appreciate your help.” Gu Weijing thought for a moment before immediately speaking up.

Too impatient.

The secretary shook his head quietly in his heart.

The boss’s status, once he’s made a promise, he’ll uphold it without backtracking.

A more mature approach would be to wait a few days before making the call, politely stating one’s needs.

To immediately rush in after Mr. Chen’s promise showed a bit of overeager and less-than-graceful demeanor.

But the secretary could understand.

After all, he’s a high school student; receiving such a benefit all of a sudden, it’s normal to be a bit anxious.

Among those present who won the boss’s promise, there were certainly others who wouldn’t have fared much better than this kid.