The Versatile Master Artist

Chen Shenglin sighed.

”One can buy such a top-notch collection for ten million dollars. Although I hesitated at the last moment before the deal, looking back now, it’s still captivating.”

”You are truly an upright person.”

Gu Weijing sincerely praised him.

Only those who truly understand can fully grasp the immense allure a top-notch art piece holds for an art enthusiast.

It’s like a beautiful, unparalleled woman. Even if it’s not legitimate and can’t be shown to others, indulging in it privately and admiring it under the light is exceedingly beautiful and wonderful.

Brother Hao lures me with a set of Bentley keys, but I can hold my ground.

If he were to present an authentic piece of ”Water Lilies,” whether it’s the wealth value or art value, Gu Weijing might not have been able to maintain his resolve at that time.

Otherwise, the underground art market, dealing in unseeable transactions worldwide, wouldn’t be so thriving.

”I like hearing that, but don’t imagine me to be too noble. I had the money ready, but the waters run too deep with this painting. In a day and a half, I couldn’t raise ten million dollars in cash even by robbing several banks, and Brother Hao doesn’t accept Myanmar Kyat. I didn’t want my company involved in his money laundering business.”

”Besides, for ten million dollars, I could add a bit more and buy an ordinary ’Water Lilies’ at a legitimate auction house. Buying a black-market painting would tie me to Brother Hao, and if funding gets tight in the future, offloading it for cash would still require him as a middleman. I don’t think it’s worth it.”

Chen Shenglin chuckled and said, ”Gu Weijing, you can paint with Cao Xuan and get close with Miss Sakai. That you caught Brother Hao’s attention does not surprise me at all.”

”There are some things I ought not to say. However, since you call me Uncle Chen, I’ll advise you as an elder.”

”Gu Weijing, if you aim to swiftly gain wealth in ten years of decadent living, seeking out Brother Hao doesn’t seem wrong. I’ve heard he is never stingy with talented young people. But if you wish to remain a great painter steadily throughout your life, it’s best not to relate too much with Brother Hao.”

Chen Shenglin’s tone remained gentle.

”For the young to strive for prosperity, of course, isn’t wrong. But whether one can steadily accumulate wealth for a lifetime is a significant lesson.”

”You are very right; I have always declined Brother Hao’s offers,” Gu Weijing hastily explained: ”I bring this up to say that no matter right or wrong, as long as you make a call, society moves according to your will. Both Brother Hao and you, Uncle Chen, wield the same power, which is actually quite frightening. Your secretary didn’t even confirm whether I was lying.”

”...Of course, I don’t mean to accuse you.”

As Gu Weijing spoke, he felt his words sounded somewhat ungracious.

”No, one should never apologize for being honest. If I wanted lies, I could hear ten thousand in a day. Only truth is rare. I’m glad you could say this to me. That’s what I want to hear.”

Chen Shenglin chuckled softly, appreciating Gu Weijing’s sincerity.

”But Gu Weijing, have you thought about what to do if the world’s operating principle is such that fairness and justice aren’t society’s core but rather interest alone?”

”What kind of society do you think is a good society? The United States? Our neighboring Vietnam has the world’s bloodiest Vietnam War memorial, preserving millions of remains blasted by US bombs and photos of women and children deformed by Agent Orange. It’s a veritable encyclopedia of war tragedies. The most brutal drawing of hell. And these bombs were dropped in the name of so-called justice.”

”These years, I’ve been to various cities, many countries, and my greatest realization is that police kill, gangs kill, senators kill too.”

Gu Weijing was silent.

”An artist’s life can be majestic and poetic, but politicians can’t. We are rooted in all aspects of this city. If Myanmar is a pot being cooked over a small fire, you may leap out if you feel uncomfortable to live in another city. But I cannot; this is my home.”

While speaking, Chen Shenglin realized the topic had become heavy, so he smiled: ”Alright, this is the topic old men usually talk about. Now, little Gu Weijing, your most current task is to enjoy the sunshine and spring with Miss Sakai. Also, remember to go to the polling station at year-end and cast a vote for me.”

”Don’t worry about Brother Hao’s issue. In terms of influence, I dare not say I surpass Brother Hao in Yangon, but ensuring you can focus on painting and preparing for your exhibition isn’t difficult.”

”Thank you, Uncle Chen, if by then I’m still in Myanmar, I will.”

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The train blew its whistle and slowly chugged into the distance, leaving the city.

Outside, the dense and mottled jungle drifted past the window, resembling slides moving sideways.

The journey to the botanical garden isn’t far. In North America, a country that lives on wheels, it might just be the distance one drives from a small suburban town to the downtown Walmart to run weekend errands.