Shen Zhiwei wasn’t particularly knowledgeable about calligraphy and painting, but she had seen enough to have a general understanding. As a child, she was physically weak and had to stay indoors, so the only thing she could do was read. She finished reading the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature early on.
Among them, her favourite was Water Margin. She read it over and over again until it became a habit.
As she grew older, Shen Zhiwei wanted to collect a portrait of the Water Margin characters. The 108 outlaws of Liangshan had accompanied her throughout her childhood. But despite seeing countless paintings over the years, none had ever truly moved her, until she encountered Jiang Yu.
Jiang Yu’s character paintings had an incredibly striking quality. She had a way of capturing the very soul of her subjects. The first portrait Jiang Yu posted on Weibo had captivated Shen Zhiwei at first sight, leaving her in awe.
Her grandfather once said that Jiang Yu’s portraits felt alive. That ‘alive’ meant the characters possessed a soul, how could a painting with a soul not touch people’s hearts?
“This painting, I absolutely love it!” Shen Zhiwei beamed as she held up the artwork, her smile saying it all.
When the painting was in progress, she and Jiang Yu frequently discussed it. This was Shen Zhiwei’s Water Margin, so the 108 heroes naturally carried her own interpretation. Jiang Yu had taken her opinions into account and the final result matched Shen Zhiwei’s vision perfectly, exceeding her expectations by a hundred, even a thousand times over.
“I knew it! When I first found you in the vast sea of people, I just knew I had an eye for talent!” Shen Zhiwei clasped Jiang Yu’s hands with heartfelt emotion.
Jiang Yu didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “That’s a bit dramatic, isn’t it?”
Shen Zhiwei waved her hand dismissively. “You don’t get it. If it were that easy to find, would I have waited all these years for this painting? I even ordered a frame ages ago. The moment I get home, I’m putting it up in my house.”
As she spoke, she handed Jiang Yu a menu. “I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I didn’t order yet. Their pasta is really good, the tomato sauce is amazing. You should try it.”
Since Shen Zhiwei recommended it, Jiang Yu ordered the pasta. When the waiter came to take their order, he hesitated for a moment, then nervously glanced at Shen Zhiwei. Finally, he mustered the courage to say, “Miss Shen, I’m a huge fan. Could I get your autograph?”
Jiang Yu was stunned and turned to look at Shen Zhiwei, only to find that she seemed just as surprised. But she quickly regained her composure, elegantly signed her name and smiled. “Thank you for supporting me!”
After the waiter left, Jiang Yu asked, “Zhiwei, are you a celebrity?”
Shen Zhiwei took a sip of water. “Kind of? Not really. I just debuted recently, I only played a supporting role in one drama. Honestly, I never thought I’d have fans asking for my autograph.”
She certainly had the looks for stardom. Her large almond-shaped eyes were bright and deep, like two dark mercury beads. Her lips were full and alluring. Her facial features combined into an exquisite and high-class beauty, very photogenic. Though her presence was a bit delicate and frail, it was also uniquely memorable. Once you saw her, you wouldn’t forget her.
Shen Zhiwei said, “When I was little, I was often sick and had no one to play with. Maybe that’s why I always longed for attention. That’s part of what drew me to the entertainment industry.”
She casually flipped her hair. “Besides, someone as beautiful and talented as me should be in the spotlight. Don’t you think?”
Jiang Yu: “…”
Whatever makes you happy.
“What drama did you act in? If I have time, I’ll look it up,” Jiang Yu asked.
Shen Zhiwei gave her the title. “Deep Palace, a palace intrigue drama. It’s an ensemble cast and I played a white lotus cannon fodder character. But at least among the cannon fodder, I had a decent amount of screen time.”
Jiang Yu glanced at her in surprise. It was hard to imagine her as a supporting character doomed to fail. Though she never asked, Jiang Yu had a feeling that Shen Zhiwei came from a wealthy family. Her refined elegance spoke of privilege, playing minor roles seemed beneath her.
Noticing Jiang Yu’s thoughts, Shen Zhiwei chuckled. “Do I look like someone who suffers grievances? I do have family connections. I’d be an idiot not to use them. This supporting role was just a trial run. My next drama? I’ve already secured the lead. When it airs, you must watch it!”
Jiang Yu nodded without hesitation. “I definitely will!”
As they ate, Shen Zhiwei suddenly remembered something. “By the way, about that art exhibition you mentioned, where is it being held? And as a high school student, shouldn’t you be in class? Why travel all the way to City B just for an exhibition? Is it that special?”
Jiang Yu casually gave her the address, her expression calm. “It is a special exhibition. One of my paintings will be displayed there.”
Shen Zhiwei nodded at first, but halfway through, she froze. “Wait, what? You have a painting in the exhibition?!”
She stared at Jiang Yu in shock, then suddenly gave her a thumbs-up. “That’s amazing, buddy!”
Jiang Yu touched her nose awkwardly. “I actually got in through connections. The gallery owner is my shijie and she gave me a spot out of respect for my Master. I just hope I won’t disappoint her.”
Shen Zhiwei didn’t look down on her for that. Instead, she shrugged. “Networking is a form of skill. Don’t listen to people who claim using connections means you have no talent. They’re just bitter because they don’t have the same opportunities. By the way, I know you have a mentor. Which big-shot master from the art world is it?”
Jiang Yu looked at her, a little surprised. “What if my Master isn’t a big shot?”
Shen Zhiwei dismissed the idea immediately. “Impossible. Someone capable of teaching you must be incredibly talented.”
Jiang Yu didn’t quite know what to say for a moment, was Shen Zhiwei just overly confident in her?
“My Master’s last name is Cui. I don’t know if you’ve heard of him. His full name is Cui Guosheng.” After thinking for a moment, Jiang Yu decided not to hide it and told her directly.
Hearing the old master’s name, Shen Zhiwei’s face showed a puzzled expression. She murmured, “This name sounds so familiar. Have I heard it somewhere before?”
Jiang Yu wasn’t surprised. Cui Guosheng’s name was practically a legend in the calligraphy and painting world, an idol admired by countless students of the craft. But outside that world, not many people would recognise his name. Even if they learned about his achievements, they might only think he was impressive for a moment before quickly forgetting his name. That was just reality.
“Cui Guosheng… Cui Guosheng…” Shen Zhiwei repeated the name several times as if trying to recall something. Suddenly, she froze, her expression turning blank. She asked, “Is it the Cui Guosheng I’m thinking of?”
Jiang Yu looked at her seriously and said, “I think it’s exactly the Cui Guosheng you’re thinking of.”
Shen Zhiwei: “…”
She took a deep breath and kept a polite smile on her face. “This is truly surprising.”
Jiang Yu remained silent, seeing that Shen Zhiwei was still processing the news. She quietly sipped the juice that had just been served, biting the straw.
“That Cui Guosheng… I expected your Master to be impressive, but I didn’t think he’d be such a monumental figure!” Shen Zhiwei took a moment to digest the information, then continued, “When I first heard the name, I didn’t react immediately. My grandfather loves his paintings and has talked about him many times. No wonder the name sounded familiar.”
Looking at Jiang Yu, she sighed. “You’re really making big strides.”
Hearing that, Jiang Yu nodded. “It’s true, quite a big leap.”
Having such a highly esteemed master meant she was starting out at a much higher position than others. Not to mention, Cui Guosheng’s connections were an invaluable resource, especially for someone like her, who wanted the whole world to recognise her art. Being his student would at least speed up her rise to fame by a year or two.
In her past life, Jiang Yu was also known as a genius, but without a mentor, her journey was much more conventional. If not for that one award she won, she might have remained unknown for much longer.
Thinking about it, Jiang Yu shook her head. After being back for nearly half a year, she was already starting to forget her previous life. Looking back now, it felt like nothing more than a dream.
“Jiang Yu, I believe in you. You’ll definitely become one of the greatest artists in our country, I have a feeling!” Shen Zhiwei said with absolute certainty as she gazed at Jiang Yu.
With both talent and connections, how could she not succeed?
Jiang Yu raised an eyebrow and smiled. “What a coincidence, I think so too.”
If she couldn’t make a name for herself in this life, she’d have no face left to show. After all, she had been a renowned artist in her past life.
After a pleasant dinner with Shen Zhiwei, Jiang Yu returned to her hotel before 10 pm. Shen Zhiwei had offered to send her back, but Jiang Yu declined, she wasn’t actually a seventeen-year-old girl who needed looking after.
The next day was the art exhibition and it would be the first time one of Jiang Yu’s paintings was displayed in an exhibit in this life. She felt rather calm about it. After freshening up, she lay down and quickly fell asleep.
Meanwhile, Teacher Shen seemed more nervous on her behalf. Turning to look, she saw the girl breathing evenly, already sound asleep.
“…”
“Her mindset is really something else. Why am I even more anxious than a kid?”
Muttering to herself, Teacher Shen decided to clear her mind and get some rest.
The next morning, the two got up early, washed up and headed to the exhibition. Teacher Shen, having stayed up late the night before, looked a little tired, but applying some red lipstick made her appear much more refreshed.
In stark contrast, Jiang Yu looked vibrant and youthful. After a good night’s sleep, her face was full of collagen, as fresh and delicate as a budding flower.
“I really can’t compete,” Teacher Shen sighed wistfully.
Jiang Yu, puzzled, glanced at her. Why was her shijie sighing first thing in the morning? Was she worried about her painting?
Thinking this, Jiang Yu reassured her, “Shijie, don’t worry. My painting shouldn’t be too bad. Besides, I’m just a rookie artist. If no one notices me, that’s normal. I won’t be discouraged.”
The calligraphy and painting world relied heavily on reputation and experience. Jiang Yu’s skills were excellent, but she was still an unknown name. Without fame or credentials, she had already prepared herself to be overlooked. However, she had absolute confidence in her work, it was a confidence rooted in her true abilities.
“That’s not what I was worried about…” Teacher Shen hesitated, realising she had forgotten to mention something important. She deliberated for a moment on how to break the news gently, then cautiously said, “Jiang Yu, even though Pang shijie agreed to include your work in the exhibition, the placement of your painting might not be ideal. You should prepare yourself for that.”
Hearing this, Jiang Yu nodded. Seeing Teacher Shen’s slightly worried expression, she quickly guessed her thoughts and smiled. “Shijie, I understand. I’m new and unknown, just getting a spot in the exhibition is already a huge honor. I wouldn’t dare ask for a prime position. I appreciate Pang shijie’s kindness and won’t be upset about this.”
Hearing that, Teacher Shen let out a sigh of relief. “I knew you were mature and level-headed!”
A child like this hardly needed any hand-holding at all.
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