The next day, Jiang Yu and her companions were set to return home. Their flight was at noon, so Ning shixiong and Han shixiong took them out for a meal before escorting them to the airport. After seeing them off, Ning shixiong and Han shixiong headed back.
“Have you looked into it? Why would Rong Jue spend so much money buying shimei’s painting?” Ning shixiong asked as he got into the car.
He didn’t know much about the others, but he did know Rong Jue. That guy was born into the Rong family, yet he never showed much interest in calligraphy or painting. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have gone into music instead. A person like him, spending two million on a painting, it was hard not to be suspicious.
Han shixiong replied, “I asked him. He said he wasn’t the one who bought it, Major General Lu did.”
“Major General Lu… Lu Mingshen?” Ning shixiong asked instinctively.
Han shixiong nodded. “I don’t know what’s on Major General Lu’s mind. You know, I’m not close to him. He’s the kind of person who doesn’t seem approachable at all.”
Han shixiong knew Lu Mingshen, but they weren’t familiar. Because of his grandfather, they were only acquaintances at best. Lu Mingshen carried an aura of coldness, but more than that, he had the lethal presence of someone who had survived countless life-threatening situations. Being around him felt like standing next to a blade.
According to his grandfather, the young major general had earned all his military honors by putting his life on the line. However, six years ago, something happened, Lu Mingshen suffered a severe injury. He barely survived, but after that, he retired from the military. For a time, he seemed to have lost his way. Eventually, he left the army for the business world and started a gaming company called Machinery.
Now, though he still technically held the rank of major general, he had almost entirely withdrawn from military life. Many people had already forgotten his past and only knew him as the CEO of Machinery.
Looking at Lu Mingshen’s journey, Han shixiong couldn’t help but admire him. Not many people could climb back up after hitting rock bottom. Machinery was a gaming company specialising in first-person shooters and it had done exceptionally well. In their country, there were few young people who hadn’t heard of it, every game they released became a massive hit.
Ning shixiong frowned slightly. Lu Mingshen and painting? Those two concepts didn’t seem to connect at all. After a moment of thought, he said, “I heard from our Master that Lu Mingshen went to S City with him this time, to recuperate.”
Back in the military, Lu Mingshen had risen through the ranks quickly. Of course, besides his personal strength, his family background played a role. When he suddenly retired, there was much speculation, with the most common theory being that his health had deteriorated.
“He must know shimei. And Lu Mingshen is an upright person, he wouldn’t do anything to harm her.”
Hearing that Lu Mingshen was the one who bought the painting, Ning shixiong actually felt relieved.
“Let’s leave it at that. Maybe he just genuinely likes her paintings.”
Did Lu Mingshen like Jiang Yu’s paintings?
Absolutely.
He had seen many paintings before, his grandfather’s works were grand and majestic, evoking towering mountains and vast landscapes. Some paintings were delicate and intricate, showcasing rare skill. Yet, among all the artwork he had encountered, only Jiang Yu’s paintings could truly calm his restless heart.
Some say that a painting holds the artist’s soul. When you admire a painting, you are essentially connecting with the artist’s soul.
Lu Mingshen couldn’t help but wonder, was Jiang Yu’s soul as peaceful and gentle as her paintings? Being near her felt like immersing oneself in warm water, soothing and free of any sharp edges.
Spending time with her was incredibly calming and he found himself drawn to her art. Most importantly, Starry Sky had a tranquil and serene atmosphere. Among all the paintings he had collected, it was the one that could best quiet his volatile emotions.
Two million yuan? To him, it was completely worth it.
He had hung the painting in his bedroom, directly opposite his bed. Falling asleep while looking at it, even his dreams became peaceful. When he woke up, he no longer felt the overwhelming urge to destroy something in frustration.
During his hospital checkup, the doctor reviewed his medical report, observed his overall condition and couldn’t help but smile. “Mr. Lu, your health is in great shape. You seem very relaxed… Have you experienced something good recently? Hmm, could it be that you took my advice and started dating?”
Hearing this, Lu Mingshen chuckled. “No, I’m not interested in a relationship right now.”
The doctor clasped his hands together. “If this continues, your condition will only improve. If I may ask, did something good happen to you recently?”
Lu Mingshen thought for a moment and said, “I met a girl…”
A girl!
A lightbulb lit up in the doctor’s mind. His eyes sparkled with curiosity, eager to hear more.
Lu Mingshen’s illness wasn’t physical, it was psychological. Because of what happened six years ago, his mind had suffered a severe blow, as if a string had snapped inside him. He had been trapped in a constant state of tension and agitation ever since.
For the past six years, his temper had only worsened. However, due to his rigorous training, he had an incredible ability to suppress his emotions. The more agitated he became, the more he forced himself to hold it in, ultimately making things even worse.
If this continued, he would eventually have a complete mental breakdown.
The doctor had tried numerous psychological treatments on him, but they had little effect. Lu Mingshen was too guarded, making therapy incredibly difficult. The doctor had once suggested that he try falling in love, a healthy relationship could do wonders for emotional well-being. But Lu Mingshen had flatly refused, unwilling to burden any woman with his current state.
But now, he said he had met a girl.
The doctor immediately suspected that this might be the beginning of a romance.
“…She’s an artist. I really like her paintings.” Lu Mingshen paused before continuing, “When I look at her work, I feel at ease. It’s a strange feeling, it’s just… calming.”
So, he likes her paintings.
The doctor nodded, jotting something down in his notes. “That’s not surprising. Art, whether painting or music, has a powerful impact. Scientifically speaking, it can significantly stabilize emotions. There have been similar cases in medical history.”
Lu Mingshen nodded.
As he stepped out of the hospital, he took a deep breath. For once, he wasn’t inhaling smog. The crisp air was refreshing.
Compared to S City, the air here was far too dry and polluted.
Once he wrapped up business matters, he should take another trip to S City.
That thought lingered in his mind.
Jiang Yu returned to S City and immediately focused on catching up with her homework. In just four days, the teachers had assigned several more test papers and she needed to finish them quickly before the teachers went over them in class.
“If I had known your painting was being exhibited, I would have taken leave and gone to B City to see the art exhibition,” Xu Ruyi said with some regret after learning why Jiang Yu had gone to B City.
Jiang Yu replied, “If both of us took leave, no one would be left in our seats. Wouldn’t that be too obvious?”
That was true!
Xu Ruyi nodded. Her face was so youthful and delicate that it looked like it could be pinched for water. Jiang Yu had never seen anyone with skin as flawless as hers, round in just the right way and rosy like a fresh peach.
Xu Ruyi did some calculations and said, “In just half a month, it’ll be time for the final exams. After that, it’s winter break. What are you planning to do over the holiday, Jiang Yu?”
Jiang Yu filled in an answer on her test paper without looking up and said, “I’ll probably go to B City with my Master.”
“Your Master?”
“My art mentor.”
“Teacher Shen?”
“No.” Jiang Yu suddenly realised she hadn’t told Xu Ruyi that she had become Master Cui’s student. After a moment of thought, she explained tactfully, “Teacher Shen is now my shijie. We have the same Master.”
Xu Ruyi’s expression showed surprise. After thinking for a moment, she said, “I heard Teacher Shen graduated from Changqing Academy of Fine Arts. That means her Master must be amazing. Having a good mentor is really important. Jiang Yu, you have to work hard! Strive to become a world-class artist one day. When that happens, I can proudly brag to everyone that the great artist Jiang Yu is my best friend!”
Jiang Yu was amused by her tone and laughed. “Then just wait and see. That day will come sooner or later.”
She was no longer satisfied with the achievements of her past life. This time, she wanted to go even further!
During the lunch break, Jiang Yu leaned against the desk behind her, twirling a pencil in her hand. She said, “Ruyi, I’ve been considering something lately and I don’t know whether I should agree to it.”
Xu Ruyi asked, “What is it?”
Jiang Yu explained the collaboration proposal that Shen Zhitang had mentioned. “I’m still hesitating. I’ve never tried something like this before. The more I researched the industry, the more uncertain I felt.”
This industry was rather chaotic, full of all sorts of figures, both good and bad. Public opinion about it was mixed and she wasn’t sure if she should get involved.
Xu Ruyi looked at her and said, “Haven’t you already made up your mind?”
She pointed at Jiang Yu’s eyes and said, “Your eyes tell me about your ambition. You’re not content with where you are, you want something bigger, a broader stage. If this collaboration can help you achieve your goals faster and fulfill your ambition, why reject it?”
“Anything backed by capital will progress much more efficiently,” Xu Ruyi said. Her round, soft face suddenly took on a sharp, analytical look, one of cool rationality, the kind of keen intuition a true businessperson possessed. There was no trace of hesitation or naivety in her expression, making her seem completely different from her usual self.
She smiled and continued, “Everything has two sides. I’ve looked into the livestreaming industry as well. It used to be a mess, but after several rounds of regulation, it’s much cleaner now. Based on the conditions he offered you, there’s no real downside for you. Sometimes, fame can be an asset. If you want more people to see your art, this could be a great opportunity. The value of your paintings will grow alongside your reputation. Of course, I’m speaking from a business perspective and I know your concerns might be different.”
Although Xu Ruyi appeared soft and harmless, she had a sharp and pragmatic business mindset. She always viewed things in terms of maximising benefits.
Jiang Yu thought for a moment and said, “You’re not wrong. I do want more people to see my work and using this platform could help me reach a larger audience. But I’m an artist. What matters most to me is my art. I want people to focus on my paintings, not on me as a person, otherwise, I’d be putting the cart before the horse.”
So, even if she accepted Shen Zhitang’s offer, she would need to set some conditions.
Xu Ruyi saw that Jiang Yu had already made up her mind and smiled. “If you need help with the contract, you can consult my family’s lawyers. Our professional legal team is at your service!”
She said it in a joking tone, making Jiang Yu laugh. She sincerely thanked her, “Thank you!”
Leave a Reply