The Colour Art Exhibition was scheduled for mid-March. Over the past few days, the weather had finally begun to warm up, and on this particular day there was even no smog in the sky, revealing a brilliant expanse of blue, a rare sight indeed.
Jiang Yu arrived together with the old master. When they reached the exhibition venue, it had not yet officially opened, and staff members were still busy making final preparations.
“Master Cui!”
As soon as the old man stepped out of the car, a staff member who had been talking outside hurried over to greet him.
Compared with the exhibition previously held at Pang Yu’s gallery, this Colour Exhibition was on an entirely different level. The difference was like night and day.
The exhibition occupied a large space over two floors. Bright lights illuminated the paintings displayed throughout the hall, allowing every detail to be seen clearly. Any work chosen for display here was first-rate, whether in artistic conception or technical skill. The artists of these works were all well-known names within the painting and calligraphy world.
This exhibition brought together some of the finest masters of Chinese painting and calligraphy and showcased some of their best works.
Jiang Yu glanced around and felt as though her eyes weren’t enough to take everything in.
For anyone who appreciated painting and calligraphy, this collection was nothing less than a visual feast.
Even Pang shijie‘s gallery could never gather so many famous works. Most of the pieces there came from newcomers, and in every respect they fell short. Of course, young artists had their own advantages as well, their works often possessed a freshness and vitality that older artists could no longer replicate.
Old Master Cui had once said that Jiang Yu’s paintings were too mature and steady, lacking the liveliness expected of someone her age.
She also spotted several famous paintings and antiques that normally belonged in museums. Naturally, these treasures served as the exhibition’s crown jewels and could only be admired from a distance.
Only the state could afford such a grand display, Jiang Yu thought with admiration.
Naturally, anyone who managed to obtain a ticket for this exhibition had some connections.
“Once the exhibition opens, you can wander around and enjoy it on your own,” Old Master Cui said, patting Jiang Yu’s hand.
“Master Cui!”
As they walked, many people greeted him. Some were eager to curry favor, but far more were sincerely respectful.
A newly hired employee, watching the scene, scratched his head and asked the person beside him, “Who is that? He seems incredibly important.”
His colleague replied, “You don’t know him? That’s Cui Guosheng. He’s spent most of his life working for the advancement of Chinese painting and calligraphy.”
Although Master Cui was the president of the Painting and Calligraphy Association, his age meant that he no longer handled day-to-day affairs and remained only as an honorary figurehead. Even so, his reputation and status ensured that no one overlooked him.
As the world became increasingly internationalized, many people abroad still knew little about Chinese painting and calligraphy, and many couldn’t appreciate it at all.
Fifty years ago, European nations led by Country S established the International Painting and Calligraphy Association. Despite its name, not a single Asian nation was represented.
Twenty years ago, however, Master Cui finally broke through that barrier and became a member of the association, the only Asian member at the time.
His entry into the association helped bring Chinese painting and calligraphy to the world stage, allowing people across the globe to appreciate its beauty.
“You know about Colour’s Autumn Exhibition, right? It takes place once every four years and travels among different countries. People call it the Olympics of painting and calligraphy. Our country hasn’t hosted it yet, but we’ve already been nominated, and that’s largely thanks to him.”
Those outside the art world might not know who Master Cui was, but anyone within the field knew exactly how much he had contributed to Chinese art.
“So it’s that Master Cui!”
The new employee immediately became respectful. He had certainly heard the name before, but because the old master had appeared less frequently in public in recent years, he’d never actually seen him.
Then his attention shifted to the young woman beside him.
“Who’s that? Some celebrity? I don’t think I’ve seen her before.”
The girl was tall and elegant, wearing a light cashmere coat cinched at the waist, highlighting her figure perfectly. Her delicate features and outstanding temperament easily gave the impression of a famous actress.
The other man hesitated.
“Maybe… she’s his granddaughter or something?”
“Master Cui!”
Seeing him approach, Zhen Kun quickly came forward.
“Master Cui!”
“Master Cui!”
A group of people greeted him. Even He Wenzhi, who didn’t get along particularly well with him, respectfully addressed him.
He might dislike the old man personally, but no one could deny his contributions to painting and calligraphy. Those achievements alone earned him everyone’s respect.
The old master chuckled.
“This exhibition has been done well. I’ve seen quite a few outstanding young artists emerge this year. If things continue like this, our field will only grow more prosperous.”
Zhen Kun immediately smiled.
“That’s all thanks to you, sir.”
“What does it have to do with me? I haven’t done anything.”
The old man waved his hand dismissively before glancing at the clock on the wall.
“It’s almost time, isn’t it? Everything ready?”
The exhibition was scheduled to open at nine o’clock. Only fifteen minutes remained.
“Don’t worry. Everything’s prepared.”
As Zhen Kun spoke, his gaze drifted toward Jiang Yu. Surprise flashed across his eyes.
“Could this be your new student? The artist who painted Feitian?”
He had met Cui Mingzhu before, but this was his first time seeing Jiang Yu. A young stranger being personally brought around by Master Cui could only be that newly accepted student.
Master Cui glanced at Jiang Yu and nodded.
“Yes, that’s her. Her name is Jiang Yu. A-Yu, come greet your uncles.”
Zhen Kun’s eyes lit up.
“I never imagined that the creator of Feitian would be your student. That painting is flawless in every respect. I honestly don’t know how to praise it adequately. For someone her age to paint something like that, she’s truly a heaven-sent genius.”
When they first saw the painting online, everyone had been wondering which famous master had created it. No one expected it to come from such a young girl.
“Enough, enough. Don’t praise her so much,” Master Cui said modestly, waving his hand.
“Her skills aren’t worth all that praise. You’ll just make her arrogant.”
Of course, his proud tone made the humility far less convincing.
Zhen Kun thought privately that if they actually criticized the girl’s painting, the old master would probably be the first to lose his temper.
“You all seem lively gathered here. What are you talking about?”
A voice interrupted them.
Everyone turned and saw Elder Yang approaching with several people.
Although they belonged to different groups, everyone knew one another.
Zhen Kun smiled.
“We were talking about Master Cui’s student. She’s remarkable. Have you heard about the painting Feitian that went viral online recently? Everyone was trying to guess which master painted it. Turns out it was his student.”
“Feitian?”
Elder Yang approached with his hands behind his back.
“Of course I’ve heard of it… Little A-Yu, come here!”
He beckoned Jiang Yu over.
Jiang Yu instinctively looked at Master Cui.
Master Cui grabbed her hand.
“Why do you need her over there? Whatever you want to say can be said from here.”
Elder Yang: “…”
“She is my student. What’s wrong with having her stand beside me?”
His expression darkened.
Master Cui snorted.
“So what if she’s your student? She was my student first. If she’s going to listen to anyone, she should listen to me first.”
“You’re being unreasonable!”
“How am I being unreasonable? Am I wrong?”
Together, the two men were over a hundred years old, yet when they argued they looked like children.
Jiang Yu was completely used to this by now. Similar scenes happened all the time.
The others hurriedly tried to calm them down, all while confusion filled their faces.
Wasn’t Jiang Yu Master Cui’s student? Why was Elder Yang insisting she was his student too?
Finally, Elder Sun couldn’t take it anymore.
“You two are ridiculous. You’re arguing over something like this? Come here, A-Yu. Come sit with Grandpa Sun and ignore these two idiots.”
The two “idiots”: “…”
“Master Sun,” Zhen Kun asked in confusion, “isn’t Jiang Yu Master Cui’s student? Why is she also Master Yang’s student?”
Elder Yang snorted.
“Have you never heard of someone having two teachers?”
Everyone: “…”
It wasn’t unheard of.
The surprising part was that these two legendary masters had both accepted the same student, and both clearly valued her immensely.
But after thinking about it, Zhen Kun wasn’t actually surprised.
The level displayed in Feitian was exceptional in every aspect. Even among all the works in this exhibition, it belonged among the very best.
Had he not seen and heard it for himself, he would have assumed the painting was the work of a famous veteran artist.
He never would have believed it had been painted by a teenage girl.
She was only in her teens.
At such an age, she could already produce work of this caliber.
There was no question: she was a genius.
And if she was already this good now, what would she become in the future?
Even he couldn’t help feeling excited to find out.
How could Masters Cui and Yang possibly let such a talent slip away?
The two old masters were eventually escorted into a room for tea so they could calm down.
Master Cui glanced at Jiang Yu.
“You don’t need to stay with us. Go look at the paintings. Didn’t you want to see them from the moment we arrived? There’s even an authentic work by Zhang Duanze inside. The museum rarely lets it out. Opportunities like this don’t come often, so make the most of it.”
Jiang Yu pursed her lips and smiled shyly.
He was right. Ever since entering, she’d been eager to rush over and examine the paintings. Having her thoughts exposed made her feel slightly embarrassed.
“Then I’ll go have a look.”
After both teachers nodded, she opened the door and left.
Once she was gone, the old men sat quietly and drank tea.
After taking one sip, Elder Sun immediately put his cup down.
“This tea is terrible. Too bitter. The leaves weren’t processed properly, and whoever brewed it doesn’t know what they’re doing. They completely failed to bring out the tea’s fragrance.”
Master Cui rolled his eyes.
“You think this is the tea in your own house? Do you know how much your tea costs per ounce? Be grateful there’s tea at all.”
Master Sun clicked his tongue, clearly dissatisfied.
Then he changed the subject.
“By the way, introducing A-Yu to everyone now, isn’t it a bit early? She’s still so young. Letting her step into the spotlight this soon feels somewhat rash.”
Master Cui shook his head.
“You think I haven’t considered that?”
He had originally wanted to suppress Jiang Yu’s rise for a few years and help temper her character.
Young people often couldn’t withstand excessive praise. Fame at an early age wasn’t always a good thing.
Initially, he hadn’t planned to let Jiang Yu participate in the Colour Exhibition at all. He’d thought about waiting another two or three years.
Even then, she’d only be in her early twenties.
Still young, but better than now.
Yet after much thought, he’d changed his mind.
“Her skill is right there for everyone to see,” he said. “Be honest, how good is she?”
Elder Sun nodded. “She is a genuine genius. Her level may not match ours yet, but she’s already among the top tier. Many people who’ve painted for decades aren’t as good as she is.”
“Exactly,” Master Cui said.
“She already has the ability to participate in Colour. Why should I stop her? Over these past months I’ve come to understand her character. She’s mature and steady. Even if she becomes famous young, she won’t lose herself or forget what’s most important.
“So in the end, I decided to let her participate and step into the public eye. She has the ability. Why keep holding her back?”
Elder Sun nodded quietly. “As long as you’ve thought it through. I’d hate to see such a promising seedling ruined.”
Elder Yang sighed. “A-Yu’s biggest problem is that she’s too mature. Even her paintings reflect that. Sometimes I wish she were a little more lively.”
Both teachers genuinely worried about her.
Children her age usually led colorful, vibrant lives.
Jiang Yu’s life, on the other hand, could only be described as monotonous.
She had to keep up with her studies while practicing both traditional Chinese painting and oil painting. Despite the workload, she never complained.
Her perseverance was astonishing.
Nowadays, her teachers barely needed to supervise her. She completed everything she was supposed to do on her own and never neglected her painting.
In fact, she was so diligent that it became troublesome.
The two teachers often found themselves urging her to rest.
Elder Sun shook his head.
“Isn’t that a good thing? Most parents worry their children are too naughty. You two are worried because she’s too obedient.”
Master Cui and Elder Yang exchanged a glance.
“You wouldn’t understand,” they said together.
“This is a sweet kind of trouble.”
A sweet trouble?
Unable to help himself, Elder Sun secretly rolled his eyes.
Those two old men were obviously just showing off.
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