The Versatile Master Artist

Chapter 39: Chapter 27: Interrogation and Inquiry

What kind of person is Cao Xuan?

He can single-handedly carve out a niche for Chinese Painting in the European Market as a Chinese individual; what kind of storms has the old man not seen?

Compared to mass media, art remains a relatively niche and mysterious category.

Niche means especially in the upper market, there are only so many buyers, galleries, and so much money circulating in this circle. Just like the saying ”one radish one pit,” even masters and Name Families face differing levels of reception—who’s been favored by collectors over the past decade naturally leads to others being overlooked.

Look at the 19th century Paris — the art capital of Europe — with Barbizon School, Academic School, Impressionism, various artistic circles, from Camille Corot born in a merchant’s home in 1800s, to his student another Camille, Camille Pissarro participating in eight Impressionist exhibitions, and then Cézanne waiting 56 years for his first solo exhibition in 1896... If slightly broadening the 19th-century boundary, then 19-year-old Picasso arriving in Paris in 1900 can also be included.

This is a century of immense changes in European art, a century of blooming flowers.

Conflicts, feuds, rumors, and gossip—when were they ever lacking?

And now.

All sorts of intrigue are present too.

Clean, dirty, innocent, all mixed together.

It’s just like mixing with the dust, yet also surrounded by muck and sand. Whether it’s soliciting prostitution then being charged with rape, or mysteriously having cocaine after a bar hop.

Such things that Elder Cao has heard and seen couldn’t be more.

Unlike what Tanaka Masakazu imagines, Elder Cao actually doesn’t care what the truth is—whether it’s a setup or not. If Elder Cao wanted to pursue thoroughly, the matter would be significant.

But Elder Cao has no intention of pursuing it, along with the unexpectedly favorable outcome, it’s no longer an issue.

The different statuses bring different perspectives.

However, Elder Cao also has no desire to let Gu Weijing off just like that.

Cao Xuan’s focus is not on Tanaka Masakazu or any potential framers, but on Gu Weijing.

The old man doesn’t care what kind of person Tanaka Masakazu is.

He cares about what kind of person Gu Weijing is.

If one clearly did wrong but is encouraged just because the result turned out well, it won’t benefit the child’s growth because he doesn’t realize his mistake, as... he can’t always be so lucky.

What if he botches it up?

This time he has someone backing him up, but next time, or the time after?

Some things, if mishandled once, don’t have another chance.

Something very realistic—in the European art market, if you’re white, you have chances, you can also make mistakes. But if you’re yellow-skinned, not only do you have fewer chances, but you absolutely cannot make mistakes.

Stories like tearful repentance and ushering in the second spring of an artistic career belong to some. If you are another part, no one will give you a second chance, any mistake is unforgivable, any blemish will have galleries shutting their doors on you.

You mess up, you’re Asian trash, out at once, no second chance.

The old gentleman wants to understand what kind of person this child is.

”I know this mural may have issues, it truly is a bit difficult.”

Gu Weijing was stared at by the bright-eyed old man, feeling that every little thought in his heart was laid bare.

”Since you know, why still paint? To be famous? What, you have talent, Professor Lin Tao wants you as an apprentice yet you’re not content, impatiently wanting to make a name for yourself?”

The crowd immediately became silent as the words were quite harsh to hear.

”Tell me, what are you thinking.”

Elder Cao asked, ”I warn you, young man. It’s okay for the youth to make mistakes, everyone makes mistakes, but if you continue to be dishonest, I’ll be very disappointed.”

”No.”

Gu Weijing hesitated for a moment.

At that time, he was completely immersed in the joy of acquiring Mojie’s Handwriting, like a child who just bought a new hammer, filled with innocent, perhaps ”foolish” joy.

Almost forgetting everything.

”Then why?”

Elder Cao’s tone seemed to grow colder.

Gu Weijing didn’t know the answer.

”An itch to paint?”

The young man hesitated in place, finally, he said.

An itch to paint, Elder Cao was taken aback, he expected the other to argue but never expected this answer.

”Seeing such an excellent painting, I didn’t want to give up, this is quite rare.” He tried to explain.

”What difference does it make? It’s still to seek attention,” Cao Xuan couldn’t help but laugh.

”It was the painting itself that just made me want to take up the brush, nothing else.”

Gu Weijing said softly, the mural along with recently obtained Knowledge Card magnetically drew him irresistibly to paint.

Elder Cao was silent for a moment.

”I indeed hesitated just now,” said the young man.

”Hesitated whether to seek attention?”

”No, hesitated fearing mistakes, as not painting means not making mistakes. After all, Professor Lin Tao expressed fondness for me, which, to me, is already a great opportunity.”

Gu Weijing’s voice sounded sincere.

Because wanting to seek attention for better opportunities, knowing it might not be well painted, still picked up the brush.

And wanting to present the best mural, knowing it might lose an opportunity that could change fate, still picked up the brush.