The Versatile Master Artist

”Noble artworks... noble souls...”

Gu Weijing read the words above aloud.

He was not unfamiliar with this famous art saying. To save a few Euros on material costs, their family did not subscribe to the physical print version of magazines. But every issue of the digital edition of the ”Oil Painting” magazine also included this tribute to Lady K as an epilogue.

Naturally, Mr. Tree Sloth was also a reader of the ”Oil Painting” magazine.

Gu Weijing tucked the commemorative sample book of ”Little Prince” into his backpack and discovered another package dropped off by the courier.

This package was thin, not too heavy, and wrapped in a layer of foam on the outside.

What’s this?

Gu Weijing did not recall shopping online recently.

With curiosity, he peeled off the outer foam layer and found inside a redwood picture frame.

Beneath the glass of the frame was a note, elegant in color. It appeared as though someone had written it and then had their secretary encase it in the frame and send it over.

There was only a short line of writing on the note.

[Dear Young Friend Gu Weijing:

I heard you joined Yangon Calligraphy and Painting Association, congratulations. Collaborating with Mr. Cao Xuan, history’s heroes often emerge from youth. If you achieve greater success in the future and wish to join the National Painting Association, perhaps you can consider giving me a call. Additionally: Prepare well for the Singapore Biennale, an offer you can’t refuse, I always mean what I say.

— Chen]

Gu Weijing stared at the words in the frame for several seconds before connecting Mr. Chen with the cultured middle-aged businessman he had met once at the Good Fortune Orphanage.

Mr. Chen was the president of the Charity Business Club and the most renowned local collector. It was not surprising that he could be well-informed about Gu’s affairs.

What was unusual, however, was that he continued to show interest in Gu.

Back at the orphanage, Mr. Chen had promised that if Gu entered the Lion City Art Exhibition, he would offer a good price for his painting.

Gu hadn’t taken it to heart.

For a major collector who could co-own a car factory with Toyota, buying any painting was within reach. It was likely just a casual remark.

There was no need to take it too seriously and thus become plagued by anxiety.

It was surprising enough that after so much time, Mr. Chen remembered Gu’s name, let alone sent a handwritten note.

It appears Gu wasn’t serious,

While Mr. Chen was.

”An offer you can’t refuse, how irresistible is it?”

Gu Weijing always demanded of himself to strive hard in technique and avoid too closely equating the value of art with money.

Yet, upon seeing this note, he couldn’t help but feel a flutter.

With his current painting skill, winning an award was uncertain, but meeting the exhibition requirements wasn’t difficult anymore.

Different levels, different perspectives.

To ordinary city dwellers, spending a hundred thousand Myanmar Kyat on a painting seemed exorbitant.

But for a collector worth over a hundred million dollars to call it an irresistible offer, it most likely had to be above one hundred thousand dollars.

This era.

The chairman of the Myanmar Painting Association, in his lifetime, may not have sold a piece at such a price.

This was not just about sales, but also Mr. Chen’s affirmation and investment in his technique.

Doubtlessly, the careers of modern great painters are accompanied by wealthy buyers’ recognition and admiration of his artistic levels. If not during their lifetime, then posthumously.

Matsukata Kojiro, the eldest son of a Meiji Era Japanese Prime Minister, to Monet. Kerkorian, the MGM Casino boss in Las Vegas, to Picasso. Princes of the United Arab Emirates to Damien Hirst—all played such roles.

Without the massive funds from collectors who don’t see money as just money, great painters wouldn’t achieve their lofty status.

”Will Mr. Chen become the first great patron in my life?”

Gu Weijing pondered this thought in his mind.