The Versatile Master Artist

”Is she inconvenienced?”

Jean Arnou raised an eyebrow, the disappointment evident in his expression.

”Not exactly. It’s just that Detective Cat’s agent replied in an email, saying that she’s always been an anonymous illustrator, doesn’t like appearing in public, and never accepts any social invitations. However—Jean Arnou, the elder, is someone she greatly respects, and she is keen to assist you. Would it be alright to communicate directly via the internet? She will do her best to meet your needs.”

”She doesn’t want to fly to New Zealand, acting all high and mighty.”

The assistant huffed unhappily, ”She hasn’t been famous for long and yet is so arrogant. If someone like her wins a few more awards in the future, that tail of hers would reach the sky!”

Jean Arnou is an artist who is enough to be recorded in art history, while Detective Cat is just a newcomer to the online illustration world.

In terms of achievements and status, she’s not even fit to hold a shoe for his employer.

The old man asking for your help is giving you face.

Refusing, you’re just being shameless.

Being an assistant to a top artist is a tough job, but facing those ordinary artists and the publishing houses that come knocking, it’s extremely satisfying to deliver a crushing blow.

Even bosses like Osborne of Scholastic Group have to be respectful when they receive his calls.

Take Painting Knife Painting for example.

Lady Anya is a co-founder of a gallery, and Mr. Boggs is a lifetime professor at the Academy of Arts. Who among them isn’t more impressive than you?

When invited by Jean Arnou, they immediately dropped everything and rushed over without a second thought.

But it’s the least qualified Detective Cat who’s playing hard to get.

Though her agent merely hopes to communicate the painting requirements over the internet.

Even with polite words, deep down, she still doesn’t want to make a special trip to New Zealand for the old man!

”Well... it’s not impossible, but meeting with Tony might achieve better results. Forget it, let’s try this first.”

The master illustrator wasn’t as angry as the assistant.

He was just slightly disappointed, ”If necessary, I can also take Tony to Africa to visit Lady Detective Cat personally. As for privacy concerns, I guarantee on my professional reputation to keep her secrets.”

”I don’t think there’s a need. Since artists like Boggs and Anna have agreed to our invitation, Detective Cat is not irreplaceable. How old is she? Thirty? She’s barely a mid-generation artist.”

The assistant showed disdain.

His role was mostly handling business and daily affairs, not originally from the art field.

But art too has its basic principles.

Age and experience are important criteria for evaluating artists. Collectors prefer buying works of older artists, not just because they die early or appreciate rapidly in value.

In classical art, as long as an artist’s health is unimpaired, their skills often refine with age.

Cao Xuan, Gerhard Richter, all were born before the 1930s, yet can still create today.

A skill honed over a century, even a stubborn stone sparkles after polishing.

How long has Detective Cat been famous? Really, compared to those seasoned, market-tested elderly artists, what advantage does she hold in terms of technique?

That Little Prince book is indeed impressive.

But is it so outstanding that it’s unrivaled in the world? That’s not certain!

Furthermore,

In Mr. Hibernian’s previous viral video, this internet illustrator Detective Cat actually received the same score as old Jean Arnou.

Even though there’s a co-champion title to bow out gracefully, Jean Arnou, at his stage, has already collected all the honors, so he doesn’t bicker with youngsters.

But to say his personal assistant has no opinion on this matter—

That’s just lying.

”I think we should simply not invite her; why should a giant like you owe a favor unnecessarily? She doesn’t know better, and there are plenty of people who dream of having this opportunity—” he pouted, looking at the old man flatteringly.

He stepped on Detective Cat while subtly buttering up old Mr. Arnou; this is what they call high emotional intelligence.

”Bullshit!”

”With matters concerning art, don’t comment outside; such words would make people laugh their heads off. Young age?” Old Jean Arnou looked at his assistant as if looking at an idiot, ”Neither Lady Anya nor Professor Boggs would agree with your view either.”

The assistant was stunned.

He realized he might have said something wrong, yet didn’t quite understand where he erred.

The employer displeased with his judgment of Detective Cat... For what reason?

This junior with an inflated ego, yet old Jean Arnou seemed to be taking it very seriously.

Although the old man has always been low-key, his pride remains high.

He’s not some mild-mannered pushover outside.

”Sorry, but can you explain?”

The assistant was utterly confused, feeling somewhat wronged, more so bewildered, tentatively inquired.

Jean Arnou stared at his assistant’s innocent and pitiful eyes, aware that his previous tone might have startled the young man.

The old man sighed.

This new assistant of his was actually quite good; efficient, smooth in conversation, and smart in many aspects.

The only flaw was, his perspective was a bit too narrow.