Chapter 45 Why did he even become someone who could only glance at something from afar...?
"What?"
Zhou Shiye had just returned to his apartment near the Academy of Fine Arts after a busy day at the law firm when he received a call from the housekeeper of the old house.
They said they received a box.
When Zhou Shiye opened the photos sent by the housekeeper, he saw the things he had given to Wen Yu.
Therefore, Wen Yu guessed that the gift was from him and returned it to the old house immediately.
Why?
It's just a gift, why return it? Doesn't he even have the right to give gifts anymore? It was clearly sent anonymously.
Zhou Shiye irritably unbuttoned the top button of his shirt, struggling to breathe.
With trembling fingers, I dialed a familiar phone number, but my finger hovered on the screen for a long time before I dared not make the call.
He was afraid that Wen Yu would ignore him.
He was even more afraid that Wen Yu would question and condemn him for acting on his own initiative and being too clever for his own good.
But why should Zhou Yingchen be allowed to do so just because he made the effort?
When it was his turn, Wen Yu was to return the items untouched.
The man who was so assertive in court during the day slumped against the wall and slid to the ground, his face pale.
On the other side,
Shen Jinhuai hosted a small celebratory dinner for Wen Yu.
The restaurant has an elegant environment and a warm atmosphere.
Looking at the relaxed and genuine smile on the girl's face, Shen Jinhuai's eyes softened: "Congratulations, Xiaoyu."
"Everyone has seen your hard work and talent."
"Thank you, Jin Huai."
Wen Yu raised her glass to clink with Shen Jinhuai's, her eyes bright and her smile sweet: "Thank you for staying with me all this time."
"I will always be with you from now on."
Shen Jinhuai walked over, kissed Wen Yu on the forehead, and then returned to his seat.
"By the way, summer vacation is coming soon, how about we go on a trip? Or go back to an island for a while?"
Wen Yu thought for a moment and shook her head: "I don't want to go too far for now. Professor Fu mentioned a small summer residency program to me today, in an art village in the suburbs, for two weeks. I think it's quite interesting and I'm considering whether to apply."
Wen Yu knew that she needed time to reflect and also needed to continue to inspire her creative ideas in a new environment.
An art village is a good choice.
"Art Village?"
After pondering for a moment, Shen Jinhuai nodded in support: "That sounds good."
That night, after Wen Yu fell asleep, Shen Jinhuai went to the study and made a phone call.
“Check the background of the Chengbei Art Village, especially its recent collaborations with art academies, and pay close attention to whether the Zhou family is involved.”
"receive."
The assistant was very efficient; in less than half an hour, Shen Jinhuai's phone rang.
Unsurprisingly, the Zhou Foundation was deeply involved in the initial funding and operation of the art village, and its cooperation with the Academy of Fine Arts was facilitated by Zhou Yingchen.
Shen Jinhuai hung up the phone, his eyes deep and somber.
The grip on the phone tightened unconsciously.
Zhou Yingchen is truly omnipresent, and his methods are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
A moment later, Shen Jinhuai made a phone call.
The phone rang a few times before being answered, and Zhou Yingchen's indifferent voice came from the other end: "President Chen?"
"President Zhou,"
Shen Jinhuai's voice was devoid of any emotion; he got straight to the point: "The environment in the Chengbei Art Village is quite nice; thank you for your trouble."
There was a two-second silence on the other end of the phone, and Zhou Yingchen's voice was completely calm: "President Chen is well-informed."
"It's just about supporting cultural and educational endeavors and providing a better environment for young people."
"Mr. Zhou, you're very kind."
Shen Jinhuai spoke calmly, but then changed the subject: "Coincidentally, I have a charitable foundation under my name, and I've recently been paying attention to the creative environment for young artists. The concept of an art village is excellent, so I'm planning to make a donation to expand the art collection and establish a small academic exchange fund, hoping it can benefit more students like Xiaoyu. What do you think, Mr. Zhou?"
In this way, Wen Yu was freed from Zhou Yingchen's special "care," allowing the art village to be integrated into a broader beneficiary group.
Naturally, this art village became a true public welfare project.
After Shen Jinhuai said this, there was an even longer silence on the other end of the phone.
Zhou Yingchen had not expected Shen Jinhuai to pull this stunt.
The response was swift and decisive.
After a long silence, Zhou Yingchen finally spoke, his voice devoid of emotion but carrying a faint chill: "President Chen's generosity is naturally a good thing."
"Then it's settled."
Shen Jinhuai said calmly, "I will have my assistant liaise directly with the foundation regarding the relevant details. I won't bother President Zhou any longer."
Shen Jinhuai hung up the phone decisively.
Putting down his phone, Shen Jinhuai walked to the window, looking at the night outside with a cold and deep gaze.
A few days later, Shen Jinhuai accompanied Wen Yu to the Chengbei Art Village.
The art village is located on the outskirts of the city, surrounded by rolling mountains and dense bamboo forests, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, with fresh and pleasant air.
Wen Yu arrived at the small studio assigned to her, feeling a long-lost sense of ease and anticipation.
The studio was smaller than the art studio that Shen Jinhuai had prepared for her at home, but the window faced a lush bamboo forest, and the light filtered through the bamboo leaves, creating a dappled and tranquil atmosphere.
Taking a deep breath, the air carrying the fresh scent of bamboo leaves can wash away a lot of the fatigue in your body.
"Do you like it here?"
Shen Jinhuai put his arm around Wen Yu's waist, rested his chin on the top of her head, and spoke softly.
"Yes, I like it."
Life at the post thereafter was simple and fulfilling.
During the day, Wen Yu sketches the bamboo forest outside her studio window, trying to capture the light and shadow and the movement of the wind in a more freehand way. The tranquility and changes of the bamboo forest give Wen Yu new inspiration.
At night, she was held in Shen Jinhuai's arms and fell asleep to the sound of the bamboo rustling. Her sleep quality was much better than in the city.
That day, Wen Yu was refining the details of a painting in her studio when the art village administrator, a middle-aged woman surnamed Wang, knocked on her door with a smile.
"Wen, did I disturb you?"
Administrator Wang spoke in a kind tone.
Wen Yu put down her paintbrush: "Teacher Wang, please come in."
Administrator Wang walked in, smiling, and said, "It's like this, the village recently received two huge donations, which have improved many facilities. The sponsors have given feedback that they hope we can better support promising young artists like you to have creative exchanges. So, we plan to organize a small internal observation meeting next week, inviting several industry teachers and resident artists to participate, so that everyone can look at each other's works and exchange ideas."
"Your work is very distinctive, and this is a great opportunity for you to showcase and exchange ideas. We hope Ms. Wen can attend."
An internal observation meeting?
Teacher in the industry?
Wen Yu's heart skipped a beat.
This is a rare opportunity to hear feedback from professionals and learn about the work of other artists.
Looking at Administrator Wang's sincere smile, Wen Yu nodded: "Thank you, Teacher Wang, I'm willing to participate."
"Very good."
Administrator Wang was pleased: "Then get ready. I'll send the specific time and arrangements to the group later."
After the administrator left, Wen Yu looked at the swaying bamboo shadows outside the window, and her mood became increasingly pleasant.
A few days later, the internal observation meeting of the art village was held as scheduled.
The venue was set up in the village's largest public office, which was temporarily set up as a simple exhibition hall.
Several invited industry professionals, including two well-known independent curators and several art critics, along with all the resident artists, gathered together in a relaxed yet serious atmosphere.
Wen Yu selected three works to participate: "Summer Echoes," which had already been featured in the special exhibition; a new work created in the art village that captures the light and shadow of a bamboo forest; and a new work in which she attempts to combine mythological elements with bamboo forest scenery.
When it was Wen Yu's turn to have her work viewed, she stood nervously to the side.
One of the independent curators, Ms. Li, lingered for a long time in front of Wen Yu's paintings.
"Wen Yu, right?"
Ms. Li turned to Wen Yu: "I've seen the report on your 'Summer Echoes' exhibition; the work has a very strong sense of power. This new one..."
Ms. Li pointed to the last abstract work: "It's very interesting. Are you trying to express the core of mythology using color and form itself? This shift is bold and has great potential."
Ms. Li paused slightly, pointing to several areas of strong color contrast on the screen: "Here, and here, the emotional tension is handled very well. However, the overall rhythm control and visual balance could be further refined."
Sometimes, less is more.
The art critics nearby also added their comments, pointing out areas where Wen Yu could improve her use of materials.
These evaluations are professional and fair, offering both affirmation and pointing out shortcomings.
Wen Yu listened attentively.
He would nod occasionally, and sometimes express his confusion, engaging in serious discussions with the teachers.
Today, Wen Yu was wearing a simple white shirt and jeans, her hair neatly tied in a ponytail, and her face was bare, but her eyes were bright and passionate, making her exceptionally beautiful.
Not far away, Shen Jinhuai stood calmly in the crowd, his gaze always following Wen Yu, his eyes filled with undisguised admiration and pride.
In an inconspicuous corner of the exhibition hall, in the shadows near the emergency exit, a tall figure stood quietly against the wall.
Zhou Shiye was wearing a dark gray hooded sweatshirt, the hood pulled low, covering most of his face, but his gaze passed through the throng and landed directly on the girl who was radiating light.
As Zhou Shiye watched her speak eloquently in front of his work, seeing the burning passion and brilliance in her eyes, and witnessing her humbly learning and thoughtfully considering the comments from professionals, his heart felt as if it had been filled and then emptied, a complex mix of emotions.
Perhaps it was the teacher's reaffirmation, but Wen Yu in the crowd curved her lips into a smile, clean and bright, like a ray of sunshine, unexpectedly piercing Zhou Shiye's eyes hidden in the shadows.
His eyes suddenly stung with tears.
Zhou Shiye lowered his head, pulled his hat brim even lower, took a deep breath, and forcibly suppressed the sob in his throat and the moisture in his eyes.
Zhou Shiye's phone vibrated. He picked it up and saw a message from Zhou Yingchen with only two words: "How is it?"
Zhou Shiye stared at the screen, then looked up at Wen Yu.
After a long pause, she replied with difficulty: "Very good. She is glowing."
After sending the message, Zhou Shiye gave Wen Yu a deep look, turned around, and strode away.
After listening to the professional teacher's instruction, Wen Yu subconsciously glanced in the direction of the emergency exit in the corner of the exhibition hall.
But the place was empty, with only the shadows of people constantly coming and going.
Wen Yu shook her head, putting her inexplicable emotions aside, and refocused on her conversation with the teacher.
Outside the exhibition hall, the sun was shining brightly.
Zhou Shiye opened the car door and got in.
He took off his hat, leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and let the noisy world outside the window contrast sharply with the deathly silence in his heart.
Zhou Shiye knew he needed to wait.
Waiting for the opportunity to get close to Wen Yu.
A moment later, Zhou Shiye picked up his phone and made a call.
"Find me the best sketching teacher to teach me from the very basics."
After hanging up the phone, Zhou Shiye looked towards the exhibition hall, his lips pressed tightly together.
Since he can't get close to her for the time being, he'll try another way.
He wanted to try to understand Wen Yu's world and touch the lines and colors she used in her writing.
This might be the only way for him to maintain a slight connection with Wen Yu without disturbing her.
Even if such a connection is laughable and futile.
I never imagined that drawing would be so difficult.
In Zhou Shiye's apartment near the Academy of Fine Arts.
The man is experiencing an unprecedented setback in his life.
Zhou Shiye's expensive casual wear was smudged with bits of charcoal ash, making him look rather disheveled.
The man frowned, annoyed by the mess of lines on the drawing board.
Beside Zhou Shiye, an elderly gentleman with graying temples and a refined demeanor was patiently giving him instructions.
“Mr. Zhou, relax your wrist. The lines aren’t etched, they ‘flow’ out. You need to feel the friction between the pencil and the paper.”
The old gentleman was a retired professor from the Academy of Fine Arts. He was invited by Zhou Shiye at a high price to teach this "special student" who had no foundation but was exceptionally persistent.
Zhou Shiye's forehead was covered in fine beads of sweat from exerting too much force.
He was used to navigating complex legal texts and logic in court, and to controlling the overall situation at the negotiating table, but he couldn't handle this small piece of charcoal in his hand.
No matter how I draw the lines, they're always crooked, and the interplay of light and shadow is a complete mess.
It was so different from what Zhou Shiye wanted to portray that it was practically unrelated.
"Oh shit……"
Zhou Shiye cursed under his breath, nearly breaking the pen in his hand.
The old professor, accustomed to the anxiety of beginners, patted Zhou Shiye's tense shoulder meaningfully and said gently, "Mr. Zhou, painting cannot be rushed. It requires patience, observation, and even more so... letting go."
lay down?
Zhou Shiye gave a wry smile.
How could he possibly let go?
But Zhou Shiye still tried to relax his tense muscles and, following the professor's instructions, drew a trembling straight line on the paper again.
Although he was still not straight, Zhou Shiye no longer lost his temper.
He simply suppressed his emotions and repeated the monotonous actions over and over again.
Whenever I feel like giving up, I picture Wen Yu standing in front of the canvas, radiant.
This clumsy, almost self-destructive learning became Zhou Shiye's only way to get close to Wen Yu's world.
Although progress is frustratingly slow.
Zhou Shiye's lines are stiff and his forms are distorted. The simple still life drawing assignment given by the old professor is painted by him as if it were an abstract disaster.
But Zhou Shiye's anxiety gradually subsided, replaced by an almost stubborn persistence.
He revised it again and again, erasing the parts he was not satisfied with, until the paper became fuzzy.
Sweat trickled down the man's temples, but Zhou Shiye was so engrossed in his drawing that he didn't even notice.
The old professor looked at the man in front of him, a look of surprise flashing in his eyes.
This student had no talent whatsoever, but possessed astonishing perseverance and an incomprehensible level of devout dedication.
It was as if he wasn't painting a simple picture, but something sacred.
In this daily routine, Zhou Shiye became physically and mentally exhausted.
He leaned against the wall, looking at the painting on the canvas that finally had some three-dimensionality, and let out a long breath.
For the first time ever, the old professor praised Zhou Shiye: "Mr. Zhou, your understanding of the boundary between light and shadow has improved today."
With just this simple affirmation, Zhou Shiye felt a faint, long-lost sense of accomplishment.
Absurd and heartbreaking.
He walked to the pool and vigorously scrubbed the charcoal ash off his hands and face.
Looking at the man in the mirror, his face covered in water droplets and his eyes tired, Zhou Shiye forced a smile.
All he's doing now is secretly watching Wen Yu from afar, having his gifts returned, and hiding away to learn to paint...
What is the significance of this?
But what else can he do besides these things?
·
The stay at Yunshan Art Village is pleasant and fulfilling.
In the past two weeks, Shen Jinhuai did not stick to Wen Yu's side all the time, but he would always make time to come over.
Sometimes I would accompany Wen Yu for a walk along the bamboo path in the evening, sometimes I would bring her favorite snacks to the studio door, and sometimes I would just sit quietly to the side and do my own work while she painted.
Before long, everyone knew that this distinguished Mr. Shen was Wen Yu's husband.
This open yet pressure-free companionship made Wen Yu feel more at ease.
As the residency drew to a close, a farewell party was held as scheduled.
Outdoors, the flickering lights illuminated everyone's faces, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere.
Wen Yu and Shen Jinhuai sat side by side on the deck chairs, listening to other artists playing guitars and humming softly.
Shen Jinhuai put his arm around Wen Yu's shoulder, their posture intimate.
Wen Yu leaned against Shen Jinhuai, feeling the pleasant breeze and the sense of security brought by the man beside her, a faint smile on her face.
The two occasionally glanced at each other and whispered to one another, like a harmonious and beautiful painting, blending into the starlight and laughter.
Beyond the reach of the lamplight, in the darkness at the edge of the bamboo forest, Zhou Shiye stared at the glaring scene in the crowd, frozen in place.
Wen Yu's face showed a relaxation and dependence that Zhou Shiye had never seen before.
The way Shen Jinhuai's arms encircled her silently proclaimed his possession and protection.
Everyone around them took them for granted as a couple.
Zhou Shiye clenched his fist.
The nail dug deep into the palm, causing a sharp, stinging pain.
Just then, Shen Jinhuai seemed to sense something. His eyes, which had been fixed on Wen Yu, suddenly lifted and turned towards the darkness where Zhou Shiye was hiding.
Across the flowing crowd and a distance of several dozen meters, the two men locked eyes.
Shen Jinhuai's eyes were calm, but they carried a strong warning and an air of inviolability.
Then, the man tightened his grip on Wen Yu's shoulder, pulling her closer to his chest. At the same time, he turned to the side, using his broad shoulders to completely block Zhou Shiye's view of Wen Yu.
With his view completely blocked, Zhou Shiye could only see Shen Jinhuai's back and the constantly moving crowd.
Zhou Shiye's clenched hands trembled, and a metallic taste rose in his throat.
He clenched his teeth tightly to barely control himself from making any outbursts.
Finally, Zhou Shiye took one last deep look in the direction where Wen Yu was, turned around, and staggered away as if fleeing into the dark bamboo forest, quickly being swallowed up by the night.
The farewell party was still going on, with laughter and cheers filling the air.
Wen Yu shifted in Shen Jinhuai's arms and asked curiously, "What's wrong?"
"nothing."
Shen Jinhuai lowered his head and gave Wen Yu a gentle smile, as if his previous coldness had never existed.
"It's a bit windy, let me shield you from it."
Shen Jinhuai hugged Wen Yu even tighter: "Okay, I'm just making excuses to hug you."
"OK."
Wen Yu smiled sweetly, tilted her head back, and kissed Shen Jinhuai on the corner of his mouth.
at the same time,
Zhou Shiye sped back to the city, the roar of his engine shattering the tranquility of the night.
Back in his apartment, Zhou Shiye slammed the door shut and looked at the sketches he had been practicing so hard these past few days, which were displayed by the French windows.
The crooked lines and shapeless still life became the most merciless mockery of him at this moment.
"ah--"
With bloodshot eyes, Zhou Shiye lunged at the easel and overturned it completely.
Still not satisfied, he began to smash everything in the apartment.
The drawing board was kicked and cracked, paint was squeezed out and smeared on the walls and the floor, and chairs were picked up and smashed.
Before long, the entire apartment building was reduced to a violent ruin.
Why?
Why is it that nothing he does works?
Why has even a distant glimpse become a luxury for him?
Shen Jinhuai, holding Wen Yu wasn't enough, he also had to block his view of Wen Yu.
"Ahhhhhh..."
Zhou Shiye roared wildly, burning away the last bit of his reason.
He smashed his bare hands against the wall, tearing his knuckles and drawing blood.
The man, seemingly oblivious to the pain, continued his frenzied beating, as if only in this way could he release the surging, destructive madness within him.
After an unknown amount of time, Zhou Shiye finally collapsed from exhaustion, kneeling slumped on the messy ground.
He leaned against the wall, breathing heavily. Sweat, blood, and tears mingled together, sliding down the man's contorted, pale face and dripping onto the tattered drawing paper.
The once proud and arrogant Zhou Shiye is now like a pile of utterly destroyed garbage, crawling in the ruins he created, left with only boundless despair.
After an unknown amount of time, Zhou Shiye raised his head, his eyes unfocused.
It's over.
His Xiaoyu completely abandoned him.
Zhou Shiye lay stiffly on the ground like an empty shell whose soul had been ripped out, curled up, and motionless.
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