Today is the exhibition of Chinese painting master Zhang Qianyi. As his last disciple, Su Ling naturally cannot be absent.
Early in the morning, he drove an off-road vehicle with the trunk filled with rice and Yu Lu tea to the JSK Convention and Exhibition Center.
The exhibition opened at nine in the morning. He set off two hours in advance. As soon as he drove into the parking lot of the convention center, his cell phone rang.
"Hello, is this Junior Brother?" He answered the phone while turning off the car.
"Where have you been?" asked the junior brother.
"We just arrived at the parking lot of the convention center. How about you, brother? Are you there yet?" Su Ling unbuckled his seat belt and opened the driver's door.
"Look to the left, I'm five meters away from you." The junior brother said with a smile.
Su Ling turned around and saw a handsome, stylishly dressed man waving at him. It was his junior apprentice, Zhang Qingyun, 39 years old, known as the "Little Master" for his skill in painting ladies.
Putting away his phone, Su Ling walked up to him and hugged him.
"Junior brother, you've been doing very well lately. You've even become an internet celebrity." Zhang Qingyun teased.
"I didn't mean to do that, but I didn't expect it to become so popular out of nowhere." Su Ling said, "You came at the right time. Help me move the things."
"What is that?" Zhang Qingyun was puzzled.
Su Ling opened the trunk of his car and patted the pile of rice and tea leaves. "These are gifts for the teacher and several senior brothers."
Zhang Qingyun looked at the rice, then at Su Ling. After a long moment, he reached out and rubbed Su Ling's head. "That's amazing, Junior Brother! You've only been in the countryside for a few months, and you're already delivering local specialties? Haha, I'll get a few people to come over and help move them."
Su Ling nimbly dodged his clutches to prevent her hair, which she had spent over half an hour styling, from being messed up.
Zhang Qingyun made a phone call and called four or five staff members. In less than ten minutes, they moved the rice and tea into an office in the exhibition hall and piled them in the corner.
"What are these?"
"Who brought it?"
"Rain and Mist Tea? Wow, all of it is special quality! So many boxes, it must have cost a lot of money, right?"
"What about rice?"
The staff moved all the things and left, leaving behind a few well-dressed middle-aged men discussing the rice and tea in confusion.
Su Ling and Zhang Qingyun stood in front of the gallery, feeling the scent of ink in the air and admiring the various traditional Chinese paintings on the wall. Among them were ink paintings, heavy color paintings, fine brush paintings and freehand paintings. The subjects covered were wide-ranging, including figures, landscapes, flowers and birds. Every painting was lifelike and superb.
These paintings are the works of Zhang Qianyi, and each one is very valuable. In order to prevent theft, a layer of isolation glass is installed outside the display wall. Visitors who want to appreciate the paintings can only look but not touch.
The two came to a display wall. Zhang Qingyun used her fingerprint to operate a few times on the table next to it, and the isolating glass wall slowly retracted into the ground. Su Ling carefully hung the two paintings he brought on the specially vacated space on the wall.
Taking a step back, he nodded in satisfaction.
"Finally, I have a work I can show off."
After visiting Shixi Village, he was filled with inspiration and painted five or six paintings. The ones he was most satisfied with were "Spring Ploughing" and "Koi Playing with Lotus." He brought these two paintings to his teacher's art exhibition, and they hung among the paintings of his senior brothers, and they were no less impressive.
Zhang Qingyun moved the glass wall back and stood next to Su Ling, with her hands behind her back, carefully admiring his painting.
The little junior brother is indeed the most talented among his fellow apprentices. He has already shown his talent at a young age. The painting of spring ploughing fully demonstrates his skills, while the painting of koi playing with lotus is even more spiritual. The fat carp in the painting is arrogant yet cute, which makes people smile knowingly.
At his age, I am still a novice and can only do copying!
After hanging the paintings, the two went to the office together. As soon as they entered the door, they were warmly greeted by the senior brothers.
"Junior brother is here!"
"Junior Brother, where have you been in seclusion recently? Qingyun forwarded your painting to me, and I saw it. The brocade fish is so vivid and lifelike, it's beyond words!"
"Did you bring these rice and tea?"
"My granddaughter has recently become obsessed with a live streamer. I thought his voice sounded familiar, so I went over to take a look. Oh wow, it's actually my junior fellow student!"
"Isn't it? My daughter bought a large box of cucumbers and tomatoes online a while ago. They were the agricultural products that my junior brother sold through his live broadcast."
"Young people have great energy and are willing to go to the countryside to do charity work. That's great, great."
The brothers praised him generously, and Su Ling remained calm. Anyone who has been praised for five or six years would be used to it.
After they had praised him enough, he smiled and said, "These rice and tea leaves are a small gift from me. I hope you brothers don't mind."
"How could I dislike him? I'm so happy." The fourth brother said with emotion, "Xiao Ling is so capable, he even knows how to farm. Thinking of my son who idles around all day, I want to sweep him out with a broom and leave him to fend for himself."
"Your son is an e-sports player, how can he be considered idle? My son doesn't look for a job and hangs out with others all day long. He is the real idler." The fifth brother shook his head and sighed.
Seeing that the brothers were about to start chatting, Su Ling changed the subject in time: "Where's the teacher? Hasn't he come yet?"
"The teacher is meeting a guest." The second senior brother pointed to the wall. "Master Bai from Country M came to the exhibition a while ago, and the teacher is entertaining him in the living room next door."
Master Bai? Or is he back from Country M? Could it be—
Su Ling hurriedly asked: "Is it Master Bai Jincheng?"
Zhang Qingyun asked in surprise, "Junior brother, do you know him?"
Su Ling nodded: "Yes, I know him. He and my second grandfather are old friends."
He briefly mentioned the story of Bai Jincheng and his second grandfather, and the others sighed as they listened.
"What a coincidence!" The eldest brother stroked his beard and suggested, "Xiao Ling, why don't you go take a look next door?"
"Okay." Su Ling responded.
At this time, in the living room next door, a spirited white-haired old man was sitting on a rattan chair, chatting happily with the old man in Tang suit next to him. When they talked about interesting topics, he laughed happily. Although his face was full of wrinkles, his eyes were still bright.
Wen Xi sat obediently on the other side, holding the teacup in both hands, watching her grandfather and Master Zhang Qianyi chatting quietly.
Bai Jincheng said, "Two years ago, I bought a painting of a galloping horse by a master at an auction in Country R. It is now in my collection at home in Country M."
Zhang Qianyi smiled and said, "The Galloping Horse painting is one of my early works. If it weren't for my bad luck, I wouldn't have been willing to sell it. Later, I always wanted to buy it back, but there was no news of it in the domestic market. I didn't expect it to be exported and collected by Mr. Bai. It's really fate!"
Bai Jincheng pondered and said, "If Master Zhang wants to take back the Steed Painting, I can have it sent back to China and returned to its original owner."
Zhang Qianyi waved his hands repeatedly: "No, no! Since Mr. Bai is already its owner, why should I take it back?"
Seeing his resolute attitude, Bai Jincheng stopped talking. Master Zhang's paintings are very collectible. This galloping horse painting is majestic and sharp, full of youthful vigor.
This is why an artist only paints a picture once in his lifetime.
Wenxi finished his tea and put down the cup. He was so nervous about what his grandfather said that he almost broke the cup.
Grandpa spent 200 million yuan on that galloping horse painting at an auction house, how could he just give it back for nothing? Even if Master Zhang Qianyi was the original artist, the work that entered the market was given monetary value and was no longer an ordinary painting, but a mature commodity.
“Knock knock—”
Su Ling knocked on the door, heard the response from inside, and politely pushed the door open and walked in.
"Teacher." He called respectfully.
Zhang Qianyi was delighted to see him and waved to him cheerfully: "Xiao Ling is here? Come and meet Mr. Bai."
Su Ling walked over and politely saluted Bai Jincheng. "Grandpa Bai, we meet again."
Bai Jincheng looked at him in surprise. "You are Master Zhang's disciple?"
Su Ling said: "I am the teacher's last disciple, and I have been his disciple for seven years."
Zhang Qianyi asked doubtfully, "Do you know each other?"
"We met last month." Su Ling explained, "Grandpa Bai and my second grandfather are old friends."
"That's right." Bai Jincheng looked sad. "I came back to visit my relatives this time, mainly to see Xiao Su's grandfather. Unfortunately, I came a step too late and missed it. Sigh——"
When I first saw Su Ling's cursive calligraphy hanging in his study, I knew that he was extremely talented. I never expected that he was actually Master Zhang's last disciple. It was truly unexpected.
However, only Master Zhang's disciples can write such elegant cursive calligraphy.
Zhang Qianyi patted his shoulder soothingly. "My condolences."
Bai Jincheng took out a handkerchief and wiped the corners of his eyes. "I'm sorry to have embarrassed you."
Zhang Qianyi said with an open mind: "At our age, we need to be more open-minded about many things so that we can live a more comfortable life."
Bai Jincheng nodded, looking at the polite Su Ling, and said to Zhang Qianyi with joy: "It's a pity that Xiao Su has already accepted you as his master, otherwise I really want to pass on his teachings to him."
Su Ling said modestly: "Thank you, Grandpa Bai, for your kindness. I still have many shortcomings."
If Grandpa Bai continued to speak, his back would be seen through by someone.
Ever since he entered the living room, Wen Xi couldn't hide the jealousy in her eyes, especially when she learned that Su Ling was the last disciple of Zhang Qianyi, the top Chinese painting master in Country Z, she was burning with jealousy.
Why are some people so lucky that they get all the benefits?
Every time he met Su Ling, his understanding of him would be refreshed, each time more surprising than the last, which aroused the destructive desire hidden deep in his heart.
Since childhood, Wenxi has been praised as a child of destiny and grew up in countless praises, which made him arrogant and conceited. When someone surpasses him in everything, he can't stand the torment of jealousy and does some unreasonable things.
In Country M, he was a genius who was the center of attention. But when he came to Country Z, he was always outshined by Su Ling and he was almost unable to bear it any longer.
He dropped his eyelids and clenched his fists.
Rejected by Su Ling again, Bai Jincheng said regretfully: "Your grandfather and I are like brothers. If you don't want to inherit my property, then my collection, Xiao Su, can't be rejected."
Wen Xi looked up suddenly, his eyes wide in disbelief. Grandpa's collection was innumerable, all exquisite and priceless, some of them rare and one-of-a-kind pieces, and he was actually giving it away to a completely unrelated person for free?
Su Ling said in surprise: "This...this is not right!"
Zhang Qianyi slowly stroked his beard, a gleam in his half-closed eyes. Was this Mr. Bai and his young apprentice's grandfather just old friends?
Bai Jincheng's face showed sadness, and he whispered, "Could it be that... I don't even have a chance to make amends?"
He and Su Lan missed each other all their lives and missed each other for a long time. Now that he sees Su Ling, he loves him so much that he wants to give him the best things in the world, so that when he goes to the underworld and reunites with Su Lan in the future, he will have an explanation.
Now that he was rejected again and again by Su Ling, he couldn't help but feel sad and his eyes were wet.
During this time, lying in the bed where Su Lan once slept, he would think back to the happy days of his youth and feel regretful every night. If he had not followed his father to Country M, would the ending of him and Su Lan be different?
Su Ling looked at the teacher for help. Zhang Qianyi remained calm and did not get involved. Instead, he glanced at Wen Xi vaguely.
Wen Xi was immersed in his own thoughts, how could he feel his grandfather's emotions?
Seeing that the teacher would not help him, Su Ling had no choice but to retreat and gently comforted Bai Jincheng: "I appreciate Grandpa Bai's kindness. If Second Grandpa knew about this, he would definitely not want to see Grandpa Bai worrying about him."
Bai Jincheng did not force it, but he had made up his mind.
“Knock knock knock—”
Zhang Qingyun knocked on the door, pushed in and said, "Teacher, the exhibition is about to begin, and many masters are here to see you."
Zhang Qianyi stood up and said, "Mr. Bai, please come with me. I'll introduce you to some good friends."
The group left the living room, and Su Ling and Wen Xi walked side by side, following quietly behind.
Wen Xi walked silently, and his pace gradually slowed down. Su Ling knew that he had something to say to him, so he matched his pace and put a long distance between himself and the person in front.
"You..." Wen Xi turned his head and stared at Su Ling gloomily.
"What?" Lidya Su raised his eyebrows calmly.
Wenxi said sharply, "Don't even think about inheriting any of my grandfather's property!"
Su Ling was stunned for a moment, then smiled and said, "Really? You care a lot?"
Wen Xi approached him and lowered his voice: "Do you know how much my grandfather is worth?"
Su Ling moved to the side, avoiding his pressing gaze, and shrugged, "Not interested."
No matter how high her net worth is, can it be higher than that of her husband?
Wen Xi pursed her lips and threatened coldly: "In short, you'd better stay away from my grandfather! And don't covet things that don't belong to you."
Su Ling smiled and said, "It doesn't seem to belong to you, does it?"
Grandpa Bai is still alive, but someone is already eyeing his inheritance. It's not worth it for him to be healthy and live a long life. It's better not to have such a grandson.
Originally, Su Ling didn't quite understand why Wen Xi was targeting him everywhere. But after hearing his tone today and mentioning Grandpa Bai's property, he finally understood.
It turns out that everything is for money!
It's really a blame that fell from the sky, and I can't explain myself.
He and Grandpa Bai were not related, so how could he really inherit his future inheritance? Grandpa Bai was just feeling guilty about Second Grandpa, so he was trying to make up for his regret and gain peace of mind.
At nine o'clock in the morning, the exhibition officially began. The convention center was crowded with tourists. Zhang Qianyi was surrounded by his disciples and brought many friends to appreciate the paintings. When he came to the wall where the disciples' works were displayed, he was full of pride.
The eight apprentices were all talented and showed a tendency to surpass their teachers, earning them high praise from everyone.
"Hey, this picture of koi and lotus is so lively!"
Someone exclaimed.
"Which disciple of Master Zhang painted this?"
Zhang Qianyi pulled Su Ling to stand beside him and introduced him with a smile: "It is the work of my closed disciple, Su Ling."
Being the focus of everyone's attention, Su Ling remained calm and composed, showing the demeanor of a master's disciple.
"The young are truly formidable!"
"As expected of Master Zhang's last disciple, you possess such superb painting skills at such a young age. Congratulations!"
"Master Zhang has a unique vision, and every disciple he accepts is exceptional!"
"Why am I not so lucky? I'm so envious!"
"I think it's jealousy? Hahahaha——"
Wen Xi stood outside the crowd, looking at the ink painting hanging on the wall and listening to the words of praise from those around him. His fists were clenched so tightly that his nails were about to dig into his palms. When his eyes fell on his grandfather and he saw his excited expression, his heart sank little by little and fell into the abyss.
The exhibition ended and the tourists left one after another. Su Ling's two paintings received strong recognition from the industry, which invisibly improved his status in the Chinese painting world. If his works are sold at auction houses in the future, the prices will double.
At the midnight bar, Wenxi sat at the bar, ordered five beers in a row, and drank one after another while listening to the loud music.
Li Ting came out of the dance floor dripping with sweat and sat down next to Wen Xi. Seeing the three empty cups on the bar, he frowned and asked, "What's wrong? Are you worried about something?"
Wen Xi stopped drinking half of his beer, burped, shook his head, and said bitterly: "It's still that Su Ling!"
Li Ting put his arm around his shoulders, leaned closer and said, "What's wrong with Su Ling?"
Wen Xi thought of the shock and frustration he had felt when he went to the art exhibition with his grandfather today, and gritted his teeth and said, "What would you do if there was someone who was better than you in every way?"
Li Ting said indifferently: "This... just avoid it, why do you have to argue with others?"
There are so many people who are better than me. If I try to care about them all, won’t I be exhausted to death?
However, Wenxi was not satisfied with his answer. He drank the remaining beer in the glass, wiped the corner of his mouth and said, "I won't accept it!"
Li Ting touched the back of his head, trying to help his brother solve his problem. "What do you want to do?"
As for Su Ling, although he has severed ties with the Su family, he has the Lin Group behind him, and ordinary people really don't dare to touch him.
Wen Xi turned her head, pressed her lips against Li Ting, and breathed out loudly: "Brother Ting... I feel sad."
Li Ting's ears felt hot, his mind was distracted, and he blurted out: "As long as my brother can do it, I will definitely help you!"
Under the dim light, Wen Xi smiled sweetly. "Thank you, Brother Ting."
Li Ting's fingers began to move dishonestly, slowly moving downwards. Wen Xi frowned in disgust, but did not push him away. Asking someone to do something always comes at a price, doesn't it?
If he could make Su Ling disappear, he wouldn't mind taking a small loss.
Shen Wei came out of the dance floor and saw Li Ting and Wen Xi whispering together. He licked his lips, walked over, and sat on the other side of Wen Xi. His arm naturally wrapped around his slender waist, and he asked curiously, "What are you talking about? You look very happy. Can you share it with me?"
Wen Xi drank five large glasses of beer, and the alcohol made him a little confused. Shen Wei was so close to him, he leaned over and smiled seductively: "Do you want to join in too?"
"Participate in what?" Shen Wei tightened his arms, and Wen Xi almost stuck to his arms.
Seeing this, Li Ting rushed over and grabbed Shen Wei's collar. "Brother, this is not good for you, right?"
Shen Wei said: "What's wrong with that? Since we are brothers, of course we should share the hard times and happiness together."
Li Ting blinked, and after a while, he let go of Shen Wei's collar and fell silent.
Wenxi was drowsy and didn't know what he was facing.
The author has something to say: PS: Well, Wenxi is about to go offline ~ don’t worry!
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The Paper Man I Raised Wants to Trouble Me by Favorite Plum Wine
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Xu Sili died at a young age.
When he woke up again, he found that... not only was he not dead, but he had become the new king of an alien empire.
At that time, he fell on a luxurious and beautiful golden chair inlaid with countless gems. In front of him was a handsome man in white military uniform.
The man was wearing knee-high black boots, stepping hard on his chest.
Seeing the painful expression on his face, the man curled up a cruel and bloodthirsty smile and put the laser gun to his forehead.
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Wait, wait a minute!
When Xu Sili saw the man's face clearly, he was completely stunned.
Why does the man in front of him look so similar to his paper man?
Damn, this gorgeous military uniform he's wearing must have been earned from working so hard on missions for a long time!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
