The weight of such a serious accusation was more than Shen Wanqing could bear, and tears welled up in her eyes. "Professor He, I don’t understand what you mean. Do I really have no talent?"
Professor He hinted pointedly again, "Let me give you an example. Luo Lin’s paintings are bold and display ingenious craftsmanship. Yours, however, are too mechanical, giving the impression that you’ve tried too hard to be clever, only for it to backfire."
Shen Wanqing was defiant. "But..."
"There are no ’buts.’ Art also has value." Professor He hinted pointedly yet again. He was, after all, a kind old man.This kind of soulless work is worthless. If it went to auction...
Professor Gao could tell that Professor He was genuinely angry. Shen Wanqing had thoroughly offended him!
It was his fault too, for not vetting it properly. He would supervise her later to create a better piece for the auction house.
Professor Gao tried to gently persuade him again, but Professor He had made up his mind and flatly refused the request for a recommendation.
The three of them left dejectedly. Professor Gao silently blamed his senior colleague for being so unreasonable. Wanqing has a gentle personality and is willing to work hard. Although she offended Professor He this time, she’s still excellent overall.
As they were leaving, Professor He suddenly called out to Qin Siyuan, "Young Master Qin."
He walked over to Qin Siyuan with the antique and smiled. "I’ve been wanting to meet you for a while. I just didn’t expect it to be under such circumstances. Life is certainly full of surprises."
After hesitating repeatedly, Qin Siyuan finally accepted the gift and asked, somewhat enigmatically, "Professor He, if someone makes a mistake, is it too late for regrets?"
Professor He rubbed his chin, a sharp glint in his eyes. "If it’s merely about a work of art, there’s still a chance. But if it’s about matters of the heart, I’m afraid it’s too late in this lifetime." He knew exactly what that disciple of his was like.
Qin Siyuan stared at Professor He, his eyes filled with disillusionment.
Shen Wanqing didn’t notice their exchange. She was extremely dejected at that moment. She had believed her painting to be a masterpiece, but reality had delivered a harsh slap in the face.
In the elevator, Professor Gao offered a few words of comfort, and she cheered up slightly.
Yes, she still had Professor Gao! He might not be comparable to Professor He, but he was highly respected in Qingcheng and knew how to manage things. She could definitely make a name for herself at next month’s auction!
Shen Wanqing composed herself. The elevator doors opened just as she was about to speak to Qin Siyuan, but his gaze was fixed straight ahead. Shen Wanqing followed his line of sight.
Outside the elevator were Bo Xichen and Gu Anxi.
The two groups came face to face. Professor Gao spoke first, "Professor Bo, what a coincidence."
Bo Xichen, naturally detecting the disdain in Professor Gao’s tone, smiled. "Quite a coincidence indeed. Professor Gao, are you also here to see Professor He?"
Professor Gao, seething with anger, stormed off.
Shen Wanqing immediately followed. For her, Professor Gao was now like a lifeline.