It’s rare to see Lianshan being so attentive and warm, almost like a human trafficker afraid of having his precious son taken away by someone if he doesn’t pay attention. Feng Ju felt more than a little flattered.
Although this guy still refused to toast him with a drink, and his flattery wasn’t exactly novel.
But none of that mattered; what was important was his attitude of not interfering even slightly with Lian En’s choices and fully supporting them, right?
"Even though he took two years off, Lian En is smart and still young. Starting high school at fourteen and being a college student at seventeen—those are rare talents. Plus, with his abilities and the support of Wu Lao and Wei Lai, whether he goes into politics or some other field, this kid is bound for great things.
After all, it’s good to have a strong backing.
Lianshan, do you really agree with him continuing to learn painting from me, aiming for the Central Academy of Fine Arts, and making it his career in the future?" Although this juicy pie has already landed on his head, such a sudden turn of events was hard to believe.
Feeling incredulous, Feng Ju squinted and asked again for the N+1 time.
After all, Lian En had emphasized more than once that he wanted to go to college and achieve great things to bring glory to his parents.
And Lianshan often expressed full approval, waiting for his son to honor the family.
Lianshan smiled as he helped Feng Ju pour some wine, "Really, really, more real than pearls! I said it, Brother Feng, you can rest easy. Neither Shuzhen nor I are those dictatorial feudal parents. As long as the kids live upright lives and do things honestly, we don’t interfere with their thoughts.
Whether it’s martial arts, academics, business, or painting, as long as Lian En is happy, that’s all that matters."
"That’s the thing. As for bringing glory to the family, Mr. Feng, do you not think that Lian En has already achieved that?" Shuzhen picked up the conversation, looking at Lian En with full approval. "Universities enroll tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of students every year, but at fourteen, to win a national competition and sell a painting for fifty thousand—a feat like that is rare nationwide!"
"Absolutely, our nephew is amazing! For your uncle’s factory to net fifty-three thousand would take about half a year! Yet you achieved it in what might not even be a week’s worth of hiking, painting, and framing. The speed, the quality, it’s really something—name and fortune both!" Liu Shouyi downed his drink in one go and shot a big thumbs-up to Lian En.
"Go, stand aside! You’re always talking about money, isn’t that vulgar?
Can my nephew’s accomplishments be measured with money?
It’s called art, understand?
Come, nephew, I’ll have a drink, you have some orange juice, let’s clink glasses. Follow your mentor diligently, and let’s aim to reach new heights. When you get international fame and glory, I can boast with pride that the artist in the newspapers and on TV is my nephew, my blood nephew!"
Liu Shouren jokingly scolded, pushing his silly brother who had clearly missed the mark with his flattery.
Although Feng Ju frequently used the prospect of making money through painting to entice Lian En.
But as an artist, one should have a sense of lofty detachment. Turning a disciple’s achievements into material things, didn’t you see Feng Ju’s expression change from a sunny day to one covered by clouds?
Praised by his parents and two uncles, Lian En blushed slightly from the happiness on his handsome face.
He poured a full glass of orange soda in front of him and respectfully raised it with both hands to clink glasses with his uncle: "Thank you, Uncle, for your appreciation and encouragement. I’ll definitely strive to tap into my master’s treasure trove and surpass expectations, accumulating enough for you to boast about!"
"Good kid, ambitious spirit! For those words, I’ve decided not to leave. Let’s bring out the treasure chest, and you dig in! If you can’t surpass expectations, hmm, brace yourself for daily punishment!"
Upon saying this, Feng Ju set aside his earlier exuberance, looking at Lian En with a gaze full of threats.
Lian En was taken aback, not understanding why the mentor, who previously said he wanted to continue traveling the great country landscapes, suddenly changed his mind.
But being able to continue learning painting from his mentor without being separated from his family was an ideal scenario for him.
With a sincere smile, he nodded like a chick pecking rice: "Yes, Master, rest assured, I will work hard. If I can’t satisfy you, feel free to up the stakes. My mom always says a strict teacher produces excellent students!"
Feng Ju’s mouth twitched with disdain, "You’re fourteen, almost fifteen next year, isn’t it time to stop constantly quoting your parents? You sound like a child who hasn’t been weaned, watching their parents’ expressions for everything. Isn’t that immature?"
If you’re really that obedient, why not constantly say ’Master said’ then?
Knowing his mentor was just habitually mocking him, Lian En didn’t get annoyed but simply chuckled: "What my parents say is for my good, all for my benefit, of course, I listen! Just like the drawing tips you teach me, Master, I always remember them. Being able to have a mentor like you who cares so much for his apprentice, my mom says I’m very blessed!"
Lian En proudly announced, and Shuzhen nodded solemnly.
Lianshan, Liu Shouren, and Liu Shouyi all expressed agreement.
The slight sourness Feng Ju felt instantly dissipated, and he looked at Lian En with a cheerful smile: "Having such a talented and understanding disciple like you is the greatest achievement of my life!"
After leaving the table, he rummaged through his suitcase for a while before taking out a bright red award certificate and two passbooks.
He handed them to Lian En like a treasure: "Here, this is your certificate from the recent competition. Keep it well; it might earn you extra points when applying to universities one day. And these, one is the prize money from the competition, the other is from selling the painting. I’ve opened two bank accounts in your name and deposited all fifty-three thousand into these passbooks.
Take good care of them, don’t lose them!"
Being aware of Lian En’s temperament, if he brought cash or a check, this fifty-three thousand would surely all go to his parents. Shuzhen might have given him a hundred or so as pocket money, and this naive kid would be overjoyed.
With a practical-minded apprentice, a mentor naturally thinks more about his welfare.
Now watching Lianshan treat him like his own son, and Lian En considering Chenchen and the others like true brothers.
But what happens once each becomes an adult and starts their own family in the future?
Property has always been a major factor causing friction between father and son or between brothers.
Lianshan and his wife have a considerable estate, which Lian En would not covet, and Feng Ju would subtly discourage him from doing so.
But for the efforts that the child puts in himself, he hopes to gradually save it up as a foundation for a future family and career.
Although it might seem a bit stingy, after caring for the only disciple for years, Feng Ju inevitably considers more for Lian En, even if it’s not quite suitable.