As it was a congratulatory painting, the painting was geared toward the older generation from the very beginning.
And, the ones that it touched was everyone from the older generation.
It would be difficult for the ones of the younger generations, especially the ones who have not yet had their own children, to understand the joy of having children around from the painting.
That was Gu Shishi’s hypothesis, and her theory was quickly confirmed.
When she painted the orange tabby, MeowMeow, who was Chen Kexin’s pet, Chen Kexin reacted positively to it as well.
Or possibly, the reason she appreciated the painting as much as she did was because she had a cat in the past and that she had always loved cats.
It may not have the same effect on a different individual.
Different paintings have different effects on different individuals. It had a lot to do with the individual’s experiences, temperament, and personal preferences.
“Living the Painting” would not work for every single person.
“I felt that this painting was done by some Master anonymously. Look at this stamp over here – Ink Painting Guru. Guru, said my Keke, means someone who was very capable. Anyone who’d be so boastful must have real skills,” said Old Mrs. Chen as she continued to examine the painting.
“And look at the smoothness and roundness of these brush strokes. And how the colors blended together so naturally. Then there’s the expressions and movements of these characters. Especially this mythical peach, this was the first time I’ve seen skill level like this.
“I think this might be done by a disciple of the Huang’s or the Mi’s. What do you think, Zhao-jie?”
Old Mrs. Zhao frowned a little, then studied it again carefully, “Master Huang Si? Doesn’t look like it. It looked more like the handy work of Master Wen Pei. But, as skillful as these paint strokes were, some areas were also very bold. It didn’t look like the work of someone who’s in their 70s or 80s. Maybe someone young, like 50s or 60s.”
Old Mrs. Chen nodded in agreement, “That makes sense. 50s~60s, could it be the one from the Mo’s?”
Listening to them, Chen Kexin was about to have a nervous breakdown.
70s or 80? 50s or 60s?
The Huang’s? The Mi’s?”
She looked at her own grandmother and was about to start crying!
This was done by a 20 something girl, grandma. And she was standing right in front of you right now!
She had been debating about whether to tell her grandmother that Gu Shishi was the guru.
Now she couldn’t say it even if she wanted to.
Else she’d be putting her own grandmother and Grandma Zhao on the spot!
They thought the painting from a 20-something was from someone in their 50s or 60s…. and then talked about how skillful her brush strokes were. Ugh, that was awkward!
Chen Kexin could feel her heart pounding in her chest.
She worried that Gu Shishi would jump out and contradict her grandmother, but she had obviously overthought.
Gu Shishi had absolutely no intention to jump out.
After everybody had spent sufficient time appreciating the painting and spewed out all sorts of flattering words, Old Mrs. Chen, satisfied, had Chen Kexin carefully roll the painting back up and put an end to this appraisal conference.
Chen Kexin finally let out a sigh of relief and solemnly and quickly brought the painting back to the resting area.
Yet, as soon as she took a step out, a voice almost made her shudder.
“MeowMeow.”
All of Chen Kexin’s hair stood on their ends!
“What do you want?”
If Gu Shishi wanted to expose her identity as the painter of the painting and had her introduce her to her grandmother once again, she’d for sure, immediately, gained her grandmother’s favor!
She’d instakill Pingting and her crowd in just a second!
This was not a warfare of equal match.
It was a landslide!
“MeowMeow, please keep my secret for me.”
The request coming from Gu Shishi shocked Chen Kexin.
“Don’t tell anyone I am Ink Painting Guru for the time being.”
Chen Kexin was dumbfounded. “…. Oh, but why?”
She couldn’t comprehend that.
“I thought you wanted to fight for the Gu’s inheritance?”
If that was her intention, then the best way to achieve that was to show that she was more outstanding than Gu Wushuang and wrap up more individuals from the upper-class circle to be on her side!
“Silly, what do I want the Gu’s inheritance for?” said Gu Shishi with a you-are-so-naïve look.
