New projects in various cities commenced with great fanfare. Jiang Ye inspected sites from dawn till dusk, visiting over ten cities daily on average.
Jiang Senlin studied painting at home, diligently replicating examples, one after another.
Although his appearance and most of his bodily organs were in an aged state, Jiang Senlin's cellular mitochondria were in a childlike condition. Children's mitochondria were far more efficient than adults', and most children possessed an anti-fatigue capability comparable to that of Ironman triathletes. Thus, when Jiang Senlin became engrossed in painting, he could produce twenty to thirty pieces a day without tiring.
Through repeated practice, entire boxes of paints were gradually used up, and Jiang Senlin's paintings underwent a significant transformation.
Just three days later, Jiang Ye returned home in the evening and saw this latest work.
The style had clearly changed dramatically.
Comparing it to his earliest works, it was almost impossible to believe they were by the same person.
It was a metamorphosis, a complete rebirth!
Jiang Ye didn't know the specific effects of this change, but he was certain his son was a painting prodigy. Style was something that most people found difficult to alter at will, yet Jiang Senlin had changed so thoroughly in three days. If this wasn't talent, what was?
He took out his phone, scanned the entire painting, and sent it to Shi Ningfu.
After waiting for a long time, Shi Ningfu replied with a string of shocked emojis.
Jiang Ye was pleased with her reaction.
Professor Shi, hailed as a "half-step master," was also dumbfounded by Jiang Senlin's skill!
Jiang Ye: "Teacher Shi, how is my son's painting? He practiced very diligently these past three days, using up a large box of paints, about twenty catties."
Shi Ningfu: "Your child's talent has once again astonished me. He's painting exceptionally well. We can conclude this first series of ukiyo-e style imitations. Starting tomorrow, we'll begin the second series. If he can imitate each series this quickly, he might become famous throughout the universe at such a young age. Do you have any plans for him to gain fame?"
Jiang Ye was startled.
Fame?
Famous throughout the universe?
If not for the fact that this teacher was introduced by Isabelle and her identity could be confirmed through extensive online research, Jiang Ye would have almost believed he was dealing with a con artist.
It was a joke; the child was still so young, not even old enough for primary school. How could he become famous? Even the story of Kong Rong yielding pears had to wait until he was seven!
Cen Yemeng happened to be passing by and saw her husband's shocked expression, so she came over to take a look.
After seeing the painting, she too was surprised, "Making our son famous? Isn't that a bit too fast!"
Jiang Ye directly relayed this thought to Shi Ningfu, "It's a bit too fast for the child to gain fame and fortune at such a young age, isn't it? And is his skill really up to par?"
Shi Ningfu's reply was quite firm: "As an industry insider, I can responsibly say that the art world is not a romantic and leisurely paradise, but rather a bloody battlefield where knives clash. The number of people entering the art circle each year is as vast as the fish in the sea, and very few survive. The ground before every canvas is piled high with corpses. Jiang Senlin's skill is entirely sufficient for him to gain fame, and he is an astonishing prodigy. We can leverage this as a gimmick for promotion, and his fame will skyrocket. Who wouldn't want to witness a miracle?"
Shi Ningfu: "If we allow the child to become famous now and establish a foothold in the art world, he can easily hold the title of artist for decades. However, if we don't showcase his talent now, and he loses his boundless imagination and soul-piercing brushstrokes as he grows older, he might never have another chance to become a painter. Cases like Shang Zhongyong are countless in the art world. Please consider this carefully."
Jiang Ye and Cen Yemeng exchanged glances.
As parents, they were both conflicted.
Two choices lay before them, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, and both would determine their son's future.
If Jiang Senlin became famous now, he would become an artist, but he would also be prematurely thrust into the worldly affairs, raised amidst the chaos of fame and fortune, without the childhood that other children should have, and with many unpredictable negative influences.
If Jiang Senlin did not gain fame immediately, he might lose the opportunity to showcase his talent forever, missing this chance for his entire life.
"Let's eat first. I need to think," Jiang Ye said.
Cen Yemeng nodded and took his arm as they went downstairs.
The dining table was laden with steaming hot dishes. Jiang Ye sat down and began to eat, his mind preoccupied with each bite. Cen Yemeng sat beside him, propping her chin with her hand, her beautiful long hair cascading down to cover her fair profile. She remained quietly silent, clearly also in a state of deliberation.
Halfway through the meal, Jiang Ye suddenly said, "I think I understand what our son's painting is about."
"What is it?" Cen Yemeng turned to look at him.
"His mother," Jiang Ye said. "Along with Whale Valley. It's the same theme as when he painted Isabelle, just with a different style."
"You think he painted me?" Cen Yemeng was taken aback. She took out her phone to look at the photo of the painting. "How can you tell? The background outline looks like a woman in black lingerie... I do have a piece of black lingerie like that, but there are many women who wear black lingerie, aren't there?"
"He's only seen you like that, and the hairstyle and face shape are too familiar. It's clearly you. The person who knows your appearance best in the world isn't yourself, it's the person who loves you. You can't see your own face, but I dream of you even in my sleep, so there's no mistake," Jiang Ye said. "Jiang Senlin's paintings have a strange magic. When he paints people, you can discern a certain aura. It was true when he painted Isabelle, and it's true when he paints you."
"That's wonderful. I want to keep this painting," Cen Yemeng said with a maternal smile.
"Have you decided whether to let our son become famous now?" Jiang Ye asked.
"I have. Have you?" Cen Yemeng tilted her head to look at him.
"I've also made my decision," Jiang Ye took a deep breath. "Let's announce our decisions simultaneously, using rock-paper-scissors. If you're willing to let Senlin become famous, show scissors; if not, show paper."
"3, 2, 1!"
They simultaneously revealed their choices.
Jiang Ye showed scissors, signifying his agreement for Jiang Senlin to debut in the art world immediately.
Cen Yemeng showed paper, indicating her refusal to let their son gain fame at this time.
"Oh dear, we spouses actually lack synchronization," Cen Yemeng pouted and glared at him. "This is the first time, the very first time, we have different opinions. We haven't even argued yet, have we? Should we try to have an argument?"
"Do you know what the common life struggles of second-generation children from powerful families are?" Jiang Ye asked.
"Being overshadowed by their formidable fathers?" Cen Yemeng pondered for a moment.
"Exactly. Men have a desire to prove themselves, but the second generation finds it difficult to achieve. Their fathers' careers are too successful and monumental, almost an insurmountable Mount Everest. The second generation strives hard, but no matter what achievements they make, people will always say, 'What capability does he have? Isn't it because his wealthy father paved the way?'" Jiang Ye said. "I have already claimed an entire planet, and with good luck, I'll claim a second. But Jiang Senlin will likely never have such an opportunity. His peak might be inheriting a planet from me. This is his fortune, and also his misfortune. Can you understand that?"