Once they have it, they are filled with fear of losing it.
It seems there are always many uncontrollable emotions that insist on opposing happiness.
“Being punished?” Suddenly, a paper ball hit her head, and looking up, she saw Shen Mo standing on the stairs watching her.
The lively sharpness in the young man’s eyes pulled Hua Jie back to reality. She smiled at him mindlessly, not caring what he was doing or saying.
“Come here! That physics problem from last week, let me explain it to you.” Shen Mo stepped up one stair and gestured for Hua Jie to follow him upstairs to his study.
Hua Jie set down her water cup, as if ready to respond.
Shen Jiaru, who had just risen from the sofa, glanced at Hua Jie, then lifted his gaze towards his son, whose features were handsome and whose eyes were cool and distant.
Then, staring into Shen Mo’s eyes, he spoke:
“Come here! I’ll teach you how to mount watercolor paper.”
But his words were actually directed at Hua Jie.
“…” Shen Mo met his father’s gaze, his eyebrows slightly furrowed, his eyes narrowing dangerously.
Hua Jie looked from Shen Mo to Shen Jiaru.
Suddenly feeling like she was in high demand, she wondered what it was about her that made her so likable?
However, adhering to the principle of respecting elders, Hua Jie cheerfully said:
“I’ll learn paper mounting with the teacher first, then go upstairs to study physics.”
With that, she carried her water cup and trotted towards the studio, calling up to Shen Mo on the stairs as she went:
“I’ll be up soon~”
Her eyes curved into a festive smile.
She seemed utterly oblivious to the silent rivalry between father and son.
Zhao Xiaolei, sitting on the sofa watching TV, was already accustomed to such scenes. He gave a sideways glance and a smirk, then continued watching his show.
People say that artists are like children all their lives; well, the house was lively enough with four children—
And indeed, the Shen father and son were definitely the most stubborn, most arrogant, and the least yielding ‘children’.
…
Once the master and apprentice entered the studio, Shen Jiaru said:
“A mountain cannot harbor two tigers, and a house can only have one master. Already challenging paternal authority in adolescence, you little rascal.”
“Huh?” Hua Jie turned around, her eyebrows raised in confusion.
“Go to that rack, and bring over the green paper box,” Shen Jiaru, ignoring her reaction, directed her to work. “That’s arches watercolor paper I brought back from France last time, 300gsm with a fine texture, very useful. I’ll start by teaching you with that.”
“!” Hua Jie took down the paper box, and was momentarily stunned.
Wow!
Could it be so lavish?
Even 20 years later, Arches1Arches refers to a brand known for producing high-quality watercolor papers. Originating from France, Arches watercolor paper is favored by professional artists for its durability and ability to handle heavy washes of water without warping. It is made from 100% cotton, which gives it a strong, absorbent, and stable character, making it ideal for watercolor, gouache, ink, acrylics, and even printmaking. remains an expensive brand of watercolor paper, costing about 10 yuan per sheet at size 16, and just spoiling or soiling it accidentally could cause half a day’s heartache.
Using Arches for practice in mounting paper?
At this time, it wouldn’t be easy to even find this paper domestically, right?
She carefully took down the paper box, her eyes filled with reluctance—
Using Arches for practice, was she really worthy of it?
…
…
Outside the window, the cold wind howled and snow swirled.
With the sounds of ghostly cries and wolves howling, and the sky dark and earth dim, if not for the lively yang energy inside the house, Hua Jie would indeed be a bit frightened.
She placed the watercolor paper on a wooden board and then used a large, wide brush to wet the paper. After thoroughly soaking the entire sheet, she meticulously pressed out any air bubbles underneath,
making sure there were no bubbles left between the thoroughly wet paper and the board, before neatly applying water tape.
After drying in the shade, no matter how much water is spread on it, the paper will not wrinkle or deform.
Gouache paintings, because they use less water, do not require mounting, but the essence of watercolor painting is ‘water,’ and it cannot be done without mounting.
After Shen Jiaru taught her the essential techniques of paper mounting, he gave her three boards and a stack of paper, which she dutifully mounted and laid flat on the ground to dry in the shade.
Turning around, she saw the teacher had taken down an unfinished bottleneck painting from the wall and was comparing it thoughtfully with another he was continuing to work on.
After pausing for a while, she hesitated whether to randomly start a painting or leave to study with Shen Mo, when Shen Jiaru suddenly looked up.
“Are you done mounting2Mounting, in artistic terms, is a technique used to prepare paper or artwork for painting or display. When referring specifically to watercolor painting, mounting often involves stretching the paper so that it remains flat when the watercolor is applied. As watercolor paper can buckle or warp when it gets wet, mounting it on a rigid surface or using a method like wetting and then taping it down to a board helps to keep it smooth and taut as the artist works and as the paper dries.?” The man emerged from his contemplation, his voice a bit hoarse.
“Yes.” Hua Jie nodded obediently.
“Let’s see how it turned out tomorrow, come sit here,” he pointed to a chair next to him.
Hua Jie nodded and sat down with proper posture.
“Do you have plans for your future?” he asked. “I’ve guided many people throughout my life, but I’ve only really taught from the beginning, including you, four children. I will teach you everything I know, not only the skills to paint but also to succeed.”
“Likewise, I expect you four not to waste my efforts and to have a clear concept of where you want to go in the future.”
“…” Hua Jie thought for a moment, then pursed her lips and said:
“Teacher, what I said at the youth center is true, I want to apply to Tsinghua University.”
She smiled sheepishly, perhaps this goal might indeed seem laughable to her.
But having been reborn, whether she succeeds or fails, she had to try.
Since returning, she has been incessantly painting and studying, seizing every moment to catch up on lessons, solve problems, and memorize material.
Maybe in the end, Tsinghua will still be an unattainable dream, but… having strived and pursued it determinedly, not just idly wishing, she feels she has lived up to her youth.
“Also, teacher, I don’t want to apply to Tsinghua’s Academy of Fine Arts; I want to study Chinese Language and Literature.”
This was a goal she had set for herself after much thought and consideration.
“Oh?” Shen Jiaru raised an eyebrow, “Why?”
His other disciples were very clear about wanting to apply to the academy of fine arts, even having decided on their majors; why wouldn’t she want to?
“My foundation in sketching and quick drawing is quite solid, and I can also paint with watercolors and oils. The rest I can learn on my own.” Having already attended an art academy once, where she did not slack off and studied diligently, all that knowledge was still in her head. Why waste another four years relearning the same things?
“Throughout Chinese history, scholars have recorded many stories through text, encompassing myriad lives and countless emotions.”
“I want to immerse myself in these, to culturally enrich myself, elevate my aesthetic sensibilities and cognition on a spiritual level, and then nourish my art.”
“…” The smile gradually faded from Shen Jiaru’s face, the previous relaxation and playfulness swept away, replaced by a serious gaze filled with astonishment and admiration.
He never expected to hear such words from a girl just starting her first year of high school.
He indeed had high hopes for her, given her talent, he felt she should have lofty ambitions.
But he had not anticipated her to be so grounded, arranging her future so clearly.
“Why study Chinese and not aim for Peking University then?” he asked.
“Ah…” Hua Jie couldn’t help feeling a bit shy, “Because, after all, I’m not studying Chinese for the sake of studying Chinese; it all still needs to contribute to my painting.
“Tsinghua only recently established its academy of fine arts, which can also provide a lot of support for my painting.”
“Moreover, the number of students in Tsinghua’s Chinese department isn’t very large, but the teaching staff is excellent. I don’t need a competitive environment for studying Chinese; just a quiet place where I can concentrate on my studies and have the opportunity to interact with teachers would be best.”
As she spoke, everyone could feel that this was exactly the university life she had longed for.
Shen Jiaru looked at her sparkling eyes and her unintentional smile, and felt a pang of nostalgia for his own youthful days.
This child moved him, and his eyes brimmed with deep appreciation and satisfaction, his lips curving into a smile once again.
The usually aloof aura around Shen Jiaru softened greatly, becoming gentle and affectionate.
“Very good, ‘effort is found beyond the poetry.'” Throughout the day, he had several moments when he felt this child truly had great potential, like a rough gem, but the atmosphere was best just now.
They were in his most relaxing place, the studio, where she sat on a small stool, dutifully reporting her future plans to him.
He finally let his affection as an elder overflow, unable to contain it, feeling that as a mentor who would influence her life, he deserved some privileges. For the first time in his life, he extended his hand to a child in a gesture of kindness—
He reached out his precious right hand, used for painting, and gently touched her soft, fluffy short hair.
It felt soft, just like the fur of a small cat or dog.
“Since you have become my student and I am teaching you the skills of painting, it doesn’t matter if you don’t go to college.”
“As long as your skills and aesthetic sense meet my expectations in the future, I will naturally take you with me to participate in major domestic and international art exhibitions. I will also include you in my own exhibitions, so your future is nothing to worry about.”
“It’s great that you have your own plans and ideas, and I really agree with them.”
“However, this path will not be easy. Since you’ve made this decision, you must double your efforts, not only in painting but also in your academic subjects, without any slack.”
As he withdrew his hand, he regained the dignified aura of a teacher.
Hua Jie nodded, “I will.”
Teacher Shen not only did not ridicule her ambitious dreams, but he actually affirmed them!
“Yes, Shen Mo is very strong academically; if you have any difficulties or questions, you can always ask him more,” Shen Jiaru took the opportunity to praise his son.
“Yes, Shen Mo has been a huge help to me academically!” Hua Jie nodded sincerely, her eyes conveying her appreciation and gratitude for her outstanding and academically gifted desk mate.
“Good.” Seeing that his son and his student seemed to get along well, Shen Jiaru was very pleased.
It was rare for someone to be so patient with his son, truly a good child in his eyes.
“Go rest, and we’ll start from scratch with watercolor next Saturday.” He nodded at her.
“Thank you, Teacher.” Hua Jie stood up, bowing gratefully to him.
Grateful that even though he had no idea about her academic performance, he was still willing to encourage her to pursue what she wanted.
After bowing, she couldn’t help but smile at him, although the smile was a bit silly.
Shen Jiaru, facing her admiring and grateful sweet smile, felt gratified, but still forcefully maintained the serious image of a teacher, nodding reservedly with only a slight smile, not saying much more.
As Hua Jie reached the door and touched the doorknob, she suddenly turned back.
“Teacher, how will you charge tuition?” She asked, feeling a bit embarrassed to bring up money.
Her heart pounded, fearful that she might not be able to afford the tuition of the prestigious Shen family.
“…” Shen Jiaru paused, seemingly having never thought about this issue, and after a long pause, he finally said:
“No tuition necessary. Just focus on your painting, cook a few meals for us at home, and someday gift me two of your paintings. That will suffice.”
“…” Hua Jie was stunned. No tuition?
“During the winter break, a few students I’ve guided before will come to Jinsong City. We’ll all get together for a meal then,” Shen Jiaru smiled. “Starting from this age, only you four are my students in this manner of teaching; the others don’t receive this kind of treatment.”
In just a few sentences, Shen Jiaru sketched out a mentorship environment for Hua Jie that resembled a traditional school. She realized that studying painting with Shen Jiaru was entirely different from attending a commercial art class that just required a fee for a month of lessons.
He was taking her under his wing as if she were a younger relative, a kind of mentor-disciple relationship that would last a lifetime.
Her heart suddenly raced; looking at Shen Jiaru, she felt an indescribable mix of emotions.
He wasn’t acting on a whim, nor was he just casually taking on a student. He was assuming a responsibility, earnestly aiming to lead her to success, bringing her into his fold.
Going forward, her success wouldn’t just affect her but also him, as from today, she held a special status: the disciple of the top painter Shen Jiaru.
“Teacher…”
Should she… should she kneel down and kowtow or something?