The Martial Artist Turned Movie Mogul-Chapter 724 - 723. The Phoenix Comes

Master Bai also frowned upon hearing this and looked at Professor Li with several shades of disapproval. What was Old Li thinking today, wasn’t this putting the young friend in an awkward position in front of everyone?

Feeling the accusing stares of the grandfather and grandson, Professor Li suddenly felt that his confidence was lacking. Maybe... he should drop it?

Just as he was about to speak, Brother Xue beside him laughed and took over the conversation.

"Look at what you’re saying, how could there not be enough time? Hasn’t the young friend painted on the spot before? I remember it took less than fifteen minutes, right?"

"Um... this?"

Bai Chenxi was suddenly speechless, what Grandpa Xue said was true, he distinctly remembered that indeed during a live broadcast, a painting was created on the spot.

But that didn’t mean that Sister Tang could paint one now, did it? What if she was prepared last time, but this time she wasn’t? Having studied painting with his grandfather for several years now, he was acutely aware of the difficulty of impromptu painting; it wasn’t something you could do just because you wanted to. Inspiration was also very important, wasn’t it?

Several judges seized the moment to chime in, "Exactly, exactly, we would also like to see the young friend’s work in person."

"There’s still half an hour before the competition starts, with the young friend’s speed it will surely be enough!"

Before Tang Shu entered the door, if the nine judges, based on their imaginations, thought "Surrender and Give" had some skill, the moment they saw Tang Shu, their previous perceptions abruptly faltered, leaving a few doubts.

Was this person truly "Surrender and Give," and not just a child pretending to be someone older for a lark?

In their own families, they had youngsters under twenty who, although outstanding under their strict tutelage, had not reached the level of someone like "Surrender and Give." freeωebnovēl.c૦m

You had to test to know the truth. If someone had been substituted, and it fell through during the competition, then their whole association would have to take the blame.

They had to give an explanation to the participating students, didn’t they?

Master Bai, seeing several people coming forward to agree, knew that they intended to give the young friend a hard time. Just as he was about to sternly reprimand them, he heard Tang Shu speak.

"Then this junior shall dare to make a fool of herself."

Tang Shu responded calmly, her eyes still clear, without a hint of panic.

Professor Li and the others, hearing the person in question’s firm reply, exchanged looks, their eyes gradually revealing deep meanings, while Master Bai’s gaze towards Tang Shu also became more spirited.

Was the young friend trying to prove her innocence?

What a clever child!

They knew that if Master Bai had spoken at this time, he indeed could have excused Tang Shu, thereby resolving the matter, but others might not be convinced.

Only by truly demonstrating her ability could she win everyone over completely.

"Good, good, good! I have long wanted to personally see the young friend’s painting. Go ahead, let’s have a look!"

Master Bai took advantage of the situation to ease the tension, providing a step down for both sides, and looked at Tang Shu with additional expectation.

Behind him, Bai Chenxi, harboring a grudge, had no other recourse as the die was cast. He hurried over, saying, "Sister Tang, let me help you!"

Hmph, these elders were too sly, all of them together amounted to several centuries of age, and all they knew was to give the younger generation a hard time.

How embarrassing!

Tang Shu glanced at him and smiled, "Thank you for the trouble."

Bai Chenxi, with swift efficiency, helped her lay out the paper and prepared the four treasures of the study. Together, they neatly unfolded the scroll of paper.

"Sister Tang, you have to do your best, I am firmly on your side!"

"Alright, I’ll do my best."

Tang Shu felt the kindness emanating from the little boy. With her right hand holding the brush, she looked at the blank paper before her and was silent for a moment, her mind already made up.

The next instant, the black ink danced onto the paper.

Since there were quite a few people in the office, some chose to stand by and watch, while others sat in their original seats, sipping tea and watching from a distance with composure.

No matter what everyone else was doing, they could hardly affect Tang Shu, who was immersed in painting.

As time went on, Professor Li, who had been quietly watching from the side, became more and more serious. His eyes were fervently fixed on the painting that was taking shape before him.

After ten minutes, Tang Shu left a few lines of text at the bottom left of the painting.

She set down the brush.

"It’s done. I am but a junior; please, elders, offer your guidance," she said.

As soon as Tang Shu finished speaking, Bai Chenxi, who had been assisting her by her side, puffed his chest out with prideful charm and stepped aside, while sneakily moving closer to Tang Shu.

"Sister Tang, you are truly amazing!"

His voice was so low that it was barely audible beyond a meter’s distance, and it felt like a whisper.

Meeting his admiring gaze, Tang Shu couldn’t help but smile. How could this kid be so adorable? Why was he just like her own cheeky little brother?

She couldn’t resist ruffling Bai Chenxi’s hair. "I’ve seen your work; you’re quite talented as well."

"Really?! I’ve only been studying traditional Chinese painting with Grandpa for three or four years. He often says I’m still green."

"Truly. Master Bai has high standards and excellent judgment. Among your peers, you’re already a prodigy. Given time, you’re bound to become a master."

Tang Shu was speaking the truth. Even in Damo, Bai Chenxi’s work was considered to be quite accomplished. Both his talent and insight were exceptionally high.

"You could even try entering the next National Calligraphy and Painting Competition."

"Really? Can I do it?" he asked excitedly.

"Yes, it is only by continuously honing your skills in adversity that you can best awaken your potential."

"If Sister Tang says so, then I’ll give it a shot in the next competition!" he declared.

While the two of them chatted away, Master Xue and others had already gathered around the office desk, a painting unveiled before everyone.

It was a Phoenix Painting, with four characters written in the bottom left corner in a style that resembled a dragon startling a phoenix.

[The Phoenix Comes]

"The Phoenix Comes?"

In the painting, a phoenix spreading its wings to fly was perched on the branch of a wutong tree that seemed to have grown for at least a hundred years. Its multicolored wings were still unfurled, carrying an air of disdain for the world.

Its slender and soft neck was beautifully curved, its back slightly arched like muscles formed from frequent motion, its brilliant tail feathers trailed like a flame, and it had the beak of an eagle and the grace of a crane;

The translucent red feathers contained regularly spaced white dots, and beneath the streamlined structure were streaks of gold, exuding an innate nobility and pride, while subtly revealing a majesty in its commanding presence!

"What a splendid painting!"

"Indeed, it embodies the presence of ’The Phoenix Comes’—"

The phoenix in the picture was both beautiful and majestic, as if ready to let out a majestic cry, with an aura that only the proudest dragon could match, symbolizing an untouchable and sacred authority.

"This artistic conception... it seems familiar, doesn’t it?"

"Indeed, it shares a similar genius with the landscape painting we saw at Master Bai’s home last time!"