301: He Doesn’t Want To

He Doesn’t Want To

The young man had not expected that the first piece of advice he would get from Yu Pingchuan would be the same criticism that he had received from Ning Li.

He looked over at Ning Li.

'It's the same…'

However, he had been a fan of Tree's Shadow for a long time and could not accept the criticism wholeheartedly, even if it was Yu Pingchuan who had given it.

He did not say a word but his expression said it all.

Yu Pingchuan glanced at him and knew what was going on in his mind.

"This is one of her old works, from two years ago. She was still an amateur back then. You can try to imitate her newer work."

The young man was shocked.

"Newer work? But, Mr. Yu, I thought that no new works have been produced in a long time."

He really wanted to see his idol's new work, so he had to seize the opportunity!

Yu Pingchuan had a quick glance at Ning Li and awkwardly cleared his throat.

"Er… She did paint something new recently, but it hasn't been displayed anywhere yet. Wait a little longer, and maybe it will be displayed here as well."

"Really?!"

The young man was over the moon upon hearing the news, and his eyes shone bright with excitement.

Yu Pingchuan was the president of Yunzhou's Painting Association, and almost all the previous paintings produced by Tree's Shadow had been sold and bid through the Yunzhou Painting Association.

Since the man had said so, the news had to be authentic.

"Mr. Yu, could you tell me when it will be on display? Will it only be for display or up for bidding?" The young man asked nervously.

It was difficult for fans to see paintings that Tree's Shadow produced because whenever it was displayed, rich collectors would purchase it almost instantly.

"Uh…" Yu Pingchuan was a little nervous.

"I haven't asked her yet. We'll discuss it later."

The young man was slightly disappointed but since it was not a total denial, there was still hope for him to see his idol's work.

"Thank you Mr. Yu for your guidance."

Pei Zhang noticed Yu Pingchuan's delighted mood, so he seized the chance.

"Mr. Yu, it's almost lunch time now. Why don't you stay and have lunch with us?"

Yu Pingchuan waved. 

"Thanks, but no thanks. I have an appointment and I'll be late if I don't go now."

Pei Zhang finally had to let the matter go.

"Let me see you out then."

Yu Pingchuan walked over to Ning Li.

"Let's go, Lili."

Pei Zhang took a good at the girl.

"Mr. Yu, I didn't realize you brought a junior with you today."

Judging from Yu Pingchuan's attitude, the girl had to be someone close.

Was she one of his relatives?

Yu Pingchuan laughed. "She's here in Jingcheng for a while, so I thought I would take her sightseeing. It's okay, you don't need to walk us out."

Yu Pingchuan then left with Lin Yaohui and Ning Li.

Pei Zhang looked at Pei Song.

"Song, do you know that girl?"

As they were coming down, Pei Zhang had seen Pei Song talking to the girl who was standing beside him.

Pei Song nodded.

"She's my classmate. She also attended the winter camp."

"I see. So… that means that she's from Yunzhou? What is her relationship to Mr. Yu then?"

Pei Song paused. "I am not too sure."

Yu Pingchuan was famous enough for Pei Song to know who the man was.

Before this, he had no idea Ning Li that even knew Yu Pingchuan. It looked like they were close.

Pei Zhang smiled and said, "It's rare to see Mr. Yu treat someone with so much care. Oh, by the way, what do you think about the exhibition? If you are not interested…"

"I like it," Pei Song said.

"Really?" Pei Zhang was a little surprised.

He had been concerned that Pei Song would be bored by the paintings.

Pei Song nodded and turned to that particular painting again.

A moment later, he asked, "What do you know about Tree's Shadow?"

…

Yu Pingchuan and company left the exhibition center.

He recalled what had happened inside and shook his head with a laugh. "What a coincidence. The boy imitated your…"

Yu Pingchuan stopped before he could finish.

"Too bad it's an old painting. If it was a newer one, it might have helped him more."

The corners of Ning Li's lips curved upwards as she followed beside him.

"I did not expect that as well. It's been a long time since I've seen that painting."

It was difficult for the common public to see the original painting since it was already purchased. However, the young man had still been able to imitate it. He really was a true fan.

"Speaking of the new painting, what are you going to do about it? Is it up for bidding?"

Yu Pingchuan suddenly switched the topic and sized up Ning Li's expression, anticipating an answer.1

Ning Li had been in need of money before this, so all her paintings had been sold. For this one however, Yu Pingchuan believed that the girl would not want to part with it.

Still, it was up to Ning Li to decide.

Ning Li shook her head. "It's not for sale."

…

"Second Master, I knew it. Elder Mei doesn't want to sell it."

The black Bentley slowly drove out of Jinsa Manor.

Yi Bin was trying to initiate the conversation with caution, but Lu Huaiyu barely reacted.

He had taken a long time to negotiate with Elder Mei in the room, but was unable to move the man in the slightest.

Yi Bin knew that Lu Huaiyu was determined to get his hand on that painting. Now that they were leaving empty-handed, surely...

"It's not that Elder Mei doesn't want to sell it," Lu Huaiyu said. "It's the painter."

"The painter? I thought all the painter's works were for sale…"

The earlier paintings had been available for sale. As soon as they had hit the market, Lu Huaiyu had gotten his hands on all of them.

It seemed like the painter had been in need of money at that time.

To his knowledge, Lu Huaiyu had offered an astronomical figure for this particular painting but still, he could not acquire it.

He had no idea what the painter was thinking.

As Lu Huaiyu looked outside the window, something caught his attention.

"Stop."

Yi Bin stopped the car.

"What's wrong, sir?"

Lu Huaiyu did not say a word. He stared at the people walking across the street with narrowed eyes.

Then, he turned around to the entrance of the residence.

'Jinsa Manor? Had Ning Li and Yu Pingchuan come to Jinsa Manor together?'

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