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Chapter 28

After finishing lunch, Gu Nanyan followed Master Le to the study to view his collection of art.

Master Le was very fond of Gu Nanyan and eagerly introduced his collection to her, explaining the unique styles and techniques of various renowned artists.

Gu Nanyan listened attentively.

Her knowledge of paintings and calligraphy was limited to works before the Great Qi Dynasty. She had little understanding of the advancements and new genres that emerged in later eras, including the introduction of Western oil painting in modern times.

Although Master Le was a master of traditional Chinese painting, he had a great appreciation for oil paintings and had acquired works by many famous artists.

After the introduction, Master Le took a sip of water and suddenly asked, "Nanyan, would you be interested in studying painting under my guidance?"

Before Gu Nanyan could respond, Zhan Yiran exclaimed in excitement, "Ah! Does Master Le mean to take Sister-in-law as his disciple?"

The idea of Master Le accepting Gu Nanyan as his student was astonishing.

Master Le was the most renowned Chinese painting master of the modern era.

Zhan Yiran could hardly dare to imagine such an honor.

Le's Mother came to deliver some fruit and overheard Master Le's proposal.

She was even more surprised than Zhan Yiran.

Her father-in-law appeared genial and willing to offer guidance to young artists, but he had exceptionally high standards. He had not even accepted his own granddaughter, Le Xuanji, as a disciple.

Initially, she and her husband had pleaded with him for a long time, but Master Le refused to take on Le Xuanji formally.

Although he taught Le Xuanji painting, he was unwilling to establish a formal master-disciple relationship, insisting that their lineage had strict requirements for talent. He would rather have the lineage end than compromise his standards.

Yet now, he proposed to take on Gu Nanyan, an outsider, as his disciple.

Le's Mother felt conflicted emotions. She quite liked Gu Nanyan, but her father-in-law's refusal to accept his own granddaughter while offering to take on an outsider left her feeling uncomfortable.

Suppressing her complex feelings, she pushed open the door to deliver the fruit.

However, just as her hand touched the doorknob, she heard Gu Nanyan respond, "I'm deeply honored by your kindness, venerable sir, but my interest in painting is merely a simple enjoyment, akin to my appreciation for the breeze outside and the clouds in the sky. It is not a singular pursuit, nor do I wish to delve deeper into this path. I apologize."

Le's Mother nearly dropped the tray in her hands.

This Gu Nanyan had actually declined her father-in-law's offer!

Zhan Yiran was also dumbfounded, staring at Gu Nanyan in disbelief.

Did Sister-in-law understand what she had just rejected? This was the esteemed Master Le, the preeminent master of Chinese painting!

Gu Nanyan remained serene, showing no regret. If she didn't wish for something, she simply didn't desire it. She always followed her heart's desires and never wavered due to external factors.

So what if Master Le was the preeminent master of Chinese painting?

She simply didn't want to.

Even Le Chang was taken aback for a moment, never expecting Gu Nanyan to reject him. Countless people dreamed of becoming his disciple, yet Gu Nanyan declined the offer.

Le Chang found it amusing, but he wasn't angered.

The bond between master and disciple was a matter of fate. Since Gu Nanyan was unwilling, it meant they were not destined to have that connection.

Having lived a long life and witnessed many things, Le Chang had a broad perspective. He did not take offense at Gu Nanyan's rejection and instead invited her to visit the Le residence more often to discuss painting if she wished.

After chatting for a while longer, the elderly Master Le grew weary and needed to rest.

Once Master Le had retired to his chambers, Gu Nanyan and Zhan Yiran remained in the study, continuing to admire the collected artworks.

With only the two of them in the room, Zhan Yiran could no longer contain her curiosity and voiced her confusion, "Sister-in-law, why did you refuse Master Le's offer? That's Master Le! Becoming his disciple is a dream for countless aspiring painters.

Studying under Master Le would not only allow you to learn from his guidance but also gain access to higher circles and interact with many influential figures. Moreover, the status of being Master Le's disciple is immensely valuable and would greatly benefit your future career development."

Zhan Yiran listed numerous advantages, but Gu Nanyan's response was only four words.

"So what?"

Those four words left Zhan Yiran dumbfounded for a long time.

"Silly girl."

Gu Nanyan gently patted Zhan Yiran's soft head and asked softly, "Tell me, why did you initially decide to study painting?"

Zhan Yiran replied in a daze, "Because I wanted to be like Sister-in-law, able to create breathtakingly beautiful paintings with a single stroke, capturing landscapes and vistas on the canvas."

That feeling was truly awe-inspiring, and even now, Zhan Yiran felt her heart racing at the thought.

Gu Nanyan nodded. "You see, your initial motivation for learning painting was not to seek out a renowned master or to enter the painting circles. So why would you want me to accept Master Le's offer for those meaningless reasons?"

"Painting is a simple enjoyment, and through that enjoyment, we gradually improve. We seek out masters to learn from or discuss with fellow enthusiasts because of our love for painting and the desire to improve. As you become truly skilled, fame and fortune will naturally follow.

Yiran, remember this order. First, you must enjoy the art; then, you learn and improve. As your skills grow, recognition and wealth will come. However, if your sole pursuit is fame and fortune, then there is no need for you to study painting. You were born into the wealthy Zhan family."

Zhan Yiran felt as if she had been struck, left utterly stunned. It took her a long time to regain her composure and apologize, "I'm sorry, Sister-in-law. I had lost sight of my initial passion."

Gu Nanyan didn't say anything further.

Guiding others doesn't require excessive words; a simple nudge is enough.

Those who understand will grasp the meaning immediately.

As for those who don't, no amount of explanations will suffice.

This experience seemed to transform Zhan Yiran. She no longer analyzed the techniques used by renowned artists when admiring their works, no longer feeling smug when her analysis was correct or dejected when she was wrong.

Instead, Zhan Yiran began to immerse herself in the emotional resonance of the artworks, her heart stirred by their grandeur or moved to sorrow by their melancholy. She engaged with the paintings wholeheartedly.

She still analyzed techniques, but not with the sole focus on technique as before.

After Gu Nanyan's guidance, she had undergone a complete transformation.

Zhan Yiran still followed behind Gu Nanyan, secretly glancing up to look at Gu Nanyan's back, her heart surging with turbulent emotions that she couldn't calm down.

She felt so fortunate, so fortunate to have met the best sister-in-law during her most confused and rebellious years.

Her sister-in-law helped her understand her own heart, find the direction her heart longed for, and guided her to become pure.

She was truly undeserving of such grace, to have encountered such a wonderful sister-in-law.

She must have done countless good deeds in her previous life, to be rewarded with meeting her sister-in-law in this lifetime.