Chapter 53

Chapter 54: The Finishing Touch

The Superior One

This was the term that Zhao Heng thought of. // Baidu Search: Read Novels

The middle-aged man nodded slightly, not asking about Zhao Heng's identity or background, and skipped the formalities. After Zhao Heng returned the gesture, he smiled warmly and greeted him: "I just heard a sigh from a classmate, seemingly filled with regret. May I ask why?"

The middle-aged man's gracious demeanor made Zhao Heng feel a good impression, so he responded without any reservation: "My sigh was just a spontaneous reaction. I was simply admiring how you paint with such ease, whether it's your brushwork, ink application, composition, structure, or touch-ups, all of which have reached the level of a master. I am truly in awe."

The middle-aged man smiled: "If so, why the regret?"

Zhao Heng stepped forward to the desk, looking at the eagle that had not yet been given its eyes, and sighed: "The sky is high, the clouds are light, and the eagle soars. This is a painting of grandeur. Uncle, your painting has a high sky, light clouds, and a fierce and domineering eagle, but it lacks a touch of grandeur."

The middle-aged man became interested: "Grandeur? What do you mean?"

Zhao Heng thought for a moment and organized his words: "The eagle in your heart is not just about survival, but about soaring high and feeling the sky is too low. Therefore, this eagle should not only be fierce but also have a grandeur that can swallow mountains and rivers. I believe you have thought about this, which is why you have not yet put the final touch."

"True friend."

The middle-aged man's interest in Zhao Heng grew even more intense, and he looked into Zhao Heng's eyes without blinking: "I never thought a student from Huahai could easily see through my thoughts. You are right; I wanted to express a grandeur that can swallow mountains and rivers, but no matter how I painted, it didn't feel right, and it lacked the grandeur."

He smiled helplessly: "So, I stood here for so long without putting the final touch, not wanting to waste my previous efforts or leave a regret. I am a bit of a perfectionist, so I often get stuck, especially when it comes to painting. By the way, where do you think the problem lies?"

Hearing the middle-aged man's words, Zhao Heng smiled lightly and thought for a moment before responding: "Painting skills are like a mountain, and painting intent is like the sea. One can climb to the top of a mountain, but the sea has no end. Uncle, your painting skills are already at the level of a master, but your painting intent is still lacking. Have you ever seen a real eagle soaring in the sky?"

"An eagle soars, and all things are like grass."

The middle-aged man shook his head: "I have raised two at home."

Zhao Heng smiled lightly: "That's the problem."

The middle-aged man smiled genuinely and said: "Classmate, please give me some guidance." He handed the brush to Zhao Heng and courteously moved away from the desk: "Since you can see through my thoughts and point out the problem, you must be a talented young man. Please give me some advice."

He asked humbly, without any airs.

Zhao Heng was very impressed by his humility. Seeing his sincere request, he stepped forward, held the brush, stood tall, and leaned slightly forward. He held the brush still, and as the middle-aged man focused, Zhao Heng quickly jabbed with his right hand, and the eagle immediately gained a pair of proud eyes.

There was no ferocity, only pride, a pride that looked down on all things!

Looking at the painting again, the middle-aged man not only felt the wind blowing and the clouds drifting, but the eagle also seemed to be roaring, as if it could break out of the painting at any moment. In an instant, the painting of the soaring eagle seemed to be infused with a soul, becoming grand and stirring the blood.

Condensing the killing aura of the sky, the fierce posture of the eagle on the wall!

The middle-aged man clapped his hands and cheered: "Excellent! Excellent!"

Zhao Heng gently placed the brush on the inkstone and looked up, smiling: "I hope I didn't embarrass myself."

When Zhao Heng was tired of playing with the fierce beasts in the mountains at Lujia Village, he would play with eagles in the sky. Before capturing an eagle, he had watched eagles soaring in the sky countless times, lying motionless on the ground, completely familiar with the eagle's form and pride. He once even caught a live eagle with his bare hands and rode it for several meters.

The middle-aged man held the painting of the soaring eagle and examined it repeatedly, praising it endlessly. Although 99% of the painting was his work, Zhao Heng's final two strokes elevated it to a higher level, truly a finishing touch. He looked at Zhao Heng as if he were a prodigy, raising his thumb in praise:

"Brother, not bad, not bad at all."

With just a few strokes, he could transform the ordinary into a masterpiece. Such a person is truly remarkable! However, he was curious why he had never heard of such a talented painter from Huahai University before. A person with such painting skills should have been famous long ago, but he had never seen this young man.

He became interested in Zhao Heng and asked:

"My name is Du Tianxiong. May I ask your name, classmate?"

"Zhao Heng!"

When Zhao Heng reported his name, he realized something: "Du Tianxiong?"

"Daddy, where have you been? I've been looking for you!"

Before Zhao Heng could figure out the man's identity, Du Ziyang ran over like a sprite, drawing the attention of many people around. Although Du Ziyang rarely appeared at Huahai University, her family background, beauty, intelligence, and the declaration of the Third Young Master Ding made her a well-known figure.

Daddy?

What a coincidence!

Zhao Heng never expected to meet Du Ziyang here, especially since it was unusual for a wealthy young lady to be in such a place. He also never expected the middle-aged man to be Du Ziyang's father. Realizing that the man before him was the famous Du Tianxiong, one of the three tycoons of Huahai, Zhao Heng's eyes showed a hint of admiration.

"Ziyang, are you done?"

The middle-aged man clearly doted on Du Ziyang, smiling and hugging his daughter: "Did you find any clubs you're interested in? Do whatever you like; young people should be more active. Don't worry about your mother or me opposing it."

"Thank you, Daddy."

Du Ziyang let out a string of silver laughter and then pulled Ding Lingling: "Lingling, girls need to learn to protect themselves. She suggested I join the Taekwondo club with her to stay fit and protect myself. Dad, can I go learn Taekwondo with her? Is it too rough for girls to learn martial arts?"

Du Ziyang clearly relied on her father, so her tone was a bit playful, making the many onlookers swallow their saliva. Du Tianxiong, however, was not bothered and pinched her nose, responding: "Silly girl, how can it be too rough? If you like it, go for it. Don't worry about what others think."

"Ziyang!"

Ding Lingling, who couldn't see Zhao Heng behind her, smiled warmly: "I already told her, and Uncle Du definitely won't object. I'll talk to my brother and put your name on the list. The Taekwondo club only accepts fifty new students this year, and once the spots are filled, you can't join."

Mentioning the Third Young Master Ding, her expression became slightly proud.

Du Tianxiong suddenly realized something and laughed: "I remember now. Jia Liang is a member of the Taekwondo club at Huahai University. That's good; you can train together, which will make me worry less and also improve your skills." Then he patted his head: "Right, let me introduce someone to you."

He suddenly pulled Zhao Heng, who was still looking at the painting, and introduced him warmly to his daughter and Ding Lingling: "Brother, this is Du Ziyang and her friend Ding Lingling. They are also freshmen at Huahai University." Then he pointed to Zhao Heng, smiling warmly: "This is a brother I just met."

He explained their acquaintance without any airs, showing no trace of his usual dominance: "I was painting here, but I couldn't add the finishing touch. Fortunately, this brother gave me some advice, bringing my painting of the soaring eagle to life. I've been painting for many years, and this is the first time I've met such a talented student."

"Zhao Heng!"

Before Du Tianxiong could finish praising Zhao Heng, Du Ziyang and Ding Lingling both called out his name. One was overjoyed, and the other was sullen. Du Ziyang was excited to see Zhao Heng again, while Ding Lingling was angry to run into him everywhere. Du Tianxiong was slightly taken aback and looked at his daughter and Ding Lingling:

"Do you know each other?"

Both replied in unison: "Yes, we do!"

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