Jian Sheng looked at the young man wearing glasses blankly, not understanding why he suddenly apologized to her for no reason.
Once the initial layer of shame was broken, the words that followed came more easily.
"I'm sorry! My work definitely has many flaws. Grandpa is absolutely right; I was blinded by arrogance and couldn't see myself clearly. Your criticisms are all very pertinent, and I apologize for my previous bad attitude."
The bespectacled youth closed his eyes and shouted, "We all recognize our mistakes. We sincerely welcome you to join our studio and learn and improve together!"
His voice was so loud that people visiting the art exhibition nearby turned to look.
His earnest demeanor made Jian Sheng feel a little embarrassed.
After all, if they were to be counted by age, they were the "children."
Given her age, she could be their ancestor. It was indeed unbecoming of her to lose her temper over the exclusionary behavior of these "children."
Jian Sheng's ears turned red. She tried to maintain the dignity of an "elder," speaking in a childish voice, "Mhm, I forgive you. You are all good children. Those who know their mistakes and correct them are the wisest."
"Pfft!" Some people stifled their laughter.
"Hahahaha!" The old man squatted on the ground, clutching his stomach and pounding the floor. He was laughing so hard he could barely breathe.
Even the young men had expressions that were a mix of laughter and tears. They suddenly felt that having such a little junior sister might be quite good.
A staff member walked over, intending to remind them to keep their voices down. Gao Yunhai, who had been unnoticed, waved his hand at him. The staff member was stunned for a moment, then immediately recognized him as the organizer. He turned and left, casually pulling along a colleague who was approaching.
By this time, Jian Xiu Huan had briefly summarized what had happened.
Gao Yunhai was secretly astonished, and his mouth felt slightly sour.
What kind of monsters were this entire family?
It was one thing for the uncle to have outstanding talent, but the niece was an even greater marvel.
Jian Junyu: As expected of my niece! (Proud face.jpg)
After laughing, the old man, still clutching his stomach, used one hand to support his aching back and gestured for the refined middle-aged man to move the poster.
A door was hidden behind it!
The refined middle-aged man explained, "This is our studio's property downstairs. The organizers rented our space to set up the venue. We're also using the art exhibition to showcase student works and advertise our studio."
Jian Jun Ru asked curiously, "Does your studio actually have its own properties?"
The refined middle-aged man's gaze fell upon the old man, who was chatting happily with the little girl in front. "Our studio is rather unique; many people are eager to give us money and property. Since others are offering it, it wouldn't be right for us to refuse."
Jian Jun Ru was bewildered. What kind of studio was so impressive?
Jian Jun Yu sighed in his heart. Although his younger sister was smart, she had been away from the Beijing circle for too long, resulting in a significant information gap.
They would take it step by step. His younger sister's willingness to return to Beijing was already a good omen. With their darling Sheng Sheng here, he believed the family would not pressure her as they had in the past.
The old man hadn't recovered yet. He held his stomach with one hand and supported his lower back with the other, looking utterly spent from laughing. "Little darling, you are truly amusing. See, these little brats have apologized to you and are willing to put aside their differences to accept you. What are your thoughts? Would you be willing to join us to learn painting?"
Ahead lay a spacious courtyard, filled with various art supplies. A young man sat in the center, facing away from the light, painting something on an easel.
Sunlight cast a gentle glow on his profile, creating an image of serene beauty.
The old man walked over and kicked the young man's backside. "Get up, we have a guest!"
Everyone turned their heads away, unable to bear watching.
This old gentleman was indeed true to his nature.
However, as they drew closer, they saw that the painting on the easel was a wobbly, crooked giant turtle.
The young man rubbed his backside as he got up from the ground, his bright smile carrying a hint of impudence.
But upon seeing the unusually small figure of the little girl in the crowd, the young man looked at the old man with a strange expression.
"Grandpa, have you become so desperate that you won't even spare such a small child?"
He had always known that his grandfather had been adjusting the studio's admission criteria due to the declining quality of students in recent years.
The age requirement had been lowered from ten years old to six, with the reasoning that Grandpa feared talented seedlings might have their spirit extinguished by the misguided teaching of some cram schools.
It would be better for him to recruit a few spirited children himself and teach them.
But how old was this little girl?
Was she even six?
The old man directly ignored him and casually introduced, "This is my grandson, Cheng Qiye. He just started university and helps me manage the studio's operations."
Gao Yunhai recognized this person. Cheng Qiye had been present during the negotiations for the art exhibition venue. At the time, he had thought Cheng Qiye was merely observing and learning, but he didn't expect this young man to be the true person in charge.
"Ye Zi, help me register this little darling. Let her have a name in the studio first."
"Coming right up."
Cheng Qiye pulled out a paint-splattered notebook from among various paints and brushes.
Cheng Qiye: "Name, gender, age, and the time you can come to study at the studio. Please tell me all of it."
Jian Jun Ru: "Jian Sheng, Jian from 'simple,' Sheng from 'harmonious singing.' Female. I will be five in just over a month."
"What?"
Cheng Qiye almost dropped the notebook in his hand.
"Not yet five? So, you're only four? Holy crap, Grandpa, are you serious?"
The old man glared. He hadn't expected the little darling to be so young either.
She was only four. Good heavens, at this age, children were usually still in kindergarten!
He smacked the back of his grandson's head forcefully. "Hurry up and write it down! What's all the fuss about!"
To show such strong artistic talent at such a young age, shouldn't they seize the opportunity to bring her in instead of letting her go?
Age was worthless in the face of genius!
Jian Jun Ru continued, "As for the time, Sheng Sheng is free during this period. However, she will be starting primary school on September 1st. After that, she can only come on weekends."
Except for Cheng Qiye, who was unaware of the outside situation, no one else was surprised that Jian Sheng could start primary school at four.
She was a prodigy!
When a prodigy reached a certain level, they were talented in all aspects.
The time was still too short, and the old man was somewhat disappointed.
"What about after school on weekdays? Even if she doesn't come for training, she can come to play."
"The primary school Sheng Sheng attends is too far from here. It takes almost an hour by car."
"That's it?" The old man waved his hand grandly. "Which school does the little darling attend? We'll just move our location there."
The generosity was overwhelming.
When Jian Jun Ru mentioned Hongxing Primary School, a hint of surprise flashed in Cheng Qiye's eyes.
"We do have a branch studio in that area, primarily targeting students from Hongxing Primary School. Many of our teachers also work part-time at Hongxing Primary School."
"Alright, then the next training location will be there."