Chương 87: Page 87

'I should go to bed early tonight...'

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P. S.: New author, new book, please give me some votes and tips!

Usami Mizuki harbored a glimmer of hope.

..............................

"Oh dear, it's already this late. Is Mr. Nohara still looking at that child's work?"

It's getting late.

As the sun sets, it gilds the sky with a layer of gold, and the gentle evening breeze lightly pushes away the twilight clouds.

A gentle breeze drifted in through the window, bringing a soft reminder.

Xiaoshan put down the documents in his hand.

I adjusted my glasses.

Looking at the clock above me, I realized the hands had already moved to six o'clock.

I glanced at the setting sun outside the window with some surprise, and at the now empty office.

Only Mr. Nohara remained, intently observing a huge canvas.

These enormous canvases, rarely used by most people, are being carefully erected on specially made easels.

Koyama remembers seeing Nohara's gaze almost never leave the canvas starting from 3 p. m.

'But I can understand Nohara-sensei...'

He got up and walked to the side of the canvas.

Xiaoshan looked serious.

I carefully admired the work of art before me.

The lines, as natural and free as a mountain breeze, outline a painting as captivating and eye-catching as the morning star hanging high in the night sky.

The seemingly random layout, the elusive lines, the boundless imagination…

Everything seemed unrelated, yet they were perfectly integrated, like jade naturally formed.

It's not about praising the complexities of life.

It's not that 07 is a theme that naturally possesses so-called artistry, such as expressing unknown inner sorrow.

The cultural festival is presented in a purely game-like manner, using only a "hero fights the demon" format to highlight the otherwise ordinary subject matter.

But that's precisely what makes it so moving.

We should not flaunt our skills simply because we possess them.

It does not utilize "art themes" that are naturally associated with art and are difficult to access and understand.

Instead, it uses "games," a method that the general public, or students, almost all know and enjoy, to serve the ultimate theme of the cultural festival.

In this way, even ordinary people who are not knowledgeable about art can feel the shock and charm of the art of naming.

Companionship and friendship, perseverance and hard work, trust and expectation, love and innocence...

This painting conveys a pure emotion that is almost only found in student days, or rather, in the innocent years of youth.

Even someone like Xiaoshan, who has already entered society and experienced many trials, can sense it.

Not to mention students who have not yet been tainted by the various social influences and whose minds still retain a large blank canvas.

In a trance.

The genuine and pure emotions of student days seem to emerge from the deep sea of emotions in one's heart.

Can't help but.

All of a sudden.

A hint of complexity and confusion appeared in his eyes.

Before he was even twenty, he possessed such painting skills and such genuine emotions.

Koyama could never have imagined that the person who could create such a painting was a student who was not yet an adult.

Do not flaunt your abilities, but show your pure heart to the world.

Painting can convey a person's temperament, pursuits, mind, and experiences.

Such works contain a subtle sense of returning to simplicity and can even directly convey one's emotions.

Xiaoshan only experienced this in some painters who were immersed in their own world, rarely active in the world, and almost unknown.

Back when Xiaoshan was in university, he was fortunate enough to be recognized and mentored by a professor who wanted to nurture him, which led to his visit and acquaintance.

Such a person is generally referred to as a master.

But Xiaoshan prefers to be called a painter.

It is not about gradually losing oneself in status, power, and money, where the painting skills remain but are merely for show, resulting in empty works and the loss of the original intention.

It's not that some masters, whose paintings are clearly no different from excrement, collude with certain media outlets to promote themselves and deceive the public.

It was simply drawing.

Just ordinary drawing.

Painters who simply create works that convey either good or bad messages to the public, but which have emotional significance such as enlightenment, instruction, encouragement, and warning.

Ogawa will not comment on the first two.

Everyone has a different definition of "drawing".

Xiaoshan didn't want to impose too much of his personal opinion on it.

But undoubtedly, Xiaoshan approves of the latter more.

And such painters...

...............

'It's right in front of me...'

Suppress the memories of the past that suddenly rose in my heart.

Xiaoshan's feelings were quite complicated at this moment.

Surprise, doubt, sadness, envy...

A flood of emotions welled up inside me, a mixture of feelings.

There was even a hint of admiration.

Xiaoshan felt as if a pathetic barrier had been erected between himself and the painter's work before him.

That is the barrier between geniuses and ordinary people.

Yes.

This was the only explanation Xiaoshan could offer in his mind.

To reach such a level of skill and achievement at such a young age.

Aside from being a genius, Xiaoshan couldn't think of any other reason to explain it.

of course.

This can be considered Xiaoshan's way of comforting himself.

After all, no matter how open-minded you are.

In terms of drawing skills, I was surpassed by a student whose learning experience I had never heard of.

Even Xiaoshan felt ashamed...

or……

'It's because Jiang Yuan is still young that he's so innocent...'

…………

A variety of emotions surfaced and swirled in my mind.

Ultimately, it all boils down to: "What an amazing child..."

It refers to the painting in front of you.

It also refers to the riverbank where the painting was created.

"yes……"

I heard a sigh from beside me.

Nohara also came to his senses.

I turned my head and glanced at it.

Only then did I realize that the office was completely empty and had become somewhat dimly lit.

'Are you engrossed in watching...?'

He murmured to himself, his mind filled with complex emotions.

Nohara couldn't help but sigh slightly.

"No matter how many times I watch it, I still think Jiang Yuan is a really amazing kid..."

The image of Jiang Yuan painting intently and focusedly flashed through my mind.

"But he should be a good kid."

"Good boy… I agree with Nohara-sensei's assessment."

Hearing Nohara's evaluation.

Xiaoshan was slightly taken aback, but he also smiled.

'A child who can convey such emotions through their paintings must be a good child.'

The glasses gleamed slightly in the dim sunlight.

Before Xiaoshan could say anything more...

"Thump-thump-"

"Ok?"

A sudden knock on the door startled Koyama and Nohara.

He then looked towards the door.

"Oh, it's Usami-san. Please come in."

"Ha... ha... sorry to bother you."

"That's great, Mr. Koyama is still here..."

Her voice was lively and clear.

With a light blue shoulder bag slung over her shoulder, she has a slender and beautiful figure, and a pure and lovely appearance, giving off the feeling of a well-behaved and cute student next door.

With her bob haircut, her smooth, dark brown short hair shone with a healthy sheen under the light.

Slightly out of breath, she leaned against the door frame, a hint of relief flashing in her clear, bright light green eyes.

"Did you just finish your club activities, Usami? You should rest for a bit."

Seeing the girl in front of him slightly out of breath and looking a little anxious, Xiaoshan also composed himself and asked with concern.

'She seems to be a member of the art club. I remember she's a second-year student, her name is Usami Mizuki.'

aside.

Nohara calmed himself down.

He shifted his gaze from Jiang Yuan's painting to the lovely girl in front of him, radiating youthful energy.

After thinking about it for a moment, I remembered.