Okay, Gao Jianfei wasn't in a particularly urgent need to complete any tasks, so he let it be.
The next morning, Gao Jianfei got up at 7:30 and started washing up. Then he chose a formal outfit for himself, tied a small tie, and left home with his artwork, looking quite professional.
This competition was held in an indoor basketball court in the flower market. No companies were invited to participate because the competition was not very commercial, and the only sponsor was Gao Jianfei himself.
Only all the students in Ma Junsheng's traditional Chinese painting training class, about 400 to 500 people, will come to participate and support their teacher, Ma Junsheng.
In addition, there are 10 well-known domestic painters, dozens of prominent figures in the art world, and a large number of judges and appraisers. There are also reporters from provincial and municipal television stations and newspapers, as well as some major websites.
Gao Jianfei hailed a taxi and headed straight for the indoor basketball court.
In the car, Qin Leshi had already called, "Jianfei, I took the day off from work today to come and cheer you on! I haven't called or texted you in the past few days because I was afraid of affecting your creative process. How's it going? Is the artwork finished yet?"
Gao Jianfei smiled and said, "No problem. The work has been approved."
"Okay!" Qin Leshi laughed heartily on the other end of the phone. "I'll wait for you outside the basketball court. We'll go into the venue together in a bit."
"Okay," Gao Jianfei replied, then hung up the phone.
When the taxi arrived at the basketball stadium, it was almost 9 o'clock. That meant the game was about to start.
Outside the basketball court, large groups of people had gathered!
There was a dense crowd of nearly 1,000 people!
Gao Jianfei even saw some reporters carrying microphones and cameras.
Gao Jianfei got off the car and quickly found Qin Leshi standing next to a newsstand.
"Jianfei, over here!" Qin Leshi waved to Gao Jianfei. Gao Jianfei smiled and jogged over.
Qin Leshi, who usually goes without makeup, wore light makeup today. Wearing a pink and white dress, she looked even more delicate and adorable. Combined with her sweet and innocent image, she resembled a pure snow lotus.
"Le Shi, you even took time off to come and attend this salon?" Gao Jianfei asked with a smile.
Qin Leshi smiled, "Yes. I'm quite interested in painting, and I'd call myself an enthusiast. With so many domestic painters and young artists participating today, how could I not come?" She gave a playful laugh, "Besides, I want to cheer you on! Hey, Jianfei, your painting looks really big, let me see it first!"
Gao Jianfei laughed and said, "Le Shi, I'll keep this painting a secret for now. We'll see it during the competition later. Don't look at it now."
Qin Leshi made a slightly exaggerated face at Gao Jianfei, then curled her lips and said, "Still pretending to be mysterious!"
Qin Leshi's action was truly adorable, making Gao Jianfei's eyes light up. A tender, affectionate look naturally shone in her eyes. Gao Jianfei didn't dare meet her gaze directly, so he pretended to turn his head away to look elsewhere.
Just then, Ge Chunhou and Ma Junsheng were seen surrounded by a large group of reporters, seemingly being interviewed.
Ge Chunhou and Ma Junsheng truly live up to their reputation as celebrities. Big names indeed. They handled the interview with remarkable ease and confidence! Keep in mind, they were facing dozens of microphones and recording devices!
Most people would probably be unable to speak clearly in the face of this kind of demeanor.
Gao Jianfei was standing not far from Ge Chunhou and the others, and his hearing was far superior to that of the average person. Therefore, he was able to hear the conversation between Ge Chunhou and his apprentice and the reporters.
"Teacher Ge, Teacher Ma, we are reporters from the provincial TV station. As influential figures in the Chinese painting world, why would you accept a challenge from an unknown painter? Can I interpret this salon competition as a challenge?"
"Challenge? Ha!" Ge Chunhou laughed. "You reporters love to make things up. What challenge? Do you even understand the meaning of a challenge? A challenge is a competition between two people of similar skill levels within a certain industry. As for that young man, he doesn't seem like someone who studies painting! Based on my social experience, he's just a rich kid. He's a wealthy person, bored, and looking for some entertainment. He sponsored this salon. Of course, his generosity and sudden inspiration have contributed to the painting community in G province, and even to the entire painting community in Z country! I have to thank that young man here."
"Oh? Teacher Ge, you mean that the young man doesn't know anything about painting at all, and it's just a way to kill time out of boredom? But isn't what he did a bit too pointless?"
Ge Chunhou smiled broadly again, “Everyone has moments of youthful impulsiveness, ignorance, and a desire to show off. You can’t simply interpret his behavior as a farce, nor can you look at him with disdain or ridicule! You should encourage him. Of course, when I say he doesn’t know how to paint, I’m speaking from my perspective. He may be able to paint, but he hasn’t reached the level of a ‘master’ or ‘expert.’ I’m not looking down on that young man; after all, he’s young, and in terms of experience, he’s not yet capable of creating a work that can sell.”
"Hello, Teacher Ge, Teacher Ma, I am a special correspondent from Southern Time and Space News. According to what you said, isn't this salon competition completely meaningless?"
"No, no, no. You're looking at the issue too one-sidedly. This time, I still had Junsheng complete a good piece of work. It's not about comparing him to that young man. There's no comparison. The main thing is that there are many famous artists attending the salon this time, and Junsheng is someone I personally mentored. He's talented, but a little green. Today, he can take this opportunity to learn from the many teachers here. Besides, aren't you reporters here for the famous artists and judges too?" Ge Chunhou was indeed very good at talking, and he spoke eloquently.
However, although his words did not directly satirize Gao Jianfei, they made it very clear that they did not take Gao Jianfei seriously at all! They just wanted to use this competition as an opportunity to increase their own popularity and exchange ideas with other masters in the same field.
They thanked Gao Jianfei for his "generous donation!"
This was indeed a blatant insult to Gao Jianfei.
Gao Jianfei couldn't help but feel annoyed... Damn it, those two idiots!
At that moment, Ma Junsheng, with his sharp eyes, spotted Gao Jianfei. He spoke with a hint of schadenfreude to the assembled reporters, "Reporters, that young man over there is the sponsor of this salon competition! He's the one who wants to compete with me in painting! Go over and interview him, ask him what his mindset is, what his true thoughts are! Heh, I think this is quite an interesting story!"
As soon as Ma Junsheng finished speaking, a large group of reporters carrying cameras, microphones, and recorders rushed towards Gao Jianfei.
In an instant, they surrounded Gao Jianfei!
"Excuse me, are you the investor?" a reporter soon asked Gao Jianfei.
Dozens of reporters surrounded Gao Jianfei, forming three layers inside and out!
Many microphones frantically crowded around Gao Jianfei.
Gao Jianfei had never encountered such a situation before.
Let alone Gao Jianfei, even Qin Leshi, who comes from a well-off family and has always received higher education, felt somewhat at a loss when faced with so many cameras and microphones.
Gao Jianfei took a deep breath. Fortunately, he had learned social etiquette from Zhong Haiyang, the duck. So, although he was nervous, his facial expression still looked quite calm.
“Yes, I am the investor,” Gao Jianfei replied with a smile.
"So, what is your purpose in spending millions, close to ten million, to host such a grand event in the art world?"
"Purpose? I think my paintings are pretty good, so I want to take this opportunity to promote myself. Is that reason sufficient?" Gao Jianfei asked bluntly.
"Oh? Can we interpret your behavior as hype? Like those internet celebrities and talent show contestants, doing something unusual to create hype? Perhaps you're a businessman who wants to use this opportunity to create some hype!" The reporter was very sensational and sharp.
Gao Jianfei finally understood why all celebrities were somewhat resistant to reporters. Indeed, some reporters' thinking and wording were quite tricky.
"Publicity stunt? Yes, it was indeed a publicity stunt, but I was promoting my own paintings, nothing else. I'm not an artist, singer, or model. I'm promoting my paintings! My paintings!" Gao Jianfei said, slightly annoyed.
"Oh? You really want to compete with Teacher Ma Junsheng?"
"If it's not real, then it must be fake! I'm not as bored as you think!" Gao Jianfei raised the scroll in his hand. "Alright, please make way, I need to enter the venue."
"You actually painted?" the reporters exclaimed in unison. "Could you please show us your work?"
"Keep it a secret! Keep it a secret for now!" Gao Jianfei pulled Qin Leshi and squeezed his way outside.
Just then, Ma Junsheng and Ge Chunhou squeezed in. They had also heard what Gao Jianfei had said.
Ma Junsheng deliberately spoke loudly, "Young man! So you really were just creating hype! Although I personally don't like this kind of attention-seeking approach, there's no doubt you succeeded! Look, so many reporters have come to interview you here. Your idea was actually quite good."
Ge Chunhou laughed too. “Young man, you provide the funding and then use our fame to create hype. We won’t belittle you, after all, you are the investor.”
"Ha, the match is about to start, enough chit-chat, let's go in." Gao Jianfei sneered. He thought that Ge Chunhou and his apprentice really loved to show off.
At this moment, a reporter suddenly had a bright idea and said, "Now that the two sides of the competition have met before entering the arena, could they take a group photo and then each say a word to the other?"
The idea was immediately endorsed by a large group of reporters.
Amidst the jeers of the crowd, Gao Jianfei and Ma Junsheng were forced to shake hands.
The camera flashes started clicking wildly. The video recorder and camcorder also started working at the same time.
"Do you have anything to say to each other?" the reporter continued to egg them on.
“Well, young man, if you have the chance in the future, you can come to my training class. I can waive your tuition.” Ma Junsheng said sarcastically.
“Teacher Ma, when it comes to painting, your skills may not surpass mine. You are older than me, that’s true, but in art, talent can completely defeat age!” Gao Jianfei had a disdainful sneer on his lips.
A faint smell of gunpowder permeated the space between the two.
"Hmph!" Ma Junsheng sneered, then squeezed out of the crowd and walked towards the basketball court with Ge Chunhou.
Gao Jianfei also pulled Qin Leshi along as they entered the basketball court.
The indoor basketball court has been converted into a meeting venue.
Around 800 painting enthusiasts sat in the surrounding stands. Most of them were holding digital cameras or taking pictures with their mobile phones.
In the middle of the basketball court, there were several rows of seats. A group of middle-aged men and women, with an artistic flair, sat there, chatting and laughing. In front of each table was a bottle of mineral water and a sign indicating their identity and name…
"Tian Ailin, a renowned painter in the province"
"Chu Kai, an expert in authentication from the Palace Museum in China"
Zhao Siwen, a renowned critic of traditional Chinese painting from country Z
Opposite these seats, there are several more rows of seats.
Secretary Meng, the Party Secretary of Huashi City, and Secretary Song, the secretary of the Huashi City Party Committee Office whom Gao Jianfei knew and who stood up for Zhang Liang last time, were also there.
in addition……
"Mayor Feng He of the Flower Market"
"Zou Yaobang, Deputy Mayor of Huashi"
Xu Jianping, Minister of Culture and Publicity of G Province
Long Ke, Chairman of the G Province Painting Association
This seating area is basically occupied by the leadership team of the Huashi Municipal Party Committee.
To Gao Jianfei's surprise, even some leading cadres from the G Province Party Committee were present at the scene today!
It seems this match was really taken on a grand scale!
At this moment, Secretary Song from the Municipal Party Committee Office came running over excitedly and said to Gao Jianfei, "Sir, your seat is over there. Please, please come with me." Last time, Gao Jianfei had been humiliated by Secretary Song, so this time his attitude towards Gao Jianfei was extremely enthusiastic.
He courteously led Gao Jianfei and Qin Leshi to a separate seat.
Ge Chunhou and Ma Junsheng were also seated alone in a seat not far from Gao Jianfei.
Ma Junsheng turned his head to look at Gao Jianfei, his eyes revealing a hint of provocation and unusual disdain.
Gao Jianfei weighed the painting of the Red Cliffs in his hand and thought to himself... This time, it's all up to you!
Chapter 151 This is the original!
Chapter 151 This is the original!
Gao Jianfei sat in one of the seats in the indoor basketball court, which resembled the "players' seating area." Qin Leshi sat next to him. Because she had come with Gao Jianfei, she was treated as part of the "players'" support group and received some special treatment, not being invited to sit in the audience.
"Jianfei, come on, come on!" Qin Leshi whispered to Gao Jianfei, encouraging him. In truth, she was starting to worry about him too... Today's situation was truly terrifying!
There were nearly 1,000 people in the audience! The judging panel was large, close to 100 people, and Qin Leshi had observed that some of them were frequently seen on television programs and in magazines. It seemed that the judges present were not just there for show, but genuine experts! A large group of leaders and cadres from the flower market and G province were also present!
Qin Leshi estimated in her mind that this should be considered the most grand and large-scale public exchange meeting at the flower market this year, right?
What worried Qin Leshi was what kind of work Gao Jianfei would present... Qin Leshi knew Gao Jianfei quite well. When Gao Jianfei first joined the Alice Planning Department, he was unsophisticated, with a strong rural flavor, and knew nothing.
Qin Leshi simply couldn't imagine what kind of artwork Gao Jianfei would produce! Subconsciously, she didn't believe Gao Jianfei could paint!
"Heh, Le Shi, don't worry about me." Gao Jianfei felt more at ease. He checked his phone; it was already 9:30!
The competition has officially begun!