Reborn as a great painter, with a system, you can be willful

In New York, the glass curtain wall of Morton's Beef Restaurant reflects the night lights of the Upper East Side.

In the spacious and luxurious box, Debussy's "Clair de Lune" was playing. Waiters were coming in and out. Various delicacies were arranged into decorative patterns on the long oval table. There was also a crystal sculpture in the center of the table.

Jiang Zhe, Miller Susanna are chatting.

Susanna's earrings flickered into a shadow. "I chose this song especially for the farewell party. What do you think of it?"

"Very appropriate. I don't know the rules of these banquets. Thank you for your advice." Before returning home, Jiang Zhe hosted a banquet for his friends in New York to thank them for their help and also to say goodbye.

"I'm just sending someone to help you. You don't have to worry about these things. Do you really want to go back to that country on the other side of the ocean?" Miller shook the cup slowly: "I'm still looking for a more suitable studio for you. There is a very good house, which is twice as big as your current studio."

Jiang Zhe unbuttoned a button and relaxed himself: "I have thought about it for a long time. After returning to China, I can find more creative materials and ideas."

"But there are more opportunities here, and the price of your works is steadily increasing. If you return to your country, it may be affected," Susanna also advised.

Many people didn't understand Jiang Zhe's intention to return to China, not just the two of them. Some of Jiang Zhe's classmates tried their best to stay. But Jiang Zhe was planning to go back when he had the chance?!

Jiang Zhe said: "I am back to China, but our relationship will not change. I will continue to cooperate with Christie's auction. So I will come to New York frequently, at least a few times a year, maybe one or two months later, I will come again. So, there is nothing different."

As they chatted, guests began to arrive.

Professor Kerry and Professor White pushed the door open.

Jiang Zhe went up to greet them. The two professors sat down and the banquet began.

Jiang Zhe enthusiastically reviewed his study life and thanked everyone for their help.

The words that expressed true feelings touched everyone.

The atmosphere of the banquet became more and more heated.

Everyone enjoyed the food and talked about topics of interest.

"Attending this party makes me feel as if I will see you again at Columbia University tomorrow." Kerry spoke to Jiang Zhe alone.

Jiang Zhe smiled and said, "I will come to New York often."

The old man said, "I know you must return to your country, so I plan to give you a gift that may be helpful to your development after you return."

He took out a document and motioned for Jiang Zhe to take a look.

Jiang Zhe took the information and said, "Thank you again for your concern."

As he looked at the information, his smile gradually faded.

"This is……"

"Some research topics still require outstanding talents like you. Are you willing to take the time to participate?" Kerry said.

After reading the materials, Jiang Zhe realized that this was Professor Kerry providing him with opportunities and help.

"Of course. Thank you. Your gift is very important."

"If you plan to find a formal job, maybe these things will be useful. But if you choose to be a professional painter, then these things are useless." I need this more. Professor Kerry said in a relaxed tone. In the eyes of others, this thing is very important. With his ability, it is not too easy to do this.

Jiang Zhe returned the information to the professor: "One of my works will be auctioned at Christie's in the fall. I will come to New York again when the time comes."

“I look forward to working with you again.”

Back in the box, several friends talked about their recent experiences.

In the previous life, the economic problems in 08 have arrived as expected in this life.

Among these friends, some were proud, while others were hurt. Jiang Zhe was glad that he had already bought the duplex mansion.

The banquet was over and everyone said goodbye drunkenly.

Jiang Zhe rushed back to the studio with the gifts given by everyone.

This is the last night of my stay in the studio. My parents are checking my luggage again and again.

Jiang Zhe opened the gift, cigars and a set of cigars, including a pure gold cigar cutter, which was a gift from Susanna.

A gold pen and a gorgeous set of stationery were Miller's gifts.
A pair of sculptural bookends, a gift from Christie’s Auction House…

"The last gift." Jiang Zhe thought of the information Professor Kerry showed him.

"Xiaozhe, go to bed early." Mother called Jiang Zhe.

"Okay. Rest now."

……

An art college in the capital.

The shadows of the sycamore leaves sway on the stained glass windows in the style of the Republic of China.

The college's top brass is reviewing the materials of the teachers to be recruited today.

When Vice President Lin Mo unfolded Jiang Zhe's resume, he saw nearly two pages of achievements and honors.

Of course, other competitors also have many honors, but Jiang Zhe’s honors are more valuable.

"I was invited to participate in the Kassel Documenta and received a doctorate from Columbia University..." Zhou Muye, director of the Oil Painting Department, adjusted his tortoise-shell glasses as the projector projected German information onto the screen.

He has seen it many times, and he is still moved when he sees it in this kind of occasion: "This work by Jiang Zhe is rated as the most subversive easel painting in the past decade."

Wu Yuan, a professor of Chinese painting, said: "I checked. His undergraduate degree was in oil painting and he graduated from Binhai Art College.

This school is similar to ours. According to our admission regulations, he still has a group of vacancies, so I suggest that he recruit him with the salary of a lecturer. "

Lin Mo used a magnifying glass to scan the patent column on his resume: "Not only awards, but also restoration technology." The lens suddenly reflected, "The documents and paintings he restored are now hanging in several museums. I suggest hiring him with the salary of an associate professor."

The Dean of Academic Affairs called up the encrypted review video: "He also participated in the São Paulo Biennial." Zhou Muye switched the screen, and Jiang Zhe's installations and sculptures appeared on the screen one after another.

When everyone discussed,
Wu Yuan suddenly sneered: "I think his oil paintings are gaudy! Fame cannot be used as a reference."

Everyone has different opinions on the recruitment conditions.

Lin Mo knew that someone had selfish motives, but he couldn't point it out.

The director of the personnel department suddenly interrupted: "Educational qualifications must also be considered. According to the "Regulations on the Certification of Teachers in Higher Art Colleges" revised in 2005, as well as the school's practice, I think a doctorate should be the basic requirement..."

The person who presided over the meeting saw that everyone was arguing and had no choice but to resolve it by voting.

The voting entered the final stage. After writing down his opinion, Wu Qing said: "We can't set this precedent! Back then, my teacher returned to China..."

"Your teacher is a well-known painter, an educator we all respect, and a respected old gentleman." Lin Mo said: "Now, we need more talents, Mr. Wu."

When the vote counting results were announced, some people were happy, some were silent, and some were indifferent.

"Write him back and give him a lecturer's salary." Lin Mo didn't want to see the people who opposed him. He knew that Jiang Zhe was going to return to China, so he called him early to hire him as a teacher in the college.

The two sides had been having a good discussion, but they did not expect this result.

Let's call again. By the way, Jiang Zhe should go to the capital first and try to meet and talk.

When the reply was sent to Jiang Zhe's mailbox, several companies were still considering recruiting...

early morning.

After having breakfast, Jiang Zhe and his parents began to prepare for departure.

Some items have been shipped back home, and some unused items have been given away or sold.

The rented studio has been restored to its original state as when I first arrived.

He packed his carry-on suitcase.

Xu Li took out a set of clothes and handed it to Jiang Zhe. "Take it with you. Wear it on the plane." Jiang Zhe said, "Mom, it's summer now."

"It's not hot on the plane, and we have to stay overnight, so we should prepare more." Xu Li insisted.

"Take it." Jiang Yi said, "Is there any news about his son's job?" Ever since he knew his son was going back to China, he began to worry about his son's job.

Although his son can sell paintings, the old man feels that having a stable and decent job is more reassuring.

Jiang Zhe said, "I haven't replied yet. I'll tell you when I get back. Are you still worried that I won't have food to eat?"

Jiang Yi didn't want to put pressure on his son.

Xu Li went to throw away the newspaper, and when she came back, she said, "Xiaozhe, it's a good thing you sold your previous house. I saw many newspapers saying that the house prices here have dropped."

"Can you understand English?" Jiang Yi was surprised.

Xu Li said, "I asked Xiaozhe to read it for me. How about it? Is it not okay?"

"Okay, okay." Jiang Yi responded helplessly.

He was aroused by his wife's topic. "Xiaozhe, you sold the duplex house at that time. Did you see the financial danger or did someone give you advice?"

Jiang Zhe said: "Neither. I saw the house price was rising at the time and thought I could make some money, so I sold it. The main reason was that I had already thought about returning to China at that time, so there was no need to keep a house."

"Fortunately." Jiang Yi and his wife felt a little scared.

Sunlight shone through the window, and Jiang Zhe took a final look around the room filled with the aroma of turpentine. In a trance, he saw himself writing research topics here; arguing with classmates from various countries about a topic; and completing the work with the highest auction price so far.

"Mom and Dad, let's go." Jiang Zhe lifted the heaviest box, his knuckles turning white from the effort.

Jiang Yi and his wife have been waiting for their son silently.

The family of three turned around and went out.

Jiang Zhe handed the key to the manager.

"Have a nice trip, Mr. Jiang."

"Thank you, take care, and goodbye."

The three of them walked to the street and took a taxi.

Jiang Zhe looked back at the studio where he had lived for a year.

Every little bit comes to mind.

In the taxi, Jiang Zhe looked at the street scenery through the window.

The taxi passed through Washington Square, and Jiang Zhe stared at the energetic children in a trance. A blond young man was carrying the same paint box as he had back then, with paint tubes sticking out of the side pockets, shining cobalt blue in the morning sun.

Xu Li patted Jiang Zhe's shoulder from behind.

The warmth in the palm of your hand conveys silent love: whether in Manhattan or on the coast, the harbor of home is always lit with warm lights.

"Your uncle Zhou said that the Art College is going to expand the young teachers' apartments this year." Xu Li couldn't help but bring up her work. "Also, Binhai University of Science and Technology is going to add an art major...

Jiang Zhe retracted his gaze and turned to answer: "Mom, I received several emails yesterday." He paused, "But I want to go back to China to rest for a while. In addition, I have been unable to create recently because of graduation and moving. "There are still a few works that need to be completed as soon as possible."

Jiang Yi patted Xu Li's arm, indicating that she should not talk about this topic anymore.

Arrived at the airport and boarded the plane smoothly.

The plane started slowly.

Jiang Zhe looked out the window, silently bidding farewell to countless New York mornings and evenings. Next, there was the picture of life that was about to unfold.

After the plane took off, Jiang Yi and his wife discussed in a low voice where to go for sightseeing during their stay in the capital.

Jiang Zhe closed his eyes and pretended to rest, but actually opened the system page.

When the plane took off, I heard the system issue a prompt sound.

At this moment, he saw a long text prompt appear on the page.

Congratulations on successfully completing your studies in New York as planned and obtaining your doctorate degree.

During your studies, you have won many honors in the field of art, participated in many awards, and achieved good results. During this period, the price of your works continued to increase... A detailed transcript is listed below.

Jiang Zhe read the message patiently.

The second paragraph of the prompt gives the long-awaited reward.

To reward your hard work during your studies, the following rewards may be issued after systematic and comprehensive calculation.

Reward 1. Funds: 500 million yuan. This reward can be accumulated and can be withdrawn through the following channels.

Reward 2. One chance to draw a skill.

Reward 3, one special lottery chance.

Reward 4. One chance to extract personal attribute points.

Reward 5, Special Reward - Choose a New Path of Development. A new chapter in your life is about to begin, and you can use this opportunity to make important choices.

After reading the reward items, Jiang Zhe immediately became interested.

The first four rewards were good and had all been obtained before, but the fifth reward was a new one.

The first four rewards can be accumulated, so don’t worry about them for now. He clicked on the description of the fifth reward.

You return to your country for development and face important choices in your life.

Option 1: Be a freelance professional painter, without any restrictions.

Option 2: Run your own business. Your investment has already paid off, and you may be able to achieve more success by choosing this path.

Option 3: Choose to accept the recruitment of a certain unit as your job. This option does not affect other careers, such as creation.

Tips: Every choice has benefits, but also challenges. Facing challenges and winning will bring more special rewards.

Jiang Zhe considered it again and again and did not make a decision in a hurry.

What he wanted most was to be a professional painter without being restricted by others. As for the option of running a business, he didn't want to worry about it.

The third option has no further explanation at this time.

He didn't really want to find a permanent job. After all, working for others in his previous life was hard enough.

Since you can make money freely, why bother to be restricted by others?

However, he thought of some of the system's previous rewards and challenge tasks, and realized that since the system gave hints, there must be some hidden benefits.

The system didn't tell me to make a choice right away, so I just waited.

The journey went smoothly and the plane arrived in the capital.

Jiang Zhe and his parents pushed their luggage towards the airport exit, talking and laughing.

I feel particularly at ease returning to my own country.

Jiang Zhe saw Wang Zhen, Meng Xi and several other friends waiting to greet him at the exit.

As soon as I got off the plane, I saw old friends.

very nice.

Jiang Zhe's face was filled with a warm smile. (End of this chapter)