The growth system comes at the age of 30

Chapter 298 A Prodigy (4.7K)

"Could you tell me about Professor Xie?"

When choosing a gift, Chen Jingle consciously inquired about the retired professor he was about to visit from Li Beixing.

"Let me think about where to begin."

Li Beixing pondered for a while, then said, "Back then, I was still in elementary school. I came to the provincial capital for a visit and went to Nanjing Normal University. I saw a calligraphy exhibition on campus and had the idea of ​​learning calligraphy. It just so happened that Teacher Xie had retired. She was quite good at calligraphy, so my dad used some connections to find her to be my first teacher."

Ms. Xie was a very kind and approachable person. Although I wasn't particularly talented, she taught me very patiently. For the next few years, almost every summer I would come to the provincial capital to study calligraphy for one or two months. At the same time, I asked teachers from the affiliated high school to help me with tutoring so I wouldn't fall behind in other subjects. In the end, I applied to Nanjing Normal University for my college entrance exam. You could say I became very, very close to Ms. Xie.

This is a development trajectory that is completely different from that of typical test-takers in small towns.

Children from ordinary rural families like Chen Jingle have never even attended regular tutoring classes and rely entirely on self-study. How could they possibly expect teachers from the Affiliated High School of South China Normal University to tutor them?

However, Li Beixing's case is actually not bad, as he still follows the traditional college entrance examination route.

The truly impressive ones are those who have a 4+4 program or are admitted to top universities directly as international students without taking entrance exams.

"What about Professor Xie's family?" Chen Jingle asked again.

Li Beixing smiled and said, "Oh, she should still be living with her husband in the old faculty dormitory at the Normal University. As for her son, daughter-in-law, and grandson, they live in the Higher Education New Village. However, her son and daughter-in-law are not teachers at East China Normal University, but at the neighboring South China Agricultural University. When we visit Professor Xie this time, we will most likely run into her husband."

Chen Jingle nodded thoughtfully, and at the same time, the selection of gifts was no longer limited to the old lady alone.

After choosing their gifts, the two didn't take a taxi but instead took the subway directly to Huashi Station.

In the provincial capital, public transportation by subway is far more convenient than taking a taxi, unless there is absolutely no other choice.

Nanjing Normal University is not open to the public, so they need to register and make an appointment, but fortunately it's not too troublesome.

"Your school is very big."

This was Chen Jingle's first time entering Nanjing Normal University, so he was naturally full of curiosity.

This is the cradle of teachers in Nandong Province, and the highest institution of learning in the eyes of many Nandong students who want to become teachers. For example, nearly half of the teachers at Jiangbei No.1 Middle School come from Nanjing Normal University, and the other half are basically from Nanjing Normal College.

While Chen Jingle was looking at the school, others were also looking at him.

Although it was during the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, there were still many students at the school.

Moreover, teacher training colleges have always had a large number of female students. The male-to-female ratio at Nanjing Normal University is said to be 3:7, with female students making up 70%.

Men like Chen Jingle, with their striking good looks and mature yet youthful appearance, are irresistible to women of any age, let alone female college students.

Although Li Beixing held Chen Jingle's hand the whole time, she couldn't stop other people from staring and whispering.

Fortunately, she's gotten used to it.

"Yes, even the Shipai campus covers more than 1200 acres."

Li Beixing covered her mouth and chuckled: "Huazhong Normal University has everything from kindergarten to primary school to middle school and then to university. If you get a master's or doctoral degree and choose to stay at the university to teach, you can say that you'll spend your whole life at Huazhong Normal University."

Chen Jingle chuckled to himself.

For those who prefer a comfortable lifestyle, this is indeed a good choice.

"I heard the food in your school cafeteria is delicious?" Chen Jingle asked curiously as they passed by the school cafeteria.

He remembered that the school had a nickname: South China University of Eating.

That's a bit of a mess.

Li Beixing chuckled, "It's alright. Compared to other schools, the taste is pretty good, but the price isn't exactly cheap, considering it's in the city center, surrounded by various CBDs. It's just okay. I don't know if you have time today, but if you do, I can take you to try it."

"Okay, we'll see how things go."

Chen Jingle didn't take it seriously.

Curiosity aside, I wouldn't say I was amazed by a university cafeteria.

……

Chen Jingle finally met Professor Xie, whom Li Beixing had mentioned.

She had short, graying hair styled in soft curls and wore brown round-framed glasses—a typical look for an older, intellectual woman, exuding elegance.

At the same time, it's not the kind of aloofness that keeps people at arm's length; it gives people a very friendly feeling.

Temperament is somewhat related to knowledge, but it is not the deciding factor. There are plenty of female professors in universities with an "auntie" temperament, which is purely due to their family background and gentle environment. They look like they are not short of money or love and do not have to worry about all kinds of trivial matters.

Another important factor is having a broad mind.

The saying "your appearance reflects your heart" illustrates this principle.

"Teacher Xie, it's been a long time!"

Li Beixing happily hugged the old lady.

The old lady chuckled and replied, "It has been a while since I last saw you. I'm getting old, and my health isn't what it used to be. I occasionally have some minor health issues, which is why I missed your wedding."

"It's alright, as long as you're healthy. I've brought the person directly to you."

Li Beixing smiled and stepped aside to introduce the old lady: "This is my husband, Chen Jingle."

He then said to Chen Jingle, "This is Teacher Xie Nanyan, whom I told you about before."

"Hello, Professor Xie." Chen Jingle bowed slightly and greeted him politely.

"Good good."

Xie Nanyan scrutinized Chen Jingle closely, her heart filled with surprise.

Not only is he tall, fair-skinned, and handsome, but he also exudes a strong scholarly air, clearly having read a lot. At the same time, he is also neat and generous, without the slightest bit of restraint. All these factors combined in one person are extremely rare among the younger generation.

No wonder Li Beixing was willing to marry him.

Of course, appearance is only one aspect.

With her extensive experience in raising children and judging people, Mrs. Xie could usually tell what kind of person someone was just by taking a few glances.

The child's determined gaze indicates that he has experienced many hardships, but still believes in himself and the future.

A typical example of "one's will is unyielding and one's mind is not disturbed by a myriad of thoughts."

The problem is that judging from the other person's appearance, their family conditions should not be bad. If not wealthy, they should at least be able to live comfortably. What kind of hardships could such a person possibly face?

What exactly did they go through?
Xie Nanyan was a little curious, but she didn't ask any further questions; it was their private matter.

She had a good impression of Chen Jingle when they first met; he seemed like a reliable, polite, and down-to-earth young man.

……

"You're welcome to come, no need to bring gifts."

Xie Nanyan looked at the large bags Chen Jingle was carrying and said helplessly, "I'm just a retired old lady. I don't even have enough money to spend every month. What don't I need? Why do I need you to buy it for me?"

"It's just a small token of my appreciation, nothing expensive," Li Beixing said with a smile, holding the old lady's hand.

It's clear that she has a very good relationship with these calligraphy teachers who introduced her to calligraphy; she wasn't even this close to her grandmother before.

"By the way, where is Professor Lin?" Li Beixing asked curiously.

"He went out for a walk, don't worry about him. He'll come back for dinner when he's hungry." Xie Nanyan waved her hand. "Please sit down, I'll make some tea."

"Let me do it."

Chen Jingle quickly took the tea leaves and kettle from the old professor and began to brew tea with practiced ease.

"Not bad, young man. Your tea-brewing technique is quite skillful." Xie Nanyan was somewhat surprised.

Chen Jing chuckled: "Beixing's dad likes to drink tea, so I'm the one who cooks for him every time I go to his office."

Xie Nanyan smiled slightly and said nothing.

Children who proactively help with chores are naturally more likable.

At this moment, Li Beixing said, "Teacher, I brought you a piece of calligraphy this time. Could you please give it a critique?"

"Oh?" Xie Nanyan was surprised, then seemed to think of something and said with a smile, "Alright, let's see what kind of work you've brought."

Li Beixing grinned as he took a cardboard tube out of the gift bag, opened it, and took out the toilet paper inside.

This was written by Chen Jingle before she came.

"what?!"

Xie Nanyan unfolded it and was immediately surprised.

It is a couplet in running script: "Spring urges peach and plum trees to bloom all over the world; rain nourishes pillars of the nation throughout the land," written for a teacher.

But this character is extraordinary.

Clear and exquisite, with a refined and elegant style, rational brushwork, a relaxed and soothing atmosphere, and a strong sense of antiquity, it reminded her of someone.

Chen Zongkang of the China Academy of Art is no ordinary person. In today's calligraphy world, he is a representative figure of the "Two Wangs" school of calligraphy. His greatest characteristic is that while inheriting the traditional spirit, he has created his own unique style.

It wasn't much, just a few strokes, but it was enough; it surpassed the calligraphy of many Ming and Qing dynasty literati.

Liu Zhenhong, the vice president of the Shandong Provincial Calligraphers Association, also follows the style of Wang Xizhi and Wang Xianzhi, and is a student of Chen Zongkang.

But this work is a bit different; it feels more robust and refreshing, flowing and natural, somewhat reminiscent of Zhang Guiguang, whom she knew and who was also a professor at the School of Literature of the Normal University.

That person is also a formidable master, whose status in the domestic calligraphy and literary circles is considerably higher than that of Liu Zhenhong.

The problem is that, based on her understanding of Zhang Guiguang, it would be difficult for him to write at this level now that he is at his age.

In short, this work is quite extraordinary. While mastering the essence of antiquity, it has developed its own unique style. The ability to express individuality with such ease and freedom is something that few people in the contemporary calligraphy world can achieve.

Looking at the signature, it reads "Chen Jingle".

They were immediately taken aback.

"Amazing!"

Xie Nanyan exclaimed, "Truly, the younger generation surpasses the older, each generation is stronger than the last, very good, excellent!"

The gaze directed at Chen Jingle now held a mixture of amazement, admiration, and even respect.

She couldn't write characters at this level, not even in her entire life.

This is a difference in talent.

She remembered that around the Mid-Autumn Festival last year, Li Beixing showed her this person's work. Although the level was good at that time, it couldn't compare to now.

How could such great progress have been made in just over six months?
Incredible!

"You flatter me. I still have much to learn," Chen Jingle said with a modest smile.

Li Beixing asked with a smile, "What level do you think it can reach?"

"Any other works?" Xie Nanyan asked thoughtfully, wanting to confirm again.

"Is a photo okay?"

"of course."

"..."

Li Beixing took out his phone and showed her the calligraphy posts that Chen Jingle had written before.

After reading it, Xie Nanyan breathed a long sigh of relief.

Looking at Chen Jingle and then at Li Beixing, she chuckled and said, "I'm just an old woman with failing eyesight, and I'm not afraid of what others say. In my opinion, there aren't many writers in China who can write better than him."

That's her assessment.

To be conservative, and without exaggeration, there are only a handful of people in China who can reach Chen Jingle's level.

Although her achievements in calligraphy are not particularly high, she is still knowledgeable.

Just look at the Lanting Award to see.

There are young calligraphers who can be selected for the exhibition, but without exception, those who win gold, silver, or bronze awards are all a bit older, and there are not many under 40 years old.

This is already the highest calligraphy award in China.

Of course, the age of a calligrapher is not a standard for judging the level of calligraphy. Ultimately, we must return to the work itself and let the facts speak for themselves.

The truth is that Chen Jingle is really strong, ridiculously strong!

Li Beixing was delighted to hear this, even happier than if she had been praised.

As for Chan King-lok, although he was also very happy, he was much calmer.

He knew he was very strong, but he wasn't quite sure how strong he was exactly, and he didn't care to bother with it.

Anyway, you can make money.

……

Xie Nanyan asked Chen Jingle, "Have you joined the Calligraphers Association?"

"No." Chen Jingle shook his head.

Xie Nanyan then said, "Would you be interested in joining the Provincial Calligraphers Association? With your abilities, you are undoubtedly qualified."

She said this with a certain selfish motive.

Xie Nanyan was once a director of the provincial calligraphy association, but he resigned after retirement, retaining only his membership.

For various reasons, the calligraphy association of Nandong Province has not yet elected a president.

A major reason for this is the lack of a truly outstanding local calligrapher.

Electing a qualified president isn't difficult; the problem is gaining the respect of the members. Currently, there are too many people aspiring to the position, making the competition too fierce, yet no one is willing to concede to anyone else.

Many people can get into the national exhibition, but their skill level is just so-so.

There are plenty of people qualified for the National Exhibition.

The most qualified candidate is Wang Yong, who won the Lanting First Prize. However, there were more than one person who won the first prize back then, so the prize was not particularly prestigious. In addition, he is only an associate professor at the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts and does not even have a full professorship.

Once these two points were seized upon, no matter how much he fought, he couldn't advance and was ultimately only given the title of vice president.

Zhang Guiguang from the Normal University meets all the criteria, but the problem is that he is too old and at this stage he is engrossed in the study of ancient books and is no longer interested in these things.

Xie Nanyan hopes that the Southern East Provincial Calligraphers Association can find someone who can sweep across the land and suppress those evil spirits.

Right now, there is such a person standing in front of her.

A genius of unparalleled talent!
The problem is that Chen Jingle is really not interested in these things.

As is well known, although calligraphy associations and other folk art organizations are just such organizations, they are all mass organizations affiliated with the Federation of Literary and Art Circles, and their management personnel are basically civil servants.

For those who want to pursue a career in government, this is a good path.

A famous online novelist followed the path from the Writers Association to the Federation of Literary and Art Circles.

If you encounter a leader who appreciates you, you will be promoted from the Federation of Literary and Art Circles to other units, and from then on, your career will soar.

But, as I said before, Chen Jingle wasn't interested in any of that.

Wherever there are cliques, there are all sorts of petty scheming and despicable acts.

His personality is not suited to social circles, and he even seems somewhat resistant to them.

However, when faced with the old lady's question, he glanced at Li Beixing, who was also looking forward to it, and did not refuse directly.

Instead, after thinking about it, he said, "Joining the calligraphy association is fine, but I'm afraid I won't have time to participate in various association activities."

"Are you very busy? What kind of work do you do now?" Xie Nanyan asked curiously.

Chen Jingle said with a smile, "I am mainly responsible for custom calligraphy and painting for clients, as well as strategic development planning for Beixing's father's company, and I also write academic papers."

"You've got your hands dirty in quite a few areas," Xie Nanyan said in surprise.

Chen Jingle nodded: "Learn whatever interests you."

Li Beixing laughed and said, "He learns things very quickly, so naturally he learns a wide variety of things."

This made Xie Nanyan even more curious.

If Li Beixing hadn't told her, she would have found it hard to believe that Chen Jingle had only been learning calligraphy for less than a year.

What else could this person be but a prodigy?
But as long as they agree.

Xie Nanyan immediately laughed and said, "I'll recommend you to the provincial calligraphy association later. Then you can write another piece of calligraphy, and I'll help you submit it to the provincial exhibition. With your skill level, you can easily win an award. That way, you can join the China Calligraphers Association and participate in the national exhibition."

National exhibitions are difficult, but that's for the average calligrapher.

Ultimately, this country has too many people. Even if only one out of ten thousand people has a talent for calligraphy, that would still be 14.

In addition, there are too many greedy professional calligraphers who want their work selected for exhibitions. As a result, the selection rate for each national-level calligraphy exhibition is only about 1%-2%, which is about the same as getting into a 985 university through the national college entrance examination.

Even the submissions from the hundreds of members of the China Calligraphers Association's professional committee are not guaranteed to be approved.

Anyone who gets into the national exhibition must have a famous teacher behind them, or even more than one. Some teachers are judges at the exhibition themselves. With a lot of practice time, what can ordinary people compare with them?

but!

Xie Nanyan has confidence in Chen Jingle and in Chen Jingle's works!
Ultimately, calligraphy creation still depends on skill!
For any exhibition to attract more and more creators, it has to rely on quality.

Playing the game of social etiquette too much usually doesn't end well.

The best example is the Golden Horse Awards in the film industry.

(End of this chapter)