Reborn as a comedic artist

Cheng Ming didn't give Lao Wang a chance to think and quickly unfolded the second painting - "Sitting on the Mountain Watching the Tigers Fight".

"Teacher, this painting has a deeper meaning."

Cheng Ming pointed to the tiger playing cards: "The tiger is the king of beasts, symbolizing power and desire. They don't fight, but play cards, which satirizes the current social competition's game-like and entertainment-oriented nature."

The "battle" is no longer about bloodshed and carnage, but rather an intellectual contest within the framework of rules.

What a heart-wrenching social metaphor this is! No matter how they fight in the end, their fate is still in their own hands…!

Cheng Ming didn't dare say what came next... it was something that could only be understood but not explained.

Old Wang opened his mouth, his teacup hovering in mid-air, feeling that his decades of artistic cultivation were being subjected to an unprecedented shock.

Next, Cheng Ming unfolded the third painting – "Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl".

"As for this one..."

Cheng Ming sighed, a hint of pity in his eyes.

"The dragon, the totem of the Chinese nation, lying on the ground playing marbles, is a call for the return of childlike innocence, while reminding us that no matter how high we fly, we must not forget our original aspirations, nor the land beneath our feet..."

After speaking, Cheng Ming took a step back, staring intently at Old Wang:

"Teacher, this is my artistic pursuit. I don't want to create art that's high and mighty in an ivory tower."

I want to create art that's down-to-earth and resonates with the masses. That video was a pebble I threw into the stagnant world of the internet.

Although it stirred up mud and sand, it also brought life...

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

The office was deathly silent.

The only sound was the humming of the computer's fan.

Huang Yuxi, standing to the side, listened in stunned silence, her mouth slightly agape, almost clapping.

She looked at Cheng Ming with disbelief in her eyes.

When did this guy not only become good at drawing, but also become a master of philosophical discourse?

The key is!

Even she, a graduate student majoring in media studies, thought it made a lot of sense.

This is not a self-criticism; it is clearly an academic defense on postmodern art!

Old Wang stared at the three paintings, then glanced at Cheng Ming, whose face was righteous and who seemed ready to sacrifice himself for art at any moment.

The CPU in my brain is running at full speed, and the cooling fan can barely keep up.

The art style is indeed abstract, even absurd.

But this explanation... why does it sound so sophisticated?

Moreover, as a veteran professor who has been working within the system for many years, Lao Wang knows better than anyone what schools lack most right now.

Lack of attention! Lack of traffic! Lack of a compelling promotional angle!

The attention garnered by that video, "A Prodigal Son's Return is More Precious Than Gold," was genuine.

In just one day, the number of views has exceeded several million. Although the comment section is in an uproar, popularity is money and popularity is resources.

If this attention could be transformed into positive publicity resources for the school...

Old Wang put down his teacup, cleared his throat, and the anger on his face subsided considerably.

Instead, he wore a complex, constipated expression.

"Although...although the form is still open to discussion, and the drawing style is...extremely wild, your approach is indeed quite novel."

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

Cheng Ming chuckled inwardly.

Stable.

As soon as Lao Wang starts talking about "new ideas," the matter is already half settled.

"but,"

Old Wang abruptly changed the subject, tapping his knuckles heavily on the table, making a "thump-thump" sound:

"Schools are places for teaching and nurturing people. You can do these things, but you can't overstep the boundaries!"

You say you want to set up a studio and need the school's support. What guarantees you can guarantee this traffic won't turn into a monstrous flood and damage the school's reputation? If something goes wrong, who will take responsibility?

This is what Lao Wang is most worried about.

As long as you don't cause trouble, everything is fine; but once you do cause trouble, it's a big problem.

Cheng Ming was prepared.

He pulled out a neatly folded A4 sheet of paper from his pocket.

That was a draft proposal he had secretly prepared, titled "A Plan for Building a Benchmark for University Cultural Output by Relying on New Media Platforms".

He racked his brains and used all his knowledge to come up with this plan.

In this world, besides ability, connections are also important.

As a student about to graduate, the only background he can rely on and depend on is naturally the school, so this draft can be seen as a precaution.

"Teacher, I'm not just here to ask for your support, I'm here to pledge my commitment." Cheng Ming handed over the proposal with both hands, his eyes resolute.

"By the end of the month, I will make the Sichuan Conservatory of Music's photography department the hottest art IP on the entire internet. If I fail to do so, or if I tarnish the school's reputation, I, Cheng Ming, will automatically withdraw from the school and will absolutely not cause you any trouble!"

These words resonated powerfully, echoing throughout the small office.

Old Wang took the proposal, glanced at the title, and then looked at Cheng Ming. His eyes held both scrutiny and a hint of barely perceptible appreciation.

Nowadays, students are either timid and hesitant, or they have high aspirations but low abilities.

There aren't many people like Cheng Ming who dare to think and act, and are willing to gamble with their future.

Even if someone is arrogant, they have the right to be arrogant.

Old Wang flipped through the proposal, although it was just a draft.

However, the content is well-organized, from content positioning and account matrix to monetization model and risk control, written in a very logical and well-reasoned manner, which is not at all like the work of an undergraduate student.

"Alright, leave your things here, and the painting... too."

Old Wang closed the proposal, waved his hand, and pointed to the three "masterpieces" that would make Leonardo da Vinci jump out of his coffin.

"These paintings are a bit abstract, but they're interesting. I'll keep them to ward off evil spirits."

To ward off evil spirits?

Cheng Ming almost couldn't hold back his laughter. He forced a bow and said respectfully, "Thank you for your appreciation, Professor! Then I won't disturb your work any longer."

"Get lost, get lost, just looking at you gives me a headache..."

Old Wang waved his hand impatiently.

Cheng Ming straightened up, gave Huang Yuxi a wink, and strode out of the office.

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

The moment I walked out of the office and closed the door.

Cheng Ming let out a long breath; his back was already soaked with cold sweat.

Despite his confident and eloquent speech, he was actually quite flustered inside.

After all, although Old Wang is protective of his own, he also has a notoriously bad temper. If he really makes a mistake, things could get really messy.

Fortunately, we passed the first hurdle.

"System settlement in progress...!"

Hidden Quest: Old Wang's Approval (Completed)

[Evaluation: In this clash between old and new ideas, you successfully won by using your unique art style and eloquent tongue, thus gaining Old Wang's favor.]

[Reward: Art Points +500]

[Host: Cheng Ming]

Art Value: 2000

Current Skill:

[Auditory Skills: Piano (Professional), Guitar (Professional), Vocal (Amateur), Percussion (Amateur)]

[Visual Arts: Photography (Professional), Painting (Professional)]

[Taste: Cooking (Beginner)]

[Physical Skills: Dance (Beginner), Acting (Professional)]

[Lifestyle/Other: Fishing (Beginner), Video Editing (Amateur)]

[Special Note: Skill levels are divided into Beginner, Amateur, Professional, Expert, World, Master, and Legendary.]

[System Shop: Now Open]

[Next mission refresh countdown: 124 hours, 32 minutes, and 14 seconds]

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