CHAPTER 370: 370. CONCERNS, SUGGESTIONS, IDEAS

The thought was so vivid in his mind that when Lian En said it, it was particularly heartfelt and resounding.

Hearing this, both Lianshan and Shuzhen felt a warmth in their hearts, and any concealed grievances dissipated like smoke.

Lianshan, who always played the loving father, was even more delighted, rubbing his hands together in joy: "Organizing your own solo art exhibition, what an honor! As your parents, we’re so proud to share in this glory, how could we possibly disagree?

From now on, your mom and I will be upgrading from parents of a young artist to parents of a renowned national artist.

No, for such a momentous occasion, Lian En, you must get tickets for the whole family.

We’ll be there to support you, give you inspiration, and bear witness to this precious first!"

"Yes, yes, dad’s idea is brilliant!" Lian Xi clapped his hands, the first to back up the suggestion enthusiastically. Of course, Xinzhi, Xinyue, and Xinqing were also eagerly looking forward to it, and even the little Lian Li couldn’t stop giggling.

Only Chenchen wore a gloomy expression, looking somewhat disgruntled.

All the sons, the same first-time experience, had coincidentally and secretly chosen to create a surprise by concealing it initially before revealing it later.

Yet, he himself would probably, most likely, inevitably face a scolding, while his elder brother, with a few flattering words, made everything clear?

Always admiring his elder brother, Chenchen naturally didn’t harbor any jealousy or blame towards Lian En.

He just got teary-eyed, feeling he needed to work hard and quickly improve this art called language.

It’s okay if he’s not as favored as his elder brother, what’s crucial is avoiding a beating.

Already a double talent as a young entrepreneur and a top university student, avoiding such loving discipline from dad would still be preferable!

Lian En, with a serious expression, looked steadily at his father.

Only when he saw the pure joy and anticipation in his father’s eyes did he relax and smile, affectionately taking Lianshan’s arm: "If you and mom could bring my younger siblings along, that would be best. The first time setting up an exhibition, I’m genuinely nervous. With the support and encouragement of my parents, master, and siblings, no matter how cold or unwelcoming the response, I won’t feel awkward or uncomfortable."

"Nonsense, you’ve won many awards over the years, and you’re somewhat famous in the domestic calligraphy and painting community. Just being a disciple taught by Mr. Wu Tong, you’re bound not to be ignored!

Humility is a virtue, but excessive humility is a lack of confidence.

Don’t learn the bad habits of your father, like belittling oneself unnecessarily," Feng Ju snorted, not forgetting to tease Lianshan while instructing his disciple.

After all, his disciple was always dear to him, and he couldn’t bear to say harsh words.

And yet the disciple’s father was annoyingly bothersome, more so than anyone else!

Feng Ju glared, refusing to admit he was being sour.

Even though his disciple showed various forms of filial piety to his foolish father, he was never lacking towards his master, was he?

Amidst the happiness of fatherly affection and filial piety, Lianshan was clueless, feeling like a victim out of nowhere!

Fearing the two would argue when brought together, despite being gentle and approachable separately, Shuzhen quickly asked her concern at the right moment: "The idea of starting a painting school to cultivate more talent in national painting is good. Nowadays, our country’s economy is developing rapidly, and people’s living standards are skyrocketing drastically.

Especially since family planning became a national policy, only children are mainstream in the future.

Having just one child inevitably means parents will spare no expense in enrolling them in classes like interest and specialty classes.

With Lian En’s reputation and skill, setting up and running this school well shouldn’t be difficult.

But relying solely on the exhibition’s proceeds to open a school might not be very appropriate?

After all, art is considered elegant and aloof.

If you abruptly link high art with money, chances are it might not work out and lead to malicious slander!"

In recent years, Lian En emerged as a rising star, growing rapidly and being hailed as the leading figure of the new generation of contemporary national painters.

With numerous accolades, he genuinely overshadowed many others.

A towering tree attracts the wind.

Seeing such a great opportunity before her eyes, Shuzhen thought there would be many fellow artists with less talent but strong jealousy jumping at the chance to hinder him.

Although it’s unlikely, if they knock him down, they could be the next beacon of light themselves!

People plotting harm for personal gain are not rare, historically and presently.

Sometimes, it’s better to prevent something from happening, thought Shuzhen.

Sharing the belief that their son was outstanding and bound to arouse envy, Lianshan hurriedly nodded: "Yes, yes, son, your mother’s concerns are valid. Let’s proceed with the exhibition without prioritizing earning money; the main goal is to promote art. If there’s a financial shortage for the school, isn’t that what your dad is here for?

Father and son, no need to be polite with your parents.

Whatever is needed, let your mom know; all our family’s finances are in her hands!"

Knowing his parents were fully protective of him, Lian En’s face was full of emotion: "Okay, dad and mom rest assured, if funds are indeed short, I certainly won’t treat you as outsiders. But truly, it’s unnecessary, I will coordinate these relations well.

When the exhibition is held, I’ll announce that thirty percent of the proceeds will be donated to support the education of out-of-school children in impoverished areas.

While doing good deeds, it also softens the smell of money with acts of charity.

I believe once this is done, no one will have anything to say about it. Even if someone does, it’s merely free publicity for me."

While saying this, Lian En paid special attention to his mother’s expressions. Seeing her change from worry to relief to delight, the long-standing suspicions and uncertainties in Lian En’s heart began to find answers.

After all, the idea of a charitable art exhibition came to him as an inspiration from those lengthy dreams.

Even when he first mentioned it, Master Lian strongly opposed it, thinking little of it.

He had to argue tirelessly for a long while before finally convincing him.

And now, with just a few words, his mother understood how it was going to work and was wholly relieved and no longer worried.

Besides being wise and intuitive, it seemed likely she had also seen or dreamed of similar events?

Lian En speculated, completely dismissing the idea of seeking confirmation.

The reason being, in the dream, that Lian Mingsi was too unbearable, and his parents and siblings led lives of admittedly extreme misery.

He didn’t want to add bitterness and sorrow to the present happiness by speaking of it; he just kept reminding himself to take heed and strive for a better, happier life for himself and his family.

To use the perfection of the current world to make up for the pain, sadness, and endless regret in those dreams.