Regarding Zhang Yun'an selling calligraphy, Lin Jihe planned to ask her sister-in-law about it after work to find out exactly what was going on—why Zhang Yun'an had stopped causing trouble at home and was now selling calligraphy instead.
However, that day, her husband Zhou Changqing suddenly received a call from his elder brother, saying that his son Zhou Hailin wanted to organize a seventieth birthday celebration for their grandfather and asked their family to come over that evening to discuss the arrangements for the birthday banquet.
Zhou Hailin, the son of Zhou Changqing's elder brother, was much like Zhou Haiyang in that he refused to work steadily at a state-owned unit and instead dabbled in business on his own. However, he was a natural-born businessman. Riding the wave of reform and leveraging the Zhou family's connections, he had even expanded his business to Xiangjiang, making him the most accomplished among Zhou Haiyang's generation in the Zhou family.
Yet, Zhou Haiyang didn’t particularly like this elder cousin. He would rather struggle on his own, losing money with every venture, than learn the ropes of business under Zhou Hailin.
This had nearly driven his grandfather and parents to despair. They had tried both scolding and beating him, but Zhou Haiyang remained stubbornly independent, and no one could do anything about it.
The idea of organizing Old Master Zhou's birthday celebration had been proposed by Zhou Hailin. Although Old Master Zhou himself didn’t want any fuss for his seventieth birthday, he didn’t want to disappoint his eldest grandson's filial intentions and agreed to it.
"Haiyang, if you’re busy on the day of Grandpa’s birthday banquet, you don’t have to attend. Afterward, if there’s anything you fancy, just let me know, and I’ll buy it for you."
The entire Zhou family gathered at Old Master Zhou’s home to finalize the arrangements for his birthday banquet. Afterward, Zhou Hailin pulled Zhou Haiyang aside and said to him with a smile.
Zhou Haiyang smiled back. "Then let’s not wait until after the banquet. As it happens, there’s something I want right now. You don’t have to buy it for me—just give me the money, and I’ll buy it myself. I promise you, on the day of Grandpa’s birthday banquet, this good-for-nothing won’t show up to embarrass the Zhou family."
Seeing that Zhou Haiyang understood his hint, Zhou Hailin patted his shoulder approvingly and actually pulled out a wad of cash from his pocket, handing it to him. Then, with an air of brotherly affection, he returned to the elders.
Zhou Changqing, who hadn’t overheard their conversation, urged Zhou Haiyang to learn from his elder cousin.
As usual, Zhou Hailin readily agreed to guide his younger brother properly.
With money in hand, Zhou Haiyang sneaked out the next day after his parents had left for work, intending to support Zhang Yun'an’s business.
Unfortunately, Zhang Yun'an wasn’t there. Not only that, but at the spot where she usually set up her stall, he also ran into someone else who had come looking to buy paintings from her.
Although Zhou Haiyang wasn’t very familiar with this person, he could still recall his name—Wei Ming, who lived not far from there.
It was said that Wei Ming had also worked in a state-owned unit before but resigned to go into business after the reform and opening-up. Like Zhou Hailin, he collaborated with people from Xiangjiang in his business ventures. Besides business, Wei Ming had a passion for collecting antiques, calligraphy, and paintings, especially enjoying the thrill of finding hidden treasures at the stalls of antique dealers. Whenever he had free time, he would come around to browse.
"Comrade Xiao Zhou, do you know that Da Meng Guili?"
Zhou Haiyang was puzzled. "Who is Da Meng Guili?"
Wei Ming explained, "She’s the female comrade who was cheated by that antique dealer the other day. You said she wasn’t an ordinary person, so you must know her, right?"
When Zhou Haiyang bought Zhang Yun'an's calligraphy that day, she had signed it with her real name, so he had no idea that Da Meng Guili was an artistic name Zhang Yun'an later casually gave herself.
Upon learning that Da Meng Guili was actually Zhang Yun'an, Zhou Haiyang thought to himself that this artistic name was indeed very much like Zhang Yun'an—exaggerated to the point of being unbearable.
Perhaps fearing that Zhang Yun'an might have stirred up some trouble and would be targeted by Wei Ming, Zhou Haiyang didn't answer immediately. Instead, he asked in return, "Comrade Wei, what business do you have with her?"
Wei Ming replied, "I want to ask her for that Child-Granting Guanyin Portrait. I have a client from Xiangjiang who took a liking to the Thousand-Handed Guanyin I previously acquired from her. He heard from me that the person who painted the Thousand-Handed Guanyin also created a Child-Granting Guanyin Portrait and is very eager to acquire it. You might not know this, but people in Xiangjiang believe in these things even more than we do here."
Zhou Haiyang hadn't expected that Zhang Yun'an was not only skilled in calligraphy but also had her paintings recognized by Wei Ming. For a moment, his feelings were complicated. After all, just a few days ago, Zhang Yun'an was just like him—one a troublemaker at home, the other a spendthrift, neither in a position to criticize the other. Yet in just a few short days, Zhang Yun'an had made something of herself, while he remained stuck in place.
He initially intended to tell Wei Ming Zhang Yun'an's address, but then he thought of her reputation in the Military Compound. If they encountered a neighbor who spoke without restraint and revealed her past in front of Wei Ming, a potential buyer, it might devalue her paintings. After some consideration, he said, "Her situation is rather special, and it wouldn't be convenient to take you to see her. If you're truly interested in buying, I can help you purchase it. You can come to my place this afternoon to pick it up."
Wei Ming agreed immediately upon hearing this.
"But how much are you planning to offer for that Child-Granting Guanyin Portrait?"
Just as Wei Ming was about to name a price, Zhou Haiyang added, "Actually, I came here today to buy a painting from her as well. If your offer is too low, and I happen to take a liking to that Child-Granting Guanyin Portrait, then don't blame me for snatching it away."
"Comrade Zhou, you must be joking. For those who don't truly need it, it's best not to casually acquire a Child-Granting Guanyin Portrait. As the saying goes, it's easier to invite a deity than to send one away. Once you bring it home, you must worship it properly. Besides, a young and healthy person like you probably has no need for a Child-Granting Guanyin Portrait."
Zhou Haiyang naturally had no intention of actually acquiring a Child-Granting Guanyin Portrait. On one hand, he didn't believe in such things, but more importantly, he was afraid that if he bought it, his mother might tear it up without even looking at it.
He had only said this to help drive up the price of Zhang Yun'an's painting. "You're right, but Comrade Da Meng Guili indeed has a profound background, and you must have also noticed her talent in calligraphy and painting. For someone like her, fame and recognition are only a matter of time. If you offer too low a price, it would seem like you're taking advantage of her current lack of prominence. When she eventually rises to fame, she'll surely remember it. Let me tell you, she holds grudges."
Whether Wei Ming was afraid of Zhang Yun'an holding a grudge or simply aware that the price he had offered for the Thousand-Handed Guanyin was indeed too low, he said to Zhou Haiyang, "Thank you for the reminder, Comrade Zhou. Here is 100 yuan. Could you please help me ask if this price is enough to acquire that Child-Granting Guanyin Portrait? This is the highest I can offer at the moment. If it's not enough, then let it be."
Zhou Haiyang hadn't expected that a casual painting by Zhang Yun'an could equal someone else's monthly salary. He couldn't help feeling a bit envious, but in his heart, even if Zhang Yun'an wasn't particularly capable, she had at least saved his elder brother. She was certainly closer than an outsider like Wei Ming, so naturally, he would help her.
"Comrade Zhou, are you still unsatisfied with this price?"
Zhou Haiyang nodded. "Yes, given Da Meng Guili's skill, this price is indeed low. However, since she isn't famous yet, this price is reasonable. Anyway, I'll go ask her for you first."
Seeing him agree, Wei Ming said, "Thank you. If Comrade Zhou can get this done, I'll give you an extra 20 yuan for tea."
Although 20 yuan wasn't a huge sum for Zhou Haiyang, earning 20 yuan just for running an errand was a no-cost deal anyone would love. Besides, since he started his own business, he had only lost money and never made a profit.
After settling things with Wei Ming, Zhou Haiyang excitedly went to find Zhang Yun'an with the money Wei Ming had given him. Just as he arrived at the entrance of the Military Compound, he bumped into Zhang Yun'an, who was carrying a vegetable basket in one hand and a rolled-up newspaper in the other.
"Da Meng—no, sister-in-law, I need to talk to you."
According to the original host's memories, among Lin Shaoxun's younger siblings, apart from Lin Fengyi, none of the others had ever called the original host "sister-in-law," always addressing her by her name instead. Zhou Haiyang's sudden change was somewhat surprising to Zhang Yun'an.
"What is it?"
"It's not convenient to talk here. Let's go inside first."
With Zhang Yun'an leading the way, the sentry on duty verified Zhou Haiyang's visitor status and let him in.
After returning, Zhou Haiyang explained his purpose.
Zhang Yun'an hadn't expected Zhou Haiyang to help her sell a painting, and at twice the price of the previous one.
After seeing the unsold painting of the Child-Giving Guanyin, Zhou Haiyang looked at Zhang Yun'an in astonishment and finally said, "Sister-in-law, maybe you shouldn't go set up a stall anymore. Just focus on painting at home, and leave the selling to me. With your painting skills, setting up a stall is too degrading."
The young lady had resorted to setting up a stall out of necessity. Hearing his suggestion, she thought it was feasible. Although Zhou Haiyang was a spendthrift, he knew quite a few people in Jingshi. For instance, in today's situation, if the person who bought her painting hadn't known Zhou Haiyang, the deal might have fallen through. Even if it had gone through, it might not have sold for the price Zhou Haiyang negotiated.
"Alright. As long as you can sell them, I'll give you a ten percent cut for each painting sold."
Zhou Haiyang asked happily, "Really?"
"Really."
After saying this, Zhang Yun'an put away the 100 yuan Zhou Haiyang had given her and returned with 10 yuan, which she handed to him as his share for this deal.
Motivated by this, Zhou Haiyang immediately asked, "Sister-in-law, do you have any finished paintings on hand now? If so, I can take them to sell for you."
Zhang Yun'an asked him to wait and then went to the study to fetch another Beauty Portrait.
"Take this one to be framed before selling it. Also, if someone doesn't like this style, don't force it. Just bring it back to me."
Unexpectedly, upon seeing the Beauty Portrait of a woman dressed in gossamer, as if about to ascend to the heavens on clouds, Zhou Haiyang immediately said, "Sister-in-law, name your price for this one. I'll buy it."
Zhang Yun'an kindly reminded him, "Zhou Haiyang, this Beauty Portrait does look pleasing to the eye, but with my painting style, it may not necessarily increase in value. If you want to collect it, you might as well buy a few more of my calligraphy pieces—there’s more hope in that."
"To paint something that brings joy and delight to the viewer—what more could you ask for? When did you become so modest, sister-in-law? Anyway, I’m buying it. Name your price."
Seeing Zhou Haiyang’s expression, which was similar to those who had sought her paintings in her past life, Zhang Yun'an understood. Zhou Haiyang didn’t truly appreciate her painting style; he simply liked the beauty in the painting.
This painting was meant to test the waters, and Zhou Haiyang’s opinion held little reference value. So, she still asked him to sell it first, promising to paint him a better one in the future.
Seeing that Zhang Yun'an didn’t seem to be deceiving him, Zhou Haiyang could only suppress his desire to keep this Beauty Portrait for himself.
Since Zhang Yun'an wasn’t quite sure how much this Beauty Portrait could sell for in this era, she told Zhou Haiyang to gauge the buyer. If he encountered someone who clearly loved the painting and was wealthy, he could set a high price. Otherwise, he could use the price of the Guanyin Statue as a reference.
Zhou Haiyang assured her not to worry, saying he would definitely not sell it for less than the price of that Child-Granting Guanyin Portrait.
Before he left, Zhang Yun'an reminded him that, if possible, he should temporarily keep her true identity a secret to avoid the original owner’s reputation affecting how others viewed her paintings.
Seeing that she was on the same page as him, Zhou Haiyang naturally agreed.
Author’s Note: