NOVEL NEXT Chapter 51 - 51: Surprise
Chapter 51: Surprise
Translator: Henyee Translations
Editor: Henyee Translations
Chu A11 followed Gu Xiao’s instructions and sent the painting to the organizer of the exhibition, Han Tian’s house.
Han Tian was the most famous calligrapher in China. It was said that any one of his works could be sold for millions.
Chu An had sent it via Shunfeng, so it was delivered very quickly©. In the first place, Han Tian was in the same city as them.
Two hours later, at Han Tian’s house.
Han Tian was having a headache.
There were many children learning calligraphy now, so his room was filled with works sent by them.
As the exhibition was targeted towards teenagers, everyone was between 12 and 18 years old. Even if these children wrote very well, they only knew the basics.
Most importantly, although the exhibition was held in his name, he was not the only organizer. He was in charge of reviewing and evaluating.
However, there were too many works and the quality was indescribable. Han Tian even cut down on the submission time.
In his opinion, it would take too long to prepare. If he let a person practice a work repeatedly, he would not be able to see their true ability.
“No, no, this won’t do either.”
Han Tian let out a long sigh as he was buried by piles of works.
“Eh? This seems pretty good.”
His gaze inadvertently saw that there was a piece of work with very delicate calligraphy. It looked very elegant and lively. He nodded as he read. “Ji Yao? She’s 16 years old. To be able to write like this at this age, she deserves praise.”
Han Tian immediately placed Ji Yao’s work as the first prize.
Then, he began searching aimlessly again.
The more Han Tian looked at the works after he had seen Ji Yao’s, the more he disliked them. However, the overall standard was just so-so. Some works that were completely unqualified also won second and third prizes.
Knock, knock, knock.
There was a knock on the door. Han Tian knew that another new work had come knocking on his door.
He opened the door, took it from the courier, and set it aside.
He had too many things to deal with. He would look at this new piece later.
It was not until night time that Han Tian finished all his work. When he was eating, he suddenly remembered that he still had a work to look at.
He casually opened the package. After a few glances, his eyes widened and his breathing quickened.
“This… this!” He was so shocked that he could not speak.
He had never seen such a creative work. If calligraphy students like him were said to be imitating the ideas of the ancients, this work could be said to be the real work of the ancients!
This kind of writing and ability!
Han Tian held it and pondered for a long time, gaining a lot of insights. When he looked at the signature, he was stunned again!
He had forgotten that such a work was made by a sixteen-year-old girl!
“Gu Xiao… Gu Xiao…” He repeated the name for a long time and suddenly laughed out loud. Then, he made a call.
“Is it someone from the organizer’s side? 1 request to set up a special exhibition area. Yes, get another award too. The first prize is not the highest award. There is a child’s work that is too perfect.”
Satisfied, Han Tian hung up the phone and looked at the painting again.
Two days later, at the Ji residence.
“The results are out. First prize,” Ji Yao said expressionlessly.
“Already?”
“It was supposed to be two months, but for some reason it was brought forward. Apparently there were too many manuscripts being collected.”
“Is it the highest prize?” Mr Ji said lightly.
“…” Ji Yao was silent for a while before saying, “No, it’s a special prize.”
“Special prize? You used to win first place in calligraphy competitions.”
“I don’t know either. I heard that someone wrote very well. Even Teacher Han Tian felt inferior to him.”
“Han Tian is the most famous calligrapher. To make him feel inferior? It is most likely a fake manuscript,” Mr Ji guessed.
“I think so too. Let’s wait until we know who was awarded the special prize.” Ji Yao shook her head, not wanting to say anything else.
In Chu An’s small apartment.
“Dang, dang, dang! Chu An! Look, I won the special prize! There’s also a prize of 2,000 yuan!” Gu Xiao danced with joy as she showed Chu An her results.
Chu An smiled dotingly. “Okay- You’re the best.”
“Eh? There’s an invitation here?”
The notice was sent by email. At first, Gu Xiao only noticed the shiny special prize certificate. After taking it out, she saw an invitation letter inside.
“A special guest invitation?” Gu Xiao read it out loud.