CHAPTER 80: CHAPTER 80: SELLING CALLIGRAPHY (THIRD UPDATE)

The walls were adorned with many famous calligraphy and paintings. On the table against the wall, a blue porcelain vase held many scrolls of artwork. The room was filled with the fragrance of paper and ink. Such an office could truly be called a study, unlike Zhou Jiren’s study, which was more of a guest room for entertaining visitors.

"Miss Bei has an extraordinary eye. Those three characters were written for me by a highly respected elderly gentleman who coincidentally is also here." Feng Yunzhang brewed a pot of tea and poured it for the two of them.

With his eyelids slightly lowered, Zhou Jiren asked, "The elderly gentleman you mentioned, could it be Mr. Wu?"

"That’s correct," Feng Yunzhang smiled, "I heard he came here to recuperate a few days ago, so I went to visit him."

"Why would Mr. Wu come here?" Zhou Jiren asked.

"This place is next to the mountains with good air quality. Mr. Wu is getting old, and his health has not been good. Many people in Beijing are catching the flu this season, so he came here to stay for a while."

Feng Yunzhang explained in detail, seemingly very familiar with Mr. Wu, and Beisitian detected a hint of boasting. It seemed that Mr. Wu must be an extraordinary person; otherwise, Feng Yunzhang wouldn’t feel so pleased just because he knew more about him.

Beisitian felt a surge of curiosity towards Mr. Wu, probably due to the script. The artistic conception in the characters was something she had also sensed in her mentor’s writing.

Yet, despite her curiosity, she wouldn’t go on a quest just because of a piece of calligraphy. Such an artistic conception comes with experience and age, although it differs for everyone.

"I’ve seen Miss Bei’s calligraphy. It’s indeed very impressive, especially for someone so young. You must be under twenty, yet your handwriting in semi-cursive script is so outstanding!" Feng Yunzhang commented.

The strokes were smooth, both firm and gentle, carrying both the elegance of a woman and a spirited vigor. It was truly excellent handwriting, and such quality could not be achieved without decades of practice!

Feng Yunzhang specifically mentioned Beisitian’s age, showing some doubt that she was the writer.

Mr. Wu was willing to inscribe for him because he believed he had the talent and his semi-cursive writing was exceptionally good at the age of thirty.

When he was twenty, his calligraphy was not even half as good as this piece. It wasn’t boasting, but achieving such skill, even with talent, requires time.

Beisitian smiled upon hearing this, "Does Boss Feng have ink and brushes here?"

Feng Yunzhang nodded with a smile, indicating that he understood her suggestion.

Once the ink and brushes were prepared, Beisitian set the paperweights, lightly dipped the brush in ink, and upon noticing "Frozen River," a poem on the wall, she started writing.

"A thousand mountains devoid of birds in flight, ten thousand paths with no traces left by man. A lone boat, a straw-hatted old man, fishing alone in the cold river snow."

The brush strokes were lively, flowing like water, and as she completed the poem, it felt naturally formed!

The handwriting was spirited and elegant, just like the piece Zhou Jiren showed him. It turns out this young lady really was the writer!

While Feng Yunzhang was looking at the writing, Zhou Jiren, however, was observing the person. His eyes were on Beisitian, and the serene and refined aura she naturally emanated while writing left him astonished beyond appearance!

This demeanor not only transformed Beisitian as a person but also brought a sense of calm to Zhou Jiren.

What mesmerized Zhou Jiren the most was her eyes, and in the shimmering light of those eyes, he saw focus. Beisitian’s concentration on her calligraphy was undoubtedly captivating, and her serious expression, her focused eyes, held his gaze on her, unable to look away for a long time.

"Forgive my oversight, I never expected that the lady would have such a high talent in calligraphy. Such achievements at not yet twenty are bound to lead to exceptional future accomplishments!"

This time, Feng Yunzhang’s admiration was heartfelt, and there was a sense of respect in it.

If Mr. Wu saw this young lady, he might also be moved by her talent.

"Boss Feng overpraises." Beisitian replied.

"Does Miss Bei have a price in mind?" Feng Yunzhang asked.

Beisitian shook her head and said honestly, "I’m not familiar with the market on this aspect. Boss Feng, please offer whatever you think is appropriate."

Since Zhou Jiren brought her, Feng Yunzhang never intended to undercut the price from the start. Moreover, given how well she wrote, he didn’t even think about lowering the price but considered raising it to win Beisitian’s favor.

"Miss Bei, the value of calligraphy and paintings relies on the name’s influence, which I’m sure you are aware of."

"I understand. Boss Feng, please state your price, and we can determine if it’s agreeable." Beisitian said.

The higher the name recognition of the calligraphy, the higher the price it sells for, which Beisitian naturally understood.

Upon hearing this, Feng Yunzhang thought for a moment and said, "I’ll offer you three yuan per character. How does that sound? Once your writing gains more reputation, we can raise the price further!"

Three yuan per character seemed reasonable.

Beisitian nodded, "Alright, but I’ll only sign a short-term contract, not a long-term one."

Feng Yunzhang paused slightly, "A long-term contract has several benefits. For example, we will display your work in the most prominent places, and there will be discounts on framing. If sales are good later, we might even frame it for free."

Beisitian smiled slightly, "I understand, but I’ll only sign a short-term contract."

Long-term contracts have a duration; although there are many advantages, the restrictions are considerable too. Beisitian barely needed to think to know that if she signed a long-term contract, there would definitely be requirements on the volume.

She always wrote freely, unwilling to be constrained, as restrictions would affect her state of mind and the quality of her writing.

Seeing Beisitian’s firm attitude, Feng Yunzhang felt a slight regret. Nevertheless, if she only signs short-term with him, she would only sign short-term elsewhere too. If they work well together, others won’t take her away.

The contracts were already prepared, and after reviewing it and finding no issues, Beisitian signed her name.

The matter was settled, and after buying some top-notch Xuan paper from Feng Yunzhang, Beisitian left.

She planned to visit Bao Niang Embroidery Workshop to catch up on the latest news. It happened to be on the same route as Zhou Jiren, but on the way back, she noticed Zhou Jiren seemed a bit silent.

"Does Mr. Zhou have something on his mind?" Beisitian asked casually.

Zhou Jiren turned to look at her, "Yes, would Miss Bei like to hear it?"

Beisitian was puzzled by his strange tone, "If it’s inconvenient, then I won’t listen."

Zhou Jiren paused and then laughed heartily; she really was an interesting lady!

They did not share much of the same route, and at the fork, they were to part ways. As Beisitian was leaving, she sensed his meaningful gaze, causing her to lower her eyes slightly. She glanced at Zhou Jiren; he was even odder today.

Consequently, Beisitian became more guarded internally.