Chapter 30: Feelings Are A Burden
The two morning classes were both light and shadow painting practice.
Meng Shuyou was not in form, completely without inspiration, and painted several drafts.
The professor came over and asked, “Elara, what’s wrong, is there any problem?”
Meng Shuyou put down the brush, “Sorry professor, I haven’t found inspiration yet.”
The professor shook his head lightly and pointed out directly, “You haven’t calmed your mind.”
Naturally, without settling down, there is no imaginative space.
Meng Shuyou did not deny it, “Sorry.”
“Come to the office in the afternoon.”
“Mm.”
After the professor walked away, Winnie asked quietly, “What’s wrong with you, Yaoyao?”
Meng Shuyou sighed slightly, “No inspiration.”
“How did your interview go yesterday?”
“Not smoothly.”
Winnie comforted her, “It’s okay, keep looking, there must be a suitable one. Your major grades are so high, it’s just a mere internship, no problem.”
Meng Shuyou fell silent.
It wasn’t just because of the internship.
The homework for these two classes wasn’t completed, so she could only find another time to make it up.
The afternoon also had two classes, ending at four-thirty, and she went straight to find the professor.
The office door wasn’t closed, Meng Shuyou raised her hand and knocked twice, “Professor, you wanted to see me.”
He nodded to indicate, “Come in.”
Meng Shuyou walked to the desk and waited for the lecture.
She thought she would be criticized, but unexpectedly he just asked, “For summer vacation, are you going back home or staying here?”
“I want to stay here.”
The professor said, “If you want to intern early, you can go to R&C art gallery.”
Meng Shuyou was stunned, “R&C art gallery? Me?”
Where did she have the qualification?
She didn’t even dare to think about it. R&C art gallery was the private art gallery of portrait artist Madam Kasa. She never took students. Her personality was free and unrestrained, often traveling in various countries year-round, and the art gallery was always managed by her assistant.
The painting that Mister Pei bought last time was Madam Kasa’s artwork.
The professor explained, “Madam Kasa is my alumnus. A few days ago, she came to catch up with me. She saw your artwork in the office, thought you were malleable with spiritual energy, and asked if you would like to intern at her place.”
“Of course I would!” Meng Shuyou felt like she had been hit by a big prize, her mind dizzy, like she was dreaming.
“Alright, then I’ll reply to her.” The professor reminded, “But her art gallery is in New York Brooklyn District. You might have to rent a house there.”
Meng Shuyou nodded, “No problem.”
She didn’t lack money for now. The Meng Family cared about face and wouldn’t treat her poorly financially. Plus, she had received a scholarship at school, won bonuses from competitions, and saved up a small nest egg from her usual part-time job.
“Professor, interning at the art gallery can add credits, right?”
“As long as it’s stamped, it’s fine. But with your grades, whether you add these credits or not doesn’t matter.”
“I understand, thank you professor.”
–
New York Long Island rich area.
The manor covered over ten thousand square feet, adjacent to the golden coast, with lush garden greenery and extremely high privacy.
Upstairs terrace, Pei Yuzhou had just come out of the swimming pool, his body wet and dripping water. He grabbed the bath towel nearby and wiped casually.
After exercise, his muscles were still tense, vigorous and lean.
Mark handed over the mobile phone, “Mister, your telephone call.”
Pei Yuzhou wiped his hands dry and answered.
The other side was a woman’s voice, “The matter you entrusted me with is settled. The little girl has agreed.”
He replied indifferently, “Mm, thanks.”
“Not a big deal.” Kasa smiled, “Worth your effort to personally ask, looks like this little girl is not simple. I’m quite looking forward to meeting her.”
Pei Yuzhou not respond.
After hanging up, he went back to his room to shower and change clothes.
Today was Old Master’s seventieth birthday. Dozens of servants had started bustling early to prepare for receiving guests.
In the evening, guests arrived one after another.
Old Master was surrounded by a group of people in the living room.
Some younger generation members were sweeter-mouthed than others, with constant laughter.
Pei Yuzhou came down the stairs and went over to greet.
He was in a well-tailored suit vest three-piece set, with broad straight shoulder lines, upright figure, every word and action exuding the elegant nobility of a mature man.
Several girls on site stole several glances, their gazes not too obvious, frequently peeking with sidelong eyes.
Several other elders around Old Master’s age sighed.
“Mister Michael has such an outstanding grandson, truly enviable. Unlike mine, good-for-nothing, knows only to play around every day.”
“Exactly, with Kerwin here, Mister Michael can just enjoy his old age, no need to worry about anything.”
“We don’t have such good fortune. At this age, still have to manage the company and family.”
Old Master smiled helplessly, “I also worry about his marriage.”
People nearby chimed in, “He should get married. Just don’t know what kind Kerwin likes, any requirements?”
Pei Yuzhou said casually, “See if there’s chemistry.”
Old Master pointed to the girl on his right and introduced, “Kerwin, this is Old Mr. Kendi’s granddaughter Jenny, Oxford University graduation, just back from the UK, about to enter the family company soon. When free, you two can have dinner and chat.”
The girl showed shyness but spoke generously, “Hello Kerwin Mister, I’ve heard about your success in starting a business on Wall Street during school. I admire you greatly. I still have much to learn in finance, hope to have the opportunity to learn from you.”
Pei Yuzhou nodded lightly.
For Old Master’s face, he couldn’t refuse.
“I think they look very matching standing together. What’s that word in Chinese, proficient what girl?”
Someone who knew Chinese added, “Golden boy and jade girl.”
“Right right, that’s it!”
The housekeeper came to interrupt their conversation, “Old Master, dinner is ready.”
Old Master nodded, “Then let’s eat first, everyone take seats.”
The group moved to the restaurant.
A long table seating thirty, champagne-colored tablecloth laid out, tableware neatly placed, central row of candlesticks and flowers decoration.
Old Master clearly intended to matchmake, specially seating Jenny next to Pei Yuzhou.
During the meal, others deliberately steered topics to this young pair.
Jenny wanted to chat more with the man beside her, but he spoke very little, giving no opportunity at all.
–
Birthday banquet ended, guests dispersed.
Servants handled the aftermath, cleaning every corner spotless.
Old Master called Pei Yuzhou to the study room.
On the chessboard table, placed a diamond-encrusted chess set.
It was the one Pei Yuzhou bid at the auction last month, a birthday gift for Old Master.
Pei Yuzhou sat down to play a game with him.
Old Master fiddled with the chess piece in his hand, “What do you think of that girl Jenny?”
Pei Yuzhou moved the ‘pawn’ to occupy the center square, “Not too familiar.”
“I think she’s quite suitable for you.” Old Master said straightforwardly, “Family background, looks, personality, ability, nothing to nitpick. What do you say?”
Pei Yuzhou made no comment, only said, “No chemistry.”
Old Master moved the ‘bishop’ forward, eyes narrowing, “What kind would be chemistry, that girl from the art academy?”
Pei Yuzhou’s hand holding the chess piece paused slightly, “Arthur Mister told you?”
“Don’t worry about how I know.” Old Master said earnestly, “At your age, having females around is normal, but I must remind you, feelings are a burden, not worth your time.”
“Once you have a weakness, you’ll be pinched.”
He pointed at the ‘king’ in front of him, “To sit steady in this position, don’t fall for anyone.”
Pei Yuzhou stared at the chessboard, eyes darkening.
“Think about your mother, don’t follow her old path.” Old Master exhaled, “Jenny is very suitable for you. You can get to know each other first, and if it feels good, get engaged.”
