Chapter 1977

In the small square of the Central Academy of Fine Arts, several rows of chairs were set up in front of the stage.

At this time, the President of the Central Academy, Zhao Qi, Vice President Gu Zengquan, the deans of various departments, as well as professors and teachers, had all arrived as expected.

In addition, many young teachers from other schools had also come; they greeted the familiar professors and teachers from the Central Academy and took their seats in the empty spots.

As for the students, some had brought their own stools, but not many; almost all of them were standing, yet they could still see clearly.

It was only a few minutes until the scheduled time, and Zhou Andong had not yet appeared, which made the leaders of the Central Academy very anxious. If something went wrong and he didn't come, the Central Academy would truly become a laughingstock.

"Zhou Anqin!"

Liu Qili, the Vice President in charge of logistics, looked left and right, then waved at Zhou Anqin, who was standing on the right side of the stage.

Zhou Anqin saw him and walked over: "President!"

Liu Qili said gently: "The time is almost up, and Chairman Zhou hasn't arrived yet. There won't be any problems, will there?"

Zhou Anqin said softly: "He will not go back on what he has promised. Even if something has delayed him, he will rush over a little late."

"Good!" Liu Qili nodded: "Go back to your work."

Just as his voice fell, he heard cheers and shouts coming from behind him.

"Chairman Zhou!"

"Chairman Zhou!"

"Brother Dong!"

"..."

The calls of "Brother Dong" and "Chairman Zhou" rose and fell one after another.

Everyone turned their heads to look; the shouting was coming from the southeast direction.

Immediately after, they saw Zhou Andong's figure in the crowd.

Lan Huiying and Shen Yu were leading the way in front, while Zhou Andong walked and greeted the enthusiastic students around him.

They were all university students; while they were enthusiastic, they were absolutely not lacking in decorum, and the order had been very good the whole time.

Even if those in the back couldn't see, they were either jumping on their toes or stretching their necks, but there was not a hint of crowding.

President Zhao Qi, Gu Zengquan, Liu Qili, and other leaders, professors, and teachers all stood up.

"Chairman Zhou, thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to come to the Central Academy of Fine Arts to bring a wonderful lecture and sharing session for the students.

Your arrival has undoubtedly brought great encouragement to the students. As an outstanding entrepreneur and philanthropist, you have always won widespread praise and respect with your unique personality and entrepreneurial spirit.

Your talent and achievements are even more admirable. Being able to communicate with you up close and listen to your experience and insights is undoubtedly a rare opportunity for these young art students.

I hope your visit can stimulate the students' creativity and enthusiasm, and inject new momentum into their artistic journey..."

At this point, it was An Jing's home turf; she stood beside Zhou Andong and began to introduce him.

"Chairman Zhou, this is President Zhao of the Central Academy."

"President Zhao, you flatter me." Zhou Andong shook hands with Zhao Qi and said very humbly: "I am just an ordinary businessman who has done some things that an ordinary businessman should do; it's nothing special."

Except for An Congwen, the only one who had dealt with Zhou Andong was Gu Zengquan, but it was only a one-time meeting.

Therefore, their understanding of Zhou Andong was limited only to news reports.

The patriotism and the spirit of selfless dedication to the country and the people that he displayed were like the brightest stars in the night sky, brilliant and dazzling, making one look up to him with reverence.

His existence was not just the glory of one person, but the pride of the entire society. He used his own actions to interpret what true responsibility, commitment, and dedication were.

But, Zhou Andong was young after all, and these people had also walked through their own youth. To have such unattainable achievements before the age of thirty, he must be arrogant and conceited.

But seeing him today, it was completely the opposite of what they had imagined. Zhou Andong not only lacked any arrogance, but was also very humble and polite, giving them a feeling of being bathed in a spring breeze.

An Jing introduced a circle of people to Zhou Andong; by this time, it was already 4:20. Seeing that the time had been delayed so much, Zhou Andong could only apologize to everyone and then went up on stage.

The venue, which had been noisy, immediately quieted down.

Zhou Andong took the microphone handed to him by a male student: "Teachers, students, good afternoon, everyone."

"Clap, clap, clap..."

With the opening, thunderous applause rang out, lasting for a long time.

After the applause completely disappeared, Zhou Andong continued: "To be honest, when I received the invitation from the Central Academy, it made me feel a lot of pressure, and a little bit of trepidation.

Every student present is full of infinite possibilities and creativity. You are all future artists and scholars; you will use your talent and hard work to change this world.

However, I feel incomparable pressure. As someone who knows nothing about art, what qualifications do I have to stand on the stage of this world-famous art institution? What should I say to live up to everyone's expectations?

I feel deeply trepidatious because this stage is truly too big, and the vocabulary and expressive ability I possess are so limited. Facing such an occasion, I really don't know how to make my voice carry further.

Perhaps I could share some personal experiences, but would that resonate with everyone? Or perhaps I could talk about some views on art, but do I really have enough knowledge and insight?

Therefore, from the moment I received the invitation, my pressure and trepidation have never disappeared, and I have been thinking about what I could possibly say when I stand on this stage that would be worthy of your expectations."

Having said this, Zhou Andong paused for a moment and walked back and forth on the stage twice.

"On the way here, I was thinking about this question. Then, I saw an elderly scavenger pushing a three-wheeled cart loaded with a full load of waste.

Then, the wheel hit a pebble and jolted, and the waste on the cart scattered all over the ground. At that time, many people passed by the old man, but not a single person stopped to help the old man pick up the waste.

Just as I was about to walk over to help, a male student ran past me quickly and then helped the old man organize the waste bit by bit and put it back on the cart."

A smile appeared on Zhou Andong's face as he raised his hand and held up two fingers.

"Life has two answer sheets: one is the answer sheet of knowledge and skills, and the other is the answer sheet of morality and conscience. The male student made the right choice at the critical moment and handed in the most important one.

No matter how high one's culture is, it is not higher than kindness; no matter how beautiful one's appearance is, it is not more beautiful than a conscience; no matter how good one's talent is, it is not better than one's character.

Therefore, students, please remember that the value of life lies not only in pursuing success and fame, but also in becoming a kind person with a sense of responsibility. Let us take this male student as an example and use love to fill every corner of life."

Zhou Andong looked up at the sea of heads: "This male student is named Liu Gang, a student in the Sculpture Department of the Central Academy. Let's give him our applause."