Chapter 279: A Friendship Between Gentlemen

Everyone present clicked their tongues in admiration. Professor Qin asked, "Which piece do you all like better?"

Everyone said the "Song of the Youth" was better, more fitting for Su Xinghui's status, and more free-spirited. Only Ye Jinian preferred the "Autumn Evening in the Mountain Residence," saying it was more tranquil. This just showed their different personalities.

Su Xinghui said, "Teachers, don't just talk about me. I'm not the protagonist today. Take out your own masterpieces for me to admire!"

Qu Ziqing laughed, "Haha, young Su, you don't know this, but we hold this gathering every so often. Everyone is too familiar with each other, and familiarity breeds a lack of freshness. Having fresh blood like you join us is a form of encouragement for us. Of course, we have to talk more about you today."

Su Xinghui said, "I'd still like to see your masterpieces."

Chen Hanxiu said, "Alright, everyone take out your works."

Everyone took out their works, about two or three pieces each. Since their gatherings were frequent, these works were all new. The purpose of their gathering was to appreciate and sharpen each other's skills.

They were all famous figures in the Jiangcheng calligraphy and painting circles. Although Professor Qin wasn't a professional calligrapher or painter, his calligraphy level was no worse than many calligraphers. Their works, not being works of social obligation, were naturally top-tier.

Su Xinghui and Lu Xiaoya were dazzled and had their horizons broadened.

After looking at several paintings by these famous masters, Lu Xiaoya said, "Xinghui, don't you know how to paint too? When will you bring a painting for these teachers to give you some pointers?"

Chen Hanxiu asked in surprise, "Young Su, you know how to paint too?"

Su Xinghui said, "I paint just okay, certainly not comparable to you teachers."

Chen Hanxiu shook his head, "China emphasizes that calligraphy and painting share the same origin. Since your calligraphy is so good and you know how to paint, your paintings must be excellent. Bring a painting sometime for us to admire."

Lu Xiaoya said, "Xinghui's paintings are really good."

Lu Xiaoya just wanted to tell everyone about Su Xinghui's strengths and let everyone know.

Qu Ziqing laughed, "Since Xiaoya says your paintings are good, they must be. We'll wait to admire your masterpiece."

Su Xinghui said with some difficulty, "But I don't live in Jiangcheng!"

Qu Ziqing asked, "Then where do you work?"

Su Xinghui said, "I'm from Shangjun County, and I work in Meng Hu Ling Township, Shangjun County."

Qu Ziqing asked in surprise, "Aren't you Professor Qin's student? Since you're his student, you must be a top student from Jiangcheng University. Why didn't you stay in Jiangcheng to work?"

Professor Qin said, "You don't know this, but Xinghui voluntarily requested to return to his hometown to participate in its construction, and he voluntarily requested to work in the most difficult place. Meng Hu Ling Township is the most remote, poorest, and most difficult township in their county."

Qu Ziqing suddenly realized, "Young Su has such a state of mind. No wonder he can write such calligraphy. Then his paintings must be excellent. I'm even more eager to see them."

The others also nodded, "Right, his paintings must be excellent."

Qu Ziqing asked, "Is your work in Meng Hu Ling Township going smoothly?"

Su Xinghui said, "Quite smoothly."

Lu Xiaoya said, "Xinghui is amazing. As soon as he went to Meng Hu Ling, he launched many projects to help farmers escape poverty and become wealthy. Now the farmers there have a much better life. His deeds have even been in the *Hudong Daily*."

"Is that so?" Qu Ziqing said, "That's really amazing. But we usually don't read the *Hudong Daily*; we feel the news in it is quite fake. Young Su, did they exaggerate the reports about you?"

Su Xinghui couldn't help but laugh. These old calligraphers and painters were quite blunt. He thought for a moment and said, "I don't know if they exaggerated. Maybe there was some beautification."

Lu Xiaoya was anxious. She said to Qu Ziqing, "Uncle Qu, the reports about Xinghui were absolutely not exaggerated. I know all the achievements he has made, and many of the things he did weren't even written in that report."

Qu Ziqing laughed, "Xiaoya, why are you so anxious?"

Lu Xiaoya's face turned red instantly. She said somewhat shyly, "I just want to tell the truth."

Qu Ziqing said, "Since you say so, I'm a bit interested. How about this: I'll go visit your Meng Hu Ling Township sometime and see young Su's paintings while I'm at it. Are you guys going?"

Qu Ziqing's last sentence was addressed to the others. They all nodded, "Sure, we need to find places to sketch anyway. Sketching in the mountains should be quite nice."

Su Xinghui said happily, "Welcome, welcome. You are all welcome to be guests in our Meng Hu Ling. If you want to sketch, our place is perfect. The scenery there is excellent, with green mountains and clear waters, and the food in the mountains is delicious. I guarantee that once you go, you'll want to go again."

Lu Xiaoya said, "Hmm, the game meat there is very delicious."

Qu Ziqing said, "Alright, it's a deal!"