Chapter 825

Entering the hall, Su Xinghui saw many acquaintances. Basically, all his classmates from his time in Jiangcheng had come: Min Tong, Bao Wenting, Zhang Bin, Zhang He, and some senior brothers and sisters a year or two ahead of him, whom he also knew.

Of course, Su Xinghui also knew Professor Qin's friends in calligraphy and painting, such as Qu Ziqing, Chen Hanxiu, Long Kangrong, Yi Mingda, and Ye Jinian. And Rao Songnian, an old acquaintance of Su Xinghui, was naturally present as well.

There were also some people Su Xinghui didn't know, who were likely Professor Qin's friends and students who had graduated earlier.

As soon as Su Xinghui entered, he greeted these acquaintances one by one, and these acquaintances also came over to talk to him.

While they were talking, Professor Qin came over with a smile. He was wearing a red Tang suit today, looking energetic and extraordinary.

Professor Qin said to Su Xinghui, "Xinghui, Xiaoya, you're here!"

Su Xinghui hurriedly took the box containing the painting from his bag, bowed, and respectfully handed the box to Professor Qin with both hands, saying, "Teacher, this is my birthday gift for you, please accept it."

Professor Qin naturally accepted the birthday gift from his favorite student with a face full of joy. Qu Ziqing, who was nearby, asked, "Xinghui, is this calligraphy or a painting?"

Su Xinghui said, "I painted a picture."

Qu Ziqing said, "Is that so? A painting specially done for Professor Qin's sixtieth birthday must be a masterpiece. Professor Qin, can we open it and take a look now?"

Professor Qin nodded and said, "Of course, I want to see it too."

Professor Qin took the painting out of the box. At this time, many people gathered around. Professor Qin walked to a table, opened the painting, and spread it out on the table.

Everyone was watching this painting. It depicted a towering, ancient cypress tree that was lush and vigorous. On the thick trunk of this cypress tree, the branches were twisted and intertwined, like several ancient dragons coiled around the trunk, with an arrogant spirit hidden in the wind, and a unique posture. At the crown of the tree, the cypress leaves pointed to the sky like needles.

In the blank space on the left side of the painting, a few lines of poetry were written: "Towering momentum reaches the sky, twisted branches cross the wind and smoke, spirit is as strong as frost and snow, letting the heart roam between heaven and earth." The inscription read: "Student Su Xinghui respectfully wishes Teacher Professor Qin Jie a happy sixtieth birthday, in the Jiaxu year, Jiaxu month, Yihai day."

As soon as they saw this painting, the entire hall fell silent, and everyone was silently looking at the painting.

After a long while, Chen Hanxiu sighed with emotion: "Entangled roots and knotted branches, lush and filling the sky, spared by the axe and saw, enduring through calamities! This cypress tree is painted well; this is exactly a portrayal of Professor Qin's life!"

Indeed, Professor Qin had suffered countless hardships in his life. During the period of turmoil, he was labeled a capitalist roader and a reactionary academic authority and was sent down to the countryside. However, he was able to uphold his original intention. Even in the countryside, he did not forget to conduct his research, and no matter what, he refused to bow his head. It can be said that his character was awe-inspiring.

Rao Songnian laughed, "Cypress trees are evergreen, aromatic, and long-lasting, symbolizing longevity. This painting is the most appropriate gift for your teacher."

Long Kangrong said, "Xinghui, you are now a member of the Provincial Artists Association. It seems your painting skills have made another breakthrough during this period. I think in a few years, we old guys will have to admit defeat."

Su Xinghui repeatedly said he didn't dare. Qu Ziqing said, "Xinghui, don't be too humble. This painting of yours is indeed well done, and the calligraphy you inscribed is also well written. This running script is ancient, simple, and vigorous, with an unyielding spirit, which is of the same lineage as this cypress tree, giving a sense of perfect harmony!"

Others were also full of praise. Some who didn't know Su Xinghui were still asking who Su Xinghui was and how he could paint such a good picture.

Professor Qin nodded happily and said, "Good, good, good, thank you, Xinghui. You've put too much effort into this!"

Su Xinghui said, "Teacher, what are you saying? You've put in so much effort to teach me for four years, what does it matter if I paint a picture for you?"

Professor Qin looked at the painting several times before putting it away, placing it back into the box, and handing it to his eldest son, Qin Zongping, to keep it safe.

Professor Qin's second son, Qin Zongluo, came up and said affectionately to Su Xinghui, "Little Su, thank you!"

Su Xinghui knew Professor Qin's sons; he had met them when he went to Professor Qin's house to pay New Year's calls in the past. He knew that Qin Zongluo was the deputy general manager of a cultural industry company in Jiangcheng. He hurriedly said, "Manager Qin, why are you being so polite? This is what I, as a student, should do."

At this moment, many more of Professor Qin's students came over to chat with Su Xinghui. The older ones were in their forties or nearly fifty, and the younger ones were around thirty. They were all students who had graduated for more than seven or eight years. Now, some were officials, some were in business, some were in literature, and some were in media; they were all elites in various industries across the country, distributed all over the country.

Today, seeing the painting Su Xinghui did for Professor Qin made them interested in this young junior brother, so they took the initiative to come over and chat with him. When they heard that he was so young and already a town mayor, they became even more interested.