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About twelve black luxury cars stopped in front of Dreamlight Gallery, each polished to perfection and bearing tinted windows.
A quiet hush swept over the crowd gathered outside the gallery as bodyguards swiftly stepped out, lining up with practiced precision opening the doors.
Then, from the frontmost car, a tall, regal-looking man in a black Tang suit stepped out, a cane in one hand and an air of absolute authority around him.
He walked with a commanding air, not needing to speak to be noticed.
When he approached Chen Linfei, he smiled warmly and greeted him, his voice deep and composed.
"Young Master Chen."
Then, turning toward Mo Yuwei, he added with a small nod, "Young Madam Chen."
Mo Yuwei gave a small smile nodding as they shook hands.
The older man's eyes fell on Lin Yue, who stood to the side in her elegant black dress, nervously twirling her fingers.
He gave a nod stretching his hand to greet her.
"Ah, is this the talented painter? The one whose work has Old Chen bursting with pride lately?"
"Y-Yes, sir," Lin Yue stammered, shaking his hand.
Her heart pounded as whispers spread like wildfire among the onlookers.
At the mention of his name, a ripple of shocked whispers passed through the crowd.
Someone gasped and muttered from the crowd, "That's Master Lu—the chairman of Young Painters in Zhongwen district!"
"Oh my god, he's a legend!"
Lin Yue's mouth parted slightly in astonishment as she hastily bowed. "It's... It's an honor to meet you, Master Lu."
Lin Yue blinked rapidly, then glanced at Mo Yuwei, who stood with a small, mysterious smile curving her lips.
---
Before she could calm down, more cars opened in succession, and it felt like a royal procession as other elite figures began to step out.
The youngest national painter, Master Li, arrived dressed in modern casuals, his stylish glasses hinting at his youthful genius.
Then came the stately Master Fu, chairman of the Capital Art Association, known for his severe critiques and rare public appearances.
Following them were other giants in the world of art who were only seen on the TVs.
Master He, famed for his abstract calligraphy.
Master Qian, the top collector and restorer of historical paintings.
Master Bai, head of Zhongwen University's Fine Arts Faculty.
Master Yuan, known for his charity auctions.
Master Ning, a painter whose landscape murals adorned palaces.
Master Zhao, a sculptor with exhibitions across Europe.
Master Wen, renowned for blending classical and modern styles.
Master Tang, who was famous for international art diplomacy.
They all gathered, nodding to Lin Yue like she was an old colleague.
Her legs nearly gave out as she nearly stumbled backwards.
What was happening? Could someone please explain how her small gallery opening had turned into a national art summit?
The more she heard their names from the people around, the more her legs weakened.
What were this big shots doing here smiling at her like this?
'Someone tell me I'm dreaming', she screamed inside, maintaining a polite smile as cameras flashed and whispers spread like wildfire.
She hadn't even seen the reporters arrive—but now they were filming everything, capturing every stunned expression.
Before she could recover, the big shots signalled their bodyguards and assistants.
The men then came with their gifts handing her.
The artists, one by one, handed over their gifts.
Master Li presented her with a bouquet of rare blue roses, dyed with pigment made from crushed lapis. "To wish you a blossoming journey in art."
Master He handed her a scroll of his own work, professionally mounted and framed. "A true artist deserves to see her own beauty celebrated."
Master Fu offered a traditional inkstone carved from ancient rock. "The first tool in the hands of a master."
Master Wen presented a preserved piece of rare parchment, centuries old. "May your art live as long."
Master Bai gave her a teaching invitation letter. "A place awaits you at our faculty, whenever you wish to share your light."
Master Yuan donated a cheque in her name for art scholarships. "You've inspired us to support young artists."
Master Ning brought a crystal model of the Dreamlight Gallery building. "To commemorate its first breath."
Master Zhao gave her a bronze sculpture of a phoenix. "Because you are rising."
Master Qian handed her a calligraphy piece that simply read: "Emerge."
"A single word, but enough for the world to remember." He said.
Master Tang gave her a painting that had hung in a European exhibition—the only one he'd never sold. "I've waited to find the right person to own it."
Lin Yue's hands trembled as she accepted the gifts, bowing and thanking each one.
Her thoughts ran wild.
What exactly was going on?
What was happening?
Reporters began snapping photos furiously. Microphones appeared.
"Miss Lin, how do you know these prestigious guests?"
"Are you in a relationship with one of the council members?"
"Did you study abroad?"
"Are you being scouted?"
She forced a smile and bowed slightly. "I'm grateful to everyone for coming. I never imagined Dreamlight Gallery would receive so much kindness."
Inside, she was a mess.
Yuwei... what did you do?
---
The opening ceremony officially began.
As the red cloth over the main sign was pulled down, the name "Dreamlight Gallery" was revealed in brilliant gold lettering written by her.
A gasp went through the guests. Cameras clicked. People applauded.
Lin Yue led them through the gallery showcasing her paintings.
Her paintings, soft yet powerful, brought life to the bare walls.
Scenes of mountains shrouded in mist, of little girls clutching umbrellas, of an old man looking out to sea—all her heart poured out on canvas.
Ethereal landscapes, soulful portraits, and deeply emotional abstracts.
Every color, every line, told a story.
The elite guests leaned in to examine them.
"Incredible brush technique," Master Fu said.
"The way she captures loneliness and hope simultaneously... she's not a beginner," Master Qian murmured.
Chen Linfei watched silently, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.
"She's worth it," he whispered to Mo Yuwei.
The masters walked through slowly, murmuring to each other.
Master Fu paused at a canvas of a single tear rolling down a woman's cheek.
He turned to Chen Linfei.
"You truly have good eyes. This girl doesn't just paint, she bleeds emotion into her work."
Master Li pointed at another one. "Look at the brush control. So subtle yet confident."
Master Zhao nodded thoughtfully. "She sees the world differently."
Then suddenly, Master Fu turned to Lin Yue.
"Miss Lin," Master Fu said, facing her directly. "We would be honored if you would join the National Capital Arts Association."
Before she could respond, Master Li walked to her side, eyes hopeful. "No, come be my student. I'll teach you everything I know."
Master Lu chuckled, joining them. "She belongs with us here in Zhongwen. Our district is her cradle, and she should grow where she bloomed."
The other masters smiled, not interfering.
They knew they couldn't compete, but they were curious to see her choice.
Lin Yue's mouth opened but no words came.
Her thoughts whirled.
"I haven't seen them this excited in years," Master Wen whispered to Old Zhao.
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