Chapter 1418 - 1420

Gong Ruwen thought long and hard on the way here, trying to figure out how to open up this topic.

Or perhaps to make Gong Ruini aware of the situation, but despite thinking about it a lot along the way, he just didn’t know how to say it.

Gong Ruini noticed that Gong Ruwen was sneaking glances at her from time to time, but she was too lazy to ask.

She truly didn’t think that even if she asked, anyone would answer her. Instead of spending time gathering information, it would be better to think about how to solve the issues.

Just as the Gong Family siblings were worrying about what might happen next, Gong Ruwen finally drove to their destination.

"We’re here." Even if Gong Ruwen didn’t want to park, he had no choice.

At that moment, Gong Ruwen was just hoping that he wouldn’t be held responsible later. As for Zhao Xuran’s promise of a big reward, he was just listening half-heartedly.

Here? Gong Ruini snapped back to reality and looked outside, utterly stunned.

Oh heavens, this is truly outrageous; knowing exactly what we’re worried about but pulling this trick on us.

What to do? If she was about thirty or forty percent concerned before, now Gong Ruini felt there was an eighty to ninety percent chance of her fears coming true.

"Get out of the car," Gong Ruwen got out and noticed Gong Ruini was still sitting inside. What was going on?

Had Gong Ruini forgotten where this was? "Ni Zi, this is where we’re going to live in the future."

Gong Ruwen glanced around, and okay, the surroundings were much worse now than when they first visited.

Gong Ruwen’s memories of their initial visit weren’t too clear, but he knew it was as dilapidated as it could get.

But on this visit, Gong Ruwen was shocked, "Everything around is under construction."

"I think the neighborhood will be bustling in the future."

Bustling? Gong Ruini hadn’t been here for a long time. Although Zhao Xuran mentioned the progress was good, she really didn’t think that given the Americans’ work hours, the progress would be all that fast.

Gong Ruini wasn’t fond of strolling around what resembled a construction site, but with a multi-talented brother like Zhao Xuran, there really wasn’t anything to worry about.

"Things have changed a lot." Zhao Guangran had previously mentioned that many would vie for properties here, but she hadn’t expected that in such a short time, renovations would be happening all around.

"It’s like a huge construction site."

"But it’s good, at least we won’t have any renovations nearby after we move in." Even if Americans wouldn’t work at night, causing no disturbances, looking out at a construction site was bound to spoil anyone’s mood.

"Yes, and I’ve asked; there will be a western restaurant here, and an art gallery."

"Of course, there’s also a studio."

Gong Ruwen thought this place truly wasn’t bad, "If possible, we could also sell some ink paintings."

"What do you think?" They’d purchased two buildings. One was already earmarked to host Zhao Guangran’s financial company.

As for the other building’s first floor, it was initially considered for Gong Jiaxin’s fashion studio. However, as she is still studying in Europe and plans to continue after graduating, they would need to leave it vacant or rent it out.

Hearing there might be another gallery opening nearby made Gong Ruwen think they could sell ink paintings.

As for the paintings’ source, with someone like Hua Miaozhu around, wouldn’t it be possible to know some painters?

Not that they could get famous national treasure-level artworks; even if they could, they wouldn’t be able to part with them. At least through them, they might get to know some promising new generation artists.

These artists had respectable skills, but because of their lack of credentials, their paintings wouldn’t be too expensive, making it convenient for them to operate.

Gong Ruwen had chatted with some painters in studios and learned that in the United States, the gallery business was decent. Otherwise, why would there be so many people opening galleries?

Since the gallery business was good, Gong Ruwen thought there was no need to rent out the property. Although renting provided steady income,

would it earn more than selling paintings?

Opening a gallery? Gong Ruini was shocked, "Brother, why such an idea all of a sudden?"

Even though Gong Ruwen had learned a bit about painting under Hua Miaozhu as a child, his skills were really subpar, and he’d given up long ago.

After so many years, Gong Ruini really didn’t see her brother having interest in painting or knowing the intricate depths of it.

After some inquiry, she understood why Gong Ruwen thought this way, which left her feeling quite helpless.

Her husband, who was usually quite savvy, how could he be swayed by some foreigners to such an extent?

"Brother, they said that because they hope we open a gallery so that their paintings can be sold there." Gong Ruini had no experience in the painting industry in her past life, but that didn’t mean she was clueless.

No matter what country, there are quite a few people studying art.

But how many really make it as well-known artists? Most are just scraping by.

They hope their art might be discovered one day and become world-renowned.

But the chance of success for an unnoticed artist is about as likely as winning a big lottery.

Many hope to sell their paintings through galleries to earn a living, and if lucky, be spotted by a knowledgeable collector; that would be their break.

Oh, I see. Gong Ruini’s words left Gong Ruwen stunned; he really hadn’t thought of it that way.

"Those people spoke so convincingly, though."

"I also asked some of the nearby gallery owners, and they thought it was a good idea too."

You’d think a few artists would use him for their gain, but there was no reason for others in the same field to support him.

"After all, industry peers are rivals; who would want more competition in their vicinity?" Gong Ruwen expressed that if it were up to him, he wouldn’t want any peers nearby.

Peers? Your brother is really giving himself some credit, "Do you know anything about art?"

Though it was discouraging, Gong Ruini felt that with her brother’s growing confidence, if it wasn’t checked, things could get out of hand.

Uh, of course, he didn’t know, but Gong Ruwen was quick to say, "This time I won’t be managing the gallery; that’s what you’re for, isn’t it?"

Oh my, Gong Ruini was stunned, knowing her brother wouldn’t manage the gallery himself. She had thought he would hire a professional, but instead, he considered her.

Gong Ruini really didn’t know how to respond; her brother’s idea of a "professional" was based on her being good at painting, but being a good artist didn’t mean she was good at managing a gallery.

Managing a gallery is no easy task! Gong Ruini didn’t see it working out, considering the challenges run as deep as those in the financial world.