Chapter 730 - 334: Gu Weijing’s Little Troubles

Cao Xuan handed the postcard back to Sasha.

"Happy birthday to your mother, Miss Klayser, and a little hint for you: next month’s final exam might have more questions on contemporary Asian artists, so it wouldn’t hurt to prepare a bit more? This test will weigh heavily on your semester grade, and I remember you want to apply for a full scholarship next year."

"Are we talking about Qi Baishi, Xu Beihong, or perhaps Watanabe Shengting, Lin Zhongzheng, Matsukata Kojiro?" the female student asked tentatively.

"Depends on my mood, who can say for sure?" Elder Cao playfully winked at the students near the podium, "Maybe it’ll be about Cao Xuan, who knows! At my age, reading students’ praise about me in their papers is quite a satisfying thing for an old man’s vanity."

"Then I certainly have a lot to write about."

The bespectacled female classmate found that Professor Cao Xuan really was a very approachable person.

Shyly, she also bravely made a joke, carefully tucked the postcard back into the frame, packed it in her backpack, and disappeared into the crowd outside the corridor.

"Wait a moment."

"This fellow student?"

"Not for sale." She didn’t look at the students outside in the corridor who were eager to spend money to collect Elder Cao’s signed items.

Sasha skipped lightly away.

At the Hamburg Academy of Fine Arts, there were those lucky enough to be drawn for Elder Cao’s personal classes and daily flea market purchases of his autographs.

If she casually sold it, she’d fetch two to three hundred euros, maybe even more with some negotiation.

Considering the spending habits of ordinary German youngsters, excluding the wealthy Asian and North American international students, saving a hundred euros a month is quite a feat.

It’s quite the pocket money in a flip.

But Sasha isn’t selling.

On eBay, an AC Milan jersey with Kaka’s autograph goes for at least 600 euros.

The blessing written by Professor Cao personally for her family cannot be measured by money.

This birthday, her mom would definitely be pleased.

"You’ve worked hard. The driver has parked the car outside. Going home at this time, after dinner, it’ll be perfect for your nap,"

Old Yang slung the laptop bag over his shoulder, handed Elder Cao his cane, and supported his arm with the other hand.

"In these two years, I’ve increasingly enjoyed spending time with young kids. After spending a lot of time with them, I feel rejuvenated, not feeling tired at all. My health feels great now."

Elder Cao looked at the twenty-something figures of young students passing by the door, tapped the classroom floor tiles with his cane, and said softly, "Sometimes I wonder, maybe I really could live another ten years, who knows."

"Ten years isn’t enough, you’re in great shape. With such advanced medical technology nowadays, you should aim for another hundred years," Old Yang complimented with a smile.

"Living a hundred years is rare in ancient times."

"The talented painter Bazille only lived to be thirty. My lifespan has already tripled his; I should be content. Living another hundred years, I’d truly be an old tortoise."

Elder Cao chuckled, very at ease with matters of life and death.

He sighed, "Wishing to ask the heavens for a few more years is somewhat greedy, but I always think that if I could live another ten years, perhaps I could... sigh."

The old man’s words faded into a sigh.

Listen up.

Elder Cao was just speaking casually.

Old Yang, who emerged from countless industry practitioners to become Mr. Cao Xuan’s personal assistant, wouldn’t merely listen.

What could he accomplish?

Could witness Chinese Painting becoming the new hot trend again in the global art scene?

Still could accompany, ensuring one of his disciples takes over his position in the art circle securely?

Or... with another ten years, could cultivate a disciple who truly satisfies the old man’s preferences?

Old Yang supported Elder Cao as they walked out, his thoughts racing.

The second half of that sentence, filled with different answers, truly changes the flavor of the sentiment.

Compared to those disciples who have ventured far and wide across various regions.

As the 24-hour standby personal assistant, Old Yang spends the most time daily with Mr. Cao.

Which of Cao Xuan’s disciples is easy to deal with?

They’ve all privately tried probing Old Yang for information, and even attempted to recruit him.

Speaking of nearby, Master Liu invited Old Yang to go out to sea fishing with a lady during the Spring Festival. After fishing, upon returning to the harbor, he casually called over the dock manager, presenting the boat rental papers, expressing his current fascination with playing sailing. He’s barely used this yacht after purchasing it, though the sailor upkeep costs weren’t spared, making it wasteful. Better to keep it here for now.

It’s a gesture showing consideration for his teacher’s leisure time to go out at sea to enjoy the blue skies and white clouds, breathe in the fresh air tinged with sea breeze, offer a seaside retreat to refresh his mood.

As a disciple, this counts as doing his duty of filial piety.

The heir from the Ship King’s Family truly treats money as dirt, not taking it seriously.

Saying it’s for Elder Cao is just a courtesy.

Which centenarian spends their days playing with yachts at sea?

Isn’t it meant for Old Yang?

That’s a "Riva" 40-foot blue water yacht, isn’t it worth two to three million euros?

Even if he were to move into top galleries, become those million euro salary, big-time Franklin profit-earning head agents.