The deputy director of the Painting Club went by the name Shen Liang. Typically, he painted in the adjacent single room, occasionally stepping out for a breather. This time, upon emerging, he found a gathering of people.
Such scenes were common in the Painting Club.
Whenever a skilled painter graced the hall, crowds would gather in hopes of picking up some techniques through close observation. However, the club's top-tier painters were absent today. So why were these people congregating?
Intrigued, Shen Liang approached.
The crowd parted to let him through.
One glance at Lin Yuan's paintings widened Shen Liang's eyes. It took a moment before he remembered: wasn't this the newcomer who had been tasked with cleaning earlier?
A newcomer producing work of this caliber?
And claiming to be a novice this year?
Shen Liang's heart skipped a beat. He found it hard to believe that Lin Yuan was merely a beginner in painting, given the top-notch sketching displayed in his work. But that wasn't the issue at hand.
What mattered was that the Painting Club now had another sketching deity!
He stepped forward, extending his right hand to Lin Yuan. "Vice President Shen Liang, on behalf of the Painting Club, I welcome you to join!"
"Hello, Lin Yuan."
Lin Yuan shook his hand.
Shen Liang gestured to the crowd. "You all can go now."
Reluctantly, the onlookers dispersed, except for Zhong Yu.
"Why are you still here?"
Zhong Yu weakly replied, "This is my spot."
Ignoring him, Shen Liang turned to Lin Yuan. "Your sketches are remarkable. If you ever want to paint in peace, feel free to use the room next door."
The adjacent room was reserved for the club's top-tier painters.
Though modest in size, it provided ample space, especially considering the club's limited number of top-tier painters. More importantly, it offered privacy from prying eyes.
"No need."
Lin Yuan declined, then turned to Zhong Yu. "Count it as one hour."
Zhong Yu quickly responded, "Great God, give me your contact info, and I'll transfer the money."
"Alright."
Lin Yuan exchanged contact details, receiving a transfer of three hundred yuan.
"Three hundred?"
"Don't mention it, God."
"Alright."
Lin Yuan nodded.
Beside him, Shen Liang was taken aback. "What's going on?"
Zhong Yu explained, "I asked the great God to teach me sketching, at 200 yuan per hour."
Shen Liang: ""
This was a first for the Painting Club. Normally, he would reprimand such behavior, but fearing Lin Yuan's displeasure, he chose to overlook it. It wasn't easy for the Painting Club to gain another deity.
"Two hundred per hour?"
From the sidelines, a member overheard Zhong Yu's words, suddenly excited. "The great God is teaching? I'll pay for lessons!"
"Next time."
Though tempted to continue earning, Lin Yuan had classes in the afternoon and limited time.
"Can we chat and move around?" Shen Liang suggested.
Lin Yuan agreed.
They proceeded to the adjacent studio.
Deserted, the studio housed several easels displaying unfinished works—drawings, gouache paintings, watercolors, oil paintings, and traditional Chinese paintings.
Shen Liang inquired, "Can your work be displayed on the exhibit wall?"
"Yes."
Upon Lin Yuan's consent, Shen Liang got straight to the point. "I heard the club holds exhibitions. Would you be interested in participating?"
"Absolutely, at my level."
Shen Liang surmised Lin Yuan's motive for joining the club. "I'll make sure to notify you ahead of the next outreach exhibition."
After adding each other as contacts, Lin Yuan prepared to head to class. Meanwhile, he contacted the system to check his data.
[Name: Lin Yuan]
[Music: 52345]
[Literature: 19658]
[Painting: 98]
His painting reputation had reached 98.
Today's visit to the Painting Club had evidently boosted his prestige. Though the number wasn't high, he believed it would accumulate over time.
This validated his strategy.
Accruing prestige from students might take time, but he had plenty of it. Plus, as long as there was money to be made, he didn't mind the wait.
With these thoughts in mind, Lin Yuan returned to the Painting Club that evening.
Unlike earlier when he'd been assigned to clean upon entry, this time Lin Yuan garnered attention from some members upon arrival.
Several members had seen Lin Yuan's sketching prowess earlier in the day.
Upon entering, Lin Yuan noticed a large display column adorning the club's wall.
He hadn't paid much attention earlier.
Now, the display showcased works by the club's top artists—watercolors, gouache paintings, oil paintings, Chinese paintings, and more.
The intricate figure sketch Lin Yuan had copied earlier was prominently featured, accompanied by his name and the date of completion.
After a brief inspection, Lin Yuan nodded.
The club's top artists were undeniably talented. Several pieces on display rivaled Lin Yuan's own skill.
At that moment, a voice interrupted Lin Yuan's thoughts. "Great God, I've been waiting for you."
Turning, Lin Yuan saw Zhong Yu.
"Teach me," Zhong Yu implored, eyes hopeful.
Lin Yuan nodded. "Same terms as before."
"Deal."
Zhong Yu agreed eagerly. Lin Yuan settled in, ready to teach.
This time, Zhong Yu took the reins in painting while Lin Yuan provided guidance.
Though Zhong Yu possessed some sketching skills, he lacked direction for improvement.
Lin Yuan, viewing Zhong Yu's shortcomings through the eyes of a seasoned sketching master, began the lesson.
"Thank you, God."
Two hours later, the lesson concluded, and Lin Yuan prepared to depart.
With a smile, Zhong Yu said, "I've transferred four hundred yuan."
Lin Yuan nodded.
He appreciated Zhong Yu's attitude.
In the following days, Lin Yuan visited the Painting Club whenever he had free time to bolster his reputation. On each visit, he offered paid lessons.
Zhong Yu seemed particularly keen, often seeking out Lin Yuan for instruction.
Occasionally, when Zhong Yu was absent, Lin Yuan would teach other members.
Several members were willing to pay for sketching lessons from Lin Yuan, not just Zhong Yu.
Lin Yuan treated all club members equally, charging two hundred yuan per hour for lessons.
And so it went.
Within a week, Lin Yuan's name had spread throughout the Painting Club!
Word had it that a formidable sketching deity had emerged.
However, as Lin Yuan's reputation soared, his conduct stirred controversy.
Some deemed Lin Yuan's behavior distasteful.
While other top artists occasionally offered guidance without charge, Lin Yuan's insistence on payment seemed egregious.
Finally, unable to tolerate it any longer, a group of members lodged a complaint with the club president...