Kong An wasn't just a professor in the Fine Arts Department; he was also a candidate for the next department head. This fact was solid.
With his status, it was permissible to meet with the principal at night.
However, when Principal Shi Huainan heard Kong An's proposal, his initial reaction was one of disbelief.
"You must be mistaken, right?" he asked, staring earnestly at Kong An.
Kong An's eyes gleamed with determination. "It's true, Principal. Let me ask you one thing: can we bring this student into our art department and appoint him as a tutor?"
"Are you serious?" Shi Huainan's astonishment was evident as he struggled to comprehend the proposal.
"It's more than serious," Kong An asserted. "He's more than qualified to be a senior tutor."
Shi Huainan was taken aback. "Is he really that exceptional?"
Kong An nodded emphatically. "I've checked the records. These students' sketching abilities were average before, but after being taught by Lin Yuan, they've improved dramatically. Frankly, it makes me feel inadequate as an educator."
"Understood," Shi Huainan replied cautiously. "But I can't make a decision on this matter alone. We must consider the opinions of the students, the composition department, and their parents."
"Fair enough," Kong An conceded. "I'll speak with him tomorrow, and I'll do whatever it takes to bring him on board."
Though Shi Huainan smiled wryly, he knew that Kong An's remarks were more aspirational than practical. It was unlikely that they could force Lin Yuan to join the art department.
"Very well," he said as Kong An left.
Observing Kong An's departure, Shi Huainan found himself contemplating the name "Lin Yuan" for the first time.
The next day, the results of the exam were released, causing a sensation in the Art Department as students taught by Lin Yuan dominated the top 50 sketches.
"Oh my, this is incredible!"
"The students under Lin Yuan are performing exceptionally well!"
"I regret not enrolling my child sooner. Although it was expensive before, I'm willing to pay whatever it takes for them to learn from Lin Yuan now!"
"Lin Yuan's instruction isn't something you can just sign up for whenever you want. The time slots for his lessons have been booked for weeks!"
"I used to doubt his abilities, but now I see my mistake."
"I'm willing to pay triple the price to join Lin Yuan's classes!"
"..."
After the storm settled, Lin Yuan returned to the painting club, only to find a crowd of spectators waiting.
Simultaneously, nearly all the slots for Lin Yuan's sketching lessons were fully booked!
Lin Yuan found it odd that so many people had signed up for lessons that day.
Zhong Yu, surprised, leaned in and whispered, "Great God, there's been a surge in bookings today because of the buzz we created yesterday!"
Lin Yuan asked, "What buzz?"
Zhong Yu hesitated for a moment before there was suddenly commotion at the club's entrance, and an energetic elderly man walked in.
It was Professor Kong An from the Fine Arts Department!
Zhong Yu murmured, "It's a big one..."
Kong An made his way to the exhibition area of the painting club. After pausing to observe the masterpieces on display, his gaze settled on two sketches with Lin Yuan's name.
Seeing those paintings, Kong An visibly reacted.
He then approached Lin Yuan with a friendly smile, as though encountering a rare gem.
"Hello there," he greeted.
Lin Yuan, respectful of his elders, stood up politely.
Kong An regarded him with admiration. "You must be Lin Yuan. Don't be nervous. I wanted to ask if you'd consider joining our art department?"
"I'm not interested," Lin Yuan replied simply.
Kong An's smile faltered.
He looked at Zhong Yu and coughed lightly.
Zhong Yu, initially flustered, feared that the commotion they caused had led to trouble for Lin Yuan. However, seeing Kong An's reaction, he felt relieved.
Taking the cue, Zhong Yu whispered in Lin Yuan's ear, "Great God, this is Professor Kong from our Art Department. He holds significant sway over the department..."
Lin Yuan nodded. "Hello, Professor Kong."
Kong An's smile returned. "Consider joining us in the Art Department, and I'll personally mentor you."
Having assessed Lin Yuan's work, Kong An recognized his talent as a skilled painter despite his youth. He wasn't merely interested in recruiting Lin Yuan for the art department; he also sought an apprentice.
At that moment, the entire painting club gathered around, witnessing the head of the art department discussing business with a sophomore student. It was an unusual sight.
However, instead of agreeing immediately, Lin Yuan surprised everyone.
"I'm not interested in joining the painting department," he stated calmly.
Kong An's smile faltered again.
Puzzled, he asked, "But you enjoy painting, don't you?"
Lin Yuan paused, considering his response carefully. "Yes, I do."
"Then why decline?" Kong An pressed.
Lin Yuan thought for a moment before replying, "The composition department suits me better."
Art encompassed various disciplines, and Lin Yuan's true passion lay in music, a fact influenced by the original owner of his body.
"I'll give you time to think it over," Kong An said, not wanting to pressure Lin Yuan too much.
But he was determined to recruit Lin Yuan. Such exceptional talent was rare, and Kong An wasn't one to give up easily.
Lin Yuan knew the game. "Sure," he agreed, understanding the unspoken message.
As Kong An settled onto a bench, he inquired, "Will you continue teaching sketching at the painting club?"
"Not necessarily," Lin Yuan replied.
"Why not?" Kong An queried.
"I'm planning to raise my rates," Lin Yuan explained.
Kong An's lips twitched.
The surrounding students exchanged incredulous looks. Five hundred per hour was already steep for students, so why would Lin Yuan raise his prices?
"How much?" Kong An asked.
"One thousand per hour," Lin Yuan responded.
Kong An's expression softened. While the price matched his own, Lin Yuan's teaching prowess surpassed his, justifying the increase.
"When will the new rates take effect?" Kong An inquired.
"I'm not sure," Lin Yuan admitted. "I'll only consider raising them once I've significantly improved my teaching effectiveness. I want to maintain integrity in my business dealings and avoid exploiting my students."
"Understood," Kong An acknowledged. "When you decide, come to the art department. We can discuss terms, and the school may offer compensation. We won't take advantage of you just because you're a student."
Lin Yuan nodded. "Agreed."
The surrounding onlookers watched in astonishment as the head of the art department negotiated with a sophomore student. It was an unusual but intriguing spectacle.
Reflecting on the recent exam results, where Lin Yuan's students had dominated the top 50, the spectators found his decision to raise prices quite reasonable...