The meeting ended.
Given Ethan’s contributions, next month he will gain an additional ten percent in profits.
Moreover, after the meeting, John Hott unexpectedly invited Ethan to a banquet.
This drew the attention of members from other influential families.
Because in the underground world, no matter how wealthy you are, no matter how powerful, it’s difficult to expose yourself to the sunlight.
Even someone like Sandro, who has close ties with political and legal circles, rarely appears in highly formal occasions.
After all, those who walk in the mire, no matter how clean their footprints are, they’re always enveloped in an inescapable stench of decay.
Yet Ethan understands, this is the influence of Pupol.
This makes him all the more attentive to today’s meeting with Pupol.
Two o’clock in the afternoon.
The snow paused slightly.
Pupol arrived as promised.
Along with Pupol came a large number of newspaper journalists.
They learned the news yesterday—that Master Pupol has taken a particular liking to a student from the Art Department of Winster University, and he’s even going to visit the student in person.
This made them quite eager, as they had been waiting early at the entrance of Pupol’s hotel to capture this dramatic scene, preparing for the next day’s headlines.
But upon arriving at the destination, they couldn’t help but exchange bewildered glances.
Isn’t this the Bolita Clan’s Manor?
Journalists are the eyes of the city, and they know too well the city’s undertones and secrets.
They are more than aware of what kind of existence the Bolita Clan represents.
Could it be that the student Master Pupol favors is actually Ethan Polleta?
After giving the Bolita Manor a thorough capturing, they then witnessed the scene of Ethan warmly greeting Pupol as he stepped out, his handshake with Pupol being documented.
It appears... it’s true.
"Ethan, quickly tell me, how did you paint that picture yesterday? What was your creative thinking?"
Upon meeting, without even finishing the greetings, Pupol couldn’t wait.
It seems to be full of artistic excitement.
Ethan, however, first welcomed him into the warm room, sat him down on the sofa before speaking.
"I have to start from a dream I had..."
Before Pupol arrived, Ethan had already anticipated what questions he would ask.
And concerning the painting, what it involves, naturally related to the creative concept and a series of relevant answers.
Ethan tried hard to recall everything related to Dali and his creative philosophy, combined with his previous theoretical knowledge and Pupol’s surrealist theories, and managed to pull together a revised version of surrealism.
Pupol’s eyes sparkled brilliantly as he listened, nodding continuously.
In the end, he couldn’t help but put down his coffee, grabbed Ethan’s hand excitedly, and said: "Ethan, you’re truly a genius!"
This scene, naturally, was captured by journalists waiting outside.
As to why the journalists were able to come inside to film, probably the door to the Bolita Manor wasn’t closed properly.
"Ethan, I came today wanting to take you as my student, but now it seems I’m not qualified to be your teacher—your entire set of theories is beyond imagination, dreams, subconscious—a realm we’ve never considered, truly... too wonderful!"
Speaking, Pupol even stood up, began to dance alone in the living room, lost in himself.
He was deeply enchanted.
Suddenly, Ethan sensed from him a profound, extremely dynamic, unpredictable power.
This master seemed far from ordinary.
Yet it was just a moment—quickly, that rhythm vanished.
Pupol sat back on the sofa, looking at Ethan: "I even want to be your student; your whole set of theories has really inspired me, Ethan, what do you call it?"
"Uh... Surrealism." Ethan thought for a moment, somewhat embarrassedly touching his brow.
"Surrealism, quite fitting." Pupol nodded, "May I share this set of theories with my friends?"
"Of course."
Ethan couldn’t be happier.
This is a harvest exceeding his expectations; if his revised surrealism can become famous in art circles, his status will rise as well.
Especially with Pupol’s friends—not ordinary friends, but art luminaries.
"Great! Great! Ethan, I really don’t know how to repay you."
Pupol indeed is a genuine individual, he embraced Ethan exuberantly.
This scene was also recorded by journalists outside.
"Isn’t the core of art sharing? Why talk about repayment?" Ethan smiled and hugged Pupol back. For original chapters go to novel⦿fire.net
"The core of art is sharing, oh, Ethan, you surely have a way with words."
Pupol laughed heartily and stood up.
"You really surprised me time and again, it’s a pity I can’t take you as a student, for this, I intend to give you a gift."
"Don’t refuse me, it’s what you deserve."
Before Ethan could respond, he interrupted him.
What would be the gift from a top master of art?
Pupol was entirely restless; after saying this, he was ready to leave.
After taking a couple of steps, he suddenly seemed to remember something, turned around: "Oh, by the way, Ethan, make sure to finish your piece as soon as possible, and send it to me, no matter where I am, I will make sure you become world-renowned."
After saying this, he truly left.
The journalists immediately followed him, trying to interview him.
If it were before, he would definitely refuse, but this time, he accepted.
He stood at the entrance of Bolita Manor, began to narrate the meeting.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I must tell you one thing, that is, I envy you, envy Winster City, because you all can be around a genius like Ethan, perceiving his daily growth, breathing in his artistic nourishment—I envy you!"
"A rising star is glowing!"
The last sentence was spoken in a lyrical tone; he said it and then got into the car and left.
Ethan and Anya stood in the snow-white courtyard, watching the journalists rush around like a flock of ducks.
"Young master, are you going to become famous?"
"Fame is not important; what’s important is that I have already received my pass."
Once tomorrow’s paper is published, he will have Pupol’s endorsement; in art circles, he already has a place.
In an art-barren place like Winster, he virtually has no rivals.
Indeed, this is the best gift Pupol has given.