The Sweetest Marriage (2)

Ch. 324: Was he really?

The night hung over the entire world like a shadow, yet when this vermillion gate appeared, the world within it seemed like survivors sheltered from the night; instead of being touched by darkness, it shone as brightly as daylight.

The sudden shift between light and darkness made Chen Yunlan's eyes struggle to adapt. He blinked, trying to focus on what lay beyond the vermillion gate. His pupils shrank as he couldn't look away. It felt like something buried deep in his memories was emerging, something uncontrollably surging forth.

Chen Yunlan's legs weakened, almost stumbling, caught by Xie Chunsheng's quick hand. Concern filled Xie Chunsheng's face. "Yunlan, are you okay?"

Chen Yunlan didn't respond but uncontrollably tears streamed down his face. Memories rushed forth from his mind, enveloping all his thoughts, pulling him involuntarily into a world of past sweetness or pain.

Spring had just arrived, the time for everything to revive. It seemed like this world was shedding its old skin and adorning itself anew.

The spring sunlight, a pale golden hue, warm and gentle, bathed everything, adding a lazy touch to the afternoon.

Chen Yunlan sat under a tree with his sketchbook, basking in the sunlight. The new leaves on the tree were tender green, swaying gently in the spring breeze. With a paintbrush in hand, he immersed himself in his artistic world. His paintings were the most beautiful scenes, yet unbeknownst to him, he had become the most captivating sight in someone else's eyes.

Qu Ran stood not far away. Even though he was the only one around, his eyes were still full of wariness. However, when his gaze fell upon the picturesque figure not far away, it softened gradually. Wariness vanished, replaced by trust.

Qu Ran didn't approach to disturb Chen Yunlan's painting but his presence was felt. Chen Yunlan stopped painting, turned, and greeted Qu Ran with a broad smile. "Qu Ran, you're here? Come over."

Only then did Qu Ran walk over to Chen Yunlan. His eyes gleamed as he looked at Chen Yunlan's painting. Chen Yunlan was painting landscapes, a fusion of Western oil painting and traditional Chinese painting, a new form he had been experimenting with, combining the two art forms.

Chen Yunlan not only possessed exceptional talent but also harbored his own ambitions in this field. Both Western oil painting and traditional Chinese painting had established techniques and styles. Becoming a renowned artist within these boundaries wasn't very challenging for Chen Yunlan's talent. However, this lack of challenge failed to satisfy his ambitions.

Therefore, even before becoming a student of Master Sun, Chen Yunlan had a daring idea in mind-to combine Western oil painting with traditional Chinese painting and create an entirely new artistic style.

He had never mentioned this to anyone, not even Master Sun.

As Chen Yunlan made the final stroke on the canvas, he glanced sideways at Qu Ran, who sat quietly beside him...

If anyone in this world, apart from himself, knew of his ambitions, it was only Qu Ran.

Although Qu Ran didn't say much, he silently encouraged Chen Yunlan. Creating a new art style was never an easy task, especially when attempting to merge the techniques and materials of Chinese ink painting with Western oil painting. The differences between the two were significant, not only in materials but also in their fundamental characteristics. Merging them was no simple feat.

The path of creation was undoubtedly lonely, and Chen Yunlan had mentally prepared for it. Yet, he wasn't someone who could endure loneliness easily. Whenever faced with difficulties, he felt the urge to give up. Fortunately, Qu Ran appeared later on, staying by his side. Even though there were no words, Qu Ran's gaze was filled with admiration and encouragement.