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墨書 Inktalez
The sudden passing of Father brought an immense blow to Yuejiang.
For a long time, Lin Hai had been the pride of his daughter. He dedicated over twenty years to painting, serving as a professor at Huai Cheng Academy of Fine Arts, where he was well-respected in the field.
Many sought to acquire his works but were often left disappointed. Father had precisely embodied the essence of Impressionism, gaining recognition over a decade ago with a painting titled "Lotus Reflection."
This painting still hangs in the academy's exhibition hall. Every evening, as dusk settles and the surroundings fall silent, the summer heat gradually cools. The shadows of trees dance upon the pond's surface, and sunlight fractures into shards. The composition is oppressive and obscure; amidst the cold hues of the artwork, only the fleeting images of the lotus flowers stand out vividly, as if they could burst forth from the canvas, burning with a pure flame that could illuminate the soul.
Lin Hai was deeply enamored with lotuses, and nearly all his works revolved around Water Lilies.
When Du Yusheng first saw "Lotus Reflection," he remarked, "This painting contains what the teacher has long sought after. In such a dark and twisted composition, I can see a struggling soul; the lotus seems to embody a supreme faith."
Yuejiang understood what Father was pursuing.
One aspect was well-known to the public: his relentless quest for art and his desire to find ultimate beauty. The other reason was known only to her; those Water Lilies symbolized Father’s beloved partner—her mother, Mu Lian.
It was this overwhelming and fervent love that made Father’s depiction of lotuses so captivating.
Afterward, numerous newspapers reported on the matter. Yusheng collected some related articles, their headlines striking and sensational.
The reporters disregarded facts and speculated wildly, detailing Lin Hai's life: "Born in Huai Cheng in 1955, he was recommended to the academy in 1973 as a student of oil painting for workers and peasants. In 1975, he participated in the 'Down to the Countryside' movement for educated youth. He returned to the city in 1976 and married his classmate Mu Lian. Twelve years later, Mu Lian left home and has been missing ever since. Lin Hai never remarried and lived for many years in a villa in the western suburbs of Huai Cheng, away from worldly noise and indifferent to worldly affairs. He passed away in September 2007 at the age of 52."
Undoubtedly, Lin Hai's marital history became fodder for sensational speculation by newspapers. They spun tales about his private life, with Mu Lian’s disappearance becoming the biggest point of intrigue.
For a moment, there were whispers of discord in the family, then speculations of an unexpected incident, and even suggestions of infidelity that led to abandonment. Such baseless conjectures left a painter unable to rest in peace even after death.
Yuejiang looked at Yusheng, her eyes filled with confusion and sorrow, and asked, "Do you really think Dad's death has anything to do with Mom?"
Yusheng shook his head helplessly and sighed, "But I've never even met Teacher's wife. The teacher's life has always been so simple and peaceful; how could it be as unbearable as those bored people claim?"
As he spoke, Yusheng rummaged through his backpack and pulled out a document. "By the way, this is a copy of the will that the teacher left a year ago. The lawyer couldn't find you this morning, so he asked me to pass it on to you. The teacher's savings, the last thirteen paintings he left behind, and that villa are all for you. Please check it; the lawyer will come by in the next couple of days for your signature."
At that moment, Yuejiang had no mind to deal with such matters. She turned her head away, her gaze vacant as if her soul had left her body.
Now she had become an orphan. Since her mother left, she had relied solely on Father.
He was an impeccable man and a wonderful father.
Though he was often silent and wore a stern expression, he had nurtured her artistic talent since childhood and became her mentor once she entered university. She understood all the silent sacrifices he had made over the years.
"Yusheng, will you accompany me to the villa this afternoon? I have some questions for Aunt Li."
"Sure." Du Yusheng gently supported Yuejiang's shoulder, his heart heavy with sorrow as well. He was just a boy from the countryside with no background or money, yet the teacher had made an exception to take him on as a disciple and devoted himself to mentoring him.
Having lost his parents at a young age, he only had a twin brother studying at a police academy. He still remembered the first time he visited Lin Hai's residence; upon learning he would become a disciple of this master artist, he was so overwhelmed with excitement that he knelt down on the spot.
His admiration and respect for Lin Hai were beyond what words could express.
“Has the set of paintings left by Dad been named?” Yuejiang asked softly.
“Yes, the teacher wrote in his notebook, ‘Walking alone, every encounter is a fleeting moment. After all these years, finding Water Lily.’ So this set of paintings is named ‘Finding Water Lily.’ It is the teacher's final masterpiece and represents his highest artistic achievement. Nowadays, many art dealers and collectors are clamoring for this set of paintings; it has become quite the sensation.”
Upon hearing this, Yuejiang felt as if something had lodged in her throat. She silently recited the words left by her father: “After all these years, finding Water Lily,” and could not help but feel a wave of sadness wash over her.
Indeed, her father had never forgotten her mother throughout his life. For the past twenty years, he had only painted Water Lilies because there was a character for “lotus” in her mother’s name, and it was also her favorite flower.
Her father used all his creations to express his longing and love for her, ultimately leaving the works for himself. Did that mean…
“Yusheng, is Dad hinting to me that Mom is still alive and wants me to find her? Otherwise, why would he leave me only this set of works? And why name it ‘Finding Water Lily’?”
“Hmm… I think it’s very possible. Regardless, Yuejiang, don’t be too upset for now; try not to think too much. Although the teacher has passed away, he left me with something incredibly precious. I will do everything I can to fulfill his last wish.”
“What did Dad leave you?” Yuejiang looked at Yusheng with a puzzled expression until Yusheng took her hand and she read the tenderness in his eyes. Then she heard Yusheng softly say with affection, “Silly girl, it’s you.”
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