She truly couldn't understand how Tongtong's mother could abandon such a good, such an excellent child.
If it was simply because Mr. Liu's family was poor, and she abandoned her husband and child, then this woman's character was questionable.
If it were her, she would have sold everything she owned to nurture Tongtong.
"Right, Tongtong, didn't you say you can also draw? Where are your paintings? Let us see," Director Wang changed the subject.
Immediately, Tongtong moved aside the white paper on the table, revealing a stack of drawing papers beneath.
"This... did you draw this?" Director Wang stared at the landscape paintings that rivaled those of masters, his eyes once again filled with shock.
Although he had anticipated that Tongtong's paintings wouldn't be ordinary, he never expected them to be to this extent.
Even some contemporary young artists couldn't compare their works to Tongtong's.
Tongtong nodded, "Yes, I drew them all. If Uncle Wang likes them, I'll give them to you."
"That wouldn't be right. Your paintings are so good, people would be scrambling to buy them at a high price," Director Wang quickly declined Tongtong's offer.
He had already accepted Tongtong's calming medicine for free; how could he shamelessly ask for his paintings too!
Although he didn't understand art, these paintings were truly extraordinary. Even a layman like himself wanted to take them home to collect, let alone someone who understood art.
In the eyes of art enthusiasts, these would likely be priceless treasures.
Xia Qianqian had also learned to paint when she was studying, even taking extra classes. Back then, her dream was to become a painter.
Alas, her talent wasn't enough. She could never grasp the essence of painting, and her works lagged far behind her classmates.
She had to return to reality. As an art student, she then focused her efforts on acting and singing.
Later, she was admitted to a music university and gradually painted less and less.
Seeing how good Tongtong's paintings were now, she felt a pang of envy. "Tongtong, who taught you to paint? You have the style of a master at such a young age.
To be honest, Aunt Xia also learned to paint, but compared to you, it's embarrassing to even look at."
"An old grandpa taught me," Tongtong did not mention Grandpa You's name.
This was also a promise he had made to Grandpa You, that he would not reveal his name if asked.
The last time Grandpa Zhao knew, it was because he guessed it, and Grandpa Zhao was not a meddler; he had kept his secret for him until now.
Upon hearing that an old grandpa had taught him, everyone became interested. Director Wang speculated that Tongtong's vast knowledge and high level of accomplishment must be related to this old grandpa.
He curiously asked, "Tongtong, what is this old grandpa's name? Where does he live?"
"The old grandpa has gone traveling, and I don't know where he is. He didn't tell me his name, and we haven't seen each other for a long time."
Everyone exchanged glances. Could this be a legendary recluse? A most mysterious existence?
Seeing that Tongtong didn't know, Director Wang didn't press further. Perhaps the old grandpa didn't want to be known, which was why he hadn't told Tongtong.
But this child's learning ability was truly incredible; it couldn't be described as just being talented. That word was too light; it didn't fit him at all.
Xia Qianqian looked through the paintings one by one. She thought Tongtong was only skilled in landscape painting, but she didn't expect that besides landscapes, there were also sketches, oil paintings, and abstract art.
Moreover, every style of painting was extremely mature, making it impossible to find even the slightest fault.
The camera also focused on Tongtong's paintings, recording them all.
"Tongtong, could you show us how you draw live? So Aunt Xia can learn from you?" After seeing so many paintings, Xia Qianqian most wanted to see Tongtong demonstrate his skill.
"What would Aunt Xia like me to draw?" Tongtong asked.
Xia Qianqian looked at the painting in her hand and thought for a moment. "I think your sketches are quite good. Could you draw a sketch for us?"
This was a piece of cake for Tongtong. He immediately nodded and agreed, "Okay, I'll draw a sketch for Aunt Xia now."
Saying this, he picked up his pen and began to draw on the drawing board.
He drew with intense concentration, not even needing to look at Xia Qianqian's face, as he had already imprinted her likeness in his mind.
Most artists need a reference when drawing; otherwise, they wouldn't know where to start.
But Tongtong didn't need any of that. He finished a sketch in just fifteen minutes.
When he first started drawing, it gave a sense of disarray, as if he were just scribbling on the paper with his sketch pencil. The onlookers had no idea what he was drawing.
It was only with the final few strokes that a lifelike sketch was completed, identical to Xia Qianqian, even down to the hairstyle.
Seeing her sketch, Xia Qianqian was incredibly amazed. "Heavens, this is too good! Tongtong, you're too miraculous. In such a short time, you've completed such a perfect sketch.
Can I have this painting? I want to make it into an album and keep it forever."
"Of course, Aunt Xia. I'm glad you like it," Tongtong said without hesitation.
At this moment, Liu Yifeng walked in.
"Lunch is ready. Everyone wash your hands and get ready to eat," he said, still wearing an apron, exuding the image of a perfect family man.
At the dining table, everyone's mouths watered at the sight of the delicious and appetizing food.
"Yifeng, I didn't expect your cooking to be so good. It looks delicious just by looking at it," Xia Qianqian praised.
Liu Yifeng smiled, "I just made it casually. Please don't mind if there aren't many dishes."
"You call this 'not many dishes' when there's a whole table full? You're too modest," Director Wang added.
"Come, I'll toast you with this drink instead of wine. Thank you for making such a long trip to film my son," Liu Yifeng raised his glass.
Xia Qianqian and Director Wang also raised their glasses, "Cheers! Thank you for your warm hospitality."
This table of delicious food was clearly prepared with the highest standards, making them feel a bit embarrassed.
Then, they picked up their chopsticks and began to eat.
The taste was as good as they had imagined.
But what surprised them most was that the vegetables were even tastier than the meat.
They had never imagined that vegetables could outperform meat dishes.
This wasn't to say that Liu Yifeng's meat dishes weren't good, but the texture of the vegetables was so exceptional that it completely overshadowed the meat.
"Yifeng, these vegetables are too delicious. Did you grow them yourself?" Director Wang asked, taking large bites of vegetables.
"I eat a lot of vegetables myself to maintain my figure, and sometimes I get tired of them.
But these vegetables you have, I feel like I could eat them forever. If you grew them, your cultivation techniques are incredible!" Xia Qianqian praised without reservation.