He is a permanent director of the Yangon Calligraphy and Painting Association, having some small power, which makes him a notable figure in this street.

It is widely known that every country’s government and authoritative institutions worldwide have an official circle for artists to discuss and rank their status.

Dongxia has the Art Association, whose president receives a very high level of national administrative treatment. Japan has the Calligraphy and Painting Federation, the United Kingdom has the Royal Art Association, and Germany has the BVDG (Federation of Galleries and Art Dealers), all of which are famous and long-standing in art history.

Other European countries have similar organizations, or are affiliated with the European Union Culture Bureau’s art advisory group and the like.

Artists are human too, and have the desire to compare themselves; no one is exempt from it.

The position of a permanent director of the official Calligraphy and Painting Association,

in Dongxia, one would more or less need to be a master or a retired senior cadre from the provincial government.

But in Myanmar, this little pond can’t really stir up any big fish, his grandfather Gu Tongxiang even holds a special consultant title in Chinese Painting.

Although it is a legitimate official organization, it is mostly just a nicer sounding title, that’s all. Furthermore, if you happen to encounter a project like the Great Golden Pagoda restoration, you can conveniently use this platform to mingle and gain experience.

Honestly speaking,

it may not be once in half a century that the Great Golden Pagoda sees a restoration of this scale, usually, the Association is merely a small circle for everyone’s self-amusement.

It holds some small power, but not enough to make others envious, hence there’s no room for petty manoeuvres and schemes.

Old Wu and his grandfather Gu Tongxiang have always maintained a somewhat gentlemanly, bland friendship.

Old Wu loves meticulous painting and understands it, but his painting skills are just those of an enthusiast.

Their businesses don’t compete with each other, instead, over the years they have accumulated a shared camaraderie within Dongxia’s literary and artistic circles like incense sticks that tied them together.

During the New Year’s celebration, I gift you a New Year painting, you gift me a pair of couplets.

The elderly gather together occasionally for chess games, with frequent interactions, their friendship grows closer.

Old Wu’s daughter-in-law is Shan and makes a local specialty rice noodle salad.

Unlike the outside bought rice noodles with chicken and duck meat as side dishes, this one uses pure lard and spices to make into sauce, keeping the rice noodles aside, mixing them together only when eating.

It is pungent and elastic, with a distinct flavor.

When Old Wu wanders over, he often brings some along for them to try.

"Grandpa Wu, are you back from Thailand?"

Gu Weijing grabbed a bowl from the side, mixed a bowl of noodles from the portable lunch box Old Wu brought, slurping while asking.

Grandpa Wu was not seen during this year’s festival.

This elder went to Bangkok for vacation during the Spring Festival and just returned the other day.

"I saw in your son’s circle of friends you went to see a ladyboy show? At such an old age, aren’t you afraid of straining your heart?"

Gu Tongxiang nudged a pawn, glanced at his opponent, and teased: "Indecent in old age."

"Not interesting at all, ladyboy shows are too naked, like a vulgar animal performance." Old Wu, being a fun person, blew out a smoke ring and said casually, "It’s not as artistic as Tang Bohu’s Erotic Painting."

Like he remembered something, he gestured at Gu Weijing, who was eating noodles, pointing to a leather document bag on the nearby table.

"Weijing, go have a look, it’s a gift from Grandpa Wu to you."

"This one?"

Gu Weijing picked up the document bag, found it heavy with many things stuffed inside.

"Go take a look, he brought it early in the morning, mysteriously said it’s for you, not letting anyone else touch it."

Gu Tongxiang was also a bit curious.

Following his directions, Gu Weijing undid the string on the document bag, pulling out a certificate-like document from it.

[Respected Chinese Painting Artist Teacher Gu Weijing:

Due to the outstanding artistic skills and sincere patience you demonstrated during the Great Golden Pagoda restoration project. After discussion by all members of the Yangon Calligraphy and Painting Association, the collective believes you have reached the requisite qualification to become a member of the Artist Association, and your membership application has been approved!

Best wishes!

Yangon City Cultural Bureau.]