Chapter 21: Chapter 21
To be honest, Lin Yi's analysis of this oil painting wasn't entirely complete.
After all, his painting skills were only at an intermediate level, and for such a grand work, he could only glimpse a part of it and didn't understand the hidden depths within.
But it didn't matter.
Although Lin Yi couldn't fully interpret it, the three of them were merely amateurs and didn't understand much about the content of the paintings.
Based on his previous experience in reading comprehension in Chinese, Lin Yi began to exaggeratedly praise the content of the paintings, speaking clearly and logically.
This left the three of them completely dazzled.
Deceiving the ignorant is so easy for an expert.
Lin Yi had already noticed the expressions of admiration in Ran and Sonoko's eyes as they looked at him.
Meanwhile, in Shinichi's eyes, there was disbelief and astonishment: he hadn't expected this transfer student to know so much about painting.
Since Shinichi had offered for Lin Yi to humiliate him, Lin Yi wouldn't hold back.
Would one slap be enough? He needed to give him a good lesson!
Lin Yi approached the next painting called "Rainbow" and continued speaking:
"This painting was made by Ivan Aivazovsky at the age of 27. In the same year, he received the title of academician from the Academy of Sciences of Russia and painter of the Naval General Staff. Based on his life in the Black Sea fleet, he created many paintings. Throughout his life, he produced over 6,000 works."
"Look at the texture of the sea water and the waves, how beautifully it is painted! The struggle between man and nature, the conflict, all of this is reflected with striking force."
"Shipwrecks are tragic. But in Aivazovsky's depiction, the image is so beautiful; this is the effect of 'distance' that creates beauty."
"Look at the sea water under the moonlight, how the light dances on the waves, this image is like a beautiful piano piece."
"The movement of the sea water is also very strong. This is not a photo but a creation based on the artist's observation and memory. Look at the detailed and rich layers, the vibrant vitality, the feeling of moonlight... and the sea water, all of this is so touching."
"It makes you feel as if you can hear the sound of the sea water and its freshness. This scene, this feeling, isn't it like listening to a moving symphony, giving you an aesthetic experience?"
"..."
As Lin Yi described one painting after another, Shinichi's face turned purple with rage. He couldn't believe that, with just one sentence, the other had seized the opportunity to talk non-stop, showing off his knowledge.
Shinichi looked at Ran and Sonoko. The two were already with expressions of amazement, completely captivated by him.
Damn it! I shouldn't have said anything!
Shinichi regretted it, but it was too late. He could only look at Lin Yi with displeasure as he kept talking without stopping.
Shinichi wanted to stop the other from showcasing his charm, but he was an educated person, and an educated person doesn't interrupt others' conversations.
After "explaining" three paintings by the same artist, Lin Yi finally stopped.
"Impressive... very impressive."
Ran and Sonoko couldn't contain their admiration for Lin Yi.
Not only was he handsome, but he also knew how to prepare delicious lunches and even knew about art!
Ran looked at Shinichi and thought: compared to him, Shinichi is just a fool who only knows how to make deductions!
"It's just information found in some books. I just memorized it; it's nothing special."
Lin Yi said modestly.
Seeing his "it's no big deal" attitude made Shinichi feel even more frustrated, wanting to give him a good lesson.
No! I can't let this guy keep talking! Otherwise, he'll just be a mere spectator!
Determined, Shinichi changed the subject and said to Ran, "Ran, didn't you say there's a medieval armor that moves by itself in this museum? Shall we go see it?"
"Ah, that's right!" Ran's attention immediately shifted, and she couldn't help but look around: "Where could that armor be?"
Shinichi shot Lin Yi a proud look.
However, Lin Yi didn't care. On the contrary, he was somewhat grateful for the change of topic.
His knowledge wasn't extensive, and if he kept explaining, his lack of information would probably be revealed.
Just as Ran was about to seek out the staff to ask about the moving armor, a noise in the distance caught her attention.
"Kubota, what are you doing?" An old man scolded a young worker who was moving a painting.
"You always have to wear gloves when handling the artworks! I've told you this several times; have you forgotten?"
"Ah, yes, I'm sorry..."
"You don't need to keep working. Iijima, you'll take over this now." The old man seemed to have a strong temperament.
"Alright." The man named Iijima left his work and approached Kubota to take his place.
"Tsk!" Kubota walked away with a look of discontent on his face.
"Oh, Director Ochiai, haven't you cleaned up your mess yet?" A portly man said.
A person approached.
"Mr. Manaka."
"In ten days, this place will close. During this time, I would appreciate it if you could take good care of it." Mr. Manaka said with a proud expression on his face and left.
Director Ochiai looked worried.
There were few people in the museum, and their conversation was clearly heard by Ran and the others, with varied expressions on their faces.
"Is this art museum going to close?" Ran couldn't help but approach and ask.
"Yes, the previous owner had to sell the museum to Mr. Manaka because the company went bankrupt," Director Ochiai said, looking down.
"Then, take your time and enjoy the visit."
Director Ochiai seemed unwilling to say much more. After saying this, he turned around and left.