Chapter 72: The Greatest Photorealistic Portrait in History

Brother Liu, are these two you drew white radishes or red radishes?

Because of Little Loli’s comment on this great work, Liu Liwa almost stabbed himself to death with his brush. But when he took a careful look at the ‘masterpiece’ on the paper, to be honest, it did look a bit like two genetically mutated, conjoined red radishes.

He had overlooked a very important point—he simply couldn’t draw! With his skill level, he could turn a beauty into Zhang Fei, and a landscape into a blackboard. Back in kindergarten, his art teacher had told him that he had great talent in painting, but there were two things that would hold back his development: his left hand and his right hand. He just wasn’t cut out for this!

Ah, what a pity for such a rare and naturally beautiful scene, and what a waste of Little Loli Xinying’s hard work—she had almost managed to pull off most of the quilt…

The art teacher had once said that a true artist doesn’t just start drawing immediately. Instead, they must first fully understand what they want to paint, feel it deeply from the heart, so they can portray it better and more realistically. When painting people, it’s especially important to communicate with the model. For example, the great photography artist Teacher Guanxi’s successful experience is worth learning from for all artists.

So, Liu Liwa boldly, in the name of art, walked to the bedside. Watching the two women sleeping sweetly, he gently pulled the quilt off them—he had to fully understand, after all. And there really were many aspects worth understanding. For instance, why did Miss Liuyun’s fair and tender skin have a rosy glow? Why did Qin Wan’er tightly clench her fists in her sleep? And why did he suddenly feel a pang in his heart?

Upon closer thought, he realized it wasn’t a pang in his heart but a pinch on his flesh. At some point, a small, delicate hand had appeared on his waist, gripping the tenderest part of his flesh like a pair of pliers…

Liu Liwa let out a sharp cry of pain and leaped back three meters. Qin Wan’er and Miss Liuyun immediately sat up. Qin Wan’er took the lead, spraying him with spit as she yelled: You lecher, you pervert! How dare you pull the quilt off girls in the middle of the night? What are you up to?

Liu Liwa said confidently: Art! It’s all for art!

The room was lit by candlelight. The two women, now dressed, listened as Liu Liwa explained Wen Jun’s request—of course, without revealing any private details. The women weren’t very surprised either; in a pleasure house, even if they hadn’t seen it before, they’d heard of all kinds of strange preferences men had. They were used to it. Some even liked collecting embroidered silk bodices or foot-binding cloths. The world was full of surprises.

But now they faced the question: how to produce the first issue of the military secret agent photobook series! And it was exclusively for the chief!

Qin Wan’er volunteered. When it came to drawing, she had talent, professional training, and had put in hard work. So she was willing to give the artist profession a try. Just as Liu Liwa was about to question her, Qin Wan’er resolutely picked up the brush. With swift, powerful strokes, she instantly sketched Liu Liwa’s current form onto the paper—dignified and solid, as towering as a mountain, giving a sense of unprecedented security. Except his head was too round, his eyes too small, his neck too long, and the pattern on the turtle shell behind him was too plain!

Damn! This woman had drawn a giant turtle, and even wrote his name next to it. She used metaphor and indirect description to highly praise Liu Liwa’s current achievements in the brothel steward field!

Though the meaning of the painting was clear, in terms of skill alone, it may not have reached the standard of the Louvre, but it was still far better than Liu Liwa’s market-stall level.

Liu Liwa, along with Liuyun and Little Loli, all admitted they were no match. And so, the role of artist naturally fell to Qin Wan’er. Next, they had to choose a model.

Liu Liwa was directly eliminated—he didn’t even get a chance at any under-the-table rules. Little Loli was quite interested, but for a man like Wen Jun, who was in his thirties, intense and repressed for years, she held little appeal. Everyone naturally turned their eyes to Miss Liuyun’s flushed, delicate face.

Me? I can’t, can I? Liuyun already had vocal cord nodules, and now, nervous, her voice grew even hoarser.

Liu Liwa stepped forward and comforted her with a smile: Don’t be scared. Believe in yourself, and believe in our whole creative team. Besides, it’s just a few drawings and some poses, all done secretly in a small dark room. Compared to being out in front, exposed to men’s judgment and comments—which would you choose? Actually, it doesn’t matter which you pick. No job is high or low; all work serves the people!

What kind of poses do I have to do? Miss Liuyun blushed and shot him a look. Liu Liwa’s two sentences wiped away all her hesitation and doubts. As a faded singer, if she didn’t sell her skills, she’d have to sell her body. Now she had a chance to be repackaged, switching from an innocent image to a sexy one, to release a photobook, and maybe become popular again—perhaps even reach new career heights.

Liu Liwa smiled, pleased that she made the decision so quickly. Life was complicated, and we can’t always choose our path. The only thing we can control is how we position ourselves. Only by finding the right place and walking steadily forward could one avoid wrong turns, missteps, heartache, and tears.

Okay, since everyone is ready and the employer is waiting for our submission tomorrow, let’s not waste any more time. All departments, attention. Liu Liwa immediately adopted his usual strict work ethic, his every-second-counts attitude, his customer-first service spirit, and his men-and-women-working-together policy, and threw himself into it: Wan’er, take up your brush as your weapon—your task is crucial. Miss Liuyun, adjust your heartbeat, stay relaxed, and try your best to show your most beautiful side. Xinying… you little brat, what time is it and you’re still not in bed!

Liu Liwa told seven or eight fairy tales in one breath before finally coaxing Little Loli to sleep. Qin Wan’er and Liuyun, however, got hooked on the stories. Liu Liwa had no choice but to offer them empty promises, saying the employer would pay ten silver taels for each picture. Of course, Wen Jun hadn’t promised any payment; Liu Liwa was just bluffing for now. After all, you can’t expect the donkey to turn the millstone without feeding it.

Hearing there was money to be made, the two women perked up immediately. Each had the goal of saving up quickly to buy their freedom, striving for liberty.

Liu Liwa looked at the two refreshed women—a pair of lovely blossoms, beautiful and fragrant. He couldn’t help singing in his heart: Under the moon, beneath the stars, there are two beautiful spirits. They are pure and lovely, lively and clever. They work together to plan a limited photobook series. They draw and write, so happily together…

In this relaxed atmosphere, the work of creating the greatest photorealistic portrait in history officially began with Liu Liwa’s rallying cry: COME ON BABY…