Chapter Thirty-Nine: That Is My Freedom

"Who is this person? Drawing with sand—how incredible!"
...
"He's so young, yet his artistic skills are astonishing!"
...
Countless viewers watching the live stream and short videos were furiously commenting.

In the headquarters office of Douyin, the secretary rushed in.
"President, you must take a look at the top videos on our app homepage."
"What happened?"
"Just see for yourself."

The president of Douyin immediately opened the app. When he saw that the entire screen was filled with words like 'Northern Jiangsu Freshmen Gala' and 'Sand Art,' his face was full of confusion.

But as soon as he clicked into the videos and witnessed Yang Xiaofan's sand painting, he was instantly struck by its impact.

Even through a screen, he could tell at a glance that Yang Xiaofan's artistic level was extraordinarily high—so high that even the country's most renowned artists couldn't compare.

Remarkable!

"Hurry, go to Northern Jiangsu University immediately. No matter what, we must get in touch with this artist. Invite him to join our video platform as a star streamer."

As president of Douyin Video, his professional market instincts told him that Yang Xiaofan's future was bound to shine.

At least for a period, the traffic value Yang Xiaofan could generate would be extraordinary.

With capital hype, pushing Yang Xiaofan to the top would not be difficult.

In an era where internet celebrities appear one after another, it's increasingly hard to create a top-tier influencer. Yet Yang Xiaofan now holds that promise.

If they could secure an exclusive contract, Douyin would attract tremendous traffic in a short time.

Even for a brief period, the competition among major video platforms was fierce. Any breathing room could put them miles ahead of the competition.

Meanwhile, Douyin was not the only platform to notice Yang Xiaofan's talent. Other streaming platforms like Tiger Tooth and Quick Monkey also sprang into action, hoping to strike first.
...
At Northern Jiangsu University, the gala had become Yang Xiaofan's solo stage.

He performed for a full thirty minutes, dominating the event!

There was no helping it—every sand painting he created was unique, each with its own captivating landscape and charm.

At one moment, it felt as if the audience was transported into the vast, majestic mountains.

At another, as if they were in the fertile lands of the southern rivers.
...
In short, his art was more pleasurable and thrilling than watching high-definition movies or videos.

With such a performance, he would undoubtedly become the undisputed winner of the campus gala.

In the end, he only stepped down by his own insistence, finally allowing the next class to have their turn on stage.

But it hardly mattered.

His performance, a jewel among the acts, had drawn all eyes. Those who followed were rendered utterly ordinary, lacking any appeal.

Even as performers sang and danced energetically on stage, the students below continued discussing Yang Xiaofan's art.

Some went as far as pulling out their phones to watch short videos, completely ignoring the stage.

Afterwards, Qin Nuanyu hurried up to help Yang Xiaofan wipe away his sweat, her fragrance making his heart flutter.

"Class president, so? Did your man let you down?"

Qin Nuanyu shot him a glare, though inside she was utterly delighted.

Disappointment was impossible. Not only was she not disappointed, she was thrilled beyond measure.

After all, it was the first time in her life she'd watched Yang Xiaofan create art in person.

Previously, she'd only seen his finished works!

The shock of this experience was no less than seeing his paintings sell for tens of millions.

Just then, a classmate rushed over, face serious.
"Are you Yang Xiaofan? The principal asked me to call you to his office."

"What does the principal want with you?"

Qin Nuanyu frowned slightly, while Yang Xiaofan, having guessed as much, rubbed her head and said,
"It's nothing—probably just a trivial matter. I'll go see."

"Alright."

Qin Nuanyu nodded obediently, then seemed to remember something and added,
"By the way, Gu Hao called just now. An old client from a few days ago brought an elderly gentleman who wants to meet you. I told them to come to the school."

"I understand. If they arrive, tell them I'm in the principal's office and have them wait outside for a bit."

"Okay."

The two parted ways, and Yang Xiaofan followed the classmate to the principal's office.

"Principal, Yang Xiaofan is here."

"Very well! You may go now, and close the door. I wish to speak with Yang Xiaofan."

"Yes."

Once the door closed, the principal immediately dropped his smile, slammed the table, and barked sternly,
"Yang Xiaofan, how dare you!"

Yang Xiaofan remained calm, hands in pockets, face expressionless.
"Principal, what do you mean by this?"

"Don't play dumb with me! Don't think I don't know—you are the one who painted on the campus wall a few days ago, aren't you?"

"That's right."

Yang Xiaofan nodded, admitting it.

"Then why didn't you come forward when I searched the campus for you?"

"Whether I come forward or not is my own business, isn't it?"

"Insolent! You vandalized the school wall with your graffiti, and you still argue? I tell you, this matter is not over! Starting today, you must join the school's art club, and produce artworks regularly to make up for your misdeeds."

Yang Xiaofan sneered coldly.

He knew that being recognized by this old fox would bring trouble.

Back in his freshman year, he already knew this man was no good—he'd handed the cafeteria contract to his brother-in-law, turning the dining hall into a mess of chaos and bad food.

Who knows what other shady dealings he was involved in.

Now, having seen Yang Xiaofan's artistic prowess, the principal couldn't wait to reveal his true colors, hoping to make Yang Xiaofan paint for him, so he could profit by selling the works.

Dream on!

A single painting of his was worth millions—why should he give them away for free?

"According to school rules, painting on the wall merely requires cleaning it and results in a minor demerit. On what grounds do you force me to join the art club and produce works on schedule?"

The principal slammed the table, stood up in fury, and jabbed a finger at Yang Xiaofan's nose, roaring,
"Is this how you speak to me? Is this your attitude? Believe me, with a single word I could have you expelled in minutes!"