British writer

three painters,

Pablo Picasso,

Wassily Kandinsky,

Piet Cornelius Mondrian.

Carrying a painting, they followed Margarita into the house.

Lu Shi felt outrageous every time he saw such a luxurious lineup.

It's just that none of the three have become famous yet. If it were put into the 21st century, it wouldn't be a problem to sell a painting for tens of millions of pounds.

Everyone took their seats one by one.

Margarita took out two contracts,

"Professor Lu, please take a look."

When she handed it over, she used the contract as a cover and playfully pinched Lu Shi's thenar bone with her index finger and thumb, giving it a hint of mischief.

Lu Shi glared at the other party,

Little girl movie!

He doesn’t read the contract either;

"You can decide for yourself the commercial operations of an advertising company."

Unexpectedly, Margarita continued: "Look~"

Her tone sounded like she was asking for credit.

Why doesn't Lu Shi understand?

There must be something in the contract.

He looked through it roughly, somewhat surprised, and asked: "Didn't we agree on 10%? How come it became 17.5%? Moreover, the time has also been extended to 99 years..."

Previously, Picasso proposed to cooperate with advertising companies,

For every painting he sells in the next 25 years, he will pay 10% of the advertising fee.

Now these two numbers become,

1999, 17.5%,

Quite outrageous.

Picasso smiled bitterly,

"Her Royal Highness is so good at business, I can only be manipulated~"

Margarita raised her little nose proudly and winked subtly at Lu Shi.

Lu Shi said, "You, just sign a contract of sale with someone."

Margarita spread her hands,

"That's not true. The plantations in the American South are much more sinister than our contracts."

Picasso was speechless after hearing this.

It was truly unexpected that Her Royal Highness the Princess would really compare herself with a slave.

However, he did not object to the terms of the contract;

Although he has become famous through comics, he has become increasingly hindered in orthodox painting art.

In other words, he is set in the minds of potential sellers,

A cartoonist, not a painter.

Because of this, when Margarita was spending every penny, Picasso felt that the other party was optimistic about his future.

This is also the special thing about Picasso.

He has a famous saying:

“What matters is not what an artist does, but who he is.”

It can be seen that when it comes to selling paintings, he does not have the aloofness of an artist.

If you can relax, never hold it; if you can lie down, never stand.

Picasso spread his hands,

"It's a business deal. Her Royal Highness cares about the year and proportion, which shows that she is very confident in the advertising company's marketing methods and believes that she can help me sell paintings at high prices."

Lu Shi nodded,

"Too."

If a painting sells for 10 pounds, there is really no difference between 17.5% and 10%.

But what if it sells for 1,000 pounds?

These numbers only make sense if you sell them at a high price.

Lu Shi picked up another contract and asked, "This is..."

Margarita said: "Mr. Mondrian and I drafted a contract, but neither party has signed it yet."

Lu Shi turned over a few pages,

This one is even more cruel,

The same year is 99, but the commission is as high as 25%.

It's just that the signatures of both parties A and B are still vacant for the time being.

Thinking about it, Mondrian still had doubts and wanted to hear the advertising company's marketing plan before making any plans.

Lu Shi looked at Kandinsky again,

The latter waved his hand,

"Professor Lu, as I told you before, I plan to travel to Europe and North Africa to investigate the development of modern art movements in various countries. Especially after seeing several recent works of Pablo..."

Lu Shi couldn't help but be curious,

"Mr. Picasso, do you have any new works?"

Picasso nodded,

"There are several... By the way, this is the one we brought today."

He lifted the canvas.

"Tsk..."

Lu Shi was speechless.

The painting in front of me is an improvement over the previous "Girls in Cooperation" and is very similar to Picasso's masterpiece "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon".

He observed it by himself for a while,

"These are 4 girls."

Picasso nodded,

"Professor Lu, you are really amazing. Many people thought there were three people when they first saw this painting."

Lu Shi: "..."

It felt like the other party's flattery was a bit harsh.

He said: "This painting will make you completely break with the art of painting~"

The reason why I say this is because this painting presents a single plane, and all the backgrounds and characters are completed with color, giving people a strong visual impact.

Picasso laughed,

"It doesn't matter. I just gave up on stereo and perspective."

These words came from the painter's mouth, which is equivalent to the online novel writer saying: "I just gave up psychological description."

If you do it well, you can become a god.

Maybe...

(PS: I didn’t write anything.)

(PS: Even if it was written, it was still Lu Shi’s idea.)

Lu Shi asked: "What is this painting about?"

Picasso coughed lightly,

"Some of my female friends...well...models, just models..."

Everyone rolled their eyes in unison.

Mondrian complained: "You bastard, you are more outrageous than the French."

Picasso spread his hands,

"I took it as a compliment."

Everyone: "..."

Lu Shi thought of Picasso's romantic affairs and couldn't help but want to laugh.

He looked at Kandinsky,

"You just said that you were inspired by Mr. Picasso?"

Kandinsky replied: "Yes, I think we can go further and simply get rid of the limitations of specific objects to express emotions or thoughts as an art form."

This is what came to be called abstraction.

Mondrian echoed: "I also think it is possible. Through the precise use of points, lines, planes, and the harmonious resonance of form and color."

Lu Shi scratched his head,

The two masters' understanding of abstraction seemed to have sprouted in advance.

He coughed lightly and brought the topic back.

"What's the name of this painting?"

Picasso said: "The Girls of Goldsmiths."

Lu Shi was a little confused and asked, "When did Goldsmiths College start accepting female students?"

Picasso coughed slightly,

"No... not a female student."

grass!

In the hearts of everyone, ten thousand grass and mud horses galloped past,

I thought to myself,

What "girl"? She is obviously a "young woman"!

Lu Shi couldn't help but think deeply, considering whether to buy this painting by Picasso.

But after hesitating for a moment, he decided to forget it.

If similar works are collected by one person alone, the price may not rise.

It is enough for me to have "Girls in Cooperation".

Lu Shi asked Margarita: "What do you think about advertising?"

The three painters immediately sat upright and listened with rapt attention.

That's what they care about.

After Margarita came out to work, she had long been accustomed to facing such scenes, and said calmly: "Professor Lu, I think we can create competition, similar to the previous auction of advertising space in "Mirror"."

Lu Shi pondered,

"Tell me more about it."

Margarita continued: "Auctions can take advantage of the competitive psychology of art dealers and raise the selling price of artworks. The current sky-high price of advertising space in the Mirror is obvious to all."

Lu Shi shook his head,

"no the same."

He pointed to the painting "Girls of Goldsmiths College" and said: "The advertising space is right there, and everyone can understand it. But what about this painting?"

The implication is that most people cannot understand it.

Picasso quickly interjected: "What I paint is not the appearance of things, but the essence that cannot be seen with the naked eye."

Lu Shi spread his hands,

"Look, look, do you admit it yourself?"

Picasso:"……"

"ok I admit it."

Lu Shi continued: "Since ordinary people can't see the essence of the painting with the naked eye, then we have to use deception... um... I mean, let everyone get close to the painting through stories."

Margarita fell into deep thought;

"Then, give a presentation during the auction?"

Lu Shi thought for a while,

"Auction is indeed possible, but it has to be done secretly."

Margarita looked confused.

Mondrian chuckled,

"Your Highness the Princess may not understand what a secret auction is. Let me give you an example. When a boat of fresh crabs docks, the accountant at the dock will conduct a secret auction and ask the buyer to put their hands in their sleeves and bid with gestures. .”

Margarita was smart and understood immediately,

In this way, only the accountant knows the bids of all parties, but the bidders do not know each other.

They will surely hesitate,

"Did he make a bid?"

"If I don't offer a higher price, will these crabs be bought by him?"

…

In this way, each other is suspicious of each other, and there is room to raise prices.

Lu Shi said: "This is the prisoner's dilemma caused by information asymmetry."

Picasso was a little curious,

“What is the ‘Prisoner’s Dilemma’?”

Lu Shi explained: "Two people who conspire to commit a crime are imprisoned and cannot communicate with each other. If neither of them exposes the other, they will be released; if one exposes and the other remains silent, the exposer will be released due to meritorious service. , the silent one will go to jail; if they expose each other, both of them will go to jail at the same time.”

Mondrian thought for a while and said pleasantly: "This 'Prisoner's Dilemma' is a good summary."

As long as art dealers communicate privately, they can buy paintings at low prices.

But because they don't trust each other, they will push prices even higher.

Margarita tapped her chin with her finger,

"We can hold an art exhibition for Mr. Picasso. We will invite more art dealers to come, but only a few art dealers will be allowed into the meeting room at a time, and other art dealers must wait outside. At this time, Mr. Picasso fooled them one by one... ahem... Explain the story in the painting. When people are interested in the story, the value of the painting will increase."

Picasso's eyes glowed,

"Okay! It's really great!"

Lu Shi was speechless,

In fact, Picasso himself used this trick.

One of his lovers, François Gilot, even commented on this: "Picasso from Spain treated people like a matador, especially when it came to buying and selling."

What it means is that Picasso was good at taking advantage of the competitive psychology of art dealers.

Therefore, Lu Shi stole Picasso's strategy and then gave it back to Picasso.

do not know why,

He felt like he was cuckolding the other person.

He continued: "But this requires a prerequisite, that is, Mr. Picasso cannot only be a cartoonist. As a painter, he must also accumulate fame."

Everyone pondered, but there was nothing they could do for a while.

In the field of painting, who has not worked hard year after year?

Even Monet is like that.

Of course, Monet was lucky and made a lot of money while he was alive.

How many people have to wait until the person is gone to become famous~

Lu Shi said: "We can definitely use the previous method, hire a few students from Goldsmiths College, go around the painting shop every day, and before leaving the painting shop, deliberately ask the boss if there are any paintings by Mr. Picasso in the shop."

Picasso was surprised,

"'Previous method'? Has Professor Lu done this before?"

Lu Shi was a little confused.

Isn’t what he said exactly Picasso’s strategy for self-marketing in Paris?

But he soon remembered,

During the Blue Period, Picasso was busy experiencing life at the bottom and had not yet focused on selling paintings.

As a result, he was recommended by Monet and came to London, but he did not show his talent in business.

Lu Shi was speechless,

Unexpectedly, he put another hat on the other party.

He changed the topic vaguely: "Anyway, doing this will definitely leave an impression on the art dealer. It turns out that Mr. Picasso can sell other works without drawing comics. After a period of time, the time will be ripe to hold an art exhibition." "

Margarita admired her very much,

"By then, art dealers will have been turned into hungry tigers by this advertising method. If they see prey, they will definitely pounce on it without hesitation."

Natsume Soseki pondered,

"But is there a risk in this? If the painting is ordinary, it will be discovered in the future."

Mondrian waved his hand,

"Mr. Natsume, you don't have to worry about this. Pablo has this ability. That kind of advertising is just an 'advance' on popularity. As long as it can be realized, it doesn't matter."

Kandinsky also nodded frequently.

With Natsume Soseki's relatively conservative character, he would not take this risk.

But seeing that the three painters were all confident, they stopped saying bad words and just nodded and said: "I don't understand painting. Don't pay attention to what I just said."

The three painters listened and said it didn't matter.

Lu Shi added: "Let me think about it again...Also, Mr. Picasso, from now on you go to buy painting supplies, paints, or eat in restaurants...In short, don't pay cash for daily expenses. If you can write a check, write a check." .”

Picasso was surprised,

"Writing a check for a small amount of money? Wouldn't it be troublesome for the bank to cash it? It's not necessary."

Lu Shi raised the corners of his mouth,

“It’s just because it’s troublesome to pay, that’s why we have to do this all the more.”

Picasso:"……"

Can't figure it out.

Lu Shi explained: "There is a Chinese saying, 'Although a sparrow is small, it has all its internal organs'. The signature of an artist is also a painting to a certain extent, right? What's more, this kind of painting also has a signature guarantee, which guarantees authenticity! I think many People are willing to buy a picture frame and hang the check on the wall of their store as publicity.”

Picasso was very confident in this,

After the comic version of "The Lord of the Rings" was serialized, he was often asked for autographs when shopping in different stores, and sometimes he could even get free orders for it.

This earned him enough face,

Especially when going out on a date with "female friends", it's simply not fun.

It is indeed more appropriate to change it to a check.

On the one hand, the store can use the check to prove that Picasso has a consumption record in the store, and then advertise;

On the other hand, as long as the check is not cashed, it is equivalent to letting Picasso enjoy a substantial exemption;

The most important thing is that by signing a check, you can prove to your "female friends" that you are a polite gentleman who pays what you have to pay and never prostitutes in vain.

Triple win!

The only problem is...

"Isn't this just me promoting the store?"

Picasso was puzzled.

There is no need for Lu Shi to answer this question.

Margarita said: "Mr. Picasso, if one shop hangs your check, it is to promote itself; but if hundreds of shops hang your check, they are promoting you."

Picasso:! ! !

"Ah! That's the truth!"

He showed an extremely shocked expression, and when he looked at Lu, he felt like he was seeing the God of Commerce.

Lu Shi didn't dare to look directly at the other person and turned away.

There is no other reason. What I just said is actually Picasso’s own marketing strategy.

So, another cuckold.

He put three hats on the opponent one after another, and it was a hat trick.

Lu Shi pondered for a moment and looked at Margarita.

"Your Highness, I have discussed with you before about setting up a private museum. Are there any rentals around Fleet Street..."

Before she finished speaking, Margarita replied: "Professor Lu, you are KBE now, why don't you look for royal real estate? I have actually discussed it with His Majesty, and he is even willing to set aside a few rooms for you in Buckingham Palace."

Suddenly, the room fell into silence,

"..."

"..."

"..."

The others looked at Lu Shi silently, as if they were looking at a monster.

In fact, Margarita had another reason she didn't say.

King Edward VII determined that Lu Shihui's marriage to Margarita could be counted as a member of the royal family, and the use of royal real estate was also in line with his status.

"Gu..."

Lu Shi swallowed his saliva,

“Forget it about Buckingham Palace.”

Margarita nodded,

"That's what I said to His Majesty. I think he is a bit fanciful. Although Buckingham Palace does have museums, they are all the Queen's Gallery or the royal family's collection, which is inappropriate."

Lu Shi nodded,

"That's right, it's inappropriate."

Moreover, he was also worried that if he put his private collection in Buckingham Palace, he might not be able to get it back easily in the future.

Margarita added: "Your Majesty also proposed that there are two unused houses on Palace Street, opposite the Royal Stables, where you can set up a private museum. Moreover, when Mr. Natsume returns to the country, you can also move there."

Lu Shi couldn't help but be curious,

I always feel like the other person is very keen on letting me live alone.

He looked at Margarita inquiringly,

As a result, Her Royal Highness the Princess's face instantly turned red, and she looked away, not daring to look at Lu Shi.

Why doesn't Lu Shi understand?

It turned out that the other party felt that it would be more convenient to meet in private now that he was living alone.

He thought about it and felt that the location on Palace Street was indeed feasible.

At worst, I'll buy the property rights in my own name later.

He said to Picasso: "I will exhibit your "Girls in Cooperation" there."

Picasso was curious,

"Are there any other exhibits?"

In Lu Shi's mind, the most important one must be "The Picture of Admonitions of Women's History".

But he was determined to seal it, so he said: "First of all, there is the KBE medal. In terms of literature and art, including Mr. Monet's "Water Lilies" and some of my own manuscripts; in terms of science, I also have Mr. Lorenz's notebooks, and then It’s just handicrafts and industrial products, like Patek Philippe watches…”

When you think about it, there's so much he could have on display.

"Gu..."

Picasso swallowed.

What an honor it is to think that one of my works can be listed in the same place as "Water Lilies".

He quickly said: "Yes, I can...ah! That's right! I'll sell "The Girls of Goldsmiths College" to you! Low price! I only need 1 pound... ah no... 1 shilling. I’ll recoup the cost of the paint and canvas.”

Lu Shi:? ? ?

"What are you doing?"

Picasso seemed to be daydreaming, laughing.

"As long as my work can be exhibited next to "Water Lilies". On the left is "Girls in Cooperation", on the right is "Girls of Goldsmiths College", with cheese sandwiched between two breads, hehe...hehehehehehe... "

Lu Shi was a little confused.

I clearly don’t want to buy it.

He was about to say something, but Mondrian suddenly said: "Professor Lu, can you give me that contract, I will sign it now! Ah... please pass me a pen by the way."

Of course Lu Shi agreed,

"good."

He looked back for his pen.

As a result, Kandinsky on the side also spoke: "Professor Lu, I also want to draw up a contract with an advertising company. You think, how about doing the same as Pete? In 1999, 25%."

"Ah this..."

Lu Shi felt a little dizzy and asked, "Aren't you going on a trip?"

In fact, he just asked simply,

Kandinsky, however, got it wrong and gritted his teeth and said: "99 years, 30%."

He knew in his heart that people like Pablo who joined the team right after the revolution would get better commission conditions.

Peter joined halfway, and the conditions were okay,

He finally fell into the arms of the "Mirror" advertising company, so he should have given up more benefits.

Lu Shi was depressed,

I really don’t have the intention to raise the price on the ground!

But now that the matter has come to this, he can no longer refuse, so he said: "99 years, 30%, I think it is a very 'fair' contract. However, the question remains, don't you want to travel?"

Kandinsky was afraid that Lu Shi would misunderstand, so he quickly said: "I do have a plan, and I am not going to change it temporarily. However, please rest assured that even during the trip, I will continue to hone my painting skills and continue to produce excellent works."

Lu Shi: "..."

Now I understand that whatever I say will be misunderstood.

Then let’s not talk about it.

He nodded to Margarita,

"I'll leave the rest to you."

Margarita secretly admired her, secretly gave Lu Shi a thumbs up, and mouthed, "Awesome! You can actually negotiate such a high commission!"

Her Royal Highness found that there were too many things to learn.

In business, I am not as good as my sweetheart.

Lu Shi was very depressed,

He also responded with a mouthful: "I didn't think about it that much."

As a result, Margarita was even more impressed and continued silently: "You can make money unintentionally. You are worthy of being a big capitalist!"