The writer sighed: I have spent my youth pursuing literature, devoting all my heart to each word, but then the book cannot be sold, many people only like instant noodles, thrilling, easy to eat, even cheap. Many times I wonder, is modern literature still meaningful?
The artist slowly said: I used to be like that, when I thought that each painting I painted would be a part of my soul, a unique creation. But then I realized, not everyone wants to see what I want to paint. For the past two years, I have stopped painting artistic paintings. I paint according to my taste, according to orders, because I need to live.
The writer looks deeper into you: Don't you really regret it? Your paintings have been very soulful before, you have said that you want to paint things that can touch the hearts of people.
The artist laughed helplessly: As for you, you have said that you write not for money, but because you want to save something for life. But now he complains because the book cannot be sold. If you really want to have readers, why not try writing easier to understand, writing what people want to read? I traded it. I paint landscape paintings, paint portraits as required, paint to make a living. But that does not mean I have given up painting. It was just a way for me to continue holding on to the task, instead of keeping a pen and chasing another job. And I still hope that one day, I will have the opportunity to return to what I really want to paint.
The writer reflects: Is it possible to have a harmonious path? A path where art still retains its soul, but does not make artists fall into misery? Perhaps, we artists are always stuck between two options - living by art or living for art. But at least, I hope that, no matter what we write, no matter what we paint, we still do not forget the reason why we started.
Outside the restaurant, the crowd was still bustling. Life goes on, the story of two men has no end. But perhaps, the most important thing is that they are still sitting here, still talking about art, and worrying about the path they are taking. That is very precious!
