Ye Chen poses with his latest work the Plum Blossom Valley, depicting the charming spring scenery in Xiangshan, with mountainous slopes of plum blossoms in colorful contrast to the tranquil lake and elegant pavilions. [Photo from WeChat account zjgcitynews]

Bringing up his initial inspiration, the talented young man showed much shyness.

"It was just something I casually tried out," Ye said.

His first work, modeled from the magnum opus of Shrimp by Chinese master hand Qi Baishi, aroused great interest among his peers, even from his boss.

But what Ye enjoyed the most was recognition from his parents, with whom he had a major falling-out with three years ago when he changed his career from car repair to the culinary arts.