Zhou Enlai and Qi Baishi
Qi Baishi was 93 years old in 1953. When he was 75 years old, he bought an astrologist's words and believed that he would suffer from no disease and disaster if he added two years to his age. Therefore, he celebrated his 90th birthday at home in 1951. After hearing this news, Zhou Enlai threw a party in person to celebrate the 90th birthday of Qi Baishi in the Huairen Hall in Zhongnanhai. Tian Han offered his congratulations. Leaders from the central committee of the Party and cultural organizations attended the birthday party with an atmosphere of happiness.
At the party, Premier Zhou Enlai shook hands with Qi Baishi and said to him cordially, "I heard that you were in the mood to enjoy painting recently and created many novel works. Since people are living a peaceful and steady life after the liberation of China, I understand that you want to create more works for the people and our country. However, you are already 90 years old so you should take a good rest and stay healthy." "I'm waiting for celebrating your 100th birthday," he joked. Hearing what he said, Qi Baishi was very happy.