Bailian walked at the back and slowly replied, “I’ll do my best.”
The boy scratched his head.
Up front, Jian Rong who now had more people added to his group also noticed there was a girl among them. Female participants were rare in the Beicheng Calligraphers Association. He turned and asked Qiu Boqing, “Do you know who that girl is?”
Without looking back, Qiu Boqing gave a slight nod.
“Since she was selected to participate, her skills must be quite good, right?” Jian Rong felt a little curious and wanted to get to know her.
Hearing this, Qiu Boqing just gave a cold laugh. “She hasn’t even taken the Level 9 exam.”
“Oh…” Jian Rong instantly lost interest.
Among their circle, who didn’t score 80+ on the Level 9 exam? To think there would be someone here who hadn’t even taken the test.
The entrance to the China Calligraphers Association was thick, majestic wood. Golden Liangti style characters on the signboard. The doorway was a wide eight meters across. Squat stone lions stood guard on either side. This was where everyone came to check in.
Even Deputy Chairman Qian and Jian Rong’s group were no exception.
Bailian took the boy’s phone to help snap a picture of him.
Just as she was about to return his phone, a commotion erupted by the entrance.
All eyes turned towards the gate where a line of people wearing the Association’s fan-shaped badges slowly walked over.
The young contestants who had gathered from all over the nation to participate in the Lanting Competition watched them intently.
Gazing ardently at the clothes they wore.
“Xie Jinyun!”
“It really seems to be him!”
“…”
Exclaims arose.
“It really is Xie Jinyun…” Beside Bailian, the boy was also extremely eager as he looked over at that group. He wanted to discuss it with Bailian but when he turned around, he discovered she was on her phone…
Studying vocabulary?
“What is it?” Noticing his stare, Bailian slightly tilted her head, narrowing her eyes a bit.
“Aren’t you curious?” His fiery enthusiasm was completely doused the instant Bailian’s rather aloof gaze landed on him. “It’s Xie Jinyun! The favorite to win first place this time. Rumors say he’s the next in line to become the next Chairman…”
And then he watched as Bailian simply returned to reciting vocabulary amidst his words.
Boy: “……”
Thrown off by Bailian like this, when the boy looked back at the Central Book Association members, the fervent light in his eyes had also dampened considerably. “Let’s add each other on WeChat.”
Figuring he had no chance of adding Xie Jinyun anyway, he took out his phone to connect with Bailian.
The Association compound was massive and subtly luxurious.
Today’s competition venue was in the largest building situated in the center.
“Here is everyone’s admission ticket,” said the Deputy Chairman handing them out downstairs. “No need for me to elaborate on the content. You’ll get three chances to write and must select your best work to turn in. I’ll be waiting down here.”
He passed out the tickets one by one.
In the end, he left Jian Rong with kind advice, “Don’t be nervous. Maintain a peaceful state of mind. Teacher believes you will reach this level too one day.”
“I understand,” said Jian Rong tightly gripping his ticket. Taking a deep breath.
He was a prominent talent in Beicheng but no one at the China Calligraphers Association knew him at all.
The group of twenty from Beicheng headed upstairs.
Many mentors and teachers accompanying different groups were acquainted with one another. The administrator from Nancheng walked over with a smile and asked, “Old Qian, was that your association’s Jian Rong just now?”
“Yes, that was him,” Deputy Chairman Qian laughed. “The kid has pretty good natural aptitude, just a pity his luck isn’t so good this time.”
“What a pity indeed,” the Nancheng administrator clicked his tongue. “Bad luck running into Xie Jinyun and Xu Yajun. The two favored to become the next Chairman and the current Chairman’s disciple. So unfortunate for the competitors this batch, I had to mentally coach my student for a good while.”
Even a genius would be suppressed by those two.
Of course Deputy Chairman Qian understood that.
“I hope Jian Rong can compose himself,” Deputy Chairman Qian sighed. “Securing a second prize and a spot in the Central Book Association would do.”
Coming to the Association to compete tested not just skills but mindset as well.
The geniuses from every city who gathered at the Central Branch would be dealt heavy blows by the dazzling talents present, feeling themselves inferior. The stellar line-up of exceptional entrants this year with Xie Jinyun and Xu Yajun could overwhelm any other year’s contestants.
And these two just had to appear together in the same cohort.
How would anyone else stand out under such pressure?
One and a half hours later, not one among Deputy Chairman Qian’s group downstairs had left. All were waiting for the contestants to finish.
When not even fifteen minutes into the competition,
A figure emerged from inside.
“Which contestant collapsed already? Throwing in the towel?” someone asked.
Interrupted from his chat with the Nancheng delegates, Deputy Chairman Qian looked up to see who had such weak resolve. But the moment he clearly saw who it was, he almost failed to maintain his composure. “Wha- Why are you out here already?!”
He stared at Bailian in disbelief.
Bailian had just taken out her phone and was languidly pulling out her earbuds, preparing to listen to some English audio lessons.
“Can’t I come out?” asked Bailian lifting her head, the black earbuds still dangling in her hand. Dressed in snow white on top, the noon rays shone brilliantly upon her cold, noble features veiled by light.
The threads of gold embroidery on her skirt gleamed icily.
Deputy Chairman Qian: “You can, but…you came out after only fifteen minutes?”
Such a formal competition held only every three years concerned the reputation of the entire Central Book Association. Even if it were Xie Jinyun, he would be carefully deliberating to avoid any mistakes.
Who could possibly finish writing that quickly in fifteen minutes?
“Mm,” Bailian stuck the earbuds in her ears. Turning her eyes, she lazily replied, “I need to catch a flight. Class tomorrow.”
Deputy Chairman Qian: “……”
Returning to Xiangcheng today?
No, what ridiculous behavior!
He felt mildly distressed inside but then considered how Bailian did not come to compete for any prizes. Remaining in Jiangjing served no purpose anyway. “Then you take care going back yourself.”
Deputy Chairman Qian waved his hand, not asking her to stay.
He watched Bailian leave. Beside him, the Nancheng administrator asked curiously after she disappeared from view, “She’s one of yours?”
“Mm, just here to liven things up,” Deputy Chairman Qian laughed. He did not elaborate much about Bailian, “Longer exposure for her only.”
His gaze stayed fixed on the building as he awaited Jian Rong and Qiu Boqing’s exit.
**
Meanwhile, Bailian returned to the hotel to grab her backpack and flew back to Xiangcheng.
A black car was quietly waiting not far from her hotel. Inside, Jiang He expressionlessly occupied the rear passenger seat, various medicines placed next to him.
Bailian boarded.
She glanced at Jiang He and asked, “Where’s your brother?”
Hugging a small pillow without much energy, Jiang He listlessly replied, “At the Jiang family home.”
Bailian nodded without probing further. She accompanied Jiang He back to Xiangcheng first.
The flight landed as usual at Danping City. The one picking up Bailian and Jiang He was Ming Donghan. Since Jiang He had just seen the doctor and his emotions were unstable, Bailian went with him back to the estate.
In the great hall, Chen Ju had been waiting for Ming Donghan to return.
Seeing Bailian, he dared not ask too much. Only carefully greeting her, then raising some small talk.
After spending some time with Jiang He, Bailian got ready to leave and eat dinner with Ji Hong.
“Miss Bai, coincidentally I ought to head back myself,” said Chen Ju also getting to his feet at this time. “It just so happens I’m picking someone up early tomorrow so I should turn in sooner.”
He had calculated rather excellent timing, leaving together with Bailian.
“Who are you picking up?” Ming Donghan eyed Chen Ju coldly.
He couldn’t discern whether Chen Ju truly needed to receive someone or was making up excuses.
But Chen Ju did not fear him at all. This wasn’t purely fabrication but the timing was off. Arriving tomorrow to fetch Xu Yajun but saying it was for tonight didn’t really count as lying, right?
“Little Xu. She finished competing and wants to experience Xiangcheng’s history after.”
Ming Donghan narrowed his eyes, unable to recall who this was.
“It’s that girl who came last time!” Chen Ju jogged his memory.
Although speaking to Ming Donghan, Chen Ju also did not forget about Bailian. Turning to calmly explain, “Miss Bai, this Little Xu is Xu Yajun. Someone from the Calligraphers Association. Yesterday she saw the old master with Chairman Xue. Old master said her Liangti calligraphy was extremely remarkable. She should display her talents in this Lanting Competition…”
Halfway through his words, Chen Ju noticed Bailian’s tranquil expression.
He hastily switched topics, wiping the cold sweat from his brow as he silently scolded himself for prattling to Miss Bai about these things.
“Miss Bai, please allow me to drive you back!” He grabbed his car keys.
“Thank you.” Bailian picked up her backpack.
The two left the doors together.
**
At the same time in Jiangjing, at the China Calligraphers Association,
The Lanting Calligraphy Competition held once every three years was always a major event for the Central Book Association.
No different this round.
Having just finished the morning exam, all works were sealed and delivered together that very evening to the judging chamber.
Seven people were involved in scoring and evaluation. Because this year Chairman Xue had a disciple participating, to avoid any hints of favoritism he did not join the panel of judges.
He was at home drinking tea instead.
After receiving a call, Chairman Xue suddenly shot up from his seat, “What?!”
“Teacher…” Xu Yajun was startled by her teacher’s intense reaction. She also jolted up from her seat, “What happened?”
A man over fifty, Chairman Xue grabbed his coat without much chance to elaborate. “I can’t believe he actually came to the Association when he already declined to judge. Why would he suddenly show up now…”
Chairman Xue hurriedly exited.
Xu Yajun swiftly followed him outside. “Teacher, who are you talking about?”
“It’s nothing,” Chairman Xue shook his head. “I’m heading to the Central Branch first. Consider Xiangcheng settled on my end, feel free to go at any time.”
He had no time to explain matters to Xu Yajun, directly driving to the China Calligraphers Association compound.
Central Branch Judging Chamber.
Seated at the middle of the conference table was a man in snow white shirt. Head lowered, his cold, pale fingers gently tapped the surface of the table. Disheveled black hair fell across his brow and his eyes and brows exuded an icy air.
Even without speaking, one could sense the arrogant noble aura that permeated his entire being.
A single movement of his fingertips seemed to send cold winds sweeping across the judging room.
Flanking him stood a refined elderly man all smiles, “Everyone, no need to feel nervous. Our young master is only here to observe. Esteemed teachers, do focus on the scoring at hand. Please relax.”
The seven judges sat clutching the works submitted, warily on edge. Upon hearing those words, they almost broke down in tears.
Nicely said!
With this kind of master seated here, who would dare relax?!
Don’t you know Young Master Jiang’s mere presence is already extremely oppressive?
Upon arrival, Chairman Xue saw the seven judges huddled like quails on their seats. “……”
“Manager Jiang, for you two to be here…” Every bit the gentleman, Chairman Xue did not actually dare speak directly at Jiang Fuli, only addressing the elderly butler attending him instead.
Manager Jiang smiled. “The young master merely came to observe. He intends to donate a sum to this Lanting Competition.”
So saying, Manager Jiang made a bringing-together gesture with his fingers.
Chairman Xue’s mood lifted. “Please send my thanks on behalf of all these competitors to Young Master Jiang!”
After taking in the panel of seven judges, Manager Jiang stated, “Word has it of hidden dragons and crouching tigers1 among the participants this year. Among them is also Chairman Xue’s disciple, I believe?”
“Yajun?” Speaking of his esteemed personal disciple never failed to fill Chairman Xue with pride. “For a woman to have reached this far, she overcame countless difficulties…”
Once Chairman Xue arrived, the entire office relaxed by several degrees.
The seven judges finally could properly grade the submissions.
Using the average score system.
“Given the Slim Gold script style2, this should be Xie Jinyun’s work,” said one teacher as he turned to a piece and admired it together with his colleague. Sighing afterwards, “Not surprising for this year’s top contender.”
He gave this 91 points.
Unlike before when the field of calligraphy blossomed abundantly, very few people nowadays could calmly concentrate on learning the artform. The Lanting Exhibit was directed towards the younger generation of aspirants.
Levels were uneven.
Other than Xie Jinyun’s finely executed Regular Script, there seemed to be no particularly brilliant works from the rest.
“Isn’t the Chairman’s disciple participating this year too? I think she wrote in the Liangti style…” An evaluator smiled as he flipped to the next piece. Halfway through speaking, he suddenly paused.
Becoming fixated on the submission before him.
It was a Liangti style piece.
The content was ‘Records of Xiangcheng’.
Each stroke of the author seemed like a blade of lightning, curvilinear like curling vines. The overall effect flowed watery smooth as if brush and ink splashed vividly across the page. Like the turbulent waters of the Silver River cascading down from heaven – one glimpse overwhelmed by the grand aura of dancing ink and sweeping bold strokes!
Holding this entry, it took him a good while before he could bear to set it down.
The man beside him noticed his odd reaction and also looked over. “What work could make you so…”
After staring spellbound for a long period, he suddenly raised his head towards Chairman Xue chatting with Manager Jiang not far away, “Mr. Chairman, you sure hide your talents well! Your student is rather formidable! Such powerful brushwork even makes me feel inadequate by comparison!”
“What?” Chairman Xue was left completely muddled by this claim.
“Right here. Take a look.” That man presented him with the submission piece. “Observe the spirit, the incisiveness. Far surpasses even Xie Jinyun’s level.”
Everyone present was clear on the formidable contestants capable of contending for first prize this round.
Of the superb Liangti works, only Xu Yajun’s stood out.
- Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (????, wò h? cáng lóng) – An idiom describing hidden talents or remarkable individuals who keep their abilities concealed. There’s also an eponymous famous film ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon‘. ↩︎
- Slim Gold Script (shòu j?n t?) – This term refers to a calligraphic style characterized by thin, delicate strokes, often used in traditional Chinese writing. ↩︎
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