Yan Huaiyi said, "It's not that exaggerated. I really like Wang Xizhi's calligraphy. I'd be satisfied to even resemble it by thirty percent, let alone capture its essence." He wasn't being modest; his calligraphy didn't resemble even thirty percent, not even ten percent.
Yan Huaiyi placed some importance on He Shouren's opinion and smiled, "Teacher He, could you give some feedback? Let's spar a bit."
Xu Chunliang could only sigh at his fearless ignorance. Don't you have any sense of your own level? Sparring? You should say learning, asking for guidance!
If He Shouren's calligraphy level was tantamount to Weishan Lake, then Yan Huaiyi's was at best a small muddy puddle at the entrance, with a high mud content.
He Shouren was skilled in cursive script, and since Yan Huaiyi was a guest, he couldn't say much, so he smiled lightly, "Not bad!"
He Shouren wasn't good at socializing and usually spoke bluntly, but today he made some perfunctory remarks mainly for Xu Chunliang's sake.
The meaning of "not bad" could be interpreted as either the writing was good or that the characters were written correctly.
Yan Huaiyi originally thought He Shouren would give him some praise, but he didn't expect such a flat response, clearly not approving of his work, which somewhat displeased him. After all, he was a council member of the city calligraphy association.
Jin Yonghao sighed inwardly, realizing that since ancient times, scholars have belittled each other. Surely, He Shouren must have been jealous. Anyway, he felt that Old Yan's handwriting was pretty good.
Mo Han said, "Xu Chunliang, I remember your handwriting is also good."
Xu Chunliang said, "Do I know how to write characters?"
Yan Huaiyi said, "No need to be modest. It's raining now and we can't leave anyway, so why don't you write a bit and let's spar." He did not know that Xu Chunliang was also skilled in calligraphy.
Jin Yonghao also encouraged him, so Xu Chunliang could not delay any longer and had to pick up the pen and start writing—suddenly in unbearable stomach pain, unsure whether it's caused by heat or cold, intending to take a decoction, beneficial in both cases. What should be the plan, not clinical.
The first three characters were written quite formally, with no connection between the characters.
Starting from the character "no," each line was completed in one continuous stroke, interweaving and connecting, getting faster, wilder, and more bizarre, with an abundance of imagery, portraying the essence of cursive script to its peak.
Observing the calligraphy, one could feel the bold and unrestrained sentiment, an uninhibited display of arrogance, with a presence akin to Mount Tai pressing from above, full of unpredictable momentum between the lines.
A vigorous cursive piece burst into the scene, leaving all viewers awestruck.
Yan Huaiyi was left speechless. Already a stutterer, now he couldn't speak at all. Xu Chunliang's calligraphy was unexpectedly so impressive. What he inscribed was Zhang Xu's "Stomachache Note," a marvelous piece in the realm of cursive script.
The previously taciturn He Shouren was now bright-eyed with excitement, exclaiming, "Good handwriting, excellent piece!"
Mo Han deliberately asked, "What's good about it?"
Even Jin Yonghao, a layman in calligraphy, could sense that this piece was written exceptionally well, its momentum overwhelming Yan Huaiyi by miles. He used to think the more connected the cursive, the better, but Xu Chunliang's characters weren't all connected.
He Shouren said, "The most important aspect of cursive is that the strokes above and below should connect, as they say, 'form scattered intention linked,' ends to counterbalance, connected like blood vessels. Director Xu's brush dances like a dragon or leopard in transformation, completed in one stroke. Each character, seemingly positioned precariously but steadied brilliantly, avoids distortion while appearing exquisite and dynamic. Wonderful! Wonderful!"
He had only given two words of evaluation to Yan Huaiyi's calligraphy earlier, but with Xu Chunliang's gives such an extensive review, clearly showing the distinction in his mind.
Although Yan Huaiyi felt embarrassed, he had to admit Xu Chunliang wrote well, and listening to He Shouren's explanation was quite enlightening.
He Shouren immediately requested this piece from Xu Chunliang, who naturally would not refuse.
Jin Yonghao, adept at handling relationships, quickly asked Yan Huaiyi for his handwriting as well, not wanting the leader to be too embarrassed.
Yan Huaiyi deeply regretted displaying his skill; it had now become a laughingstock.
At this moment, the rain outside stopped, and Yan Huaiyi quickly took his leave, feeling too awkward to stay even a moment longer.
He Shouren did not urge him to stay and gifted Xu Chunliang with an inkstone upon departure. This inkstone was made by He himself, a small token of gratitude. Having witnessed Xu Chunliang's calligraphy today, he admired the young man even more.
The mountain roads, wet and muddy after the rain, left Yan Huaiyi somewhat absent-minded due to his little performance, causing him to trip and fall twice, covered all over in red mud, looking quite bedraggled.
When they reached the foot of the mountain, Zhang Haitao was already waiting at the agreed place.
Xu Chunliang originally planned to give Mo Han a lift along the way, but Mo Han declined, saying it wasn't far to the ferry terminal and she wanted to walk and capture the local scenery.
Xu Chunliang felt she wouldn't travel here for no reason and let the others get into the car first, telling Mo Han, "Since you're here, I should play host somehow. If you're not in a rush, I'd like to treat you to a welcome meal."
Mo Han smiled lightly, "I appreciate it, but I have to return today."
"Leaving so soon?"
Mo Han nodded, indicating she had urgent matters to attend to, but they would definitely have more chances to meet in the future.
Xu Chunliang believed it without a doubt, thinking that had he not accompanied Yan Huaiyi on this mountain trek, he might not have run into Mo Han today. Clearly, meeting him wasn't part of her plan.
Xu Chunliang got into the car, and Zhang Haitao asked, "Director Xu, is she your girlfriend?"
Xu Chunliang laughed, "Don't talk nonsense, we just met."
"She's really beautiful! You two look good together."
Xu Chunliang turned to Yan Huaiyi and said, "Dean Yan, this driver talks a bit too much."
Yan Huaiyi laughed, "I actually think he's right."
He was a bit puzzled in his heart about how Xu Chunliang managed to win over Zhang Haitao, who had now become Xu Chunliang's sidekick.
Jin Yonghao said, "I really thought she came to see you. There aren't such beautiful girls on Weishan Island."
Zhang Haitao disagreed, "Dean Jin, our Town Mayor Mei is a real beauty."
Upon mentioning Mei Ru Xue, Jin Yonghao agreed, as if Xu Chunliang also had a good relationship with Mei Ru Xue.
This guy actually has a lot of luck with women. Even Tang Mingmei, the seasoned beauty, looks kindly upon him. However, the age difference was too big, and it was later proven that Xu Daqing had spread malicious rumors to tarnish their names.
Just as they arrived at the hospital entrance, Jin Yonghao received a call from the Hu Shan Town Government, informing them that Da Heng Group's inspection team planned to visit the hospital in an hour, accompanied by county leaders and Secretary Kong. They hoped the hospital's main leaders could host them.
This matter came a bit suddenly. The Hu Shan Town side was informing, not discussing. Jin Yonghao hung up the phone and told the others about it.
Xu Chunliang felt a bit annoyed. Even if it was just an inspection, at least show some respect to the host and notify them in advance, right? It's already three in the afternoon, and you just come whenever you want?
The visit to their hospital was not originally on the agenda. It was definitely proposed by Da Heng Group, and Hu Shan Town couldn't refuse. They wanted to look good, but did they consider the hospital's feelings?
Xu Chunliang clearly stated that he would not participate in the reception. Since Jin Yonghao received the call, he should be responsible.
Yan Huaiyi said that he had fallen twice and his body still hurt, so he didn't want to get involved. He just wanted to muddle through and leave in a few days, with no mood to deal with these people.
Jin Yonghao had no choice. He couldn't afford to offend either the old or the young, so he had to go back and prepare. In fact, there wasn't much to prepare for since they weren't there to inspect the hospital; their main interest was the hospital's land.
Xu Chunliang returned to his office, locked the door, and began looking up information on Da Heng Group. Generally, when Da Heng Group came to inspect Weishan County, it was a big local news event, and related news images were easily searchable online. In today's society, intelligence work is very easy. In an information society, there are no real secrets.
Xu Chunliang found several pieces of news about Da Heng Group coming to inspect Weishan Island, and the head of the Jiangbei Division, Zhang Hengyang, had come again this time.
But it was Da Heng Group's vice president Zhou Guangda who personally led the team, accompanied by county leaders. The level was higher than last time. From the reception specifications this time, it was not hard to see the county leaders' attention on Da Heng Group.
In one of the pictures, Xu Chunliang found familiar faces, including Kong Xiangsheng, Zhang Hengyang, and Mei Ru Xue. His true target was Mo Han.
He always felt that Mo Han's arrival this time was related to Da Heng Group, but he did not see Mo Han in the news images he found. Xu Chunliang searched again for the keywords Luan Yuchuan and Da Heng.
This time, a lot of news came up:
Financial mogul Luan Yuchuan targeting Da Heng.
Luan Yuchuan goes against the trend, intending to enter commercial real estate.
Da Heng's third-quarter income growth falls short of expectations.
...
Xu Chunliang was not interested in economic matters, and his understanding of Luan Yuchuan was that he was a super-rich individual. From the news, it seemed that Da Heng and he were indeed opposites.
Mo Han's visit likely had nothing to do with him. She was aimed at Da Heng Group, knowing oneself and one's enemies leads to success. She was here as a spy to understand the enemy's situation.
Xu Chunliang rose and looked downstairs, seeing a Toyota Coaster entering their hospital. Jin Yonghao quickly led a few cadres to greet them.
Xu Chunliang took out his phone and snapped a few shots. The white and plump one in the middle was likely the county leader, Hu Shan Town's Secretary Kong Xiangsheng was glowing with health and appeared spirited, and the tall man walking with County Magistrate Li should be Da Heng Group's vice president Zhou Guangda.
Xu Chunliang initially thought Mei Ru Xue would come along, but even when everyone got out of the car, he didn't see her.
In such a scenario, it's unreasonable for the Town Mayor not to appear; probably, other important matters delayed her.
While taking photos, notification sounds kept pinging, as Mo Han sent him pictures she'd taken on the mountain.
Xu Chunliang reciprocated, sending the photos he had just taken to Mo Han, offering her a bit of business intelligence.
Not long after, Mo Han replied, saying that the photos were blurry.
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