Ji Liusu: "I think I just saw your little apprentice's work. It's quite impressive."
"Although her skills may not match yours yet, judging by everyone's preferences, you two might be on par. She might even surpass the master."
Qian Jue: "I also saw her paintings just now. They are indeed good, but there's still room for improvement."
"If she continues to work hard, her achievements should far exceed mine, after all, she's still young."
Ji Liusu: "If today the apprentice beats the master, I'm afraid your title as the top painter might change hands."
"But it's just a title, why bother about it?"
Painting was just one of his many hobbies, and he never expected to become some sort of top painter.
He had initially attended the Literary Garden's poetry gathering simply because he was bored and wanted to join in the fun.
Unexpectedly, he won first place, and then retained the title for several consecutive years. Now, if someone else could take over, it wouldn't be bad at all.
At Jin Zun Tower, Feng Qingyi, Xu Linghe, and Zhao Yiqing arrived at the private room where they had their first meal together.
Xu Linghe: "I remember we dined here for the first time. I didn't expect we'd be sitting here again."
"Last time we agreed to pay for ourselves, but Zhao unexpectedly paid in advance. This time, I must treat."
Feng Qingyi: "I think I should pay!"
"Next time you can pay, but this time it's on me to celebrate your victory over Shen Lanyan," Xu Linghe said.
Feng Qingyi: "Zhao's calligraphy is superb, I'm sure he'll have a great result."
"You flatter me, Miss Feng. It all depends on everyone's evaluation. Today, it was you who truly astounded everyone."
Xu Linghe: "Don't worry, Zhao. I've seen your work, and I think your calligraphy is excellent. You're sure to win first place."
Feng Qingyi: "We're all so familiar now, why don't we drop the formalities and call each other by our names?"
Xu Linghe strongly agreed, "I think Qingyi has a point. We're friends now, so let's be more casual."
Zhao Yiqing nodded, "You both make sense. From now on, I'll call you by your names!"
Xu Linghe: "Everyone, don't be shy. Order whatever you like. The Literary Academy's results will be out at dusk. We can go there on time, and in the meantime, we can wander around a bit."
Everyone ordered dishes they liked and chatted casually.
Most of the time, it was Feng Qingyi and Xu Linghe chattering away, with Zhao Yiqing listening beside them, only occasionally offering his opinion.
As a chatterbox, Xu Linghe couldn't stop talking, and Feng Qingyi answered all her questions. The two girls laughed and talked, creating a lively atmosphere.
After lunch, the three walked out of the private room and ran into Qian Jue and Ji Liusu.
Qian Jue waved at Feng Qingyi, "Little girl, you did well this morning. Do you think you can surpass me?"
"You might be amazing, but I'm not weak either! We'll know the results this afternoon. Who knows, I might just pull off an upset!"
Although the possibility was slim, maybe she'd get lucky!
"Looks like you're quite confident! But it seems inappropriate for you to be with them right now. Why don't you come with me for a walk and meet my good friend?"
Feng Qingyi turned to see Xu Linghe and Zhao Yiqing whispering to each other. She decided not to be a third wheel.
"Alright, I'll say goodbye to them and go with you."
Feng Qingyi walked up to the two, "I have some matters to attend to, so I won't be joining you for now. See you tonight."
Before leaving, Feng Qingyi gave Zhao Yiqing a thumbs-up gesture, but he didn't understand what she meant.
Xu Linghe was also confused, "Yiqing, what did Qingyi's gesture mean just now?"
Zhao Yiqing shook his head, "I don't know either."
Xu Linghe: "So, what are your plans now?"
Zhao Yiqing looked into the distance, "There's a bookstore up ahead. Why don't we go take a look?"
"...Alright, let's go check it out together."
Hearing Xu Linghe's answer, Zhao Yiqing was delighted, "What kind of books do you usually read?"
Xu Linghe hesitated. She didn't read much usually, and when she did, it was mostly military books.
"I usually only read books on military strategy and tactics."
Zhao Yiqing: "Linghe, your interests are truly unique."
Xu Linghe: "Don't you think my interests are out of place compared to other women?"
"Everyone in this world has their own unique qualities. Linghe, there's nothing wrong with your interest in weaponry and martial arts."
"In fact, it shows that you're a unique woman. You don't need to try to be like others. You're perfect just the way you are."
Xu Linghe was clearly stunned. No one had ever spoken to her like this before.
Her parents and friends all thought that girls should learn the four arts of the Chinese scholar and household management.
But she had no interest in these things; she only wanted to spend her days with swords and weapons.
Because of this, she was considered an oddity. Until now, apart from Qingyi, no one had been willing to be friends with her without reservations.
"Thank you, Master Zhao!"
"Qingyi just said we could call each other by name. You can just call me Yiqing!"
"Alright, we've arrived at the bookstore. Shall we go in and take a look?"
The two entered the bookstore, which was fully stocked with writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones.
The bookshelves were filled with various types of books. Xu Linghe wasn't interested in these, so she just followed behind Zhao Yiqing.
Noticing Xu Linghe's silence, Zhao Yiqing slowly introduced the contents of the books he was holding.
In the end, Zhao Yiqing bought two books of poetry for himself and two military strategy books for Xu Linghe.
"Linghe, these are for you."
Xu Linghe flipped through the military books, asking with some confusion: "Do you read these books too?"
Zhao Yiqing: "I've dabbled in them occasionally."
"That's amazing!" Xu Linghe exclaimed.
Zhao Yiqing: "If you have any other books you like, we can discuss them together."
Although Xu Linghe wasn't particularly interested in reading, seeing his sincere attitude, she agreed.
The two browsed the bookstore for a while longer before heading out to the street.
The street was crowded, but it didn't affect their leisurely stroll.
On the other side, Feng Qingyi, who had left with Qian Jue, was watching a group of elderly people playing push-nine cards, feeling a bit out of place.
Impressive, she thought. Instead of going to a casino, they're having a private mahjong game. What a leisurely life they lead.
"Little girl, do you want to give it a try?"
Feng Qingyi quickly shook her head. Although she had played a few times on her phone, this involved real money, so she definitely couldn't do it.
If she lost too much, she might have to sell herself to pay off the debt.
