The backyard was bustling.
Master Wei was determined to win, and Wu Zeqing was not to be outdone. At this moment, although some people were already hungry, no one mentioned anything about eating. They all knew that something interesting was about to happen. Master Wei was also a leading figure in the calligraphy world. Although his contributions were mostly in the development and expansion of the Calligraphy Association, which was in the administrative aspect, Master Wei's calligraphy was also outstanding. It was impossible for it to be bad. Everyone knew Wu Zeqing. Among the amateur calligraphers, she was the best. She was not even worse than the professionals. Although Master Wei's chances of winning were much higher, it was not as if Wu Zeqing did not have a chance. It all depended on whether there were any experts in their team.
"Then, has everyone agreed?" Master Zhou said with a smile.
Master Wei said without any pressure, "I have no objections."
Wu Zeqing smiled gracefully, "I have no objections either." Then she said to Master Wei, "Old Master Wei, I was bullying the strong, so please don't blame me."
Master Wei did not hesitate, "Of course not. I'm just afraid that if I win against you and get the prize, you will blame me for snatching something you like."
Many people started to make a ruckus when they heard this.
Actually, the smell of gunpowder was only in the mouth. It was just for fun. What status did Master Wei have? What status did Wu Zeqing have? How could she bear a grudge because of this? That would be too petty. The reason why she said that was to create a lively scene. Without a sense of competition, the atmosphere would not be lively.
Some family members were upstairs in the restaurant and did not go to the backyard. This was because there were too many people in the backyard and it could no longer fit. Those family members opened the windows upstairs and watched with interest.
"Come quickly!"
"They're going to compete!"
"There's going to be a good show to watch!"
Instantly, everyone's eyes were focused on this place.
The grouping began. It was all voluntary to choose a team.
Master Wei was an authority in the calligraphy world. He had countless disciples and connections all over the world. Many people who had received favors from him naturally chose Master Wei's team. Many of the other old calligraphers were also Master Wei's friends, so there was nothing to say. Since Master Wei wanted a gift on his birthday, they naturally had to help. Hence, more and more people gathered around Master Wei. On the other hand, Wu Zeqing's side was a little shabbier. She was the only one standing there. There was no one behind her. This was a situation that many people did not expect, but when they thought about it carefully, it was no longer strange. Even if it was a competition where friendship came first and competition came second, everyone could tell that Master Wei really wanted Master Zhou's calligraphy. He was old, experienced, famous, and was the birthday boy today. Who wouldn't give him some face? Although Wu Zeqing was also in a high position, it was still a position in the educational world. In the world of calligraphy, Wu Zeqing was not at the forefront. Hence, everyone knew who was more important. Logically, they should stand on Master Wei's side. This was also the work of China's traditional values. As people who were involved in the art of calligraphy, they studied classical culture, so such views were naturally deeply rooted.
Wu Zeqing did not have any other expression on her face. She just maintained a faint smile.
Some of the female family members could not stand it anymore.
"Hey, what happened?"
"Why are they all helping Master Wei?"
"Not a single one joined President Wu's team?"
"What the hell is this? Isn't this bullying us women!?"
"President Wu's calligraphy skills are weaker to begin with. Now that she's alone, what's the point of competing? Let's just give the prize to Master Wei."
"If I knew calligraphy, I would definitely help President Wu!"
"Man, this is really a little inappropriate. There should at least be a few people helping Big Sis Wu, right? If not, how embarrassing would that be? It's not even proper! "
Upstairs and downstairs, many people began discussing in low voices.
No one was hoping that Wu Zeqing would definitely win. After all, there was a gap in strength between President Wu and Master Wei. But even if she lost, she had to lose face. The competition had not even begun, but everyone was subconsciously standing on Master Wei's team? There was no one on Wu Zeqing's side. How were they going to compete?
Su Na was also angry. How could this be? She immediately stared at her father, "Dad!" She was a member of Peking University, so of course she would side with Wu Zeqing.
Father Su pretended not to see it and carried on chatting with his friends.
However, after some thought, Su Na stomped her feet angrily and did not go over. There was no other reason other than that her calligraphy skills were not deep enough. Besides, calligraphy and classical literature were inseparable. In a while, the topic would be decided by drawing lots like in previous years. The calligraphy would have to be done according to the scope of the topic. It would also be a test of her classical literature skills. If her literary skills were not good enough, or her calligraphy skills were not good enough, then she would only embarrass herself. She would probably not even be able to write something suitable for the topic. If Su Na went, she would only be adding to Wu Zeqing's troubles, so she might as well just stay here and wait!
Master Zhou, who had suggested this competition, also wanted to have a more novel competition. It was not the same as the previous years, but seeing this situation, he did not expect it. He was momentarily speechless. He gave Wu Zeqing an apologetic look and spoke for her, "I say, everyone here is a famous person in the calligraphy world. Do you think such a competition is interesting? Even if you win, you won't show your face, right? "
The dozens of calligraphers behind Master Wei also blushed. Indeed, as Master Zhou said, it was really shameful. Dozens of teachers from the calligraphy world were bullying a female comrade, Wu Zeqing? It was not a good thing to say. Even if President Wu was not deeply involved in the calligraphy world, she was at least a famous person in the education world. If it was based on the hierarchy and status in the system, Master Zhou and Master Wei were inferior to Wu Zeqing.
However, Master Wei chuckled and said, "Little Wu's calligraphy skills are the most talented I've ever seen. If a group of people were on her team, I might not even be able to beat her. Now that's great, Little Wu. I'll accept this wager, alright? I don't think we should compete anymore. It's time to eat. "
Master Zhou rolled his eyes, "Old Wei, aren't you embarrassed?"
"Haha, since it's a competition, what's there to be embarrassed about?" Master Wei thought nothing of it. He stroked his beard and laughed non-stop. Looking at Master Zhou's calligraphy, his eyes already treated it as his own. The old man was very thick-skinned and did not feel embarrassed at all.
What are you doing?
Zhang Ye, who was eating melon seeds by the side, could not bear to watch any further. He had heard everything that had been said, but he did not say a word. When he came over to see the situation, he had actually planned on not getting involved. After all, he was not part of this circle. He was also not interested in the things that happened here. What did it have to do with him if all of you were messing around or competing for the wager? But now, Zhang Ye could no longer tolerate it. F * * k, you bunch of calligraphers are bullying my Old Wu? And you are acting so righteous? Don't you have any shame!?
President Wu has no one?
F * * k your grandpas! There's still this bro here!
Zhang Ye immediately stood up. With a handful of melon seeds in his left hand and a handful in his right hand, he began munching on them. He leisurely walked behind Wu Zeqing and sat down on the chair behind her. He continued munching on the melon seeds without saying a word, but his attitude was very clear!
Wu Zeqing smiled and looked at him, "Can I?"
Zhang Ye said confidently, "You can remove the word 'Ma'."
"Hur Hur." Wu Zeqing smiled and said, "Alright!" Saying that, she also sat down to drink tea.
Su Na was stunned. Teacher Zhang went up? Didn't he not know calligraphy? She had seen Zhang Ye's calligraphy before. It was in the video of the Beijing Couplet Competition. Zhang Ye's calligraphy was not ugly, but it was only not ugly. It was not considered art. It couldn't even be considered calligraphy. Only ordinary people would think that his calligraphy was alright, but what was he going to compete on?
Wu Zeqing finally had a teammate.
Everyone looked curiously at the young man wearing sunglasses.
"Who is that?"
"What's he doing up there?"
"What's he doing? Does he know calligraphy?"
"I've never seen him before. The Calligraphy Association doesn't have such a member, right?"
"Definitely not. I've seen all the members before. I also know all the slightly famous calligraphers. Not to mention him, there's no such young calligrapher!"
"But it's good that there's someone."
"That's right. At least it won't be so embarrassing."
Master Zhou looked at everyone and frowned, "There's no more?"
In the backyard, there were many calligraphers who had just entered the profession. Although they were called calligraphers, it was just an official title. In fact, they were considered apprentices. They were the nephews or disciples of famous masters. Compared to ordinary people, their calligraphy was at the pinnacle and made people envious. But compared to real famous masters, their calligraphy was not presentable. Hence, they knew their limitations and did not plan on participating in the competition. They just stood there to watch the bustle. Most of the people here were youths. They were all below the age of 30. They were here with the goal of learning.
Master Zhou smacked his lips and felt sorry for Wu Zeqing. He asked again, "If that's the case, there's no way to compete. It's not fair at all."
The dozens of people in Master Wei's team looked at each other.
Someone stood up, "Why don't I go over?"
A man also said, "Hur Hur, then I'll also help Sis Wu."
Only then did Master Zhou nod his head in satisfaction. This was the bearing of someone who dabbled in the arts.
However, who knew that Wu Zeqing would chuckle and say, "Thank you for your kind intentions. Since the teams have been chosen, let's begin."
Ah?
Wu Zeqing did not want anyone?
Everyone was baffled. They did not understand what Wu Zeqing meant.
The birthday boy, Master Wei, also narrowed his eyes, "Little Wu, there's only one person on your side, right? If you compete like this, it won't be comparable. It will be a lot less exciting. "
Wu Zeqing smoothed the qipao fabric on her legs and smoothed her skirt a little. She said calmly, "It's alright, Master Wei." Saying that, Wu Zeqing took a sip of tea and gently placed the teacup down, "One person is enough!"
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