Great-grandfather Fang went out for a spin with the two walnuts in his hands. His gait was as leisurely as ever, but he couldn't suppress his glee. He was even humming a tune.
Someone asked Great-grandfather Fang, "Why are you playing with walnuts?"
Great-grandfather Fang's face turned solemn.
Was he playing with walnuts?
Nope!
It was sentiment! Artistic conception! Artistic style! If you don't believe me, take a look. It even has the charm of the Old Era!
That day, many seniors in the retirement facility privately inquired about where such walnuts were sold. They couldn't stand Great-grandfather Fang's smugness. They didn't show it in front of him, but they were envious of him twirling walnuts. When they got back, they did some research. That's right, the Old Era did have such a way of playing, and it seemed pretty impressive.
There were also people who went to ask Great-Grandfather Fang, but the first thing Great-Grandfather Fang said was, "My family's Little Zhao gave it to me..." Blah, blah, blah, a long string of words kept popping out, "My family's Little Zhao." It made people's teeth itch.
As for those who wanted to borrow or buy walnuts from Great-grandfather Fang, Great-grandfather Fang rejected all of them! No room for discussion!
I can't even bear to use them given to me by my great-grandson. How can I share them with you? Delusional! If you have the ability, get your great-grandson to buy them!
Great-grandfather Fang wasn't willing to lend out the walnuts. He did have a small chest, but it was just a small chest. He knew that if these things were easy to obtain, Fang Zhao would surely have given him a large chest, but the reality was that these things were scarce!
Great-grandfather Fang's favorite thing to do every day was to take the two most pleasing walnuts out for a leisurely stroll. His hands never stopped when he was chatting or playing chess. He would even purposely approach crowded places to show off the two walnuts in his hands.
Pleased!
This is my personality!
I'm totally different from those old fogeys outside who only know how to drink tea and play chess!
Great-grandfather Fang even named the two precious walnuts "Diting Walnuts." Carrying the name of a mythical beast made it seem even more high-end, auspicious, and evil repellent!
When it came to mythological beasts, the one that left the deepest impression on Great-grandfather Fang was "Diting." Fang Zhao's nickname on the internet was "Diting," so when mythological beasts were mentioned, the first one Great-grandfather Fang thought of was "Diting."
The rarer something was, the greater its value. This was linked to the Old Era, and with Great-Grandfather Fang's ability to brag, this became a topic of conversation among the elders. Gradually, the story spread, and the more it spread, the more incredible it became. Some people said that the lines on the surface of the walnut were unusual, like those of mythical beasts in legends. Others said that the reason it was called the Diting Walnut was because the walnut was made by Fang Zhao. Fang Zhao's nickname was "Diting." Of course, there were also people who wondered if Fang Zhao was creating hype behind the scenes. Was he going to fry walnuts next?
Thus, unbeknownst to Fang Zhao, he had been made a scapegoat again and again.
In the end, Great-grandfather Fang's small box of walnuts wasn't able to keep all of them. Great-grandfather Fang reluctantly gave up some of them due to their old relationship. The Muzhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences had to find other ways to buy the remaining stock. Not to mention the price was much higher, the quantity was just that little, and it was not enough to go around.
The more they couldn't buy it, the more people wanted to buy it, and the more people asked. Later, when people from the Muzhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences took a look, they wondered why this plaything was so popular. The walnuts that had been cultivated previously didn't seem to be very tasty, so they hadn't been planted extensively. Generally, after a new breed was cultivated, the worthless ones would be shelved. In terms of food value, this new breed of walnut wasn't that great, but the people from the Academy of Agricultural Sciences hadn't expected it to be so popular all of a sudden! Now that the situation had reversed, some people began to ponder.
Plant!
Since the demand was so high, then they would plant it again!
Retired people in the New Era also knew how to keep up with the fashion. Playing with walnuts was indeed a rare thing. Those who couldn't buy it would use other substitutes, but they always felt that it wasn't as authentic as the original. Those who had the means would book it early at the Academy of Agricultural Sciences.
Fang Zhao still wasn't aware of all this.
That day, after he had settled the matter with Great-Grandfather Fang, he had prepared to head to Mazhou with Prof. Carter and the others.
This time, Nanfeng and the other two had tagged along.
Now, Nanfeng's back was straight. Many people he knew from the past sought out Nanfeng to collaborate. However, Nanfeng ignored them.
This really proved the saying: In the past, you ignored me. Now, I'm too high for you to reach! Nanfeng was very pleased with himself.
When he had received the news that Fang Zhao was heading to Mazhou, the "too high for me to reach" Nanfeng had been putting on airs and talking to someone. Given Fang Zhao's current influence, as an assistant, he still had to put on airs. Otherwise, people would think that they were easy to bully. No matter what, everything was for Fang Zhao's benefit. He had to stick to his job. Nanfeng knew what he had to say and what kind of attitude he had to display.
When he received the news that Fang Zhao was heading to Mazhou to participate in a music project, although Nanfeng regretted leaving the entertainment circles so soon, he understood that Fang Zhao had his own creative priorities. Fang Zhao's mind was still focused on music. As a capable assistant, Nanfeng would raise both hands in approval of any decision Fang Zhao made.
Zuo Yu was still apprehensive when he received the news. "Boss is going to Mazhou. Will he bring us along?"
Nanfeng rubbed his hands together and said confidently, "He will definitely bring me along. I have to be in charge of Boss's daily life and travel. Following a project is so tiring. It's mentally and physically exhausting. Boss's appetite is huge. I can't let Boss go hungry."
Zuo Yu didn't lag behind. "Besides protecting Boss's safety, I can also help Boss drive his flying transport. In places like Mazhou, you also need a driver."
"I can also help Boss fend off entertainment reporters and teach paparazzi a lesson. Now, many entertainment reporters have their eyes on Boss. As a bodyguard, I have a lot of responsibilities."
Although the three of them spoke of their importance, deep down, they were feeling a little diffident. Fang Zhao really didn't need them. He had given them free rein when attending film festivals. This time, he was going to Mazhou with Prof. Carter's team, so they didn't know if he would bring them along.
The three of them waited nervously for an hour. Finally, Fang Zhao gave them an official notification and the itinerary. The three of them also received their assignments and felt at ease.
Nanfeng, who had been excitedly packing his luggage, thought of something and asked the other two, "If the three of us leave, what about Boss's pet?"
Yan Biao, who had just ended the call with Fang Zhao, replied, "Rabbit has an automatic feeder. Curly Hair will be taken care of by the neighbor next door."
"And lent to the neighbor next door?" Nanfeng wondered why the neighbor next door was so obsessed with Curly Hair, but he quickly tossed the dog aside. He had to attend to Boss's matters first.
Nanfeng and the other two headed to Maersizhou ahead of time, while Fang Zhao followed Carter's team.
Maersizhou was one of the four special continents among the 12 continents of the New Era. It was called Mazhou for short and was named after Great General Maersizhou.
Maersizhou was also the glorious surname of the Maersizhou aristocratic Maersizhou family. It could be said that those with the Maersizhou bloodline might not necessarily receive this surname, but those with this surname were definitely people recognized by the Maersizhou family. Therefore, people who came to Mazhou knew that you could offend people from A-grade e-sports clubs, but you should never offend people with the Maersizhou surname.
But for Carter, he was more willing to interact with people with the Maersizhou surname. At least people from the Maersizhou family wouldn't cause trouble without reason. On the contrary, many people from B-grade and even C-grade e-sports clubs loved to cause trouble.
Therefore, before arriving in Mazhou, Prof. Carter had emphasized to his team that if they encountered trouble, they shouldn't face it head-on. What advantage could a person who dabbled in literature have against those who dabbled in sports? If they could avoid it, they would avoid it. If they couldn't avoid it, they would look for the police. Although there was a strong competitive atmosphere, the public security of the capital, Shyvana, was still alright. The law enforcement was also considered fair.
Everyone knew that Mazhou was a competitive continent. Every corner was filled with competitive elements. Competitive sports and entertainment departments and clubhouses could be seen everywhere on the streets. Basketball stars, soccer stars, shooting stars, boxing stars, and other celebrities of competitive sports appeared on the screens hanging high above the ground.
Maersizhou's capital, Shyvana, was also the region with the strongest competitive atmosphere. Many large-scale competitions were held here. The Spartacus Cup Sports Meet was also held here.
After arriving at the hotel they had booked and taking a short break, Carter gathered his team for a small meeting. The main purpose was to explain his upcoming arrangements and introduce Fang Zhao to his disciples.
Carter's sharp gaze swept across the room. "Come, everyone, get to know each other. This is Fang Zhao, your junior disciple. This is his first time working on a project. Take good care of him."
Everyone who met his gaze responded with a smile. In their hearts, they were very envious of Fang Zhao. They all knew that although Fang Zhao was Carter's disciple on the surface, he was actually learning from Great Master Mo Lang. However, no matter who Fang Zhao was learning from, they still had to address Fang Zhao as "junior disciple."
Prof. Carter had brought over a dozen disciples to work on the project. They were all rather old. Other than Fang Zhao, the youngest was almost 50 years old.
Carter wasn't a person who liked to talk nonsense. After saying what needed to be said, he looked at the time and said, "Let's all feel it out and seek inspiration." Then he got up and left. The Spartacus Cup organizing committee still had matters to discuss with him. They wanted to discuss the music for the next Spartacus Cup opening ceremony.
After Carter left, the atmosphere in the conference room became much more relaxed. Everyone gathered around Fang Zhao. They wanted to exchange a few more words with this special junior disciple and exchange contact details. In the future, everyone would be from the same sect. If there were difficulties, they could help each other. They couldn't cut off contact.
A person with a medium build and grizzled hair walked over and said with a smile, "Junior disciple, in terms of seniority, you have to call me big senior disciple."
This person was called Yin An. He was Carter's first disciple and was developing very well. He had made a name for himself and had a place in the circles. Yin An was already over 80 years old this year, but he wasn't considered old in the New Era. The reason his hair was so white was because he had specially dyed it. His hair had grown past his shoulders and was styled. It was a little curly and fluttering, giving it a more "artistic" feel.
"Big senior disciple," Fang Zhao greeted obediently.
"Hey, that's right!" Yin An clapped his hands, the smile on his face deepening. "Just because you call me big senior disciple, I will definitely bring you …"
Yin An was just about to say "bring you to show off, bring you to soar" when he saw the conference room door open. Prof. Carter rushed in with a document on the table.
"I will definitely bring you to discuss academic issues and teach you how to seek creative inspiration during the Spartacus Cup! As a big senior disciple, you can ask me any questions you have. If you encounter a bottleneck in your creative work, if you run into any obstacles in your thesis, etc., you can look for me, "Yin An said with a straight face.
Yin An knew what kind of person his disciple was. Carter shot him a warning glance. Yin An hurriedly assured Carter, "Teacher, don't worry. I will definitely bring up little junior disciple well!"
Carter snorted coldly and left in a hurry with the document.
After Carter left, Yin An put on a smile again. With a hint of impatience, he said to the others, "It's rare for us fellow disciples from different continents to gather together for a project. Today, I will treat everyone to a taste of Mazhou's flavor!"
Carter's disciples all knew that their big senior disciple, Yin An, was a very talented person, but he had a bad habit — he was addicted to alcohol. At first, Carter had tried to dissuade him, but after seeing that Yin An could produce enough work, he no longer tried.
Other than Fang Zhao, everyone else understood what Yin An meant by "a taste of Mazhou's flavor."
Since their big senior disciple was treating, they had to give him face, so they naturally wouldn't reject him.
As the little junior disciple, Fang Zhao was brought along by everyone.
Red Sea Flower Street was a shopping and entertainment district in Mazhou's capital, Shivana. It was a long strip along the inner sea's Red Sea. This street had originally been called Triumph Street. Back then, during the Founding Era Celebration, the entire street had been filled with fresh flowers. Later on, every Memorial Day, flower pots would be brought out as a backdrop, so it had become known as Flower Street.
Yin An was treating everyone to a rather stylish bar on Red Sea Flower Street. The design was very artistic, and most importantly, the alcohol here was very good. The alcohol was good, the atmosphere was good, the food was not bad, and there were many people in the bar.
Yin An had clearly been here many times and was very familiar with the place. More than 10 people found a place to sit down and eat and drink. Fang Zhao quietly listened to this bunch of seniors brag and also diverted some attention to listen to the performances in the bar.
The electronic blues with a hint of melancholy did not dampen Yin An's good mood. Although Yin An didn't seem reliable, he had the ability. He had a thorough analysis of the performances in the bar and could accurately point out which notes were not played correctly.
After two or three cups of alcohol, these people, who usually seemed rather calm, relaxed and chatted about their own composing paths, successes, and failures.
To be able to catch Carter's eye, these people all had sufficient ability, and many of their experiences were worth learning from. After filtering out some things, Fang Zhao decided to organize the rest into notes when he returned.
Two hours later, Fang Zhao supported Yin An to the restroom.
"Hey, there's no need to support me. I, your eldest senior, still know the way to the restroom." Yin An nudged Fang Zhao and pointed to his head. "Don't think that I'm drunk, but my mind is still clear."
Fang Zhao was not at ease and followed a few steps behind.
Although Yin An's footsteps were a little weak, he was in the right direction and could clearly recognize the signs.
Yin An walked into the restroom, and someone bumped into him. Luckily, Yin An had dodged quickly, or else he would have been knocked to the ground.
However, the person who bumped into him had also drunk too. His entire body reeked of alcohol and carried a murderous aura. His strong physique and firm muscles gave off an oppressive aura. When he looked up, his scarlet eyes were like those of a ferocious beast, making Yin An tremble.
"Don't you have eyes?!" the other party roared.
Yin An was so angry that he sobered up. It was clearly the other party who had drunk too much and bumped into him, yet the villain was complaining first?
However, when encountering such a situation, Yin An was still very experienced.
When encountering a conflict, one would see what kind of person the other party was. If it was a soft persimmon, of course one had to pinch it. If it was a drunken retard or an unreasonable lunatic, then there was no need to argue with them. Just say a few words and hurry off.
For the person before him, if you tried to reason with him, he would directly use his fists. If he didn't run, would he stay here and get beaten up?
Thus, Yin An didn't even go to the restroom and planned to leave immediately. However, he had drunk too much. Even if his mind was sober, his legs were still a little weak. If not for Fang Zhao coming over to support him, he would probably have fallen to the ground.
Yin An gave Fang Zhao a grateful glance, then his gaze drifted to the drunkard before looking toward the door, indicating: Hurry up and run. Don't waste time talking to this retard.
Fang Zhao approved of Yin An's choice and supported Yin An as they prepared to leave.
However, even though they wanted to avoid, the other party seemed to be even angrier. His expression was gloomy, and his fists were clenched so tightly that they made cracking sounds. "What was that look you had just now? Looking down on me? Are you f * cking asking for a beating?! "
Fang Zhao: "Huh?"
…
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