{Chapter: 276 Curious!}
In the original plot of the novel, Ye Feng was supposed to make an appearance at a calligraphy exhibition.
Although the scene wasn't described in great detail, Lin Yuan could still clearly recall it—it was this very Nancheng Calligraphy Exhibition.
It was here that Ye Feng had a fateful encounter with a certain influential figure, a man of considerable status. He also happened to meet Chi Qian during that same visit, sparking the beginning of another major storyline.
But those events belonged to the original narrative.
Now, things had changed.
Ye Feng was currently lying in a hospital bed, still recovering from the consequences of Lin Yuan's earlier interventions.
Even though Lin Yuan had repeatedly interfered and reshaped the storyline, Ye Feng's fate still somehow kept inching forward along the main plotline. He had managed to meet Yan Ruyue, had a fortunate encounter with Qiu Wanxi, even got close to Cui Yunrong, and had attended the prestigious Mei Family banquet.
And yet, Lin Yuan reasoned, this particular calligraphy exhibition was supposed to be a relatively minor event. It was barely more than two paragraphs in the original novel. With that in mind, Ye Feng likely wouldn't show up this time.
Still… part of him hoped Ye Feng would come.
After all, Lin Yuan had just maxed out all his stats—each attribute had finally hit the 200-point threshold. And he hadn't had a real chance to test the limits of his new physical prowess.
That brief sparring match with Chi Qian hadn't required him to go all out.
But if Ye Feng showed up here?
Then Lin Yuan would not hold back in the slightest.
As they arrived at the event, they passed through the admission area where tables had been set up for registration. Lin Yuan casually glanced through the list of names.
Sure enough, Ye Feng's name was nowhere to be found.
With registration complete, Lin Yuan entered the exhibition hall alongside Chi Qian and Yu Shanshan.
The interior of the hall was grand and impressively decorated, reflecting the wealth and influence of the event organizers. Despite being a venue temporarily rented for the exhibition, it was clear no expense had been spared to make the space feel dignified and refined.
Inside, a wide range of calligraphy works were showcased—some hanging elegantly on the walls, others protected behind display glass.
Lin Yuan immediately noticed several pieces were highly valuable, some even bordering on priceless.
There were calligraphic works attributed to legends like Wang Xizhi, Su Shi, Huaisu, and other masters of ink and brush.
Some pieces were clearly valued in the tens of millions.
Naturally, these high-profile works drew the most attention from the crowd, with several guests lingering nearby to admire the skill and artistry.
As they stepped further inside, Lin Yuan glanced at Chi Qian and saw her lips curled into a soft smile. Her expression was full of admiration and quiet joy.
Lin Yuan could tell right away that she genuinely appreciated calligraphy.
She wasn't just here to pass the time—she loved this kind of art.
Chi Qian's eyes sparkled as she moved gracefully from one display to another, carefully observing each stroke, each character, each subtle nuance in the ink.
Lin Yuan had previously acquired advanced calligraphy skills through the system, so he too could appreciate the depth of craftsmanship in the exhibits. With a practiced eye, he examined each piece with calm interest, recognizing techniques and styles that only true calligraphy enthusiasts could identify.
On the other hand, Yu Shanshan, the very person who had obtained the tickets for this event, looked more like a fish out of water.
She didn't understand much about calligraphy, nor did she pretend to.
Still, she knew Chi Qian was well-versed in this world. Back in the dormitory, she had seen her writing scriptures and practicing characters with incredible grace.
But as for Lin Yuan?
Yu Shanshan was shocked to see him so absorbed, even enthusiastic, about the calligraphy displays. Since when did her cousin become interested in this sort of thing?
Did he actually know something about calligraphy?
Or was he just pretending in front of Chi Qian, trying to act cultured?
Bored and unable to resist the temptation to tease him—especially after recalling how embarrassed she'd been when he lifted her up like a stray husky earlier—Yu Shanshan decided to stir things up.
She even discreetly pulled out her phone and searched some terms on Baidu, just in case she needed backup.
Then, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, she tapped Lin Yuan on the shoulder.
When both Lin Yuan and Chi Qian turned toward her, she smiled sweetly and said, "Cousin, I know Chi Qian understands calligraphy very well. But seeing how fascinated you are too… I just have to ask. Since when did you know anything about calligraphy?"
Chi Qian's beautiful eyes blinked, then focused on Lin Yuan with sudden curiosity.
Just moments ago, they had been admiring the calligraphy together, both of them quietly engaged with the art. Chi Qian hadn't thought much of it—she'd simply enjoyed the experience with Lin Yuan by her side.
But now that Yu Shanshan had asked so directly, she couldn't help but wonder too.
Lin Yuan had already surpassed her in music. He had bested her in combat and shooting. He had an almost supernatural instinct for stock trading.
And now… could he possibly also be skilled in the art of calligraphy?
Chi Qian's curiosity grew even stronger.
Facing Yu Shanshan's pointed question and Chi Qian's curious gaze, Lin Yuan responded with a light smile, "I know a little. Just the basics."
"Tsk, tsk!" Yu Shanshan clicked her tongue dramatically.
Although Lin Yuan was speaking the truth, Yu Shanshan clearly didn't buy it. Her expression made it obvious that she had expected such a vague and modest answer from him.
"Brother Lin Yuan is really full of hidden talents," Chi Qian said with a warm smile, her voice tinged with admiration.
Hearing Chi Qian praise Lin Yuan so directly made Yu Shanshan purse her lips in mild frustration. She couldn't help but feel conflicted. On one hand, she found it amusing to see Lin Yuan praised so highly. On the other, she still remembered clearly—Lin Yuan had always been terrible at calligraphy, especially back when they were younger. In her mind, Lin Yuan was just putting on a show for Chi Qian, trying to impress the beauty with a skill he didn't actually possess.
Yu Shanshan herself was no stranger to fronting—a behavior she often adopted when teasing attractive girls or showing off. But watching Lin Yuan do it in front of Chi Qian sparked a mischievous urge within her. Maybe it was time to expose him a little, just to humble him.
With that thought, she glanced at Lin Yuan, blinking meaningfully and giving him the kind of look that silently asked for a truce—almost as if she were saying, Beg for mercy and I'll let you off the hook.
But instead of humoring her, Lin Yuan responded with a raised eyebrow and an expression that clearly said, Go ahead, try me.
That small gesture was enough to provoke Yu Shanshan. Pouting slightly, she made up her mind to challenge him.
"Since you said you know a little," she said with mock seriousness, "then let me test you with a few questions."
"Sure," Lin Yuan replied calmly, his tone still relaxed. "Go ahead."
Yu Shanshan smirked. "Okay then, Brother Lin Yuan. Since you claim to know something about calligraphy, tell me—what exactly is calligraphy? What is Chinese calligraphy specifically? And what are the five major styles of calligraphy?"
She paused for effect, then added with a sweet but mischievous smile, "These are super basic questions, cousin. Surely you won't disappoint us?"
Chi Qian, who had been silently observing, realized immediately what Yu Shanshan was up to. It was obvious she was trying to embarrass Lin Yuan in front of her. However, Chi Qian was intrigued as well. She turned to Lin Yuan, her gaze expectant. Did he really know the answers, or was he bluffing all along?
To her surprise, Lin Yuan remained composed and even looked slightly amused.
Then he answered clearly and confidently, "Calligraphy is the art of writing—writing that expresses not just the meaning of the text but also the rhythm, structure, and beauty of the script. It's more than just forming characters; it's about turning each stroke into a form of visual art. Chinese calligraphy, in particular, is a traditional artistic expression of the Han culture. It has been called many things over the centuries: silent poetry, a dance without movement, painting without images, and music without sound."
Chi Qian's eyes sparkled in appreciation as Lin Yuan continued, "The five major styles of Chinese calligraphy are Zhuan (Seal Script), Li (Clerical Script), Cao (Cursive Script), Xing (Semi-Cursive Script), and Kai (Regular Script). Each has its own historical background, aesthetic rules, and unique charm."
Hearing his explanation, Chi Qian gently nodded in approval. The questions weren't too difficult, but Lin Yuan's easy and accurate response showed that he clearly wasn't just bluffing. It was rare to find someone who could explain it so articulately.
Yu Shanshan, however, was still suspicious. In her mind, Lin Yuan used to doodle random ghost symbols with her in class. How could he have suddenly become so cultured in the art of calligraphy?
There was only one explanation she was willing to believe—he must have studied in advance, knowing they were coming to the exhibition today.
"Let's keep going," Yu Shanshan said, unwilling to give up. "If you really know your stuff, here's another one for you."
She leaned in slightly and asked, "In Imperial China's long calligraphic history, there are three calligraphers considered the greatest of all time. Each of them created a representative work in the semi-cursive style that is now known globally. Who are these three calligraphers, and what are the three semi-cursive masterpieces they're known for?"
This time, even Chi Qian seemed impressed by the depth of the question. It wasn't something the average person would know.
She glanced at Lin Yuan again. Could he really answer this too?
Yu Shanshan waited eagerly, fully expecting him to stumble.
But Lin Yuan's calm expression didn't change. Instead, a small smile curled on his lips—he was more than ready.
*****
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