{Chapter: 281 Frustration!}
Ge Yuanshan, still unaware of the deeper meaning behind Chi Qian's writing, couldn't help but express his admiration in a sincere tone. "Young lady, your writing is truly remarkable," he said with a bright glint in his eyes. "It nearly reaches the standard of the pieces I keep in my private collection."
He nodded thoughtfully as he continued, "To have achieved this level of finesse and elegance at your age is truly impressive. You are exceptionally gifted. If you keep honing your skills, I believe you could become one of the leading figures in the next generation of calligraphers within five to ten years."
"You're definitely the most outstanding calligrapher among all the guests today," he declared with certainty. "This piece deserves to be framed and displayed for everyone to admire." As he spoke, Ge Yuanshan gestured to the most prominent wall space near the entrance of the exhibition—a spot reserved only for exceptional works worthy of public display.
Though this event was originally organized to encourage participation and appreciation of calligraphy, Ge Yuanshan had drawn clear lines between casual attempts and true art. While many pieces were pinned on side panels or back corners, only the most exquisite ones were granted a place in the spotlight. His personal stamp of approval was not something easily earned.
It was evident from his expression that he held Chi Qian's work in the highest regard.
To be granted such an honor—to have one's work showcased in a position of prominence and praised by a master calligrapher—was not just recognition. It was a form of elevation, a symbolic induction into the world of artistry and refinement.
However, Chi Qian simply offered a graceful, serene smile and responded softly, "Thank you for your kind words, Master Ge. But I don't need it to be hung up. I actually intend to give this piece away."
"Oh?" Ge Yuanshan raised his bushy brows in surprise. "You wish to gift it to someone?"
Her response intrigued not just him, but everyone nearby. A quiet murmur rippled through the crowd as people began turning their attention not just to the style and brushstrokes—but to the content of the calligraphy.
"The beauty in the high places is like jade, while the handsome young man is unmatched in this world…" someone read aloud, trailing off in thought.
"Isn't that… a compliment?" another person murmured.
"Yes, it's clearly meant to praise someone. And judging by the phrasing, it sounds like she's praising a man—"
Before the whispers could swell into full discussion, Chi Qian gently stepped down from the stage, holding the rice paper in both hands with the utmost care, as if it were a treasured keepsake.
Her movements were soft and graceful, each step measured and poised. The hem of her flowing aqua-blue dress fluttered slightly with each step, matching the delicate elegance in her demeanor.
With eyes like starlight and a smile that bloomed like cherry blossoms in spring, she walked straight to Lin Yuan.
Standing before him, Chi Qian extended the rice paper with both hands and smiled like a blossoming flower. "Young Master Lin," she said sweetly, her voice as gentle as silk, "this is my gift to you. It's my way of thanking you for your kindness the other day… when you lent me your shirt. Will you accept it?"
Lin Yuan looked at the girl in front of him—the gentle breeze ruffling her hair, the light catching in her eyes, her expression half-playful, half-sincere—and felt a slight pause in his breath.
Even though he was perfectly aware that Chi Qian was teasing him again, his eyes couldn't help lingering on her face.
She was truly stunning. Her features were ethereal—so perfect they seemed sculpted by a divine hand—and her smile radiated charm and mischievous affection.
"Thank you, Qian Qian," Lin Yuan replied warmly as he accepted the rice paper from her hands.
Her fingers brushed his slightly, soft and cool like petals at dawn.
Around them, the atmosphere subtly shifted.
The other men present could barely hide the envy in their eyes. Watching a breathtakingly beautiful girl personally gift a handwritten piece of praise to a man—it felt like something out of a movie or a dream.
Some stared at Lin Yuan with jealousy, others in disbelief. A few sighed with quiet resignation.
Meanwhile, Lin Yuan was quietly reflecting. The way Chi Qian had handed him the piece, her calling him 'Young Master Lin' in that teasing tone, the choice of her words—it was all far too deliberate.
Chi Qian was no longer hinting subtly as before.
Her intentions, though still cloaked in elegance, were much more direct now.
The line she had written wasn't just a compliment—it was an open declaration. It could be interpreted in two ways: one, that she saw Lin Yuan as a uniquely exceptional man; and two, that she viewed herself as someone worthy of standing beside such a man.
Whether it was romantic teasing or heartfelt admiration, the message was clear—Chi Qian had chosen Lin Yuan as her focus.
She had even referenced that moment when she borrowed his shirt, adding a touch of intimacy to the gesture. The memory still made her blush, and it lingered in the air like a shared secret.
This was no longer subtle provocation. It was bold, unmistakable flirtation—layered with emotion, sentiment, and grace.
Lin Yuan couldn't help but wonder why Chi Qian was becoming so forward.
Perhaps it was because their bond had grown much closer recently.
Or perhaps, it was something deeper—maybe Chi Qian had developed genuine feelings for him, inspired by the way he had consistently outshone others with quiet confidence and unmatched excellence.
Her calligraphy read: "The beauty in the high places is like jade, while the handsome young man is unmatched in this world."
No matter how one interpreted it, those words stirred the heart.
Being praised so elegantly by a girl of such beauty—it was a moment few men could ever dream of, let alone experience.
Even Lin Yuan, calm and composed as he normally was, felt his heart skip a beat.
For a fleeting moment, it felt as though time had slowed… and the world around them faded into the background.
It was just the two of them—Chi Qian, with her captivating smile, and Lin Yuan, holding her words in his hand, feeling the warmth of her affection pressed between the lines.
A moment that neither of them would forget.
Lin Yuan could sense that Chi Qian was indeed becoming more and more interested in him, although there still seemed to be a faint barrier between them—an invisible line she hadn't fully crossed. Her actions were suggestive, her words poetic, and her mannerisms carried hidden meaning—subtle clues that revealed her growing affection. Even her calligraphy, written with elegant strokes, felt like a veiled metaphor for a romance destined by fate—a perfect match made in heaven.
Though Lin Yuan didn't overanalyze every gesture, he was confident that her affection hadn't wavered in the slightest. Compared to how Chi Qian interacted with others, her behavior toward him stood out clearly. There was an emotional distance she maintained with others—a calm, polite, yet impersonal demeanor. But with Lin Yuan, there was warmth, a touch of mischief, and an unspoken connection that seemed to grow stronger by the day.
In truth, Chi Qian's heart was slowly but surely being stirred. Her feelings weren't dramatic or loud, but like a calm lake gradually rippling in the breeze, they revealed depth and movement. Even Lin Yuan, who was known for his composed demeanor, found it difficult to keep his gaze from lingering on Chi Qian's face. Her delicate features, radiant smile, and graceful bearing could easily mesmerize anyone. Yet, he held back his emotions, maintaining a mask of calm indifference.
From an outsider's perspective, the chemistry between Chi Qian and Lin Yuan was palpable. The energy between them was thick with romantic tension—so much so that the onlookers began to suspect they were lovers. The way their eyes met, the gentle teasing, and the shared smiles created an atmosphere that seemed tinged with pink hearts and blooming roses. It was like a scene straight out of a romantic painting.
"Qian Qian, your handwriting is truly exquisite. I especially liked the line you wrote for me," Lin Yuan said with a warm smile, his voice as calm as ever.
He then turned his attention to Yu Shanshan and said cheerfully, "Shanshan, would you like to take a look?"
Without hesitation, Lin Yuan handed the rice paper to Yu Shanshan, who had been watching with growing curiosity.
"Of course, I want to see it! Qian Qian hasn't written anything for me yet!" Yu Shanshan said excitedly, taking the paper with both hands and examining it with admiration.
As Chi Qian watched this scene unfold, a trace of disappointment flashed in her beautiful eyes. Her little plan to tease and emotionally disarm Lin Yuan had failed—again. He had responded with grace and courtesy, even turning her flirtatious gesture into a shared experience with someone else.
She couldn't help but glance at his face, wondering silently. Why is he always so indifferent?
Chi Qian was fully aware of her charm. She knew the kind of effect she usually had on men—how one smile could send hearts racing. Yet Lin Yuan always remained composed, even though she could clearly feel his gaze lingering on her.
He was watching her, yes. But it wasn't enough. Not for her.
Her mind wandered through their shared memories—moments that had unknowingly chipped away at the walls she kept around her heart. It started with that mesmerizing performance at the Jiangbei Music Exhibition, where Lin Yuan's piano captivated the entire audience. Then came his rendition of the song Blue and White Porcelain, with lyrics that still echoed in her mind: "Within its blue misty drizzle, I am waiting for you." That performance had left an unforgettable impression.
There was also that unexpected moment in the Wu Shi Fighting Club, where they had fought side by side. It was the first time she had ever experienced that kind of physical closeness with someone of the opposite sex—her heart had pounded uncontrollably back then. And then there was that quiet, thoughtful moment when Lin Yuan placed his shirt over her shoulders—an act so gentle, yet so intimate.
Whether Lin Yuan had done those things intentionally or not didn't really matter anymore.
What mattered was how deeply each moment had impacted her.
Chi Qian's heart had been stirred, her emotions thrown into subtle chaos. She wasn't used to feeling this way, and even now, she was struggling to regain the upper hand in their back-and-forth flirtation. Lin Yuan was not like anyone else. He was unpredictable, unreadable, and, perhaps, a little too skilled at keeping his cards close to his chest.
He's difficult to read… but I'm not giving up yet, Chi Qian thought to herself.
Just then, Lin Yuan noticed the flicker of frustration hiding in her eyes. With a knowing smile, he said casually, "Calligraphy is about expressing one's inner world with freedom and heart. When you write with ease, it becomes more powerful. Qian Qian, your calligraphy is truly exceptional. Just seeing your work inspires me. I think I'll write something too—just a few lines, casually."
Chi Qian blinked, surprised by his unexpected words.
She looked at Lin Yuan, her eyes filled with curiosity. She hadn't expected him to respond this way.
With a confident smile, Lin Yuan turned and walked toward the table at the center of the stage.
Chi Qian's gaze followed his every step, her interest piqued.
Judging by his composed expression and the insights he had shared earlier, it was clear that Lin Yuan wasn't a novice when it came to calligraphy. Still, she had never seen him write before, and there was an element of mystery surrounding his abilities.
'Could he really be better than me?' she wondered, her competitive spirit igniting.
Chi Qian wasn't the type to underestimate others, especially not someone like Lin Yuan. Her instincts told her that he was far more capable than he let on. And if that were the case, then what he was about to write might just surprise everyone in the room—including her.
She leaned forward slightly, her eyes fixed on Lin Yuan's back as he prepared to write.
For the first time in a long while, she felt genuinely excited—and more than a little intrigued.
What would he write, after all that she had expressed to him?
*****
You can support me by joining my Patreon and get upto 60 chapters in advance.
patreon.com/Eden_Translation