CHAPTER 113: CHAPTER 113: SO IT WAS YOU

Zhou Jiren paused in his smile, then amusingly said, "Why would Miss Bei ask such a thing? That’s something only women would do."

Feng Yunzhang, however, began laughing loudly from the side, "Miss Bei must think you’re dawdling around like a woman!"

In this world, no one dawdles, and Zhou Jiren certainly doesn’t dawdle; Feng Yunzhang is purely joking with him.

Feng Yunzhang actually does want to make an introduction; it’s just that he’s not confident enough to meet Mr. Wu. After all, Mr. Wu merely praised him a few times at an exchange meeting, and the last time he visited, Mr. Wu’s impression of him was quite vague.

Though this is quite discouraging, he still recalled it, and after establishing his presence once more, Mr. Wu must have remembered him.

Seeing Beisitian gave Feng Yunzhang a new idea; he could make another visit to reinforce his presence, so Mr. Wu’s impression of him would deepen significantly.

You see, if in future exchange meetings Mr. Wu can recognize him, it would be something that brings great pride and face.

"Miss Bei’s arrival is timely, the fact that you can write such excellent characters at your age, Mr. Wu would definitely be very pleased to meet you."

Feng Yunzhang wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to introduce new talents to Mr. Wu and enhance his presence. Beisitian’s handwriting is truly outstanding, and her unassuming demeanor wouldn’t provoke any unnecessary thoughts, nor would it cause Mr. Wu any displeasure.

Zhou Jiren is quite different; his handwriting is fine for signing names, but as art, it lacks some appeal. His visit was motivated by the desire to meet the military chief, which shows impure objectives.

Feng Yunzhang and Zhou Jiren have been friends for years and are willing to help each other find pathways, so he did not refuse outright. Instead, after persistent pleading, he agreed to his request.

Beisitian naturally had no objections to this; writing characters is different from needlework, as the realm of practicing writing is infinite. If given a chance to visit a master, she would gladly seize the opportunity.

"But I don’t have a gift for the meeting," Beisitian said.

"No worries, no worries, Mr. Wu doesn’t mind about that," Feng Yunzhang said with a smile, while inwardly thinking, ’You’re my gift for the meeting now!’

Though Mr. Wu resides in Qingzhou Town, it’s actually in a courtyard house on the outskirts of the town, built at the foot of the hills and right next to a small river.

The lush hills and green waters, no wonder it’s a perfect spot for recuperation.

The courtyard house looks ordinary but has been carefully decorated. It doesn’t have the luxurious grandeur of ancient royal courts; instead, it inherits a dignified and respectful atmosphere.

Standing at the entrance are two people dressed in military uniforms, standing tall and upright, further emphasizing the solemnity.

Beisitian cast a sidelong glance as she approached the entrance. Feng Yunzhang was already holding his breath, his breaths slightly short. He was nervous.

What surprised Beisitian was Zhou Jiren staying as usual, showing neither a hint of nervousness nor the joy of immediately meeting Mr. Wu.

Beisitian felt that Zhou Jiren was rather mysterious due to various nuances. Previous times when he spoke about visiting Mr. Wu, she was present; he exhibited a sincerely respectful demeanor indeed. However, although the meeting was imminent, she couldn’t sense any joy or nervousness associated with it.

The two soldiers at the entrance noticed their arrival, casting sharp glances over. Feng Yunzhang couldn’t help but swallow.

Zhou Jiren remained indifferent, and Beisitian was impressed by his composure. Little did she know, Zhou Jiren was similarly surprised by her reaction.

Generally, there should be nothing overly fearful about soldiers, but these two guards are different. They had stood at the gate of Zhongnanhai and were specifically dispatched for protection. Just their gaze alone could deter many people, yet Beisitian showed not the slightest fear.

Feng Yunzhang approached and explained their intentions, after which one of the soldiers went inside to ask for instructions. Shortly after, he returned and invited the three of them in.

Feng Yunzhang was overjoyed; indeed, Beisitian as a meeting gift worked. Apart from the first time he met Mr. Wu, he hadn’t seen him in subsequent visits.

The courtyard looked spacious, divided into two sections; the front housed some soldiers, presumably there to protect Mr. Wu. It was only upon entering the backyard that it became the residence of Mr. Wu.

"Mr. Wu, Yunzhang has come to visit you," Feng Yunzhang said respectfully upon entering.

After Beisitian entered, she was quite surprised upon seeing Mr. Wu; she had seen this elderly gentleman before!

"Oh, little girl, it’s you?" Wu Yuekai seemed genuinely pleased to see Beisitian.

Beisitian looked at the face resembling her master’s by ninety percent, smiling involuntarily, but her eyes showed slight melancholy.

"So it turns out to be you, Mr. Wu," Beisitian said with a smile; indeed, it’s a small world.

Both Feng Yunzhang and Zhou Jiren looked surprised; Mr. Wu knows Beisitian?

Wu Yuekai found Beisitian’s ’what a coincidence’ expression amusing, wondering why this young girl wasn’t surprised.

"Miss Bei, how do you know Mr. Wu?" Feng Yunzhang asked in astonishment.

Beisitian had no choice but to explain the situation briefly, omitting Wu Yuekai’s sprained ankle incident, only mentioning the accidental encounter.

Feng Yunzhang clicked his tongue in admiration, "Miss Bei, it seems you already had this affinity with Mr. Wu; otherwise, how could you have encountered him on a rainy day. I don’t have such luck!"

"How is your health, Mr. Wu?" Beisitian asked with a smile.

Wu Yuekai knew she was referring to the sprained ankle incident, and he replied with a chuckle, "Much better, much better. So it turns out that the emerging talent introduced by Feng Yunzhang is you! Come, come, don’t just stand there, find a seat and sit yourself down."

The living room was decorated rustically yet grandly, with red-painted wooden tables and chairs adorned with celadon vases, containing scrolls and painting scrolls inside.

Beisitian didn’t know much about wooden furniture; she could only tell these tables and chairs were made of pearwood, upper-grade materials.

Wu Yuekai introduced Zhou Jiren, Wu Yuekai appraised him smilingly and simply nodded without saying much, apparently less enthusiastic than with Beisitian.

Of course, he was also less enthusiastic about Feng Yunzhang than Beisitian.

Feng Yunzhang was secretly delighted, observing Wu Yuekai’s apparent fondness for Beisitian; it seemed bringing her along was a good decision.

After chatting for a while, naturally, the topic of discussion turned to calligraphy and painting. Those present might not recite poems, but they all loved writing!

"Young lady, Feng Yunzhang said you write beautifully, could you write something for me to see?" Wu Yuekai asked Beisitian with a grin.

After chatting for a while, Beisitian had become less relaxed compared to the beginning. She realized Wu Yuekai was truly knowledgeable, as evidenced by the cursive and regular script on the wall, all done by him, reflecting his life’s ups and downs.