Miss Lin Wanshun nodded and said, "Miss, you don't need to be disheartened. These four couplets are an absolute tradition passed down for thousands of years in my hometown. Through the scorching heat and bitter cold, with dynasties changing, countless talented individuals have fallen, yet few have been able to create such well-structured verses. My intention in writing today is to see if the talented individuals of Great Hua can break this cycle."
Sister Ning shook her head and sighed, "Under the vast sky, encountering such absolute talents is as rare as the morning star. Lin Big Brother enlightened me today. Although I learned some poetry and song lyrics before, I thought no talent in the world could surpass me. Today, I realize how shallow I am. Thank you, Lin Big Brother, for awakening me. I am truly grateful."
As she spoke, she even stood up and gave Lin Wanshun a slight bow, showing great respect.
Lin Wanshun hurriedly said, "Qiaoqiao, quickly support Miss. Miss, you're too modest. I didn't compose these couplets; I merely conveyed them. There's no need for talk of enlightenment; Miss is being too humble."
Dong Qiaoqiao held her hand and smiled, "Big Brother knows a lot. If you want to know anything, he can talk for three days and three nights. Sister Ning, why be so polite here? Feel free to ask anything."
Sister Ning nodded and sighed, "If there's time, I must seek guidance from Big Brother Lin."
Lin Wanshun secretly shivered, thinking, if I discuss poetry and song lyrics with you, it's better to go home and blend perfumes.
He hurriedly laughed, lifted his wine glass, and said, "Rarely are we all happy today. Come, let's raise our glasses and have a hearty drink." Luo Yuan and Dong Qingshan were both hearty individuals. Hearing Lin Wanshun's words, they were pleased, appreciating his talent and daring spirit.
After several rounds of toasts, even Dong Qiaoqiao took a few sips, smiling and leaning against her big brother.
On the other hand, Sister Ning, with a constant smile, abstained from drinking, only watching and listening to their conversation, appearing calm and composed.
Lin Wanshun secretly sighed, finding her temperament intriguing. "Today is a joyous occasion, Qingshan, Yuan. I'll teach you a drinking game." Lin Wanshun didn't bother about Sister Ning, pulling Dong Qingshan and Luo Yuan aside. "In the world of rivers and lakes, who can avoid the sword? A sword kills you, a sword kills me..."
The two youngsters, Dong Qingshan and Luo Yuan, were very interested in this drinking game. They laughed and played for a while. Even Dong Qiaoqiao took a few sips, smiling and leaning against her big brother.
But Sister Ning, always smiling, did not touch a drop of alcohol. She just watched them talk, appearing very gentle.
Lin Wanshun secretly sighed. He wondered how she developed such a character—so serene, indifferent to worldly affairs, and indeed possessing a hermit's demeanor.
"Today is a joyous occasion, Qingshan, Yuan. I'll teach you a drinking game." Lin Wanshun ignored Sister Ning, pulling Dong Qingshan and Luo Yuan aside. "In the world of rivers and lakes, who can avoid the sword? A sword kills you, a sword kills me..."
The two youngsters, Dong Qingshan and Luo Yuan, were very interested in this drinking game. They laughed and played for a while. Even Dong Qiaoqiao took a few sips, smiling and leaning against her big brother.
But Sister Ning, always smiling, did not touch a drop of alcohol. She just watched them talk, appearing very gentle.
Lin Wanshun secretly sighed. He wondered how she developed such a character—so serene, indifferent to worldly affairs, and indeed possessing a hermit's demeanor.
"Today is a joyous occasion, Qingshan, Yuan. I'll teach you a drinking game." Lin Wanshun ignored Sister Ning, pulling Dong Qingshan and Luo Yuan aside. "In the world of rivers and lakes, who can avoid the sword? A sword kills you, a sword kills me..."
The two youngsters, Dong Qingshan and Luo Yuan, were very interested in this drinking game. They laughed and played for a while. Even Dong Qiaoqiao took a few sips, smiling and leaning against her big brother.
But Sister Ning, always smiling, did not touch a drop of alcohol. She just watched them talk, appearing very gentle.
Lin Wanshun secretly sighed. He wondered how she developed such a character—so serene, indifferent to worldly affairs, and indeed possessing a hermit's demeanor.
After the banquet, they discussed the upcoming opening ceremony. Lin Wanshun and Sister Ning seemed to be acquainted, chatting together. Lin Wanshun, thinking about discussing
poetry with Sister Ning, felt a headache coming on. He smiled politely and excused himself, leaving the place and heading back to his residence.
The sun set, and the moon rose. Lin Wanshun walked through the courtyard, still thinking about Sister Ning's temperament and hermit-like character. It was perplexing.
As he pondered, he suddenly heard a voice behind him, "Brother Lin, a moment, please."
Lin Wanshun turned around and saw Sister Ning standing not far away, her graceful figure faintly visible in the moonlight.
He quickly stepped forward and said with a smile, "Miss, why do you seek me out?"
Sister Ning lightly said, "Brother Lin, you are indeed a knowledgeable person. I would like to invite you to accompany me to a place."
Lin Wanshun was slightly surprised, but he quickly nodded, "Sure, Miss, please lead the way."
Sister Ning turned and walked in front, leading Lin Wanshun out of the courtyard. They walked through the streets of the capital, and Lin Wanshun felt a bit uneasy. Sister Ning's temperament and the mystery surrounding her made him curious, but he also wondered where she was taking him at this late hour.
After a while, they arrived at a small, elegant courtyard. Sister Ning pushed open the door, and the two entered.
The courtyard was quiet, with a faint fragrance in the air. A pavilion stood in the middle, surrounded by lush greenery. The moonlight scattered through the leaves, casting a beautiful pattern on the ground.
Sister Ning gestured towards the pavilion and said, "Brother Lin, please have a seat."
Lin Wanshun was slightly puzzled but sat down as instructed. Sister Ning sat across from him, and in the quiet night, she began to speak.
"Brother Lin, I have heard that you are knowledgeable and well-versed in many things. I have a request, and I hope you can help me with it."
Lin Wanshun looked at her and said, "Miss, please feel free to speak. If I can be of assistance, I will certainly do my best."
Sister Ning nodded and continued, "I have a friend who is in a difficult situation. He is a talented individual, but circumstances have forced him into a predicament. I believe that with your wisdom, Brother Lin, you might be able to provide some guidance or assistance."
Lin Wanshun furrowed his brows slightly, "Miss, please tell me more about your friend and the situation he is facing."
Sister Ning began to narrate a tale of a talented scholar who faced unjust accusations and was currently imprisoned. As she spoke, Lin Wanshun listened attentively, his thoughts racing. The more he heard, the more intrigued he became.
After hearing the entire story, Lin Wanshun looked at Sister Ning and said, "Miss, this is indeed a grave matter. If what you say is true, your friend is in a dire situation. However, I am just a simple perfume-maker. How can I help in such a complicated matter?"
Sister Ning looked at him with a faint smile and said, "Brother Lin, do not underestimate the power of knowledge and wisdom. Sometimes, a unique perspective or a clever mind can unravel even the most intricate problems. I believe that your insights might shed light on a solution for my friend."
Lin Wanshun pondered for a moment and then said, "Miss, I am willing to help, but I must know more details about the case. The more information I have, the better I can assess the situation and provide assistance."
Sister Ning nodded, "Thank you, Brother Lin. I knew you would be willing to help. I will provide you with all the necessary information. Together, we might be able to bring justice and freedom to my friend."
And so, under the moonlight, in that quiet courtyard, Lin Wanshun and Sister Ning began to discuss the details of the case. Little did Lin Wanshun know that this encounter would draw him into a web of intrigue and challenge his understanding of the world.
To be continued...