Lin Wanrong saw the difficulty in Luo Ning's expression and said, "Miss Luo, do you think my request is excessive?"
Luo Ning lightly furrowed her brows and whispered, "Brother Lin, these conditions are indeed challenging."
Lin Wanrong's expression became serious. "Miss Luo, is this really considered difficult? I don't think so. Have you ever thought that while you may have various reasons to seek donations in your eyes, it might put others in a difficult position in their eyes?"
Luo Ning bit her red lips lightly and pondered with her head bowed.
"While there are reasons for raising funds, it's not easy for everyone to earn money; it's their hard work. To say something you might not like to hear, Miss Luo, you might only see their wealthy side, not the hard work they put behind it. Every penny they earn is carefully considered. Even if they earn money through unscrupulous means, they still carry a great deal of infamy and pressure. They have paid their dues. While raising donations is undoubtedly challenging, there is no free lunch in this world. You want to obtain these things without paying a price. Think about it, how can such a good thing happen to you?" Lin Wanrong eloquently stated.
Luo Ning carefully considered his words, then chuckled, "Brother Lin, I admit your words make sense, but, as you said, this is a win-win situation. You haven't suffered any loss."
Lin Wanrong laughed heartily, impressed by her quick-wittedness. Without much ado, he asked, "So, Miss Luo, are you agreeing to these conditions?"
Luo Ning smiled, "Brother Lin, I believe your proposal is something we can fulfill. As long as we make some efforts in the design, showcasing your logo without affecting the artistic atmosphere of the poetry contest, it should work. What do you think?"
Lin Wanrong nodded, realizing that this was indeed the limit she could offer. In this era, advertising was still a novelty, and going overboard might backfire.
Suddenly, Luo Ning sighed, "Brother Lin, do you think less of me for organizing this poetry contest and seeking donations everywhere?"
Lin Wanrong replied seriously, "It depends on your motives. If you're doing it just to gain fame and promote your title as the top talent in Jinling, then I might look down on it. But I believe you're not that kind of person."
Grateful, Luo Ning smiled, "Brother Lin, thank you for being honest with me. Actually, everyone has dreams. I'm no exception. Since childhood, I've loved poetry and wanted to gather talented men and women to discuss interesting things and create poetry together. The title of the top talent is just an illusion, a burden. What benefit does it bring?"
This woman, born into a wealthy family, having such dreams, is not surprising. What's rare is her attention to neglected orphans. From this perspective, she is indeed a thoughtful woman.
Lin Wanrong nodded, "Everyone has the right to pursue their dreams, Miss Luo. I admire your courage. But dreams and reality can be different; don't get too immersed in dreams and lose touch with reality."
After saying this, he sighed internally. Girls are dreamers, always painting a beautiful picture of the future. Little do they know the hardships of the world.
Luo Ning expressed her gratitude, "Brother Lin, thank you for your advice; I will remember it. However..." She suddenly smiled cunningly, "Regarding the conditions you proposed for this poetry contest, can I also represent myself and make a small request?"
Lin Wanrong was surprised, "You have more requests? I've offered a thousand two silvers, and I won't spend an extra penny. I'm a tight-fisted person."
Luo Ning giggled, "Brother Lin, don't tease me. My request has nothing to do with money; it's a personal one."
"Personal?" Lin Wanrong smiled, "What personal request can you make? Be careful not to have any improper thoughts; I have principles."
Luo Ning laughed at his teasing, "Brother Lin, I invite you to participate in our poetry contest."
"Me too?" Lin Wanrong was startled. This was like setting a trap. He had some self-awareness; he could handle a few poems, but other things were beyond him. The poetry contest was meant to be an occasion for genuine skills, and cheating wasn't an option.
"Luo Miss, are you intentionally making me embarrass myself? With my abilities, I can handle reciting some poems, but engaging in poetry with those talented people is beyond me." Lin Wanrong humbly admitted.
Luo Ning shook her head, seriously saying, "Brother Lin, your words are wrong. Perhaps you don't know, you, hanging the four masterpieces above the fourth floor of Shiwuixian Tower, have not only become famous in Jinling but also have a reputation spreading far into the counties of Jiangsu. Every day, talented men and women come to this restaurant to admire the four absolute masterpieces you've composed. Not a single person has been able to come up with a matching couplet. If you're not qualified to participate in this poetry contest, who in Jinling is?"
Well, being talented is troublesome. Lin Wanrong sighed. He was famous for
those couplets. Others might appreciate them, but for him, they were merely a pastime. He didn't realize it would bring him trouble.
Luo Ning continued, "Brother Lin, your talent in poetry is extraordinary, and it would be a shame if you don't participate. Besides, we can use your participation as part of the promotion for our poetry contest. What do you think?"
Seeing Luo Ning's sincere expression, Lin Wanrong couldn't refuse directly. After thinking for a while, he nodded and said, "Okay, Miss Luo, I'll participate in your poetry contest. But remember, I'm not guaranteeing any results."
Luo Ning was overjoyed, "Brother Lin, thank you so much! I believe you won't disappoint us."
The two of them discussed some details about the poetry contest. Finally, Lin Wanrong took out a black and white contract. "Miss Luo, let's sign a contract. These are the conditions we've agreed upon. We must both abide by them. If one side breaches the contract, there will be corresponding consequences."
Luo Ning looked at the contract and nodded. She took out a pen from her sleeve and signed her name neatly. Lin Wanrong followed suit. After the two exchanged signed contracts, the collaboration between Lin Wanrong and the Luo family was officially established.
Lin Wanrong was relaxed after leaving Shiwuixian Tower. He had initially planned to negotiate a deal with Luo Ning, but he never expected to be dragged into participating in a poetry contest. He had to admit, though, that he was interested in this contest. It was a good opportunity to showcase his literary talent.
Back at the residence, Lin Wanrong was deep in thought. The poetry contest would be a grand event, and his participation might attract more attention. As a result, his reputation would undoubtedly rise. However, he couldn't help but worry about the potential challenges that awaited him in the contest.
In the evening, Lin Wanrong went to the backyard to find Chief Steward Zhao and asked him to prepare a set of fine clothes. He intended to present himself properly at the poetry contest. While he was known for his eccentricity, he knew the importance of appearances, especially in a public event.
As the day of the poetry contest approached, the entire Jinling City buzzed with excitement. The news of Lin Wanrong's participation spread rapidly, causing a stir among the literati and scholars. Many were looking forward to witnessing the clash of literary titans.
The Luo family, having secured Lin Wanrong's participation, intensified their preparations for the poetry contest. The venue was adorned with elegant decorations, and invitations were sent to prominent figures in the literary world. The anticipation for the event reached a fever pitch.
On the day of the poetry contest, the Luo family's mansion was filled with guests. The air was filled with an atmosphere of intellectual refinement. The participants, adorned in splendid attire, gathered in the hall, each emanating an aura of literary prowess.
Lin Wanrong, wearing a black robe with silver embroidery, stood among the participants, attracting attention with his unique charm. The guests couldn't help but speculate about the kind of poetry this renowned eccentric would present.
Luo Ning, dressed in a pale blue gown, stood on the stage as the host, radiating elegance and composure. She greeted the guests and expressed her gratitude for their participation.
The poetry contest officially began, and the participants took turns presenting their works. The atmosphere was intense as each poet sought to showcase their literary talent. The audience listened attentively, applauding the verses that resonated with them.
When Lin Wanrong's turn arrived, the hall fell silent. All eyes were on him as he stepped forward. With a confident smile, he recited a poem filled with wit and humor, earning applause from the audience.
As the poetry contest progressed, Lin Wanrong continued to captivate the audience with his verses. The literary world marveled at his unexpected prowess, and his reputation soared even higher.
In the end, the judges announced the winners of the poetry contest, and Lin Wanrong emerged victorious, securing the title of the most outstanding poet. The audience erupted in cheers, acknowledging his remarkable talent.
As Lin Wanrong received the accolades, he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. The collaboration with the Luo family had not only strengthened their partnership but also elevated his standing in the literary community.