Chapter 78

(Listening (Thank you, Happy Little Bottle and ?﹏？？？？ゞYu, for your donations, I bow!))

Lu Li found it hard to believe that the Nine Yin Ghost Child refused to enter the Ghost Gate, only to ask him to give it a name.

Such a simple request, he naturally could not and would not refuse.

Sure enough, when Lu Li said the two words "Lu Yun," the Nine Yin Ghost Child made two sounds, its little face full of joy. It stretched out its little hand and waved at Lu Li, then turned and entered the Ghost Gate.

For a moment, Lu Li even had the illusion that he and the Nine Yin Ghost Child would meet again, perhaps in the secular world, perhaps in the Ghost Realm.

Returning to the hotel from the outskirts, he continued to practice the Three Yang Fist.

Without the Great Yuan Soup, the cultivation speed was unbearably slow. Lu Li even considered going to the Xiao family again to have them prepare a batch of medicines. After all, he only needed half of them, and the other half would be left for Xiao Jinhua.

The night passed without incident. The next morning, just as Lu Li was about to go out, he received a call from Wang Rong, inviting him to have a meal.

Lu Li found Wang Rong's repeated invitations quite strange, but since there was nothing else to do, he did not hesitate to agree.

"What's he up to?"

As the agreed time approached, Lu Li took the hotel's car to the East Asia Grand Hotel.

The car stopped at the hotel entrance, and he quickly noticed that Wang Rong was standing there, clearly waiting for him. After getting out of the car, the two exchanged pleasantries and entered the private room together.

"Mr. Lu, I had an expert appraise the ink lotus yesterday, and it's simply a miracle!"

As soon as they sat down, Wang Rong immediately said with admiration, "The technique, style, and aura are exactly the same as Fang Gang's genuine works. If I didn't know it was your work, I would have suspected that Fang Gang was still alive."

Lu Li smiled faintly and said, "I have some interest in Fang Gang, so I studied for a few more years."

"Ha ha, throughout history, imitating ancient masters is not uncommon, but a calligrapher who can reach Mr. Lu's level is, I dare say, one of a kind."

"Mr. Wang, you didn't invite me here just to flatter me, did you?" Lu Li detested such mutual flattery and said straightforwardly.

Wang Rong was taken aback, looked at Lu Li, and a sharp light flashed in his eyes.

"Mr. Lu, to be honest, without further breakthroughs, it will be difficult for you to become a top calligrapher."

Lu Li nodded; that was true.

Wang Rong then changed his tone, "Of course, there are shortcuts to success. In today's world, to become a calligrapher worth millions, your calligraphy skills must be up to par, and secondly, you need promotion and packaging. I believe Mr. Lu has learned about my identity from Mr. Xue. I control the largest auction company in Yanjing, and packaging Mr. Lu would not be difficult."

Lu Li's expression remained calm, and he asked bluntly, "Is there such a thing as a free lunch? What do you want me to do?"

"Mr. Lu, you are indeed straightforward. I won't beat around the bush. It's simple; I just need a few pieces of your calligraphy."

"Is that all?"

Such a condition was almost nothing. If he really became a calligrapher worth millions, giving a few pieces of work would not be a problem, after all, creating a piece of work took very little time.

Wang Rong did not directly answer Lu Li's question. He picked up his teacup, took a sip, leaned back in his chair with a relaxed expression, and a meaningful smile hung on his lips.

Seeing Wang Rong's expression, Lu Li laughed lightly, thinking, "Still trying to act cool? Not going to say it, huh? I won't play along with you." With that, he suddenly stood up, "I have some interest in becoming a calligrapher, but I don't want to take shortcuts. Goodbye."

"Hold on."

"Mr. Wang, is there something else?" Lu Li asked with a half-smile, half-sneer.

Wang Rong's expression was uncertain, and after a moment of silence, he suddenly asked, "Mr. Lu, how much do you know about the calligraphy of Wang Xizhi, Qianlong, and Emperor Huizong of Song?"

"A little."

"Can you imitate it?" Wang Rong stared at Lu Li and pressed on.

"I have some insights."

Lu Li's heart stirred, finally understanding. A mocking smile appeared on his lips, "Mr. Wang's business is indeed unconventional, but I have no interest in it."

Wang Rong's smile vanished as soon as he heard Lu Li's words.

"Mr. Lu, from your imitation of Fang Gang, it's clear you have a great talent for imitating famous calligraphers. Mastering the styles of other masters should not be difficult. As long as Mr. Lu agrees to cooperate with us, I promise to make you the best calligrapher in the country. The reward will be generous; you will get ten percent of the auction proceeds."

Lu Li's eyebrows raised, and he sneered, "What a great deal."

"Mr. Lu, why don't you think about it? I am friends with many calligraphers and the Calligraphy Association, who represent the entire domestic calligraphy circle. If I had requested it, you would never have had the chance to participate in an exhibition like the one a few days ago. Of course, if Mr. Lu is willing, even a personal exhibition at the National Grand Theater is not impossible."

"Ha ha, have you heard a saying?" Lu Li laughed and said, word by word, as he stood up, "Different paths, different goals. Goodbye."

"Stop."

Wang Rong's voice turned cold. Failing to entice, he seemed to be getting angry. After shouting, he realized that Lu Li was not paying attention to him and was about to leave the private room. He finally became anxious.

A man like him, who was usually very frugal, was willing to spend a fortune on a young calligrapher's work, which pained him greatly. However, if he could win Lu Li's favor and get him to agree to the cooperation, even a hundred million would not be too much.

"Lu Li, you better think it through. Once you step out of this door, you will find it impossible to move in the calligraphy circle." Wang Rong called out to Lu Li's back.

"Impossible to move? You overestimate yourself." Lu Li sneered.

"Is that so?"

Seeing that Lu Li finally reacted, Wang Rong was no longer in a hurry and said slowly, "I know your background very well. Your mother is Xiao Junlan, who was almost a laughingstock in Yanjing. Don't think the Xiao family can protect you; in front of me, the Xiao family is nothing."

"You're asking for death."

Suddenly hearing his mother's name, Lu Li turned around abruptly and looked at Wang Rong coldly, "This is the first and last time. If I ever hear you talk about my mother again, I will make you suffer a terrible death."

"Ha ha."

Wang Rong was first taken aback, then overjoyed. Finally, I've found your weakness. With this in hand, I'll see how you can escape my grasp.

"I heard that Xiao Junlan is a teacher at Lianshui Middle School, which is a good job. However, I know many people in the political circles of Haicheng, including one who was previously the Party Secretary of Lianshui County."

After hearing Wang Rong's words, the cold light in Lu Li's eyes gradually disappeared, and a wicked smile appeared on his lips. After a long pause, he extended his right hand and walked towards Wang Rong. Wang Rong, looking smug, was about to shake his hand.

Without warning, Lu Li suddenly raised his arm and slapped Wang Rong's face. The force was so great that Wang Rong fell backward onto the table, which immediately overturned, leaving the private room in a mess.

Even after slapping Wang Rong, he still felt unsatisfied. He stepped forward, placed his foot on Wang Rong's chest, and looked down at him, "If you know what's good for you, don't provoke me again. Otherwise, no one can save you."

***

After the New Year, I can't get into the writing mood!

Starting next week, I'll increase the updates!

Page flip AD starts

Page flip AD ends