Chapter Sixteen: Let the National Goddess Wait

Although he was praising himself, Chen Nian could tell that Luo Youdao was merely being polite. Despite his sincere dislike for the entertainment industry's atmosphere, Chen Nian had helped his daughter at the concert, so Luo Youdao had to show him at least a bit of courtesy.

“Do you have any other business? If not, please leave—I need to practice my calligraphy.” It was clear he was only slightly more polite than usual.

“Old man, let me tell you, this is my friend, not someone coming to ask you for favors. You’d better show a bit more respect!” Luo Xiaoyi seemed unable to hold back her indignation.

“Don’t speak too soon, girl. You’re still young and don’t understand,” Luo Youdao replied.

As a tycoon who had struggled through life, celebrities and stars could only bow and curry favor in front of him.

Hearing this, Chen Nian leaned forward to look at the calligraphy Luo Youdao was working on. The script was classic regular script—overall, it was quite good, strong and powerful, perfectly matching Luo Youdao’s personality.

Seeing Chen Nian’s interest, Luo Xiaoyi quickly tugged him back. Her father hated being disturbed while practicing calligraphy. In other matters, she dared to argue with him, but this was his sole untouchable taboo, and she wouldn’t dare say much.

Noticing their subtle movements, Luo Youdao looked up at Chen Nian. “So, do you know calligraphy as well?”

Chen Nian smiled slightly. “Chinese calligraphy is profound and unfathomable. I wouldn’t presume to claim expertise. Still, I have practiced occasionally these past two years.”

Luo Youdao curled his lips, sneering dismissively.

Having fought his way up as an entrepreneur, he despised young people looking for shortcuts and easy gains. Many had tried to attract his attention this way in recent years; without exception, he’d kicked them out.

Chen Nian was Luo Xiaoyi’s friend, so Luo Youdao gave his precious daughter some face and asked, “In that case, do you have any unique insight into my 'Gazing at the River'?”

Chen Nian picked up Luo Youdao’s recent work, “Gazing at the River.” In this world, calligraphy was popular, but it paled in comparison to Blue Star.

After a moment, Chen Nian offered his opinion.

“Mr. Luo’s script is upright and powerful, inspiring deep admiration and reverence. Its strokes are like the marks of the earth—eternal and unique.”

Luo Youdao’s eyes lit up, and he nodded in satisfaction.

Chen Nian’s assessment was nearly identical to those given by masters of the Calligraphy Association, suggesting he truly possessed knowledge.

Seeing Luo Youdao’s pleased expression, Luo Xiaoyi sighed in relief, finally letting go of her anxiety.

“But,” Chen Nian continued, shifting the tone and uttering those two most dreaded words.

Luo Xiaoyi’s heart, just now settled, leapt back into her throat.

“Mr. Luo’s script is generally sound, but regular script’s brushwork is characterized by rigorous strokes, slower execution, and minimal fluctuation. In this 'Gazing at the River,' although each character stands alone, there’s no sense of ‘broken brush but continuous meaning.’ In this aspect, Mr. Luo’s work is somewhat lacking.”

After hearing Chen Nian’s critique, Luo Xiaoyi was dumbfounded.

She knew nothing about calligraphy, yet could sense the impressive aura emanating from Chen Nian!

Not only Luo Xiaoyi, uninterested in calligraphy, but even Luo Youdao—who considered himself accomplished in regular script—was left awed by Chen Nian’s presence.

“If you understand, why not give it a try?” Luo Youdao glanced at Chen Nian, suddenly interested in the young man.

“Dad, what are you doing!” Luo Xiaoyi quickly intervened. She’d known Chen Nian for a long time and had never heard of him possessing such a skill.

“Then allow me to show my humble attempt.” Chen Nian brushed past Luo Xiaoyi, picked up the brush on the table, and began to compose in his mind.

Initially, Chen Nian considered copying the “Stele of Yuan An,” a masterpiece in the small seal script.

But he reconsidered—if he brought out the “Stele of Yuan An,” wouldn’t he frighten Luo Youdao out of his wits?

So instead, Chen Nian chose to write a regular script, the style Luo Youdao specialized in: Yan Zhenqing’s “Multi-Treasure Pagoda Stele” from the Tang dynasty.

Chen Nian lifted the brush, his strokes lively and spirited; not only did he copy, but he infused his own flair and expressive ease.

Luo Youdao stood nearby, deep in thought. If he said it was good, it didn’t quite seem so. If he said it wasn’t, Chen Nian’s technique and momentum seemed far superior.

Luo Xiaoyi didn’t understand calligraphy, but her aesthetic sense was superb.

“I told you to give a modest attempt, not to outshine everyone!” She could immediately tell that Chen Nian’s work was more pleasing than her father’s.

“Done.” Chen Nian smiled and set down the brush.

Luo Youdao looked at Chen Nian’s “Multi-Treasure Pagoda Stele,” his eyes filled with doubt.

He himself wrote regular script with some accomplishment, so why couldn’t he judge the quality of Chen Nian’s calligraphy?

“Good, good.” In the end, he could only give a helpless verdict.

“Come, let’s go. I’ll show you around.” Luo Xiaoyi glanced at Chen Nian’s ‘scribbles,’ quickly pulling him away.

After they left, Luo Youdao casually tossed Chen Nian’s ‘scribbles’ aside.

He truly couldn’t tell if Chen Nian’s work was good or bad, but he felt it was merely Chen Nian’s way of currying favor and forming connections.

Young people these days lack ambition, always seeking shortcuts through relationships. Luo Youdao had despised such people his whole life.

He had a calligraphy appreciation event with the Calligraphy Association that afternoon, and no time for these trivial matters.

He’d heard that the contemporary master of regular script, Yu Wenqing, would attend. He needed to quickly produce a work that satisfied himself, hoping Yu Wenqing would appreciate it.

As soon as Chen Nian stepped out of the study, Zhou Lu called.

“Are you available now? Our company’s producer wants to discuss composing with you.”

“Can’t it be postponed? We barely managed to free up time here.”

“No, this friend is important.” Chen Nian replied firmly.

On the other end, Zhou Lu hesitated for a moment, then compromised. “Alright, I’ll have them wait. Is three o’clock this afternoon okay?”

Chen Nian checked the time and nodded in agreement.

Luo Xiaoyi looked at Chen Nian, her face written with shock.

A national goddess waiting for an unknown newcomer? Unprecedented, unheard of!

Chen Nian didn’t care, but as a fellow newcomer in the entertainment industry, Luo Xiaoyi understood how rare this opportunity was.

To collaborate with the contemporary national goddess—most newcomers wouldn’t dare even dream of it.

After lunch, Luo Xiaoyi immediately drove her custom Lamborghini, taking Chen Nian to the headquarters of Star Entertainment.