The return journey was still on a private plane, enjoying an afternoon tea meticulously prepared by the on-board chef. During this time, Lu Shouyue brought up the video about Xiao Chong again, hinting at it a few times, but Lin Wanwan maintained a stance of not knowing and not being clear, just posing as a mere internet porter. If Lin Wanwan knew Lu Shouyue would investigate Xiao Chong, or if she were slightly knowledgeable about the video, she would never casually tell Lu Shouyue that the video was downloaded online. She could have used the same excuse she gave Chen Jinyu and wouldn’t need to send the video over. But at the time, her judgment was off. Chen Jinyu’s side had a surprise broadcast, which caused her discomfort and vigilance. And as for Lu Shouyue, he always gave Lin Wanwan the impression of being a gentle and refined gentleman, completely non-aggressive. In addition, he was excellent at playing the Ancient Zither, and someone who knew how to appreciate it, so she didn’t hesitate to share. She entirely overlooked his identity as an elite student and a second-generation wealthy, considering him as a harmless ordinary teacher. Fortunately, she didn’t realize her casual lie had been uncovered, and Lu Shouyue only smiled meaningfully without exposing her, letting it go. Otherwise, Lin Wanwan would be so embarrassed she could dig herself a three-bedroom apartment. Actually, Lu Shouyue was quite speechless inside. This beautiful woman before him, with a small cherry mouth, could lie without even blinking an eye. Those pure, autumn water-clear eyes seemed so full of innocence, truly full of deception. Alright, let’s assume it’s a well-intentioned lie, after all, who doesn’t have their own secrets? Maybe she just didn’t want me to know about such a man to avoid misunderstandings. Afterwards, the two watched a foreign blockbuster together, and the plane landed. Before landing, they changed into winter clothes and put on down jackets in the room on the plane. Once off the plane, they drove straight to Lin Wanwan’s house. Lin Wanwan retrieved the text score given by Xiao Chong from the second floor and set off with Lu Shouyue towards Buzhou Studio of the Lu Family. By this time, it was almost six o’clock, and the employees working at Buzhou Studio had already left. An old lock hung at the front gate, just for decoration, since it was actually a smart lock inside. Lu Shouyue pressed his fingerprint to unlock it, inviting Lin Wanwan inside. This wasn’t Lin Wanwan’s first visit to Buzhou Studio, but every time she came, she couldn’t help but marvel at the elegance of the surroundings. This area belonged to the Moon Lake scenic zone. Apart from this courtyard-style Buzhou Studio, the entire green stone street was lined with a large area of blue brick and Daiwa ancient-style buildings dotted with a few historical sites rich in cultural atmosphere. It didn’t seem like a business place, more like a tourist attraction. Following Lu Shouyue to the tea room on the second floor, looking out from the antique-style window on one side of the room was Moon Lake, the design allowing a change of scenery with a step, and the view outside was poetic and picturesque. Having a pot of tea here and enjoying the lake view can calm even the most troubled mind. "Teacher Lu, the environment here is really nice," Lin Wanwan couldn’t help but exclaim. Lu Shouyue replied with a smile: "Peace amidst the noise; my old man chose this spot for its charm. You’re welcome to visit often. There’s even a lounge on the third floor. What tea would you like?" Lin Wanwan shook her head: "I don’t feel like drinking anything, just had my fill on the plane." Lu Shouyue nodded with delight: "Alright, feel free to make yourself at home while I take a look at the actual text score." Lin Wanwan nodded and said: "Go ahead, don’t mind me." In the tranquil evening, the afterglow of the sunset shimmered on the lake surface, sparkling beautifully. Lin Wanwan didn’t disturb his appraisal, merely stood by the window admiring the scenery, feeling a little out of place from having just flown from summer into winter. It wasn’t long before the doorbell rang downstairs. Lu Shouyue glanced at the monitor on the desk and, taking off his gloves, walked up: "The two appraisal experts I notified have arrived. I’ll go downstairs to greet them. Feel free, Wanwan." Lin Wanwan said: "I’ll go with you to greet them." Saying this, the two went down the stairs to the door, opened it, and Lin Wanwan had not met the incoming experts before. Lu Shouyue introduced them briefly, and then they went up to the tea room together. The handwritten text score by Xiao Chong was already mounted and had undergone simple protection treatment by Lu Shouyue, now spread out on the desk behind the tea room screen. This area clearly had been specially designed, with humidity and temperature slightly different from elsewhere. With Lin Wanwan’s currently sensitive physique, she sensed it once stepping in, thinking to herself: Those who play with antiques are indeed professional, caring even about the viewing location. The two old experts didn’t waste words, exchanged a simple greeting with Lin Wanwan, donned white gloves and masks, then stooped over the text score to carefully examine it. The expert in the gray coat only took a glance and said: "The xuan paper shows some signs of yellowing oxidation, yet remains unbelievably intact." "Incredible, truly incredible, practically like it just emerged, remaining as new after a thousand years," Cui Zhiqiang, who happened to be in Yongcheng these days and a director of the West Cold Seal Society as well as a calligrapher, also marveled after watching it for a while. "This work, from the starting strokes, movement, to the closing strokes, is all done in one go, the brushwork robust, subtly exuding an ethereal elegance. The brushman must have been a free-spirited person. Ah, I’ve spent my life writing, yet can’t match those few strokes!" ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ Nov3lFɪre.ɴet Out of curiosity, Lin Wanwan watched them appraise and comment, and after listening to a few remarks, she gained a new understanding of Xiao Chong’s calligraphy. This guy’s calligraphy skills are very strong, even these two septuagenarian calligraphers of Hua Country are full of praise. Perhaps this text score’s value is higher than she imagined. After a while, Cui Zhiqiang suddenly asked: "Young Lu, who is this Xiao Chong in the signature? How come there’s no fame in history? With the calligraphy prowess shown in this text score, he shouldn’t be obscure." Lu Shouyue replied: "Historically, there’s not much recorded about his writings. He was a direct descendant of the Lanling Xiao’s Qi-Liang branch, with unknown birth date, passed away in the third year of Zhen Guan, died young, perhaps not even reaching twenty, didn’t have the chance to make a name." "What a pity, talent cut short by the heavens." "Fortunately, this text score surfaced. Once auctioned, at least Xiao Chong can be named in the calligraphy circles." Listening to their praises and discussions, Lin Wanwan felt sweet inside, thinking to herself: Don’t worry, this won’t be the only one to surface. Once I’m short of money, I’ll release a few more. Given my friendship with Xiao Chong, he won’t be stingy with his brushwork for sure! Hmm, as a return, when her Qiong State ship docks, she might as well send Xiao Chong another basket of cherries! And maybe some sunflowers and peanuts, to add bricks to his achievements.