I'm not a literary giant

Chapter 248 A City

After leaving Li Tingfang's house, Ning Chunyan did not squeeze into the elevator with the others to return the way they came. Instead, she took Chen Qingluo with her and chose to take the stairs.

Built in 2005, this building, even after undergoing renovations of an old residential area and with its freshly plastered white walls, still manages to conceal the unintentional sense of vicissitude that permeates its appearance.

In Ning Chunyan's childhood memories, this area was once a new residential community in the city. In the blink of an eye, it has been reclassified as an "old community." When she heard the news, she was in a daze for a while, as if she suddenly realized that 2005 was not ten years ago, but twenty years ago.

The two walked down the stairs in silence, their footsteps echoing in the empty stairwell. Reaching the second floor and turning the corner, Ning Chunyan finally couldn't contain her turbulent emotions and spoke:

"I like Teacher Li Tingfang."

Chen Qingluo softly replied, "Me too."

"I especially admire her for her toughness. Not only did she refuse the provincial literary association's request, but she also dared to say decisively, 'Don't lose to Donghai.' It was like she was taking on an entire city single-handedly. She was incredibly cool."

"Mm." Chen Qingluo nodded gently.

Ning Chunyan continued to express her heartfelt admiration:
"Perhaps, the population being siphoned off by the East China Sea is the inevitable fate of Xihe City, leaving only the elderly, children, and those who cannot leave. But the spirit of this city must not be lost."

"The people of Xihe have an inherent stubbornness, pride, and tenacity. For the people of Donghai, these are all disadvantages that hinder doing business and making money. But for the people of Xihe, these are the marks that define who they are. We will not lose to Donghai, nor will we lose to the times. This is why I like Teacher Li Tingfang."

"Really?" A voice, clearly mocking and with a slight upward inflection, came from above the stairs behind. "I thought you liked her because she favored Prince Xu."

Ning Chunyan paused, her face instantly cooling down.

She turned around, looked up at An Younan, who was leaning against the handrail at the corner of the stairs, looking quite composed, and spoke in a clear and indifferent voice:
“Miss An, please allow me to remind you of two things. First, I am not speaking to you, so please do not interrupt. Second, Wang Zixu is not that important to me, so please do not assume that much about him.”

An Younan chuckled softly, arms crossed, her posture languid yet slightly provocative.
“Then I’ll respond to you with two points. First, you kept asking me why I came to Xihe, and I thought our conversation wasn’t over yet; second, you told me not to judge others by my own standards, isn’t that also judging others by my own standards?”

Ning Chunyan's fair cheeks instantly flushed a light red:

"I am indeed curious as to why you came to Xihe, but seeing how you cling to Prince Xu, there's no need to answer that question anymore. My sincere advice is, if you don't want to attract gossip, don't do this kind of thing so openly!"

An Younan raised her eyebrows high:

“I have already openly introduced my current identity—I am his sister, and my actions need no explanation. Please do not taint this relationship with your filthy gaze, Miss Ning, judging others by your own standards.”

Ning Chunyan pursed her lips, her chest heaving slightly: "Do you really think this absurd lie can fool anyone? Or at least, fool yourselves?"

"Miss Ning, you're judging others by your own standards again."

Their conversation was both fiery and elegant, like two felines locked in a standoff, making it a fascinating spectacle.

However, this wonderful performance was not very kind to Wang Zixu, who was right behind An Younan and was now awkwardly stuck at the bottom of the stairs; in fact, it was torture.

The two went downstairs, arguing all the way from the stairwell to outside. Unaware of what was going on, Lin Feng seized an opportunity and pulled Wang Zi into a corner.

"Later, it's not just these people in front of us; the entire literary association is going to the hot spring resort. There's something I'd like to ask you for a favor..."

"what's up?"

"I would like to invite Ning Chunyan and Chen Qingluo as well, but I don't know how to bring it up properly."

Wang Zixu asked curiously, "Didn't we discuss the afternoon's itinerary in the car? Why extend another invitation?"

“You don’t know this,” Lin Feng said. “They never attend the gatherings after the annual New Year’s greetings. They are both people who don’t like to join in the fun, let alone show their faces. You know that, don’t you?”

The prince thought for a moment and said, "Since they don't like it, why force them?"

Lin Feng seemed a little flustered, his eyes darting around as he said:

"That's true... but those two are the faces of our Xihe Writers' Association, and both are recognized beauties. If they went, the morale of the young men in our association would definitely be boosted. Besides..."

He scratched his head, as if unsure how to begin, carefully considered his words, and then said:
“Look, this is my first year as chairperson. If they can participate in the activities, I will feel very proud. In the future, when I arrange work in the literary association, I will be able to be more assertive and save myself from being tripped up by those old foxes.”

Wang Zixu recalled that Lin Feng had indeed complained before that he was inexperienced and couldn't control the situation, and that several vice chairmen, including Shen Qingfeng, were dissatisfied, making it very difficult to carry out the work.

He has strengths in terms of both his works and qualifications, but he also has weaknesses. If he doesn't achieve something, it will be difficult for him to win the support of the masses, which explains why he is so active in group activities.

I never expected that a team building activity at a hot spring would have this hidden meaning.

Prince Xu pondered for a moment and said, "Alright, I can ask for you. But... I won't be going this afternoon."

Lin Feng's expression changed: "Why aren't you going? What are your plans for this afternoon? No, you have to go."

Wang Zixu shook his head. If he went, An Younan would definitely have to go too. She was already overwhelmed enough this morning, and if she faced the entire literary association, she would surely cause a huge uproar.

Lin Feng stared at him, then suddenly changed the subject: "Do you know why Shen Qingfeng was so generous this time, offering free tickets to the entire resort?"

Prince Xu shook his head blankly.

Lin Feng said, "His new book promotion was very successful, but he just relied on blatantly piggybacking on your popularity! I brought that up with him, and he couldn't stand it anymore, so he finally gave in."

"So, you, as the number one contributor, absolutely have to go. If even you don't go, where will I put my face? Shen Qingfeng will make me miserable! You have to go!"

Prince Xu was speechless. He didn't want to hurt his friend's feelings, nor did he want his New Year to be completely ruined.

Just then, An Younan strolled over, hands behind her back. Having overheard their conversation, she naturally grabbed Wang Zixu's arm and asked with a smile:
"Chairman Lin, if my brother isn't going, is it okay if I go by myself?"

Raymond Lam beamed, "Of course! Welcome, welcome!"

"Great!" An Younan cheered.

Wang Zixu's mind was filled with alarm bells: if An Younan really went alone, she would blend in with the large group of the Literature Association and be able to make up all sorts of stories about him with that little mouth of hers.

He absolutely cannot allow this to happen.

"Then, then... I think I'll go." Wang Zixu quickly changed his mind, then awkwardly added:

"I'll try to persuade Ning Chunyan and Chen Qingluo, but I can only guarantee to carry it out, not the outcome. I can only offer advice; they might not listen to me..."

Lin Feng said, "If you go and persuade them, they will definitely agree."

The prince thought to himself, "Where do you get such confidence in me? It's as if I hold a special place in their hearts."

In fact, because of An Younan, Ning Chunyan's gaze towards him was full of disdain, contempt, and naked disgust; the chill in her eyes was almost solidifying into tangible ice blades. Chen Qingluo was also very distant, refusing to look at him.

Wang Zixu still had a nagging thought: if he went to persuade them, it might backfire; it would be a blessing if they didn't go.

He went to Ning and Chen and told them about it. Unexpectedly, they didn't refuse as readily as he expected. Instead, they exchanged a glance and remained silent for a moment, seemingly communicating without words. Finally, Ning Chunyan looked up and asked him, "Is your 'sister' going?"

She put quotation marks around the word "sister" in her words with her finger.

Wang Zixu honestly replied, "You mean An Younan? An Younan will go."

"Are you going too?"

"Um……"

“Okay, let’s go too,” Ning Chunyan said.

The prince was stunned, and said, "Ah? You... it's actually okay if you don't go..."

"I'm going." Ning Chunyan said resolutely.

The prince fainted. It seemed Miss Ning was still angry. He only hoped that when the two arrived at the villa, in front of everyone from the literary association, things wouldn't get too ugly.

Not far away, An Younan seemed to have seen through the conversation and covered her mouth, chuckling like a thieving magpie.

……

The group arrived at Qingfeng Villa by car.

The villa is located on a gentle slope of a mountain road on the outskirts of the city. Since it has just been built, the courtyard is still spacious, and the view can go over the withered grass in winter and directly to the main building with the plaque "Qingfeng Villa" hanging on it.

The main building is a three-story hotel with white walls, gray tiles, and upturned eaves, typical of Hui-style architecture. A spacious parking lot in front of the building silently demonstrates the owner's ambition and wealth, but today it was booked out, and most of the parking spaces were empty.

Wang Zixu followed the crowd into the main building. The hotel lobby had a high ceiling, soft lighting, and dark wood flooring. Behind the reception desk was a Zen-inspired dry landscape garden with white sand like snow, rugged blue stones, and moss, creating a tranquil and serene atmosphere.

He thought to himself, regardless of Shen Qingfeng's character, at least his aesthetic sense is quite good.

This place cleverly combines the refined tastes of scholars with the fashionable lifestyle of the wealthy. Cultured people feel rich here; the wealthy feel cultured. No wonder his business is so successful.

Lin Feng asked for Wang Zixu's ID card and went to the front desk to check in. Wang Zixu was sitting on the sofa at the entrance of the main hall waiting for him.

As soon as he sat down, he heard a coughing sound beside him. He turned his head and saw Ning Chunyan and Chen Qingluo sitting down one after the other.

Prince Xu immediately sensed something was wrong.

Ning Chunyan took off her long down jacket, revealing an apricot-colored tight-fitting turtleneck cashmere sweater underneath, which perfectly outlined her slender curves.

The young woman stood haughtily with her arms crossed, one long leg elegantly crossed over the other, toes slightly upturned, resembling a beautiful but less intimidating interrogator. Her voice was clear and crisp, and she began by saying:

"Confess!"

Prince Xu feigned ignorance: "Explain what?"

"Confess what you did wrong."

"What if I feel I didn't do anything wrong?"

“That means your values ​​have collapsed and your morals have deteriorated, making your crime even more serious!” Ning Chunyan raised an eyebrow.

Wang Zixu swallowed hard: "You sent me a text message during the New Year, and I shouldn't have only replied with one line."

"Trying to downplay your fault only makes your crime more serious." Ning Chunyan snorted. "I thought you were just naturally lacking in emotional intelligence, but it turns out you're perfectly shrewd!"

“I shouldn’t have remained silent, stood by and did nothing when you were arguing with An Younan just now…” Wang Zixu continued to plead guilty.

“I’ve got this score with you, but that’s not the point right now,” Ning Chunyan glared at him. “What I want you to confess is the most egregious thing.”

Wang Zixu subconsciously glanced at Chen Qingluo beside him. Chen Qingluo noticed his gaze, quickly lowered her eyes, her long eyelashes casting a small shadow beneath them.

He took a deep breath and finally made up his mind to stop hiding it:

“That day in your car, I had a long talk with you, but I didn’t tell you the whole truth. I… I still have something to hide from you.”

Before Ning Chunyan could speak, Chen Qingluo, who had been silent all along, asked first: "When did you have a long talk with her?"

Ning Chunyan said, "Qingluo, don't interrupt. Wang Zixu, continue with the story of 'keeping it from me'."

Just as Prince Xu was about to speak, the sofa beside him suddenly sank, and An Younan appeared out of nowhere, plopping down right next to him, blinking her innocent big eyes:

"Oh, the trial has begun? A three-way trial?"

Ning Chunyan looked displeased: "Miss An, we are having a very serious conversation. Please do not intrude."

"Speaking of inappropriate time, it's the Spring Festival, a time of universal celebration. Sister Ning, isn't it more inappropriate for you to interrogate him like a criminal?"

Ning Chunyan gritted her teeth and said, "What exactly do you want?"

"I don't want anything, I just want to sit here and listen quietly."

"You'd better be." Ning Chunyan sneered, and was about to continue questioning Wang Zixu when a large group of people suddenly rushed in through the door.

If Wang Zixu and his group were the vanguard of the Writers' Association, then the main force that surged in now was a formidable army. All the staff of the Writers' Association, along with the prominent writers, poured in all at once. The once quiet and spacious villa instantly became bustling and lively.

Many writers noticed the particularly eye-catching little corner of the sofa area from afar, and coupled with Ning Chunyan and Chen Qingluo's extremely high profile in the industry, a large group of people immediately rushed over to greet them warmly and exchange pleasantries.

Ning Chunyan's brief interrogation had to be temporarily suspended.

After a round of stiff, polite greetings, most people finally left, but one person stayed behind under the pretext of studying.

The man was around thirty years old, slightly overweight, with small acne scars on his face. He was all smiles, his eager gaze sweeping over the faces of the crowd.

"It's been so long since I've seen all of you teachers. I miss you so much; it feels like I'm back on that day again." The man sighed, then turned warmly to Wang Zixu, "Wang Zixu, do you feel the same way I do?"

Wang Zixu looked bewildered, his mouth slightly agape, staring at the enthusiastic yet utterly unfamiliar face before him. His mind raced, but remained blank, unable to recall the other person's name no matter what.

Seeing that he didn't react, the man looked around again and asked, "By the way, where are Diao Yiwen and Lin Luo? I haven't seen them. Do you know what they've been busy with lately?"

Wang Zixu finally couldn't hold back any longer and, with deep regret, cautiously spoke:
"I'm so sorry... I... I can't remember your name for a moment. May I ask who you are...?"

The man's smile froze instantly, and he cried out in hurt voice, "I'm Choi Hyun! Choi Hyun! Don't you remember me?"

(End of this chapter)