The two chatted for a while longer about their guesses about Zhao Li's identity in "The Ferryman," and the topic gradually shifted from literature to life.

[Beethoven on the run]: By the way, I'm going to Jiangcheng this weekend.

Lin Que's fingers paused for a moment.

[Muqi]: Jiangcheng? Here for tourism?

[Beethoven on the run]: I guess so. Actually, it was an official mission... [sigh]

The province organized some kind of "Youth Art Exchange Meeting" and invited me to attend as a special guest.

My dad is the type who's always eager to get ahead in these kinds of situations, he never gives me a chance to refuse. [Image of a rabbit smashing a piano]

[Mushu]: That's great! A piano master from the provincial capital is here to guide the young pianists in our small city.

[Beethoven on the run]: Pshaw, what guidance? He's just going to be a mascot.

I'd have to wear those suffocating suits and fake a smile; just thinking about it makes me tired. [Sigh][Sigh]

[Beethoven on the run]: But... guess where the exchange meeting was held? [Evil grin]

Lin Que looked at the words on the screen, his eyes flickering.

An art exchange event held in Jiangcheng.

At this point in time

There are very few places in the entire Jiangcheng that can host an exchange meeting of this level.

He replied tentatively.

[Muqi]: Oh? Which venue? Jiangcheng Grand Theatre? Or the Arts Center?

A few seconds later, the other party sent a voice message.

Lin Que clicked on it, and the girl's clear, slightly mischievous voice rang out in the quiet studio.

"Ta-da! You guessed wrong! It's happening at Jiangcheng No. 1 High School! Surprised? Unexpected?"

Although Lin Que had a premonition, he still couldn't help but laugh when he actually confirmed it.

really.

What a small world.

Although he didn't pay much attention to the school's art activities

But I vaguely heard Old Zhao mention it once.

They say the art building, which cost tens of millions to build, will be requisitioned this weekend.

It seems that some provincial leaders and experts are coming.

So, you were the main character all along.

Lin Que adjusted his posture and replied:

[Muqi]: What a coincidence? It's actually our school?

[Beethoven on the run]: Yes, I was quite surprised at first, but actually I could have guessed it.

As the only provincial key school in Jiangcheng City

It is also the high school that sends the most students to Jinling Academy of Arts every year.

So this is the art exchange event jointly organized by the two schools. [Shrug][Shrug]

Lin Que leaned back in his chair, already understanding the situation.

As a benchmark for arts education in the city

Inviting resources from Nanjing to exchange ideas is both to enhance the school's reputation and to pave the way for art students taking the entrance exam.

Ye Xi is a leading figure among the younger generation of pianists in Nanjing and even Jiangsu Province.

It's perfectly reasonable for them to be brought in to bolster the situation.

[Beethoven on the run]: Well, as the host, shouldn't you show some appreciation?

[Mushu]: Since they are teachers from the province, we must treat them well.

[Beethoven on the run]: [Eyes shining.jpg]

[Beethoven on the run]: Wait a minute! [Alert.jpg] Last time you treated me to duck blood soup, this time it's my turn to treat you in your city!

[Beethoven on the run]: I've heard that the barbecue in Jiangcheng is amazing? Especially the kind from the roadside stalls, sprinkled with cumin and chili powder, sizzling with oil... [drooling]

[Muqi]: The barbecue in Jiangcheng is indeed quite good. However, isn't the piano goddess worried about tasting cumin the next day after eating street food?

Lin Que looked at the drooling emoji on the screen.

The image that flashed through my mind was Ye Xi wearing a haute couture gown, but squatting at a roadside stall eating lamb skewers.

[Beethoven on the run]: I'm not afraid! What's a little food? Besides, I'm going to exchange ideas about art, not to participate in a beauty pageant.

[Beethoven on the run]: How about it, Tour Guide Lin? How about you do me the honor? This meal's on me! Consider it repayment for that bowl of vermicelli soup and hush money!

Lin Que smiled and quickly typed out a reply.

[Muqi]: Since the sponsor has spoken, I will reluctantly make the arrangements.

But let me make this clear first: if your fans recognize you, I won't be responsible for blocking the camera.

[Beethoven on the run]: Deal! Contact me later! [Spinning around]

Lin Que tossed his phone back onto the table and stretched.

Let's put the matter of entertaining the piano goddess aside for now; there's a more pressing task at hand.

After all, compared to entertaining a young piano player,

Compared to treating someone to a meal,

How to get through the ordeal of a room full of "test-taking geniuses" driven crazy by final exams?

That's where the real skills come in!

...