With so many people around, why did you have to pick on this troublemaker to get attention? Didn't you know anything about hypnosis?

"Unfortunately, we can't be sure of Mr. Lin's attitude yet, so it's not a good time to make a move."

Granger looked thoughtful.

Lin Rui's attitude is currently unclear, and to find out the truth, we must wait until "The Legend of 1900" is released.

Furthermore, the professional team handpicked by Abel will be responsible for negotiating with Lin Rui next, so it's not his place to interfere.

However, the success or failure of this competition will have a great impact on Abel's next decision. The presence of Lin Rui, an unstable factor, in the competition and as a judge will inevitably make the whole event full of variables.

Despite having many backup plans, Granger still decided to report to Abel, his superior.

"Hey bro, over here."

The preliminary round had just ended in the morning when Zhao Wenyao, along with Zhang Chengzhang and Sun Min, approached Lin Rui.

Lin Rui responded and walked towards Zhao Wenyao.

Along the way, quite a few people took the initiative to come up and chat. After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Lin Rui finally came to stand in front of Zhao Wenyao.

"In just one morning, my brother has now completely entered the circle of celebrities in Lizhou."

Zhao Wenyao made no attempt to hide the envy on his face.

He was also a celebrity, but unfortunately, he was just a newcomer, especially since he was new to the area and didn't have much influence in Lizhou. Once everything was on track, he would have to find a way to integrate into the celebrity circle.

But Lin Rui is different. His landscape painting, coupled with his unconventional commentary, has already made him well-known in Lizhou and recognized by celebrities.

Most importantly, Lin Rui is not a celebrity yet!

However, after spending a long time with Lin Rui, Zhao Wenyao also developed a strong mental fortitude, comforting himself that comparing himself to others is just asking for trouble, and there's no need to feel sorry for himself by worrying about these things, because that's not just creating trouble for himself, but rather suffering to the fullest!

"Xia Xianci asked me to tell you that she has booked a private room on the third floor. Let's go directly to the private room for dinner; she's already waiting there."

Zhao Wenyao nodded towards Lin Rui.

"I'm a little hungry, let's go upstairs."

Upon hearing that there was food, Lin Rui immediately became interested.

"You're here."

The private room was quite elegant. Pushing open the door, Xia Xianci and Changsun Yi were already waiting inside: "Waiter, the dishes can be served now."

After the waiter left, Xia Xianci said with a smile, "Grandpa is entertaining some distinguished guests who have come from afar in a private room on the fourth floor. He asked me to tell you that your performance on stage was excellent, especially your attitude towards Cangquan Zuoyi and Master Hongyuan. You really made Lizhou proud."

"I'm just telling the truth."

Lin Rui smiled and agreed.

He didn't think he had done anything particularly praiseworthy; it was just that the monk associated with Master Hongyuan had broken the rule of not speaking while watching a game of chess, which was why he had retorted.

"Grandpa also said that Master Hongyuan is not very shrewd, and you should be careful in the future."

Xia Xianci's expression was slightly serious.

Lin Rui didn't seem to care much. As if suddenly remembering something, he casually asked, "Sister-in-law, I have a question."

"Please speak," Xia Xianci said.

"That judge named Jiang Qingyang seemed to have a... a thing about me."

Lin Rui was still pondering what adjective to use to describe it, but Xia Xianci instantly understood and asked with a smile, "I suppose Mr. Jiang's attitude wasn't very friendly?"

"right."

Lin Rui nodded: "Even though it was our first meeting, I always felt that he had some prejudice against me."

"Since my younger brother asked this question, he must have guessed something."

"That's right, just as you guessed. The reason Mr. Jiang's attitude was not very friendly is because the Xia family and the Jiang family have some historical grievances."

"Because you were recommended by the Xia family, in Mr. Jiang's view, you represent the Xia family, so naturally his attitude will not be very good."

Xia Xianci didn't hide anything and smiled, "However, Mr. Jiang is an open-minded person, so you don't need to worry about these things at all. But I have something I'd like to discuss with you, brother."