Since Lian Yu emerged, the jade carving department has become almost a national treasure of the World Federation of Literary and Art Circles, and everyone who sees him has to give him a wide berth.
Mingjiang, who was originally just a junior staff member of the World Federation of Literary and Art Circles, discovered the genius Lian Yu by chance, and thus rose in rank, becoming a minister in just a few years.
In the words of someone within the World Literature Association, Mingjiang got incredibly lucky, stumbling upon a huge windfall.
Among the many department heads of the World Literature Association, his abilities were the least remarkable, but because of Lian Yu, he held this position for decades.
He was the one who saved Lian Yu's life back then. For that reason alone, Queen Lancelot treated him with some deference. Although some people in the World Literature Association were indignant, they stopped holding onto the matter after complaining a few times, remembering the outstanding President Lian Yu of the past.
Lian Yu is practically a god-like figure within the World Literature Association.
Darren knocked on the door, which was quickly opened. Mingjiang, still looking somewhat impatient, glanced inside with a hint of apprehension. He lowered his voice, "Why are you here? Don't you know I have guests?"
Darren touched the bag affectionately, and said with a hint of reluctance, "I brought you a treasure, do you want to see it?"
"What treasure?"
"I have a friend who's going to participate in a jade carving competition. Her entry is amazing. Maybe if you see it, you'll just make an exception and let her advance to the semi-finals?"
Mingjiang sized him up a few times. Although he felt that his words were a bit exaggerated, he was intrigued by the look of reluctance on his face. In addition, the two had a good relationship, so he could do him a favor. "Okay, go to my lounge and wait. I'll come find you after I've finished entertaining the guests."
"OK."
Mingjiang closed the door and turned around. His expression instantly became lively. He walked over with a smile and sat down on the sofa with a slight restraint. "Your Majesty, look, this is a collection of outstanding works that passed the preliminary round of this year's jade carving competition. There are still a few batches of preliminary rounds that have not yet started. I will personally deliver them to you when the results are out."
Across from me sat a woman in her seventies with snow-white hair. Although her face showed signs of fatigue, it did not diminish her dignified and elegant demeanor. Her deep blue eyes were calm, carrying a hint of wisdom and composure. In the subtle shifts in her gaze, one could almost detect a trace of sorrow.
It was Gong Ning's maternal grandmother, Queen Lancelot.
But Mingjiang still didn't dare to look Queen Lancelot in the eye.
He then smiled and said, "Your Majesty, your granddaughter, Miss Xiangru, has also passed the preliminary round of this year's World Literature Association. I have read her work, and it is truly amazing."
As she spoke, she picked up the preliminary entries for the walnut carving competition from the side, turned to the third page, and handed it to Queen Lancelot. "Your Majesty, look, the Second Miss is the third place winner in this year's walnut carving competition."
Queen Lancelot accepted the painting, and upon hearing the mention of Gong Xiangru, a kind smile involuntarily appeared on her face. "Hmm, this girl is hardworking and can concentrate on studying carving. This walnut carving of 'Empty Mountains After Rain' is indeed quite good."
Seeing that Queen Lancelot showed some interest, Mingjiang said, "The Second Miss is indeed outstanding. I also heard that in addition to the semi-finals of the walnut carving competition, she is also preparing to participate in the semi-finals of the jade carving competition."
"Really?" Queen Lancelot's eyes flashed with surprise, then she smiled. "This child is thoughtful."
Xiangru is skilled in nut carving, so she signed up for jade carving, probably because they knew she liked jade carving and wanted to give it a try.
The World Federation of Literary and Art Circles' competition process allows you to choose any number of semi-final rounds from different departments, regardless of the type of preliminary round you participate in.
The purpose of setting such rules is to maximize the potential of the participants each year. In fact, most people know that to master a skill, one must devote oneself to it wholeheartedly. Most people simply do not have the extra energy to learn another skill. Therefore, in the World Federation of Literary and Art Circles' semi-final season each year, each person basically registers for one skill, and there are very few exceptions where people register for more than two skills.
It wasn't that Gong Xiangru was unwilling to learn jade carving directly, but the art of micro-carving also has very high requirements for the materials used in carving.
Jade carving has higher requirements for materials, while nut carving, although also difficult, is easier than jade carving.
Queen Lancelot looked at Gong Xiangru's nut carvings repeatedly, a satisfied smile on her face.
Seeing how much the Queen valued Gong Xiangru, Mingjiang made up his mind to nurture Gong Xiangru well in the future.
After seeing the Queen off, Mingjiang was about to go to the archives to find some study materials for Gong Xiangru when he bumped into Darren, who had just knocked on the door. He rubbed his forehead, realizing he had almost forgotten about it. "We had a guest earlier, did we keep you waiting? Come, have a seat."
Darren wasn't angry; his expression remained quite calm. The World Literature Association mainly covers skills that require calming down and studying. Over time, the people who stay there become mostly calm and even good-natured.
Of course, this is on the premise of not disturbing their work. However, generally speaking, they are so focused on their work that they probably won't be disturbed. But if you do disturb them, then something terrible will happen. They might chase you to outer space with a big knife.
He picked up the teacup and poured himself a cup of tea. "Who was that just now, and why were they being so mysterious?"
Mingjiang smiled and immediately changed the subject. Queen Lancelot had come in private, probably not wanting to attract attention. "Who is that friend you were talking about? Is someone worth a minister like you coming all the way here?"
As Darren prepared to open the bag, he began, "Her name is Gong Ning. You should know her. She's the youngest daughter of the Gong family. Let me tell you, high society calls her a good-for-nothing. The people who say that are really..." They're completely blind.
"Gong Ning?"
Mingjiang interrupted him before he could finish speaking, "Is your friend Gong Ning?"
Darren was taken aback by the abrupt interruption and nodded subconsciously, "Yeah!"
Mingjiang took a deep breath, feeling like he'd been tricked. "You're friends with a little girl? And that nobody Gong Ning? What did she give you that you want to skip the preliminary round and go straight to the semi-finals? Lao Dai, are you out of your mind?"
Gong Ning can carve? What a joke!
Darren paused abruptly as he took out the jade carving. "What do you mean by that?"
Mingjiang stood up, saying, "Our competition demands absolute fairness and impartiality. I will absolutely not give you any special treatment. I have other matters to attend to, so please excuse me."
Honestly, he still has to find information for Miss Gong Er.
Darren was kicked out of the door by Mingjiang, but suddenly he realized what Mingjiang meant. His good manners prevented him from kicking the door in front of all the employees on the floor.
She turned around and walked away with a long face.
This old geezer, he wouldn't even take the talent we offered him?
If he doesn't want it, he doesn't want it. He'll go find the head of the carving department, humph!
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