The elderly man at the head of the group gradually became more serious: "Based on the original intention of making friends through art, we did not refuse. But these people suddenly changed their minds and hoped to determine the winners and losers through a competition."
"That's understandable; competitions do indeed add to the fun of the event."
"But these people went too far. As soon as we agreed, they immediately steered the conversation toward business, for example, that if they won, we would have to give up some bidding slots, and even a lot of additional financing projects."
"This completely changed the nature of the topic, so I was the first to refuse."
Yes!
Why don't you just refuse?
Lin Rui was also surprised. Did they have to indulge this group of foreigners with ulterior motives?
This is the land of the Divine Continent!
How can we allow these guys from outside the region to swagger around like that?
Seemingly sensing Lin Rui's thoughts, the leading elder spoke with a hint of grief and indignation: "Although we righteously refused, several families still expressed their support, and somehow the matter got out and attracted attention from the outside world."
"Public opinion continued to ferment, with some supporting it and others opposing it. It cannot be ruled out that there was incitement involved, but we were in a dilemma and finally agreed."
"There's no other way. If we refuse now, there will definitely be people stirring things up behind our backs, and the Xia family will definitely be criticized by the masses who don't know the truth."
Lin Rui looked thoughtful.
This old man revealed quite a lot of information.
First of all, these large families are not of one mind, and there are also internal problems. It is very likely that some families have been bought off by the countries of Mujin and Fudao.
As for the online opinions, it's obvious to anyone with a brain that it was the work of Mujin and the two floating islands.
By leveraging public opinion, what was originally a contest between artists was elevated to the level of "every man has a responsibility for the rise and fall of the nation," thus stirring up public sentiment and forcing the Xia family and their opponents into a difficult position, leaving them with no choice but to accept the challenge.
Even if this wasn't done by Mujin and the island nation, they are definitely not unrelated to it.
"Gentlemen, are you telling me all this to invite me to participate in the competition?"
Lin Rui asked tentatively.
"It's not a competition."
The elderly man at the head of the group shook his head: "We want to invite you to be a judge for the calligraphy and painting competition."
"Judges?"
Lin Rui was somewhat surprised.
"Young man, with your achievements in calligraphy and painting, you are more than qualified to serve as a judge."
"Judges are very important because their role directly determines the success or failure of a competition, as well as the most crucial factor of fairness."
The elderly man at the head of the group spoke earnestly, while Lin Rui looked troubled: "Sir, you wouldn't be thinking of..."
Before Lin Rui could finish speaking, the leading elder waved his hand and said, "Young brother, you're overthinking it. You just need to judge fairly. As long as it's not due to external factors, if you lose, it's simply because the Xia family is less skilled, and you can't blame anyone else."
That's what they said, but Lin Rui could still hear the arrogance in the old man's tone.
It seems that in his view, as long as the external forces cannot interfere, the contestants they send will surely win the final victory!
When will this competition begin?
Lin Rui asked a question.
"Saturday."
Lin Rui was taken aback. There were only three days left?
After hesitating for a moment, Lin Rui nodded and said, "Okay."
Seeing that Lin Rui agreed, the elderly man at the head of the group breathed a sigh of relief and said, "However, to become a judge, you still need to provide works that can be recognized by all parties, after all, everyone is eyeing the judges' seat."
To put it bluntly, it all comes down to ability.
If you have the ability, then go for it; if you don't, then get lost!
"That's easy."
Lin Rui stood up and stretched his limbs slightly: "Do you have any writing materials?"
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