As soon as Qian Jianan said these words, everyone on stage froze for a moment. This was not part of the previously arranged script. No one expected him to pull such a stunt.
By suddenly pushing Jing Li to the forefront, not to mention whether he was truly skilled in calligraphy, Qian Jianan’s act of mentioning someone else during Fu Yan’s talent showcase was an implicit comparison between the two.
Wasn’t he intentionally igniting a fan war?!
Given Fu Yan’s status and popularity, such a fan clash would only result in a complete and utter crushing, leaving Jing Li with no room to retaliate.
Everyone present was perceptive enough to immediately sense Qian Jianan’s deliberate provocation. Coupled with his subtle and unsubtle clashes with Jing Li over the dinner table earlier, anyone could see his dissatisfaction and intent to exact malicious revenge.
The host was naturally not stupid. No matter how generous he was at this moment, he was still disgusted by Qian Jianan’s continuous behavior of deliberately causing trouble to the program team.
However, the audience remained unaware, assuming this was a pre-arranged segment. The shippers of the CP between the young master and his junior brother were particularly thrilled to learn that Jing Li, like Fu Yan, practiced calligraphy, squealing excitedly as if they had stumbled upon fresh candy.
“He’s handsome, talented, and now he can even write beautifully! The little brother is too perfect!”
“The guests on this variety show are truly multi-talented!”
“So the young master not only secretly gifted Yu Ze with a heavenly treasure but also practiced calligraphy together with him?”
“Aww, this CP is too sweet!”
“I found another piece of candy!”
“Jing Li, hurry up, get up!”
…
In the end, some people spontaneously started shouting Jing Li’s name, making it clear that they were expecting him to come up and show off his skills.
Faced with such a situation, the host couldn’t make the decision for Jing Li and could only pass the choice to him with a smile, “What do you say? Shall our Jing Shao grace us with his calligraphy skills?”
The others also turned to smile at Jing Li.
Qian Jianan, in particular, wore an expression of anticipation.
“Perhaps I’ll pass,” Jing Li rose from his seat, first glancing at the people on stage before turning to the audience with a smile. “While I can write decently at home, I’d rather not embarrass myself in front of everyone. This way, you can focus more on my works and performances.”
These words were a tactful expression of rejection, but Jing Li’s smile and tone remained sincere, so he did not make anyone feel uncomfortable. Although slightly disappointed, the audience refrained from further clamoring.
Seeing this, the host smiled, ready to smoothly transition to a new topic, only for Qian Jianan to interject again, “Don’t be so modest. I’ve heard that Jing Li’s calligraphy is unparalleled. I’ve been looking forward to it for a long time. Wouldn’t it be disappointing for me if you don’t give us a demonstration?”
The host paused, shooting him a sidelong glance, clearly displeased as he pursed his lips.
However, Qian Jianan remained fixated on Jing Li and did not notice at all. He was now filled with the evil intention of seeing Jing Li make a fool of himself. Hearing Jing Li’s retreat, he became even more determined to win, and vowed to make him agree before giving up.
Jing Li naturally sensed Qian Jianan’s intentions. The smile on his face faded slightly as he glanced at Qian Jianan. After a moment, he suddenly let out a light chuckle, “I didn’t expect you to be so interested in my meager skills, Jianan. Since that’s the case, I can only respectfully oblige!”
“If you like it, Jianan, I’ll give it to you afterward.”
I’d be more than happy to take the evidence of your embarrassment home and collect it.
“Then I’ll thank you in advance,” Qian Jianan replied with a smile.
Jing Li turned his gaze away and rose again, walking towards the host with a smile, “Jia-ge, Yan-ge, I’ll make a fool of myself then.”
The host smiled and nodded, but his eyes couldn’t help but reveal a hint of worry. However, the situation had progressed beyond his control, so he could only step aside to make room for him.
Even Fu Yan couldn’t help but give him a hesitant look.
But Jing Li only smiled and nodded at them before taking up the brush, lightly dipping it in the ink stone and blotting away the excess. He poised the brush above the blank paper, contemplating for a few seconds. With one hand pressed against his abdomen to keep his clothes clean, he began writing rapidly.
His posture appeared quite practiced, causing those standing nearby to relax slightly, though they remained cautious, quickly considering how to manage the situation.
During Jing Li’s calligraphy performance, the audience below grew increasingly puzzled.
If this were truly a planned segment, why would they need to repeatedly urge him to participate? He’s not a major celebrity to put on such airs.
Moreover, Fu Yan didn’t act that way either.
Various comments arose:
“Is Jing Li’s ego a bit too big?”
“He’s not some renowned calligrapher, yet he needs to be coaxed and praised before taking the stage. I used to have a good impression of him, but now, not so much.”
“Did Jing Li pay the program to add this segment?”
“This segment feels rather sudden, doesn’t it? When his name was mentioned earlier, Jing Li and the others seemed caught off guard.”
“Am I overthinking this? The atmosphere between Jing Li and Qian Jianan feels odd.”
“Now that you mention it, Qian Jianan did seem to intentionally target Jing Li during the games.”
“Deliberately causing trouble for other guests during a recording? Qian Jianan’s pettiness is too much.”
“Can we not drag our Jiajia into everything? Ultimately, he’s just giving Jing Li screen time, right?”
“Exactly. No need to act so ungrateful!”
“I’m starting to feel physically sick whenever I hear Jing Li’s name!”
…
The chatter continued below, while an eerie silence fell on stage.
Everyone focused intently on Jing Li’s calligraphy.
Their expressions transitioned from initial concern to awe and astonishment.
They witnessed the people on stage shift from seriousness to surprise, their eyes gradually widening.
Finally, several burst out laughing before quickly restraining themselves, their faces flushed from suppressing their mirth.
Only Qian Jianan remained fixated, puzzled by the laughter as he glanced around.
The audience below mirrored his bewilderment, but predominantly burned with curiosity.
Just what did he write? Was it good or bad? Don’t keep us in suspense, let us see too!
As everyone craned their necks inquisitively, Jing Li finally put down his brush. Stepping back slightly, he smiled, “I’m done.”
“I didn’t expect Jing Li’s calligraphy skills to be so impressive, not an exaggeration at all. Wonderfully done.” Wei Jia smiled and picked up one end with a look of admiration on his face. He even couldn’t bear to move his eyes away from it. “And he even composed a poem…though I must admit my limited knowledge, as I don’t recall encountering this one before.”
“Ah, it was an impromptu composition. No wonder Wei Jia-ge hasn’t seen it,” Jing Li explained with a smile.
“Wow, you can even write your own poetry?” Yao Qian exclaimed in pleasant surprise. “I must take a closer look.”
“Let’s not keep it to ourselves. We should have the staff display it for the audience too,” Wei Jia smiled, glancing towards the backstage. Two staff members came forward, each holding one end to present the calligraphy to the audience and cameras.
Everyone’s eyes were drawn to the sweeping brushstrokes on the upright paper.
The strokes were bold yet infused with unique vigor, unrestrained yet flowing like clouds and water.
Even those unfamiliar with calligraphy were left awestruck by the imposing grace emanating from the words.
Not to mention Wei Jia, who had some experience with this art form.
Captivated by Jing Li’s mastery, amidst the exclamations, Yao Qian began reciting line by line:
“Long have I harmed the living,”
“Flocks of geese in autumn skies.”
“Sparrows make their noisy cries,”
“Herd that reckless horse defies.1Literally, it means “Amid the chaotic/disorderly flock/group, (there is) a horse that brings harm/danger.” It plays on the idiomatic phrase “害群之马” (a horse that harms/disrupts the herd), suggesting there is a disruptive or harmful element within a chaotic group. I don’t know how to write a poem TT I hope I gave that justice.“
“What neat parallelism!” Yao Qian praised. “They say the writing reflects the person. So does our Jing Shao harbor a free-roaming chivalrous spirit? The type who remains unruffled until striking with a deadly blow!”
“Haha, your imagination truly knows no bounds! A deadly blow?” Wei Jia joined in the jest before adding, “But I do sense this seems to be…a tailed poem2藏尾诗 cángwěishī – A hidden tail poem is a type of literary game or wordplay in classical Chinese poetry. It involves creating lines of poetry that can be rearranged to form a new poem when the last characters of each line are combined in sequence. Specifically, Wei Jia observed that the four lines Jing Li recited: “久为生人害” (Long have I harmed the living) “天秋有雁群” (In autumn sky, geese flocks fly) “乌雀从噪之” (Sparrows make noisy cries) “乱群逢害马” (Amid chaos, horses meet harm) When the last characters of each line are combined (害群之马), they form the phrase “害群之马” (a horse that harms the herd)?”
His gaze shifted inquiringly towards Jing Li by the end.
“Just a little wordplay for everyone’s amusement,” Jing Li admitted with a nod.
Others struggled to stifle their laughter, turning away to conceal their amusement.
The audience, however, drawn by their remarks, redirected their gazes to the calligraphy and gasped in realization—it was indeed a tailed poem!
But “a horse that harms the herd”??
They looked towards Jing Li with bewildered astonishment.
“A horse that harms the herd?” Yao Qian voiced it aloud before smiling, “Why would you come up with that line?”
“A reminder to myself,” Jing Li replied calmly. “This industry is filled with temptations of fame and fortune. I hope this serves as a constant caution, to never lose sight of my original intentions, to be true to myself, and never become ‘the reckless horse’ that tarnishes reputations.”
“Ah, that’s quite admirable,” Yao Qian agreed. “And it’s not just our industry—stepping into society exposes one to all sorts of enticements. I hope this can serve as a wake-up call for more people, to not be swayed by fame and wealth, but to be their best selves and contribute positively to society.”
Her words were met with thunderous applause from the stage and audience, as if deeply moved by Jing Li’s sentiments.
However, inwardly, everyone was struggling not to burst out laughing, almost pointing at the pretentious people on the stage and shouting.
Keep pretending! They thought. Did he really think that everyone could not hear the underlying meaning?
A reminder to himself? This was definitely a veiled mockery aimed at insulting Qian Jianan.
But in the end, everyone still had some sense left, and Qian Jianan’s behavior was indeed quite disgusting, so seeing him being criticized made them feel satisfied.
Of course, this excluded Qian Jianan’s fans, but since it was merely a tailed poem allegedly aimed at self-reflection, they could hardly accuse Jing Li of veiled insults.
So despite seething inwardly, they could only grit their teeth and endure.
Qian Jianan himself shared their frustration. Hearing the unanimous praise for Jing Li’s calligraphy and talent, he could barely maintain his composure.
Initially puzzled by the stifled laughter during the performance, the revelation of the tailed poem’s meaning finally dawned on him, filling his chest with belated rage.
If he hadn’t been able to understand why the people around him reacted with suppressed laughter when he saw Jing Li’s poem, he finally came to his senses after being reminded that it was a tailed poem. Feeling rising anger filling his chest.
“A horse that harms the herd”? Reminding himself?!
Jing Li was clearly mocking Qian Jianan!
Recalling Jing Li’s earlier remark, “I didn’t expect you to be so interested in my meager skills, Jianan…”
“If you like it, Jianan, I’ll give it to you afterward.”
…
So this bastard had been scheming from the start?
The more Qian Jianan thought about it, the angrier he became, but he couldn’t find any words to refute.
Like his fans, he could only grit his teeth in frustration.
But more concerning to him was the potential backlash from netizens after the show’s broadcast.
He knew it wouldn’t bode well.
No, this couldn’t happen!
After the recording, he had to address this with the producers and get that segment removed.
Distracted by these thoughts, Qian Jianan’s already lacking focus further waned during his own performance segment. Not only did he nearly forget the lyrics he could barely manage, but towards the end, he even went off-key, resulting in an excruciatingly awkward atmosphere on and off stage.
Ultimately, it was Wei Jia who smoothed things over with a smile, attributing it to Qian Jianan’s sore throat from illness, conveniently interrupting the cringeworthy display.
Qian Jianan apologized profusely to the cameras and audience, inwardly relieved despite his embarrassment.
However, that relief was short-lived, the breath catching in his throat upon hearing the host invite Jing Li as the next performer.
The author has something to say:
Jing Yu (proudly): Looking forward to my brother’s excellence in the next chapter!
Jing Li (secretly delighted): Thank you, brother!
–
Gu Tingshen (smiling and applauding): Looking forward to my wife’s excellence in the next chapter!
Jing Li: …Excuse me, who are you?
Gu Tingshen: …
Gu Tingshen, death by shock, died at 27.
—
Lastly, the tailed poem was generated using a random online tool.
That’s it, plain and simple. (innocent smile)
Mwah~
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