System: Master Your Life

Chapter 855 - 212: Third Trip Abroad (Part 2)

"You’re full of spirit and vitality, still robust in your old age."

"Haha, I have to be spirited. I have a great-granddaughter, and I’m afraid of dying. I want to see her grow up, finish university, maybe even see her get married and have children. But I’m already seventy-eight this year. Can I live to be a hundred?"

"There’s no need to think about things too far in the future; the present should be more important than the future."

"Yes, living in the present. Now, all I want is to see her grow up well!"

At this moment, Chi Lingri opened the second piece of rice paper, "Xu Lin, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen you write. Show the old man your handwriting."

"Alright, then I’ll write the ’Preface to the Orchid Pavilion Collection’ as well."

"The ’Preface to the Orchid Pavilion Collection’, let the old man make a comparison too."

On Chi Lingri’s piece of rice paper, he also wrote Wang Xizhi’s "Lanting Collection".

Xu Lin stood at the table, picked up the brush, first dipped it in water to moisten it, then in ink.

Xu Lin took a moment to gather his emotions, recalling the "Preface to the Orchid Pavilion Collection."

He began to write.

"In the ninth year of the Yonghe era, the year of Guichou..."

He wrote in semi-cursive script, naturally completing it in one go, only pausing midway to dip the brush in ink, without any other interruptions.

Quickly, he completed all 324 words of the text.

"Excellent! Such good calligraphy!"

Chi Lingri was astonished, "In ancient times, your handwriting would be remembered for centuries; you are indeed worthy of the title of a great calligrapher!"

A calligrapher, and a great calligrapher—one word makes a world of difference.

In ancient times, both literature and calligraphy flourished, especially during the Tang dynasty when poetry was prevalent. Because it was part of the imperial examinations, a very important aspect, everyone from emperors and courtiers to commoners, regardless of gender, would know some poetry.

Just like today’s emphasis on technology.

Every era has its own focus.

In this era, technology is the key aspect.

Calligraphy and literature have retreated from the stage of history and can no longer permeate the atmosphere like in ancient times, only remaining as personal hobbies.

Xu Lin put down the brush, "You’re too kind!"

The two spent more than three hours in the study, writing calligraphy, reading books, and discussing the contents.

For example, today, Chi Lingri was reading the "Long and Short Classics."

This book talks about strategies, essentially about governance, delving into the areas of ruling a country, employing talents, diplomacy, and military, among others.

These topics are too distant and irrelevant to ordinary people. Even if they read the "Long and Short Classics," it wouldn’t be useful, merely serving as a regular read.

But Chi Lingri was a Sealed Border Official who had retired. Back then, he couldn’t advance further, so he stepped down with regret.

Now, his son, Chi Boyan, Father of Chi Linyue and Chi Longting, is just one step away from reaching where Chi Lingri once was.

Chi Lingri often guides his son.

Spending over three hours with Xu Lin in the study, Chi Lingri was thoroughly enjoying himself.

He had grown quite old.

At this age and such a position,

he didn’t really have any friends anymore. In earlier times, some friends had gradually drifted apart, losing contact long ago, and some had already returned to the earth.

Looking back, there’s no one; looking forward, there’s no one.

Looking at the present, he stands alone.

It was hard to find a young man like Xu Lin whom he could converse with, truly a friendship across generations.

Before long, it was after five in the afternoon.

By this time, Chi Linyue and Zhao Yingqiong had returned from the market with groceries.

They bought a lot of food; it seemed tonight would be a feast.

In fact, tonight was indeed a feast with seven dishes and a soup.

After dinner, it was already past seven.

By mid-November, it was already dark by this time.

Tonight Xu Lin had to go back home.

Half an hour passed after dinner, heading towards eight o’clock.

Xu Lin said, "Brother Ting, Sister-in-law, Grandpa, I need to head back soon."

"You’re not staying overnight?"

Chi Lingri felt a tinge of regret.

"Do you have something urgent?"

Chi Longting asked.

Zhao Yingqiong came over and poured Xu Lin a cup of warm water, "Xu Lin has to go abroad on business tomorrow, and he has some things to take care of tonight."

"Ah, I see, then we’ll have to get together another time."

Chi Longting patted Xu Lin on the shoulder.

"Brother, are you leaving?"

Xixi came over holding a stuffed toy, looking longingly at Xu Lin, reluctant to part.

"Yes, Brother has some things to do. When I return, I’ll buy you fun things, okay?"

"Okay! I want fun things!"

The world of children is simple and easily appeased.

Of course, Xu Lin promised to buy her fun things when he returns, and he will definitely keep his promise.

A child’s world is very small, so their memory is good. If you promise them something, you must do it, or they will remember it for a lifetime.

Xu Lin hugged Xixi again.

Finally, it was time to leave.

Chi Linyue saw him downstairs.

"When you board the plane tomorrow and after you land, remember to text me."

Chi Linyue reminded him.

"Don’t worry!"

Xu Lin pulled her close and kissed her.

The kiss lasted for one or two minutes before ending.

"That’s it, go back inside!"

"I wanted to see you off home, but you didn’t want that." Chi Linyue sounded a bit resentful.

"No need for that. It’s so late, and it’s cold outside. Go back inside, my car is here."

"Alright, alright."

Xu Lin called for a car.

Chi Linyue watched him get in the car from outside the neighborhood and then turned back inside.

About half an hour later, Xu Lin got home.

In the duplex apartment, it was just him alone.

Xu Lin took a shower, bought a plane ticket for nine-thirty the next morning, and then started working.