C8 The Entire Audience Was Shocked

As Su Hao's thoughts settled, his mind was suddenly flooded with an overwhelming torrent of information, intricate and seemingly endless. It took him a full two minutes to sift through and bring some semblance of order to the chaos in his head.

The onlookers watched Su Hao fumble without uttering a word, their eyes brimming with ever-deepening scorn. Clearly, this pampered scion was merely putting on a show.

Whether out of respect for Bai Wenling or the anticipation of witnessing Su Hao's embarrassment, the crowd remained silent for several minutes, the air heavy with a palpable stillness. Yet, the smirks of disdain on their faces grew more pronounced.

Unfazed by the audience's skepticism, Su Hao surveyed the elders' calligraphy with a measured, unhurried gaze.

From his vantage point below the stage, Lin Yilun cradled a glass of red wine, his eyes dancing with amusement as he watched Su Hao. Every so often, a sardonic grin would cross his face, as if he were watching a clown perform.

For the sake of his fragile ego, he was feigning a studious interest in the calligraphy. How utterly absurd.

In the back row, Bai Wenling bit her lip gently, her beautiful eyes framed by fluttering lashes that betrayed her inner turmoil of disappointment and resignation. She couldn't fathom the source of Su Hao's confidence to critique the work of a venerable master calligrapher, but she knew well that he was about to face a barrage of mockery and disdain.

"Su Hao, you've always been too competitive," Bai Wenling mused, her gaze tinged with a hint of reluctant pity as she watched him maintain a facade of concentration and calm on stage. "Perhaps this setback will give you a clearer perspective on your own capabilities," she sighed softly.

After three minutes had passed, Su Hao ceased his contemplation and, with eyes closed, pondered briefly before addressing Elder Zhao. "Elder Zhao's cursive script flows like clouds and water, neither fully cursive nor entirely standard, deftly bridging the gap between formal and freeform styles," he observed.

"Examining the spirit and structure of this calligraphy, it's evident that Elder Zhao has a lifelong habit of starting from the right. This approach lends clarity and distinction to the characters, with a stable center of gravity. It's this very technique that allows the composition of the strokes to achieve the golden ratio."

"However, the habit of starting from the right side has left this calligraphy lacking in balance and rhythm. It's slightly less concise than desired. After all, the essence of this style is to achieve a moderate length, and an even distribution of space. I would recommend that Elder Zhao try writing from the center outwards in the future. This approach could remedy the issues with balance and rhythm."

Upon hearing these words, Elder Zhao paused, then abruptly stood and walked over to his calligraphy for a closer inspection. A spark of realization flickered in his eyes.

"Mr. Su is absolutely correct. My calligraphy has its unique style because I begin from the right, but this also introduces subtle issues with balance and rhythm. They might be minor, but a true calligraphy master would notice them at a glance."

"Writing from the center outwards not only addresses the flaws in my right-leaning technique but also adds a finishing touch akin to the dotting of a dragon's eye. It's a brilliant solution! I never expected Mr. Su to come up with such a strategy. Impressive!"

Elder Zhao, muttering to himself, turned to Su Hao with a thumbs-up, his eyes brimming with excitement. His calligraphy had plateaued for years, but Su Hao's insight had sparked an epiphany.

The audience was left in stunned silence.

What was happening?

Did this young man truly understand calligraphy?

Lin Yilun's grip on his wine glass faltered, his face a mask of astonishment.

Impossible!

The reports had said that Su Hao was merely a high school graduate with next to no knowledge of calligraphy. How could he have critiqued Elder Zhao's work with such precision?

Bai Wenling stood rooted to the spot, her beautiful face etched with shock and incredulity.

Who was Elder Zhao, after all?

A venerable figure in Quanzhou calligraphy, with disciples in high places and considerable influence.

Yet here he was, visibly excited and even showing admiration for Su Hao's critique.

Was this a dream?

A hallucination?

Bai Wenling was already struggling to make a distinction!

Onstage, after Su Hao had highlighted Elder Zhao's shortcomings, he shifted his gaze to Elder Lau. "Elder Lau's cursive script is slender and distinct, with each character flowing seamlessly into the next. The strokes are crisp and easily imitated, often spanning multiple characters without breaking the momentum, even across lines. This can make it challenging to discern, yet it creates a signature style."

"The brilliance of Elder Lau's technique lies in its richness. He frequently connects characters vertically, with the final stroke of one echoing the initial stroke of the next. Each character follows a pattern of simplification, and the overall composition is majestic. The interplay between characters is skillfully crafted, exuding elegance without losing depth."

"Regrettably, Elder Lau's cursive is excessively free-spirited, resulting in a lack of orderly structure. In my view, while calligraphy as an art form can be disorderly, its elements must not be haphazard but rather meticulously organized. Otherwise, it fails to convey the intended contrast and harmony that lend to its aesthetic appeal."

Upon hearing this, Elder Lau's eyes narrowed, and he gave a resounding clap.

"Excellently put. I've long sensed that my calligraphy was too unrestrained, leading to a lack of control. Mr. Su, how might I address this weakness?"

After a moment's reflection, Su Hao offered his advice: "The unrestrained nature of your calligraphy is tied to your personality, Elder Lau. I recommend practicing in tranquil settings. Before each session, play a piece of music that steadies the heart and mind. This should aid in achieving a balance in your free-flowing cursive style."

"A splendid suggestion," Elder Lau responded, his eyes brightening as if a parched wanderer had stumbled upon an oasis in the desert.

"Mr. Su, I never anticipated your profound insight and expertise in calligraphy. Your critique today has truly resonated with me, and for that, I am deeply appreciative."

He and Elder Zhao had dedicated over thirty years to the art of calligraphy. As their skills and reputations grew over the decades, so did the reverence from others. Their work was met with consistent praise and admiration, leaving little room for critique or guidance.

The flattery and adulation of the crowd had inadvertently caused their calligraphy to stagnate, with little to no progress made in recent years. However, Su Hao's arrival today was like a fine steed finding its master, revealing to him the potential for further growth.

The audience below watched in stunned silence, as if struck by lightning. How could this be possible? Su Hao, barely in his twenties and labeled as ineffectual for the past couple of months, how could he possess such a profound understanding of calligraphy?

Bai Wenling, from the back rows, was utterly astonished. Her beautiful eyes sparkled with shock and disbelief. Was this the same Su Hao she knew?

Lin Yilun, seated in the front, fixed his gaze on Su Hao onstage, his fingernails nearly piercing his palms. To him, Su Hao was nothing but rubbish, yet his critique had opened the eyes of a calligrapher who had dedicated over thirty years to the art. What a farce!

He couldn't, and wouldn't, believe it. But the shifting expressions on the faces of Elder Zhao and Elder Lau confirmed something. Su Hao's critique had resonated deeply with the two venerable calligraphers.

Wang Baiwan, seated next to the elders, was inwardly astounded. Su Hao's earlier comments were delivered with such expertise that they could only come from someone with decades of study in calligraphy. The second-generation heir, it seemed, had been concealing his true depth.

With a twinkle in his eye, he chuckled, "Truly worthy of being Miss Bai's fiancé, Mr. Su. Your insights cut to the core of the matter. You must have devoted considerable time to studying calligraphy. Might we have the pleasure of seeing you demonstrate your skills with a brush?"

Given Su Hao's evident grasp of calligraphy, it stood to reason that his own work would be impressive. Wang Baiwan, a lifelong calligraphy enthusiast who had befriended many masters, had yet to experience a piece that stirred his soul. Witnessing a genuine masterpiece from Su Hao could fulfill his passion and lifelong pursuit of the art.

"Director Wang, I'm hardly a master of calligraphy, and it would be presumptuous to showcase my work in the presence of Elder Zhao and Elder Lau," Su Hao demurred with a wave of his hand. "To offer commentary on the works of such esteemed calligraphers is honor enough. Please, let's not speak of me writing any calligraphy."

For Su Hao, writing calligraphy was as effortless as drinking water. However, the Pretentious Experience Card he held was down to its last two minutes—a time too short to craft a complete calligraphy work.

"Mr. Su is far too humble. Your insights have garnered the agreement of Elder Zhang and Elder Lau, signifying that your mastery of calligraphy has soared to unimaginable heights. For you, wielding the brush must be second nature," Lin Yilun interjected from the front row.

"To encounter such a master calligrapher is a rare opportunity. To witness your artistry would be a true delight," he added.

His words were met with nods of agreement from the crowd, including the two elders and Wang Baiwan, all of whom eagerly anticipated Su Hao's performance.

"Given Director Lin's kind words, I shall indulge in a brief display of my skill. I ask for your patience should my work fall short of expectations," Su Hao replied, his gaze lingering on Lin Yilun for a telling three seconds before consenting.

He was well aware of Lin Yilun's motives—the man clearly doubted the validity of his earlier critique and was setting the stage for potential embarrassment.

But Lin Yilun was in for a disappointment. With the Pretentious Experience Card at his disposal, Su Hao was set to defy expectations.

Despite the pressing time constraint preventing a full piece, even a fragment of his calligraphy would suffice to metaphorically strike Lin Yilun across the face.

Upon Su Hao's agreement, Wang Baiwan wasted no time in having a sandalwood calligraphy table, complete with the four treasures of the study, brought forth.

Su Hao's eyes then found Bai Wenling in the crowd, her hands tightly clasped, her beautiful eyes reflecting nervousness.

Perhaps she was concerned for him.

Or maybe she feared his bravado might inadvertently draw trouble her way.

"Bai Wenling, I failed you in a past life. This time around, I, Su Hao, vow to gift you a life as splendid as a blooming garden!" Su Hao inhaled deeply, his eyes sharpening with resolve.

In that moment, his demeanor transformed dramatically. The essence of a dragon seemed to spring forth, the scholarly aura around him unfurling like clouds across the sky, like rain, like rainbows, like the soft glow of dawn. His eyes shone with a luminous, yet gentle light, piercing through any shadow of doubt.

After a brief three-second pause, Su Hao approached the sandalwood calligraphy desk. With a swift motion of his right hand, the brush spun rapidly in his grasp, its movements unpredictable.

As the brush touched the calligraphy paper, an invisible force radiated from its tip, swiftly enveloping the entire villa's living room.

All at once, every object within the living room seemed to quiver with life, trembling ever so slightly.

Elder Zhao and Elder Lau exchanged a glance, their bodies snapping to attention, their eyes wide with overwhelming shock, faces etched with incredulity.

"Is this... could this be soul Qi?"