I am not a literary giant

After exchanging the various versions of rumors they had heard, Wang Zixu and Lin Feng slumped down on the edge of a flowerbed by the roadside in the park, their expressions perfectly matched, like two stone lions on the Lugou Bridge.

The stories they heard can be roughly divided into four versions based on the different character portrayals: "Mutual Appreciation," "Ignorance of One's Own Nature," "Masters Among the People," and "Dogs Biting Dogs."

"Mutual Appreciation" is the version closest to the truth, focusing on the spiritual resonance between Raymond Lam and Prince Xu. However, because it is not very down-to-earth and requires some more transcendent emotions to understand, this version is not widely sung.

The "Dog Bite Dog" version, on the other hand, uses harsh language to describe the two as comedic characters who are heavily intoxicated. This version is Shen Qingfeng's meticulously annotated edition. Although it is not widely circulated, the language is clearly polished, sharp and satirical, and serves as a valuable reference.

In the "Ignorant of Heaven and Earth" version, Raymond Lam is portrayed as an absolutely positive character, while Prince Xu is depicted as a clown. In this version, Prince Xu is akin to a folk scientist, clinging to outdated and impractical ancient scrolls, who unexpectedly manages to defeat Raymond Lam in a very obscure field. Raymond Lam, impressed, politely "drinks a large toast and offers his blessings."

The version titled "Masters Among the People" is like a variation of the previous version. Here, Wang Zixu is the positive character, while Lin Feng is the arrogant and prejudiced one. He is unworthy of his reputation and does not deserve to serve as the vice president of the Writers Association. A talent like Wang Zixu should not be reduced to prostitution.

Amidst the various interpretations, the banquet turned into a trap, with everyone offering their own interpretation. Crucially, each version was presented with great detail and seemingly authentic information.

Regardless of the version, they all point to one fact—Raymond Lam and Prince Sukie became incredibly popular together.

The two haven't fully grasped the implications yet, simply because the truth hasn't yet surfaced. Once the weekend is over and they return to work, they'll truly understand the power of gossip.

If it were someone else, they might be overjoyed. Even black and red are still red, and besides, upon closer examination, the black parts aren't many; it's more of a purplish-black with a hint of pink. The best solution would be to boldly rush into the crowd and openly enjoy the attention. With time, no one will remember this history.

But coincidentally, both of them were involved in literature and had a stubborn streak of self-admiration—it was clearly a very touching thing, so how did it become like this in your mouths? Unacceptable! They couldn't accept that their spiritual world was being distorted.

Moreover, the reasons for Wang Zixu and Lin Feng's dejection were not limited to this. The stories they each heard cleverly avoided the version in which they were the clowns. Only when they compared their versions did they realize how ridiculously they had been mocked behind their backs, and they became depressed on the spot.

Having gone undercover once, Wang Zixu had a more comprehensive understanding of the situation, having heard the "Dog Bite Dog" version from Shen Qingfeng. He considered himself to have a better tolerance for such things than Lin Feng. However, after Lin Feng described the "Ignorant of Heaven and Earth" version in detail, he still couldn't help but feel indignant and grief-stricken.

Human nature can be so wicked.

"What an insult to culture! What an insult to culture!" Lin Feng pulled out a lighter from his pocket, his hand still trembling slightly.

"The horrific scene is unbearable to witness; the rumors are even more unbearable to hear..." I've never hesitated to assume the worst of these people. I've endured countless verbal attacks, and I thought I'd seen it all and was no longer moved, but I never imagined there was such a way to slander someone. It's truly... Do you have a cigarette?

Wang Zixu said, "I have some." Then he took out a Da Feng Shou cigarette from his pocket and handed it to him. Lin Feng only took one puff before coughing violently.

Wang Zixu patted his back and asked, "Are you alright?"

Lin Feng, with a cigarette between his fingers, asked, "What brand of cigarettes is this?"

"Da Feng Shou, a brand from a small local factory, very cheap. Is it too strong? Maybe you're not used to it?"

Lin Feng said, "No, this cigarette is good. It has to be strong. Only strength can toughen my nerves and temper my spirit. Only through suffering can one transcend; either erupt in silence or perish in silence..."

He took a deep breath and then coughed violently.

Wang Zixu took out a cigarette for himself, and Lin Feng lit it for him. He was flattered and held the flame tightly. The two squatted there, puffing away for a while, neither speaking. Passersby glanced at them, then quickly turned away.

Wang Zixu said, "Actually, this is quite understandable. I'm just a nobody. According to the principles of journalism and communication, and the celebrity effect, everyone's attention is on you, the celebrity. That's why those exaggerated and outrageous versions can spread so widely. Ultimately, the reason lies with me; it's my fault for being too transparent."

Lin Feng said, "No, it's not your fault. This isn't about journalism or communication principles. This is Machiavellianism. There's something fishy going on here."

Lin Feng spoke with a look of grief and indignation when a girl who looked like a middle school student suddenly walked over and said, "Teacher Lin, please sign your name for me."

He quickly extinguished his cigarette, stood up, greeted the girl with a smile, signed his autograph, and only after she left did he sit down again and explain to Wang Zixu:

"I've given many speeches at local secondary schools, and the students all know me."

"oh."

Do you still have any cigarettes?

"There are plenty."

Lin Feng lit another cigarette, perhaps feeling that he had turned his temper too quickly and had lost the image of a scholar who was calm in the face of honor and disgrace, and scratched his head in annoyance.

Wang Zixu said, "Actually, it's nothing. Those who slander you are either people who have conflicts with you in real life or people who are jealous of you. The innocent will clear themselves, and not many people will believe it."

Raymond Lam waved his hand: "I don't care about that. I just feel that this whole thing started because of me, and I've affected your life."

Prince Xu took a drag of his cigarette and smiled with relief:

"It's nothing. My life is a mess anyway, it can't get any worse. Besides, I'm just a government employee, what can they do to me?"

"Don't keep saying that, bro. You still have a bright future ahead of you."

After a while, Lin Feng calmed down: "You don't know. This whole thing is really my fault. There were some malicious people spreading rumors behind my back, otherwise it wouldn't have gotten this far."

Prince Xu turned his head and asked, "How did you know?"

Lin Feng exhaled a puff of smoke: "I just know. Sigh, never mind, I can tell you in more detail. I have a conflict with someone in the Writers' Association, I won't reveal their name."

Wang Zixu asked, "Is it Shen Qingfeng?"

Lin Feng turned and glared at him: "How did you know?"

He meant that his disdain for you was practically written all over his face.

He said, "My guess is just a gut feeling."

Lin Feng sighed and said, "You know it, but that's fine. Here's what happened. The president of our Writers' Association, who is also my teacher, is about to retire, and she plans to recommend me, but Shen Qingfeng has always been unconvinced."