It was just a love letter; I'm really no great writer!

Noon on June 20th.

Zhao Yishuang's brother, Zhao Hongxue, rushed back to the provincial capital from Beijing and sat at the end of the long table in the villa's dining room, with the windows framed by the colorful and exotic flowers and plants in the garden.

The rule set by the Zhao family patriarch is that a proper meal must be eaten during festivals.

He was over sixty years old, with meticulously styled white hair and a vigorous spirit, and sat in the head seat.

On his right was the eldest son, Zhao Zheng, the Grand Chancellor of Qingdu. His face was dark and his wrinkles were like those carved by a knife, exuding an imposing presence even without anger.

On the left is the second son, Zhao Ci, who looks like a pale-faced scholar.

Next to her was the youngest daughter, Zhao Qingqing, with short hair that reached her ears, and willow-leaf eyebrows and peach-blossom eyes; opposite her was Zhao Zheng's wife, Song Shuhe, with her hair styled in a gentle updo.

Finally, there are Zhao Zheng's children, Zhao Hongxue and Zhao Yishuang, siblings: Zhao Hongxue was a criminal officer in the capital, a handsome man with the demeanor of a great general, while Zhao Yishuang was still studying, young and elegant, with an air of refined nobility.

Zhao Hongxue was eighteen years old when she started eating at the table. Zhao Yishuang, who was in junior high school at the time, also moved up a grade and listened to the adults say things she only half understood.

By now, she fully understands the serious atmosphere at the dinner table, but she's not quite used to it—fortunately, such family gatherings only happen four times a year.

These correspond to the four major festivals: Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival.

"Yishuang, do you know the origin of the Dragon Boat Festival?" Old Master Zhao asked as he began.

Zhao Yishuang carefully considered: "Originally, it was a festival for warding off epidemics and praying for rain. Later, people of all dynasties came to commemorate Qu Yuan's integrity in drowning himself in the river, and that's how the Dragon Boat Festival came to be today."

"That's right," Old Master Zhao said approvingly. "What my heart desires, I will follow even if I die nine times. Qu Yuan is not only the source of the Chinese nation's cultural heritage, but also a model of patriotism and love for the people."

"Especially in our culturally advanced contemporary era, Qu Yuan's significance is even more profound and important."

Zhao Yishuang felt a little uneasy.

Grandpa would usually ask questions, but he mainly tested Zhao Zheng and Zhao Ci on macroeconomic policies and people's livelihood issues.

Secondly, he tortured his aunt and Zhao Hongxue, and also inquired about her studies.

And today...

"Yes, the construction of civilization is the construction of culture." Second Uncle Zhao Ci deeply agreed.

Zhao Zheng remained silent. In his view, culture was merely a tactic in political struggle.

"Have you heard about the new figure in the poetry world?" Zhao Qingqing asked at this moment.

Swish! A fatal blow!

Zhao Yishuang felt a pang of panic, finally realizing the source of her unease...

"Lu Ran, the love letter poet, is the guy who was chasing after Yi Shuang before," Zhao Cilang laughed.

The atmosphere suddenly froze.

A long silence followed.

Zhao Zhengcai frowned and asked, "When did this happen?"

Zhao Ci said, "Last winter."

Zhao Qingqing said, "Is it still the same now?"

Her father glanced at her, and Zhao Yishuang said softly, "No, that's all."

"As far as I know, Lu Ran didn't dare to pester Shuangshuang; he wrote a love letter to another female classmate..." Zhao Hongxue quickly tried to cover for her sister.

Zhao Zheng snorted coldly, his face darkening again.

Song Shuhe smiled gently and said, "You have self-awareness."

Zhao Qingqing smiled and said, "I'm afraid he's just naturally promiscuous."

"What do you mean?" Zhao Zheng asked.

"There was a letter next to Yishuang's pillow this morning," Zhao Qingqing said.

Zhao Yishuang's face drained of color: "That's not..."

"Enough," Old Master Zhao interrupted the crowd's discussion. "I'm talking to you about culture, not asking you to meddle in my private affairs."

Zhao Qingqing pouted, "I didn't mean to, Aunt Shen saw it..."

"Let's leave it at that," Old Master Zhao said calmly.

"Yes," Zhao Ci replied.

That's all...

Zhao Yishuang's heart sank to the bottom of the sea, as an endless, dark sea surged towards her.

Grandpa Zhao suddenly said, "Lu Ran's long poem is a good work, but the publicity is not strong enough."

"Yes." Zhao Ci nodded.

Zhao Yishuang was stunned, not understanding what her grandfather meant...

After the meal.

Zhao Hongxue entered Zhao Yishuang's room and chuckled, "How did it feel to receive your first love letter? Can I see it?"

"No." Zhao Yishuang was a little annoyed, as she hadn't put the letter away properly before going to bed last night.

"Don't worry, our family isn't that old-fashioned. We won't do anything to him," Zhao Hongxue said lazily.

"What does Grandpa mean?" Zhao Yishuang asked.

"It has three meanings," Zhao Hongxue said with a smile. "First, it tells our father and aunt not to pursue the matter further. Second, it acknowledges Lu Ran's talent."

Zhao Yishuang suddenly realized: "What about the third floor?"

"Hehe, of course it's to remind you to settle down. The exchange is to help Lu Ran make some name for himself." Zhao Hongxue spread her hands and looked at her most beloved little sister.

"That Pipa Ballad is truly amazing. Given time, Lu Ran may become the next Dan Ding, or even a nationally acclaimed leader in the poetry world."

Zhao Hongxue sighed, "However, it's still far from enough."

Zhao Yishuang didn't speak, but a stubborn thought popped into her mind.

How laughable are you mortals of the secular world, how could you possibly understand the emperor of the kingdom of poetry, whose heart resonates with the joys and sorrows of all humankind?

……

"Sister Di, you look so beautiful and ethereal in this outfit!"

Lu Ran was amazed.

As the sun sets, she appears ethereal and elegant in a white dress, like a fairy descended from the Moon Palace.

It fulfilled all his expectations of a celestial being.

The young girl Huang Rong in his novel "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" is most closely related to the real-life girl Di Lingyan—mischievous, clever, and with a playful and willful boyish charm.

So, the most similar character to the Little Dragon Girl in the next installment must be Di Qingling.

Like a secluded orchid in a secluded valley, with skin as white as ice and a face as white as snow, she seemed to have a particular fondness for wearing white dresses, which, combined with her long, jet-black hair that cascaded like a waterfall, made her truly breathtaking.

"Yes, I dressed up a little." Di Qingling's lips were as red as rouge, and her voice was as clear as an ice spring.

Lu Ran didn't want to keep staring at her, but he couldn't take his eyes off her, so he could only admire her openly: a white hair tie held back her dark hair, and a white jade crescent earring dangled from her ear, simple and elegant, which further accentuated her porcelain-like skin.

"Are you stunned? Let's go in." Di Qingling took his arm and led him in with a gentle smile.

"Haha, my eyes are getting a little dry after looking at it for so long." Lu Ran thought to himself, what nonsense he was talking about. He must have been unable to sleep well last night because he heard Teacher Xiaotian snoring.

There was a ticket checkpoint inside the theater. When the staff saw the people that Di Qingling brought, they let them in without even checking their tickets.

The lobby is paved with spacious and bright beige glossy marble, creating a very pleasant environment.

The passageway is decorated with murals and calligraphy, and further in are areas such as a coffee area and a cultural and creative area. Arriving at the main theater is even more breathtaking.

The 1,600-seat theater is filled with upholstered, high-end seats. The balcony has a gentle slope, offering a direct view of the horseshoe-shaped stage.

One can imagine what a top-notch experience it would be to watch an immersive stage play in such an environment...

So elegant, so incredibly elegant.

Di Qingling led Lu Ran to the seat in the very center, neither too close nor too far from the stage.

Compared to watching a movie, watching a stage play is more immersive because there is no large screen to obstruct the view, allowing viewers to clearly see the actors' expressions and mannerisms.

It's still early.

Lu Ran looked around; there weren't many people yet. "Sister Di, how's the attendance?"

"Yes, the premiere was a huge success, with over 80% approval ratings." Di Qingling turned her head, her voice clear and soft, like rubbing grape juice in his ear.

I can't take it anymore...

As someone who's into voices, I'm completely powerless against this mature, sophisticated voice.

Lu Ran shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "That's great."

"No, that won't work. The premiere has people from the industry supporting it, but the key is audience satisfaction, repeat purchase rate, online buzz, and..." Di Qingling whispered into his ear, each word a soft rustling sound.

She is as aloof as an immortal, yet as alluring as a demon.