Chapter 1676: 1676: The Contest Begins

Chapter 1676: Chapter 1676: The Contest Begins

(Starting tomorrow, the update schedule will be slightly adjusted. It will remain four updates per day, split into two releases, around 12 noon and 8 pm, two chapters per update)

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Xu Zhiyuan was taken aback when Luo Ziling mentioned this matter, and couldn’t help but be surprised.

His grandfather, Xu Chongzhi, had said that during this visit by the Huaxia delegation, there would definitely be technical exchanges and competitions among the experts from both countries. Xu Chongzhi had asked Xu Zhiyuan to be ready for the challenge. He didn’t expect that Luo Ziling would propose a challenge to Xu Chongzhi.

Xu Zhiyuan understood that Luo Ziling’s challenge had a somewhat dubious motive.

Xu Chongzhi is the most prestigious figure in traditional medicine in South Korea, with the title of “Medical Sage” bestowed upon him by the people. It can be said that Xu Chongzhi represents the highest level of traditional medicine in South Korea. Luo Ziling, being his junior, challenging Xu Chongzhi would definitely cause a sensation if he won. Even if he lost, it wouldn’t matter much, as he is young and lacks experience, which is normal in the field of traditional medicine.

In other words, agreeing to compete with Luo Ziling would not bring any benefit to Xu Chongzhi, whether he won or lost.

If he lost to Luo Ziling, the reputation of the entire traditional medicine community in South Korea, or even the entire medical community, would suffer.

However, Xu Zhiyuan couldn’t refuse outright, as he couldn’t speak on behalf of Xu Chongzhi. Therefore, he could only diplomatically indicate that he couldn’t make the decision and suggested that Luo Ziling discuss it further after meeting his grandfather.

Luo Ziling naturally agreed.

Luo Ziling’s words naturally changed the atmosphere, and Xu Zhiyuan’s demeanor was a bit uneasy for the rest of the journey.

Originally, he thought that since Luo Ziling was around his age, no matter how experienced he was, he wouldn’t feel any pressure. But he was entirely wrong. This made him somewhat understand why his grandfather held Luo Ziling in such high regard.

The car soon arrived at a rather understated but expansive villa by the Han River, with plenty of greenery and traditional pavilions.

“It seems that delving into traditional medicine is quite lucrative,” Luo Ziling joked, pointing at the villa as they got out of the car, “I hope that one day I can afford a villa this big.”

Xu Zhiyuan felt uneasy inside, but he didn’t know how to respond to Luo Ziling’s subtly mocking yet understated words, so he merely forced a dry laugh.

Jin Qingji seemed to have had a pleasant chat with Luo Yuqing and Yang Qingyin, as they alighted the car with smiles on their faces, unlike Xu Zhiyuan, whose smile seemed a bit forced. After Luo Ziling cheerfully greeted them, Xu Zhiyuan gestured for everyone to enter the villa.

The car stopped at the entrance of the villa, but no one was there to greet them, which was a bit different from the reception they had when visiting the Ishihara Family.

The Xu Family’s villa was a typical Huaxia garden-style architecture. Of course, they would never admit it was Huaxia style. When Xu Zhiyuan introduced their villa, he said it was built in the traditional Goryeo style, which is considered to have a higher taste than Huaxia garden architecture.

Luo Ziling didn’t immediately retort Xu Zhiyuan. After walking a while, he casually said, “When you visit Huaxia, I’ll definitely invite you to our family’s old residence. You should gain some insights after seeing real Huaxia traditional architecture.”

Seeing Luo Ziling’s indifferent expression and the subtle disdain in his words, Xu Zhiyuan felt a surge of irritation.

But he kept his composure and said, “When I have a chance to travel to Huaxia, I will definitely visit Mr. Luo’s old residence.”

Unexpectedly, Luo Ziling took out his phone and seriously found a few photos to show Xu Zhiyuan. “Our family’s old residence is a late Ming dynasty building, a typical Jiangnan garden structure, listed as a protected historic site. Such a well-preserved large house is rare in the entire Huaxia. You must see it.”

Xu Zhiyuan had no choice but to patiently look at the photos Luo Ziling provided and make some polite comments.

Luo Ziling then showed the photos to Jin Qingji, warmly inviting her to visit.

Seeing Luo Ziling’s demeanor, Xu Zhiyuan felt both irritated and impressed by this younger man. It was a testament to his cunning to wrap criticism in such a sophisticated package.

Xu Chongzhi and his son, Xu Qinglang, were playing chess in the garden.

The weather was still a bit cold, but with good sunlight, they placed the chessboard in a pavilion where the sun could reach and played with great relish.

Seeing Xu Zhiyuan bringing Luo Ziling and the three women over, Xu Qinglang stood up and stepped forward to greet them.

Xu Chongzhi didn’t stand up but leaned forward from his seat to greet Luo Ziling and the women, as a way of acknowledging their presence.

“Greetings, Old Mr. Xu, Mr. Xu,” Luo Ziling bowed to Xu Chongzhi and Xu Qinglang, then glanced at the chessboard and smiled, “Old Mr. Xu has the upper hand.”

“Does young Luo know chess?” Xu Chongzhi squinted at Luo Ziling, “How about we have a match?”

Both Xu Chongzhi and Xu Qinglang spoke Huaxia very well, and their tone didn’t reveal whether they were Huaxia or foreign.

Luo Yuqing, who initially thought she might need to help translate, realized there was no need to showcase her language skills today.

“It would be my honor,” Luo Ziling gladly accepted and sheepishly asked Xu Qinglang, “Mr. Xu, may I continue the game from your position?”

“Of course,” Xu Qinglang agreed with a nod, and after exchanging a look with Xu Chongzhi, he stood aside to watch the game.

Luo Ziling took his seat, studied the chess situation for a while, then picked up a chess piece and placed it in a completely unexpected spot.

Luo Yuqing, Yang Qingyin, and Jin Qingji stopped chatting and stood quietly by to watch the game.

Everyone knew that since entering the courtyard, Luo Ziling had started a contest with the Xu family, and playing Go was a continuation of the rivalry.

Therefore, they could only watch silently.

Luo Ziling’s first move made Xu Chongzhi frown.

Unexpectedly, Luo Ziling ignored the corner skirmish between him and Xu Qinglang and jumped to another area, which was not what he expected, forcing him to carefully consider his response.

After making a move, Luo Ziling chuckled and said, “I didn’t expect the Xu family’s Huaxia so proficient. We, who don’t know Korean, can communicate with you conveniently. Before coming, I was really worried that language would be a barrier between us.”

“Our Xu family has studied Huaxia culture for generations. The Xu family’s children must be well-versed in the Four Books and Five Classics. The classical culture of Huaxia is excellent, worthy of a lifetime of study,” Xu Chongzhi replied with deep meaning, and after speaking, he smiled meaningfully at Luo Ziling.

Luo Ziling understood the old man’s implication. It was that Huaxia’s ancient works were worthy for Koreans to study, the classical Huaxia culture was brilliant and excellent, but now, it was outdated and no longer worthy of study by Koreans.

The older, the wiser, handling it with such subtlety.