Chapter 370: Just Enough to Help

"Brother Nanyu, that doesn't really prove anything, does it?"

Jing Zeyang was unconcerned, "Just like Wang Yuyan in the martial arts novels; she never practiced a day of martial arts in her life, but isn't she still a master of trash-talking?"

Tang Nanyu let out a "Ha": "San'er, that's a novel!"

This isn't like solving a math problem where you can just apply a fixed formula, is it?

You either know it or you don't; it has absolutely nothing to do with whether your eye for talent is good or how many books you've read—

Since he didn't really understand anyway, Jing Zeyang didn't care: "So when are you two going to spar?"

Tang Nanyu hesitated for a moment, then thought about it seriously: "Better not spar!"

"Ah, why?"

What else could it be for?

Tang Nanyu suspected: he might not be able to win.

He loved martial arts, but he wasn't a fool. A spar is only a spar if you're evenly matched; if the outcome is decided instantly, that's just one-sidedly getting beaten—

Seeing the hesitation on his face, Jing Zeyang understood in a second and chuckled secretly to himself.

After taking the second elevator, the usher led them to a private room.

It was a large table for about ten people, the space was very wide, and a group of people were exchanging pleasantries.

Tang Ding'an, Tang Dingping, Tang Nanjin, Tang Nanyu's mother, the third uncle and third aunt, a cousin, and Tang Nanyan's own younger brother.

He was fourteen or fifteen, likely still in middle school. Tall and thin, with a touch of shyness.

As soon as the few of them entered the room, he locked his gaze on Lin Sicheng, his eyes filled with curiosity as he looked him over carefully.

When he was introduced, he first gave an embarrassed laugh before offering his greeting.

It was a proper banquet of gratitude, with seating arranged by seniority and age, without highlighting anyone in particular.

This was the same during the pleasantries; if they knew each other, they were more casual, like Yan Wenjing or Jing Zeyang.

If they weren't too familiar, they were more polite, like with Lin Sicheng or Xu Qin.

But anyone with eyes could see that, intentionally or unintentionally, and even involuntarily, many people's gazes kept falling on Lin Sicheng.

After mutual introductions, everyone took their seats; Tang Nanyu originally wanted to sit next to Lin Sicheng, but was pushed by Tang Nanjin toward the two cousins.

It wasn't that he couldn't sit there, but that he didn't dare let him. He was a loose cannon who would say anything once he got going.

Subsequently, the waiter was notified, and the dishes were brought out like a flowing stream.

They were all signature dishes of the State Guest House: yellow-braised fish maw, jar-stewed venison, chrysanthemum tofu soup, and quick-fried sheep tripe.

The first three were fine; although they were state banquet dishes, they were relatively common. As for the last one, Lin Sicheng had only heard of it before and was seeing it for the first time today.

The so-called "scattered tripe" refers to the glandular layer of the abomasum from the stomach wall of a goat under two years old; one goat only yields one or two taels, so it takes five or six goats to make a single plate.

The key lies in the secret cooking technique: quick-blanch for three seconds, quick-chill (ice bath) for three seconds, and quick-sear for four seconds.

Then, a thin starch sauce made from high-quality stock is added; the entire process takes only about ten seconds.

As it turned to face him, Lin Sicheng picked up a chopstick-full and nodded inwardly: it was indeed delicious, and the key was the crunch.

Tang Nanjin came over to pour wine; Lin Sicheng didn't decline, only saying his tolerance wasn't great and he could only drink two or three taels.

The entire banquet was standard and proper; the food was certainly beyond reproach, and the wine served was also excellent. The atmosphere couldn't be called lively, but it was definitely not monotonous.

The topics were constant—chatting about news, the military, the police force, martial arts, as well as culture and Cultural Relics. The Tang family members were all quite talkative and knowledgeable, and basically, everyone was looked after. Even the relatively silent Xu Qin was well taken care of by Ji Yun.

Lin Sicheng also performed in a standard and proper manner; he wasn't overly eye-catching, but he wasn't reticent either.

Yet, there were still those who noticed the difference.

For instance, Yan Wenjing; his family background must be very good, otherwise he wouldn't be hanging out with Jing Zeyang and Tang Nanjin. In his early thirties, he was already a Deputy Division Chief and Branch Captain—truly young and promising, with a bright future ahead.

His psychological fortitude was also not lacking; he had held a gun, seen blood, and even fought in battles.

But whenever he communicated with Tang Ding'an or Tang Dingping, he would involuntarily display a very constrained feeling.

Jing Zeyang was even worse; a person who was usually so eloquent and lively would actually stutter, and more than once.

It wasn't just him, but also Tang Nanjin, Tang Nanyu, and even Tang Nanyan and the two younger brothers.

Tang Ding'an was their own father and uncle, but whenever Tang Ding'an asked something, they would involuntarily straighten their backs, slow their speech, and be patient and serious.

Only Lin Sicheng remained the same regardless of who he was facing, even when it was Tang Dingping's turn: neither humble nor pushy, neither arrogant nor boastful, keeping a respectful distance.

His respect was tinged with humility, and his stability was tinged with wisdom. He was humorous yet extremely measured, and friendly without appearing cloying.

The others were fine; even if they were thinking something, they wouldn't show it, but the three sisters-in-law looked more and more peculiar as they watched, frequently exchanging glances.

This lasted until the end of the banquet.

In fact, it didn't take long—less than three hours—as Yan Wenjing had to go back to work overtime that night. And once he left, the banquet naturally had to disperse.

Tang Ding'an and Tang Dingping both left their phone numbers and told Lin Sicheng to come visit the house whenever he was in Beijing, then had Tang Nanjin see Lin Sicheng off.

Yan Wenjing and Xu Qin were sent off by their drivers, and since they were also picked up by Tang Ding'an's driver, it felt more formal.

After saying their goodbyes, just before leaving, Tang Nanyu specifically asked Lin Sicheng for his mobile number.

After they were sent into the elevator and the doors closed, the two cousins crowded around Tang Nanyu.

The third one, Tang Nanrui, was eighteen this year and had just been admitted to the Public Security University; he was at an age full of curiosity. He looked at the descending elevator and said mysteriously: "Second Brother, did Brother Lin really beat eighteen people by himself?"

"Could this be fake?" Tang Nanyu curled his lip, "Otherwise, your Sister Nan Yan would be dead or at least disfigured!"

Tang Nanchen followed up: "Then can Brother Lin beat my sister?"

"Your sister, pfft!" Tang Nanyu gestured, "He could take at least eight of her!"

Suddenly, Tang Nanchen's eyes lit up. Just as he was about to say something, Tang Nanyu tapped him on the head: "Don't you dare spout nonsense here!"

Tang Nanyu knew very well why his eldest brother didn't let him sit next to Lin Sicheng today: he was afraid he wouldn't have a filter on his mouth and would drag Tang Nanyan into the conversation.

Tang Nanchen didn't understand why, but he didn't dare make a sound.

The three families had three cars, all with drivers, and everyone could fit.

The three sisters-in-law sat in one car alone, saying they wanted to chat for a bit.

Knowing what they were going to talk about, the three brothers exchanged a glance.

After going downstairs, the three of them got into Tang Dinghe's Pasat. Just as they were seated, Tang Dinghe laughed: "Second Brother, this kid is quite good!"

More than just good?

To use Eldest Brother's words: he is a standout, a dragon among men.

Even more so, one could see a bit of it just from this evening's meal: Yan Wenjing and Jing Zeyang are neither ordinary people; their backgrounds are different, their upbringings are different, and their perspectives are even more different.

But regardless of whether it was the already accomplished Yan Wenjing or the reckless Jing Zeyang, who looked at everyone with a sideways glance, neither treated Lin Sicheng with anything less than extraordinary respect.

Even Nanjin, who is always steady, subconsciously likes to be close to this kid?

To be honest, for anyone else, getting them to willingly accept you and truly treat you as a friend is already incredibly difficult, let alone making them admire you from the bottom of their hearts.

And it absolutely has nothing to do with the Ye family girl: they have all been through this age, and in the eyes of Yan Wenjing, Jing Zeyang, and Nanjin and Nanyu, this is definitely a negative factor.

It's a pity————

Thinking secretly, Tang Dingping looked at Tang Nanyan in the passenger seat.

At first glance, she seemed indifferent and unconcerned, but in reality, she was all ears and fully focused.

Usually, Tang Nanyan is actually quite afraid of Eldest Brother. The reason she didn't sit with her aunt and her mother today is because the girl knows very well: even if Aunt and Third Aunt and her own mother praise Lin Sicheng to the skies, what they say doesn't count————

In a flash of thought, Tang Dingping smiled. Just as he was about to say something, Tang Ding'an shook his head.

Tang Dingping nodded and changed the subject. Suddenly, Tang Nanyan slumped down like a deflated ball.

She glanced in the rearview mirror again: if she had known, she should have sat in the car with her mother——————

The Leopard was very spacious, with a partition in the middle, which Ji Yun had lowered as soon as she got in the car.

Third Aunt sighed with emotion: "The young man is so handsome, tall and thin, clean and refined!"

——

Eldest Sister-in-law agreed deeply: "He knows a lot, too, and can join in on any topic!"

"His ability is also strong; to be specifically invited to Beijing by the Cultural Relics Research Institute to guide Artifact Research, his skills must be top-notch!"

"His talent is also great; he picks up antiques worth millions as if it were nothing. His personality is even better—not arrogant or rash, calm and restrained. Just take that Imperial Edict Nanjin mentioned today: if it were Nanyu or Nanrui, they would want the whole world to know, but this kid is very humble, only saying it was luck————"

"Yes, he feels even steadier than Nanjin! With a personality like this, he could do well in any line of work. The key is his character: he had only met Nan Yan a few times, yet he dared to block a knife for her?"

"His emotional intelligence is also high. Look at Nanjin, usually such a proud person, he looks like he has bricks built into his face when he sees anyone. But sitting with this kid, he's all smiles————"

The two sisters-in-law went back and forth, and with every word, Ji Yun's face grew more hesitant. In the end, she couldn't help but ask: "Eldest Sister-in-law, Huiying, what are you trying to say?"

Eldest Sister-in-law held back a laugh: "It's not what we want to say, but what you should be saying?"

"Right, our family has only this one precious daughter, don't you have any thoughts?"

More than just thoughts, I have too many thoughts————

Ji Yun shook her head: "What I say doesn't count!"

Of course what you say doesn't count, and what the two of us say counts even less, and that includes Dinghe and Second Brother—their words might not count either.

But this kid is so outstanding, I don't believe Eldest Brother isn't tempted.

Turning the thought over, Third Aunt smiled: "Eldest Sister-in-law, whisper some sweet nothings in his ear!"

"Stop that!" Eldest Sister-in-law glared at her and comforted Ji Yun, "Don't worry, maybe you'll run into someone even better!"

Ji Yun didn't speak. Subconsciously, Lin Sicheng's face appeared in her mind: well-mannered, polite, courageous and knowledgeable, young and promising.

You don't notice it when you're apart, but when you compare them side-by-side: Yan Wenjing is already considered a relatively outstanding descendant among the families we know, right? At least he hasn't gone down the wrong path, and his position isn't low.

And he is nearly a cycle older, but sitting with Lin Sicheng, you can see the difference at a glance————

Ji Yun sighed again: "Eldest Sister-in-law, you'd be better off not comforting me."

Eldest Sister-in-law laughed: It is indeed a bit difficult————

The green-skinned Wind Warrior really looked tough.

They dropped off Lin Sicheng first. In the middle, Jing Zeyang asked a question, and Lin Sicheng said he would be returning to Xijing by next week at the latest; both of them were a bit reluctant.

Jing Zeyang is playful by nature, and he just felt that Lin Sicheng was incredibly interesting and had so many strange stories.

Tang Nanjin, on the other hand, felt that he and Lin Sicheng were quite compatible in temperament.

Even without the business of saving Tang Nanyan, the two could have become good friends.

Just as they hit a red light, he tapped the brake and looked at Lin Sicheng beside him: "When are you coming back?"

"It should be after the New Year!" Lin Sicheng calculated, "By then, the Cultural Relics Research Institute's project will need to be inspected, so I might come to help for a few days!"

Counting it up, that's only about two months————

Tang Nanjin nodded: "Alright, let's get together then."

Jing Zeyang was sitting in the back seat, and as soon as he heard "Cultural Relics Research Institute," he suddenly remembered: "Cousin Lin, last time we went to the Cultural Relics Research Institute, I saw you and Zhang were quite familiar?"

"It's alright!" Lin Sicheng nodded, "The old Dean was a college classmate of my grandfather, and later they went down to the Xie together!"

Oh, so they were classmates, fellow townsmen, and even went down to the Xie together?

This relationship is definitely as good as it gets————

Jing Zeyang perked up: "Then can I ask you for a favor?"

One is at the Cultural Relics Research Institute, the other is in a song and dance troupe; what kind of favor could he help with?

Thinking secretly, he nodded: "Go ahead, Brother Jing!"

"Dean Zhang and our Editor-in-Chief are fellow townsmen, and their relationship is incredibly good. Could you ask Dean Zhang to step in and plead for me: ask our Editor-in-Chief to give me a few more days?"

Jing Zeyang sighed as he spoke, "I told you last time, I wasn't paying attention, and the sample draft of the program I designed clashed with the Gansu Song and Dance Troupe, causing a performance accident. The Editor-in-Chief has limited our group to come up with a backup plan before the start of winter————"

"But this is a large-scale classical music and dance performance, how could it be that fast?"

Lin Sicheng was stunned: Good heavens, what a roundabout way to ask!

Besides, there isn't enough time; at most, there is only one week left————

Jing Zeyang sighed: "Cousin Lin, you haven't seen her: the old lady's temper is unusually stubborn. I've been working for almost a year, and she hasn't looked at me favorably for a single day————I suspect she just wants to fire me————"

With your personality of being fun-loving, restless, and active, not to mention your chatterbox nature, anyone even slightly steady wouldn't want to be around you.

Lin Sicheng held back his laughter, just about to say "go back and ask," when he suddenly paused: the Editor-in-Chief of the Central Song and Dance Troupe is an old lady, and she's from Shaanxi?

"Wait, Brother Jing, is the old Editor-in-Chief's surname Lan?"

"That's right, an old artist; many of the song and dance performances that have been on CCTV were designed by her. The trophies in her home can't even fit in a single room—"

That's impressive, is it really that person?

Lin Sicheng tried hard to recall again: "Brother Jing, which one did you copy, 'Great Dream Dunhuang' or 'Xiliang Music and Dance'?"

Holy crap?

Jing Zeyang was startled: "You even know about this?"

Lin Sicheng didn't think much of it: "Gansu and Shaanxi are practically one family; there aren't that many large-scale classical song and dance performances from the Gansu Song and Dance Troupe that have won awards, are there?"

Jing Zeyang was stunned for a long while: "The second one!"

Lin Sicheng nodded: What a coincidence, isn't it?

If it were anything else, he definitely couldn't help. But if it were Han Dynasty music and dance, he really did know a little bit.

Just like the one Jing Zeyang copied, 'Xiliang Music and Dance': this was something the Researchers at the Dunhuang Academy copied one by one from the Dunhuang Murals, and then restored frame by frame.

Every single frame, Lin Sicheng had studied—

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