Zhou Yiyi respectfully nodded to the two teachers, "Hello, teachers, I am Zhou Yiyi. I just wrote this character in front of Uncle."
The security guard next to her chid in, "Yes, yes, she just bought the ink and brush!"
After exchanging a glance with the middle-aged man, the older one turned and looked at her appreciatively.
"Indeed, each generation produces its own talented individuals. Girl, you write really well, high-quality characters indeed. Did you attend calligraphy classes or sothing?"
Zhou Yiyi shook her head slightly, "My family is very poor, we don’t have money for classes. I am just interested in this, so I bought copybooks and practiced on my own. But now, my parents are no longer here, and even attending school has beco a problem for , so I ca here with the attitude of trying my luck, hoping to ask the teachers a few questions?"
It seems the security guard had already ntioned her situation, so the teachers quickly turned around.
"Alright, co child, sit inside. Xiao Cao, you carry on with your work, leave this girl to us."
The security guard nodded repeatedly and before leaving, Zhou Yiyi bowed to him respectfully, "Uncle, thank you."
"No need to be so formal, girl. Alright, you guys carry on, I need to get back to my duties too."
Once the security guard left, the two teachers pulled her to sit on the black leather sofa. Then, one of the teachers personally poured her a glass of water. She stood up, startled and flustered, to take it, "I really shouldn’t, I can do it myself, thank you, thank you."
"It’s okay, sit down. You said you ca to us, not to apprentice?"
Upon hearing this, she couldn’t help but smile bitterly, "Teacher, you are joking. With my skills, how could I qualify to be an apprentice?"
"Why not? We think you write very well, girl, much better than so of our mbers. Let’s not talk about that for now. You ca to us because...?"
"I found so calligraphy contests online, but I’m not sure if they are legitimate. I’m afraid of being cheated, so I wanted to co here and ask the professionals. Once I’m sure, I will sign up,"
"Oh, you are quite clever, girl, knowing how to look them up online. Co on, bring it here, let us take a look at what contests you found."
She quickly handed over the materials she had organized, and the two took up their glasses and scrutinized them, raising their eyebrows.
"The girl’s hard-pen calligraphy is indeed enduring!"
Zhou Yiyi blushed and said, "Writing is a person’s facade. Hard pen is used more often than soft brush, so I cannot slack."
"Haha, interesting! You also speak so literarily. What grade are you in?"
"Back to teacher, I just started grade eight this year. My mom passed away half a month ago. I haven’t been to school this half month. I’m looking for a way to support myself before I pick up my studies."
Her statent sounded light, but it weighed heavily, prompting a sympathetic look from both teachers, "Do you have no other relatives?"
She shook her head, "No, they are all gone."
After viewing the materials, the chairman went out, leaving the slightly older elder to talk to her and understand her specific circumstances.
About half an hour later, the chairman returned and had marked her docunts.
"These two contests, you can participate in. They are both fairly reputable in our country. If you pass the preliminary round, you will also go to compete in person. Your ability is very impressive, we all have high hopes for you. If you don’t mind, you can join our association and then enter the contests through our association, which would be more convenient and faster."
Zhou Yiyi was montarily stunned, then said sowhat incredulously, "But, I have never participated in any contests, nor do I have any proof that I qualify to join the Calligrapher Association."
The chairman chuckled, "Just based on these two pieces of writing, that’s enough, child. You are only thirteen and yet you have such strength. A promising future lies ahead. Talent like yours naturally joins unconditionally. Don’t worry. With Mr. Zheng around, everything will be smooth sailing. The person in front of you, Zheng Yun, is a mber of the Chinese Calligraphers Association and was the chairman of our city’s previous term!"
"Thank you, teachers, thank you." Zhou Yiyi was moved to tears, too emotional to speak. She could only stand up and continuously bow to express her gratitude.
"Alright, alright, no need to be so formal, girl. Although you have no achievents yet, aren’t you already planning to participate in contests? If you’re lucky enough to win a prize, that will be your confidence. Since you ca today, why not fill out an application form and leave your information with us? We will make a preliminary record. It would be best if you win a prize later, but it’s fine even if you don’t. With your age and abilities, you are definitely eligible to join. Where do you live?"
The two elders listened, "In the countryside, huh? Must be quite inconvenient to commute, right? We are keen on taking you as a disciple. Would you like that?"
Zhou Yiyi nodded enthusiastically, "Yes, yes! How could I refuse such a lucky chance?"
"But taking you as a disciple ans you need to find ti to co here every day for study and practice. Mr. Zheng has retired. If you were to apprentice under him, it would be your luckiest opportunity."
Zheng Yun smiled, "Don’t exaggerate. I’m just listed nationally, but compared to the real masters, I’m far behind. Although your handwriting is good, the details still need to be corrected. Taking you as my disciple is not you basking in my light, but in yours, because you, my little disciple, have already honed your strength. I don’t have much to teach you. Would you still like to take as your master?"
Zhou Yiyi imdiately knelt down to Zheng Yun, "Master above, please accept your disciple’s bow."
"Ha ha ha...," Mr. Zheng laughed heartily, helped her up, "You know quite a bit, girl, even using the stuff from TV dramas. Alright, fine, since you’re willing, let’s agree on this. Today, you’ll proceed with the formalities. Oh right, traveling from the countryside to the county town isn’t convenient and it’s not safe to return ho late. Would you like to move to the city to attend middle school?"
Zhou Yiyi had never considered this issue. She hesitated for a mont then said with a blush, "I, I don’t have the money."
"Being able to enter grade eight at thirteen shows you’re a good student. To have honed such fine handwriting at your age shows you are calm and can concentrate well. Practicing calligraphy is both a process for self-cultivation and also a test. How about this? Co to our association to clean after school every day, and we’ll pay you three hundred yuan a month. What do you think?"
Zhou Yiyi imdiately burst into tears, bowing and kneeling again, which put the elderly gentlen sowhat at unease.
"Alright, child, we are not directly helping you but allowing you to earn a salary through your own labor. So, you need not thank us. Just work hard, and life will always get better. Fill out our association’s form first, and now Mr. Zheng and I will call our friend to confirm which school you should attend. Would you prefer to board there or rent a place?"
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