Star Crossed In Time

Something about the woman's delight instantly pisses me off. Does this heifer want to play? I feel a dark smirk crawling across my face as I lean against the table and say "Oh, I wouldn't say that." I knew for a fact I could read the language here.

I've read several things while here! I also love art... I know how to play several instruments as well so if this heifer wants to look down on me, she's going to be surprised. Hui Ying looks at the beautiful woman in surprise as she asks "So you've been taught."

My smirk grows as I say "I wouldn't say that either." The King looks at me with a frown as Hui Ying's eyes brighten again. "Then let's see who has the better handwriting!" I lean back and say "Sure." Bai Lei looks over to me so I turn to look at him.

Does he actually have a look of worry on his handsome face? Hah! Like I would let this little heifer look down on me! I taught myself how to play the piano at six! Even though I wasn't a genius, I could still hold my own. I've even taught myself calligraphy at the age of ten so I could win the first place prize at our school! Don't look down on this street rat!

The King turns to his servants and says "Bring everything in!" They quickly bow and run to retrieve the paper and other items. Bai Lei leans over and whispers "You don't have to do anything. I had not realized.. I shouldn't have let you come."

I smile and say "It should be fine. I'm from the twenty-first century." Bai Lei looks to me in confusion as I stand up. Two small tables were set up with paper and Inkstones. I walk over and look at the Inkstone with a frown. Ah... I didn't think about that particular thing.

How hard can it be? I've seen it done in dramas... I shrug and stand next to the table. Two servants walk over and begin grinding the ink. I smile and thank my lucky stars! "The word will be, Wisdom." The King says from his golden throne.

It only takes a few seconds for the image for "Wisdom" pops up in my head. I look at the different sized brushes with a smile. I've played around with brushes like this many times while doing art and calligraphy! I pull my sleeve back and gently take the brush.

I gently dip the brush before taking a calming breath. I hold onto the brush and relax as I bring the brush over and write "Wisdom" I give my own word a few artistic touches and wait. "Okay, let's see them." The King says with excitement.

Hui Ying lifts hers up with confidence and the King quickly says "Good!" I lift my paper up and show the King as well but he looks at the paper with a startled look. Bai Lei even looks surprised. "It indeed says wisdom but... what have you added?"

"Art," I say with a straight face. Hui Ying leans over to get a look but she quickly frowns and says "Even if it's nicely done, we're writing! Not painting! You lose this round." The King laughs and says "Hui Ying is correct. This was for writing!"

My face remains straight as I throw the paper to the side. The servant next to me quickly catches the paper and looks at it with awe. "Next, I will play the Zither." Hui Ying says with pride. I smile and politely wait.

Hui Ying walks over and sits before a beautiful Zither. She then looks up and says "I will play, Spring river moon night." The King nods in approval as she begins playing. I cross my arms and lean against the table to watch.

I close my eyes and listen to her playing. She was indeed good at playing the Zither but it seemed to be lacking... it was lacking soul. Something I learned early on. After a while, the song comes to an end and the King greatly praises her.

She gets up with her head held high. She walks over and says "Don't feel bad if you can't do well. I was taught by master zither players for many years." I give her a knowing smile and say "You're so kind... I did as well." Hui Ying looks at me in surprise as she says "Who is your Master?"

I smile and say "An old granny from the town I grew up in. She learned how to play when she was younger. She never married so she was quite lonely as she became older. She would come to the orphanage to play for us from time to time and one day, I asked her to teach me. She kindly agreed and taught me but she passed away a year later."

Hui Ying looks at me with contempt as she says "A granny taught you? Hah... okay then. Show us what this granny was able to teach you." The King chuckles lightly before Bai Lei cuts him a cold look. Then King stops laughing but he doesn't hide the cold glare in his eyes as he watches me with a smirk.