I couldn't take it anymore; when I went home for Chinese New Year, the family genealogy book ha

"The factory is all built, but there's not a single sign on the facade. It's all bare and doesn't look impressive at all!"

Under the century-old locust tree at the village entrance, several villagers were playing chess while pointing at the magnificent factory at the west end of the village.

One of the old farmers took a puff of his pipe and exhaled a smoke ring.

"Exactly! A factory this big needs a nicer facade. We should find a good calligrapher to write some bold, elegant characters; that would make it look presentable!"

As soon as he finished speaking, two figures walked towards the big locust tree from different directions almost simultaneously.

The man on the left is Jiang Jianwen, who just showed his face to the leader and considers himself to be the "Imperial Tutor." He is wearing his signature long gown, his tattered fan whistling loudly, and his chin held high.

On the right is Jiang Qiming, a retired teacher from the village primary school.

Jiang Qiming dedicated his life to teaching and nurturing students, considering himself the only "genuine civilized man" in the village, and always looked down on Jiang Jianwen, a half-baked scholar. He wore a neat white shirt, walked with measured steps, and had a serious expression.

The two met under the tree, their eyes clashing in the air, sparks flying.

Enemies meeting are bound to be furious. Jiang Jianwen struck first, pointing at Jiang Qiming with his folding fan, his tone full of disdain.

"Oh, Teacher Jiang, you're here to cool off too? Why aren't you at home preparing lessons? What are you doing here?"

Jiang Qiming snorted coldly and patted the dust off his white shirt.

"I'm not like some people who, after spouting a few nonsensical words in front of the leaders, think they're something special. I'm here to care about important matters in the village!" He pointed towards the factory and said seriously.

"The inscription on the factory gate is a matter of great importance, concerning the reputation of Jiangjia Village! This kind of thing must be done by someone of high moral character and solid knowledge!"

Jiang Jianwen understood the subtext and gave a mocking laugh.

"Highly respected? Solidly learned? Jiang Qiming, are you praising yourself? Your meager knowledge is only enough to fool elementary school students."

He puffed out his chest, looking arrogant. "To tell you the truth, Jiang Chen has already verbally promised me the important task of writing this inscription! I've been staying home these past few days, practicing seal script more than three hundred times!"

When the time comes, once my elegant calligraphy is hung up, I guarantee guests will be filled with awe and respect for the cultural heritage of our village!

Upon hearing the words "seal script," Jiang Qiming's anger flared up instantly.

"Seal script? You call that seal script? It's all twists and turns like an earthworm crawling, who can recognize it? Our factory is a modern factory serving the whole country, not some dirt hut in your backyard."

Hanging up a few scribbles would be embarrassing and make outsiders laugh at our Jiangjia Village for being uncultured!

He retorted with a strong voice,

"If you're going to write, write in regular script, the Yan style! It's dignified, grand, and upright, letting every character embody the down-to-earth and hardworking spirit of the people of Jiangjia Village!"

Jiang Jianwen was not to be outdone, spitting as he spoke.

"Your calligraphy is so stiff, vulgar, and lacks any spirit! What's the difference between your handwriting and something typed on a computer? It's soulless! This is a desecration of art!"

The two chatted back and forth, ranging from calligraphy styles to moral character, from Yan Zhenqing to Wang Xizhi. More and more villagers gathered to watch, completely blocking the area under the big locust tree.

People were divided into two camps. The younger ones thought Jiang Qiming was right, as his regular script was clear. The older ones, on the other hand, thought Jiang Jianwen's seal script looked sophisticated.

At this moment, Uncle Jiang Jianguo, carrying a hoe, squeezed in, eager to watch the drama unfold, and interjected with a sneer.

"What are you two old fogies arguing about? It's just writing a word, what's the big deal?"

He shoveled the hoe into the ground and suggested...

"Go to the GG store in the county town, spend fifty yuan to have them print a boldface on a computer, with that 3D shadow effect, hang it on the door, how impressive!"

As soon as Jiang Jianguo finished speaking, the two who were mortal enemies just moments before turned around and formed an alliance.

"vulgar!"

Jiang Jianwen pointed at him, his beard trembling with anger.

"Utterly vulgar!"

Jiang Qiming also pointed at him with a palm-leaf fan, his face full of heartache.

"This is a trampling on culture! How can the reputation of Jiangjia Village be tarnished by that soulless 'technology and ruthless work'?"

Jiang Jianguo was sprayed with spittle all over his face and stood there stunned, wondering what he had said wrong.

Just as the two were about to turn their verbal battle into a physical one, and were rolling up their sleeves in preparation for a real fight, a calm but somewhat helpless voice came from outside the crowd.

"At your age, what are you doing?"

Everyone turned around and saw Jiang Chen strolling slowly towards them, his hands behind his back. The clamor in the room abruptly ceased. All eyes were on Jiang Chen.

The two old men, who looked like fighting cocks, also stopped fighting, but both looked at Jiang Chen with expectant eyes, waiting for him to make a decision.