At the same time, Xing Qiu continued his explanation, "Additionally, scholars from Japan and Korea frequently visit to attend cultural seminars, and in recent years, we've even seen the presence of professors from some European and American universities..." Under Xing Qiu's guidance, Wang Guan followed the slow-moving crowd with great interest, curiously observing the surroundings.

Of course, under the administration of the Huangzhou government, Dongpo Red Cliffs had inevitably been developed into a scenic area, partitioned into numerous zones.

The two men were currently strolling near the historical site touring area, soaking in the antique charm of the various ancient structures erected by people across generations to commemorate Su Dongpo.

Structures like the Er Fu Hall, Liu Xian Pavilion, and Yi Shuang Tower were so inundated with visitors that the pair couldn't even enter, only managing a quick glance from the outside before moving on.

Walking along, they soon arrived at the Po Xian Pavilion, situated atop the Dongpo Jitou (Cape).

The pavilion's name was derived from the Southern Song dynasty's renowned poet Dai Fugu, who praised Su Shi as the "Po Xian" (Immortal of Po).

However, the pavilion itself was built during the Tongzhi era of the Qing Dynasty. Inside, it housed stone inscriptions of Su Shi's famous cursive script of Nian Nu Jiao: Recollections of the Red Cliffs, alongside steles carved with calligraphy and paintings by famous figures throughout history.

It was precisely because of these precious calligraphic and pictorial steles that the Po Xian Pavilion became one of the most significant pavilions in the Dongpo Red Cliffs.

Naturally, the pavilion was also swarming with a massive influx of tourists.

Fortunately, Xing Qiu had anticipated this situation. His purpose in bringing Wang Guan wasn't to sightsee at the Po Xian Pavilion, but rather to arrange for a leisurely boat ride to tour the Red Cliffs on the water.

At this moment, there were quite a few boats on the water, but the density was far less severe than the crowds on land.

After all, the scenic area management personnel must understand that there needed to be a limit to the number of boats to allow for smooth passage and movement.

Otherwise, if hundreds of boats were moored on the water, forget about leisurely cruising; it would likely mimic Cao Cao's navy in the Battle of Red Cliffs—forming a literal chain across the river.

At that point, the water surface would be as congested as the land, making any thought of a relaxing boat trip impossible.

Of course, there weren't few boats, but there certainly weren't many to spare.

Tourists who arrived early had already claimed most of the vessels, leaving others only able to watch with envy unless they were lucky enough to encounter someone returning to shore.

However, as a local insider, Xing Qiu had made prior arrangements, booking a small boat the day before. Even arriving comparatively late now, they could still board and embark on their tour, much to the envy and resentment of those still on the shore.

Yet, due to the sheer number of people, Wang Guan, sitting at the bow of the boat, failed to experience the sublime scene described by Su Zi—cruising the Red Cliffs under a gentle breeze and calm waters with his guest.

"Give it a rest," Xing Qiu said casually. "Think about it: how many people were there in ancient times? And how many are there now? In the past, only high officials or literati qualified for tourism; now, it’s the era of mass tourism. Why do you think the country establishes Golden Weeks? It’s to encourage people to go out, travel, and stimulate domestic consumption. Being lively is normal. If it weren't lively, the nation would be worried."

"Of course, if you came back in a few days, it wouldn't be this bustling. But then, you’d complain that it’s too deserted and you wouldn't feel anything."

Xing Qiu shrugged. "Last year, I brought a few friends here during the off-season. Our group was the only one wandering around the vast scenic area; it was truly uninspiring. We ended up leaving disappointed, having come with high spirits."

"That’s true..." Wang Guan deeply agreed. Perhaps Su Dongpo sought company for his boat ride under the Red Cliffs because he found being alone too lonely and lacking the mood for sightseeing.

Ultimately, humans are better suited for community; being completely isolated from the world would surely turn one into a savage within a few years. Although the current boat ride lacked the free-spirited feeling of Su Dongpo's time, it was certainly better than staying on land.

Propelled by the boatman’s oars, the small vessel shot forward like a shuttle, quickly reaching the base of the Red Cliffs.

Wang Guan examined the rock face closely but didn't find the reddish stone particularly striking.

"I guess not everyone is a Su Dongpo," Wang Guan mused, shaking his head. "Just looking at a red rock face sparks so much emotion for him. You've lived near the Red Cliffs for over twenty years; you must have seen this view countless times. Have any great works sprung from it?"

"I'm not a literary figure, so where would any great works come from?" Xing Qiu retorted irritably. "By your logic, everyone living near the Dongpo Red Cliffs must be a poet or a scholar."

Wang Guan chuckled, his gaze sweeping across the river surface. Suddenly, he spotted a small boat rowing towards them and promptly patted Xing Qiu's shoulder, whispering a reminder, "Look, the type you like is coming."

"Hmm?" Xing Qiu followed his gaze and indeed saw the beautiful woman who had visited his home yesterday with Elder Ji and the others in that approaching boat.

At the same moment, the beauty seemed to sense someone watching her and looked over with sharp awareness. Seeing Wang Guan and Xing Qiu, she paused briefly before offering a slight nod, a silent greeting.

In that instant, the two boats crossed paths, accompanied by a gentle breeze.

"Wang Guan..." In response, Xing Qiu suddenly grabbed Wang Guan's wrist, his face alight with excitement, "My spring is coming."

"What?" Wang Guan blinked, naturally understanding his meaning, and couldn't help but laugh, "Wake up, stop dreaming. Summer is over; where is spring coming from?"

"Can you not dampen my spirits?" Xing Qiu complained. "It was obvious she showed goodwill towards me; otherwise, why would she smile at me..."

Wang Guan was momentarily speechless. "You've watched too much Flirting Scholar (Tang Bohu Dian Qiuxiang), haven't you? She was smiling at me, alright."

"Get lost!" Xing Qiu glared, then turned back, "Boatman, please turn around. Catch up to the boat ahead."

"Alright."

The boatman had faintly overheard their conversation and understood Xing Qiu's intention, so he chuckled and immediately began paddling the water with his long pole.

In an instant, the small boat easily turned around and glided swiftly forward again.

"Are you serious about this?" Seeing this, Wang Guan frowned. "Be careful she doesn't get angry."

"I'm not afraid. If you don't actively try some things, how can you ever know the outcome?" Xing Qiu stated righteously. "Besides, I'm not doing anything wrong; I just want an opportunity."

"Suit yourself," Wang Guan was less optimistic. "Just don't come crying to me if you get rejected later."

"Hmph, don't curse me," Xing Qiu remained very optimistic, unsure where he drew his confidence from. "Just watch, I'll definitely succeed; one shot and it's settled."

Wang Guan shook his head. He had offered his advice; if Xing Qiu insisted on ignoring it, then so be it.

Not long after, thanks to the boatman's efforts, they finally caught up to the beauty. However, she had already landed and was heading toward the most crowded area.

"Wait for me here; I'll be right back," Xing Qiu declared, tossing the words aside before leaping onto the shore and hurriedly following in the beauty's footsteps.

"Friendship over romance..." Wang Guan couldn't help but show disdain. Just as he was about to tell the boatman to continue their cruise, he suddenly received a phone call.

"...The items have been delivered, and it's confirmed they are genuine... That's wonderful! Where are you? At the scenic area? Alright, I'm coming over right now."

After ending the call, Wang Guan quickly paid the boat fee and hurried to the administrative building of the scenic area management office.

At this moment, Elder Tian and the others were gathered again, admiring the long scroll featuring Su Dongpo’s First and Second Essays on the Red Cliffs hanging on the wall.

"Elder Tian..." Upon arriving at the office building, Wang Guan was overjoyed, his face beaming with happiness. Even though he was confident the items were genuine based on his own assessment, having others, especially experts, affirm the authenticity was an entirely different matter.

It was meaningless for him to be the sole enlightened one while the world was drunk; shared joy is better than solitary pleasure. Universal agreement brought true happiness.

People, no matter how much they outwardly professed indifference to fame and fortune, secretly yearned for public recognition to gain a sense of accomplishment. Wang Guan was no exception and made no attempt to hide it now. After all, to handle such a treasure with nonchalance would be not mature and steady, but hypocritical.

"You're here," Elder Tian said with a beaming smile, congratulating him. "Congratulations. After an entire night of dedicated study by the experts from the Provincial Museum, they have unanimously concluded that this is undoubtedly Su Dongpo’s genuine work."

"Thank you, Elder Tian, and thank you all for your hard work," Wang Guan responded with a warm, gracious smile, thanking each person individually.

However, some present were still unaware of the situation and were somewhat bewildered. "Why is he thanking us for no apparent reason?" "I'm not sure. From his tone, it sounds like the long scroll belongs to him..." "Uh, you guessed correctly; the item really belongs to him." "What?" After an explanation from those in the know, some realized that the priceless treasure hanging on the wall was not property of the Dongpo Scenic Area but rather belonged to this young man standing before them.

Instantly, many looked at each other, filled with astonishment.

As everyone was marveling, a middle-aged man in his forties, slightly overweight, walked up to Wang Guan with a very broad, beaming smile, saying enthusiastically, "Thank you, thank you so much, young man, for your tremendous support of the Cultural Festival."

"You are?" Wang Guan hesitated, feeling a strange sense of alertness.

"This is Director Su of the Dongpo Museum!" Elder Tian introduced from the side. "Director Su is from Meishan, so in a way, he is a direct descendant of the hermit Dongpo."

"Oh, Director Su, my apologies for not recognizing you," Wang Guan courteously shook his hand. Before Director Su could speak, he interrupted with an apologetic smile, "I'm sorry, it's too hot outside, and I accidentally drank too much water. I need to use the restroom..." As he spoke, Wang Guan hurried away, making a hasty retreat.

Hmph, Director Su’s smile was exactly the same as Director Wang’s at the Palace Museum; he instantly recognized what scheme the man was hatching and wasn't about to give him a chance to speak. Recognizing the situation, Wang Guan employed the 'pissing escape' tactic and never returned until the exhibition officially opened. He then slipped into the surging crowds to view the exhibits.

However, because there were too many people, he failed to notice that two acquaintances—not too familiar, but known—had entered right behind him... (To be continued) RT