Chapter 1667: Chapter 1667: Another Difficult Person to Deal With
After reaching the center of the banquet hall, Luo Ziling bowed to the entire room, apologized for his tardiness, and asked for forgiveness from everyone.
Upon entering the banquet hall, he saw Xu Zhiyuan and Jin Qingji, who were about to take their seats, stop instead to look at the dazzling Luo Ziling and his two female companions.
Eventually, Xu Zhiyuan took Jin Qingji’s hand and walked towards Luo Ziling.
Before reaching Luo Ziling, he smiled and extended his hand: “I’ve long heard of Mr. Luo’s reputation. It is truly a pleasure to meet you today.”
Luo Ziling knew that Xu Zhiyuan could speak fluent Chinese, so he wasn’t surprised at all when Xu Zhiyuan greeted him in Chinese. In fact, most foreigners engaged in the study of traditional medicine generally can speak Chinese and have a substantial understanding of Huaxia culture.
Huaxia traditional medicine and culture are mostly intertwined, making it difficult to completely separate them. Studying traditional Chinese medicine naturally involves an encounter with Huaxia culture, which is so outstanding and alluring that many fall in love with it passionately as soon as they get in touch.
Like Luo Ziling, who quickly fell in love with the concise but profoundly expressive classical literature after coming across those meticulously structured poems; many Asians influenced by Huaxia culture also share this sentiment. The history of Huaxia is glorious, with many splendid dynasties. Those interested in Huaxia civilization naturally delve into these aspects, which necessitates learning Chinese.
Someone once said that if the Japanese had succeeded in invading Huaxia long ago, they would ultimately still face the possibility of being Sinicized. This person’s purpose in saying so was to exculpate those who surrendered and became traitors. Setting aside the conclusion, there is truth in this notion.
Excellent cultures always assimilate less advanced cultures, with numerous historical precedents.
The Koreans, in both their northern and southern regions, were directly governed by Han dynasties at various historical points, or were considered tributaries of the Han dynasties at other times, absorbing more Huaxia influence than any other country. After its introduction in the fifteenth century, the Korean script struggled to gain acceptance. Han characters remained the official language and script on the Korean Peninsula until the early twentieth century when Han cultural influence faded with the decline of Huaxia, giving Korean the opportunity to become the mainstream language and script.
However, Koreans who tried to completely discard Han cultural influence painfully discovered that they couldn’t sever their connection to it.
All their ancient texts are written in Chinese, and their historical records are documented in Chinese as well.
Abandoning Han culture entirely would be akin to severing ties with their entire history.
Thus, “clever” Koreans devised a strategy to claim much of the history and glory that originally belonged to the Han dynasties as their own.
The Huaxia progenitors, the Yellow Emperor and the Flame Emperor, are claimed as their people, as are historical figures like Li Mingzhen. Traditional festivals passed down for thousands of years are also said to be created by Koreans. Moreover, they have attempted to register some originally Huaxia festivals as their own cultural heritage.
Luo Ziling considers Koreans particularly despicable, a sentiment shared by many Huaxia people, which is why the term “Goryeo sticks” clearly carries a derogatory connotation.
Because of his disdain for Koreans, Luo Ziling felt a bit aversive as the fluent, identical-looking Xu Zhiyuan approached. However, he maintained his etiquette, politely reaching out to shake hands with Xu Zhiyuan.
“I’ve long heard that the Xu Family in South Korea is a prestigious family of traditional Chinese medicine with many eminent figures in history. Meeting the heir today is truly a privilege.”
Luo Ziling deliberately used an embellished manner of speech as a subtle form of difficulty.
Many foreigners can speak fluent Chinese but struggle with classical Chinese, often misunderstanding certain meanings.
Yet, to his surprise, Xu Zhiyuan had no such barriers. After a firm handshake, he smiled and said, “Mr. Luo, you’re too kind. I’ve heard of your expertise in the Taiyi Divine Needle acupuncture skill; it is truly astonishing. I hope to witness it firsthand.”
“If I didn’t know that you were Korean, by your appearance and speech, I would have thought you were a native Huaxia person.” Luo Ziling joked and quickly brought the topic back: “They really exaggerate the Taiyi Divine Needle. It’s just one of many acupuncture skills, each with its unique features.”
Internally, he couldn’t help but marvel: This kid speaks Chinese even better than Ishihara Naka.
He even entertained the thought of possibly considering ways to convert them.
“Mr. Luo, you’re too modest,” Xu Zhiyuan focused not on the acupuncture skills’ levels but briefly looked at Luo Yuqing and Yang Qingyin standing beside Luo Ziling and introduced the lady beside him: “This is my good friend, Miss Jin Qingji.”
“Hello,” Jin Qingji’s Chinese was not good; it sounded quite stiff, not comparable to Xu Zhiyuan’s fluency. She likely crammed for the banquet today.
Luo Ziling extended his hand to Jin Qingji with a smile, a gentle grip before letting go: “I know Miss Jin Qingji, I’ve seen your movies. Your acting is really excellent, with many devoted fans in Huaxia. You’re very beautiful, pleased to meet you.”
Hearing Luo Ziling compliment her beauty, Jin Qingji’s mood brightened instantly.
He then introduced Luo Yuqing and Yang Qingyin standing beside him.
Hearing Luo Ziling introduce Luo Yuqing as his sister, Xu Zhiyuan and Jin Qingji were a bit surprised but also quickly understood and felt at ease.
Luo Ziling openly arrived with two exceptionally beautiful women, and since they showed no apparent competition, it was unlikely to be any sort of complex relationship between them, not a love triangle.
Xu Zhiyuan warmly shook hands with Yang Qingyin and Luo Yuqing, and Jin Qingji also stepped forward to greet them.
Under the attention of everyone present, after exchanging pleasantries for a while, Xu Zhiyuan unexpectedly took an invitation from his suit pocket and respectfully handed it to Luo Ziling: “My grandfather sincerely invites you to visit, and I hope Mr. Luo and the two charming ladies won’t decline.”
This quite surprised Luo Ziling since he hadn’t anticipated Xu Zhiyuan coming so prepared, extending an invitation even before any exchange or demonstration activities commenced. After considering, Luo Ziling accepted Xu Zhiyuan’s invitation.
He took the invitation with a polite nod, “Let me sort out my schedule for the next few days, and then I’ll let Young Master Xu know when would be convenient. Is that alright?”
“Of course!” Xu Zhiyuan laughed heartily, “Then we’ll discuss further when Mr. Luo visits, and later, I’ll toast to Mr. Luo and the two lovely ladies.”
Seeing Xu Zhiyuan’s demeanor, Luo Ziling couldn’t help comparing him with Ishihara Naka.
He felt that this fellow was more calculating and harder to deal with than Ishihara Naka.