The households in Taoyuan Village are far apart from each other, and Song Jin's residence is particularly remote, with no village or shop nearby. It is indeed difficult to find Song Jin for people who come here for the first time.
Fortunately, I finally found it today and the trip was not in vain.
Not far ahead, there is an antique courtyard with wisps of smoke coming out of the chimney on the roof. Behind the house is a large and dense peach forest. Not far away is a paddy field with rippling waves. Occasionally, the humming of old yellow cattle can be heard in the yard...
"I've cleared the wasteland in the southern fields and returned to my garden to live a simple life. The house is over ten acres, with a thatched house in between. Elms and willows shade the back eaves, and peach and plum trees line the front of the hall. The distant village is hazy, and the smoke from the village is lingering... Tsk, it seems that Mr. Song is a fan of Tao Yuanming?" Ning Xi said with a smile.
After running around all day, Gong Shangze was almost exhausted. But when he turned around, he saw Ning Xi still reciting poems with great energy. It was really... indescribable...
There was no gate in the yard, just a fence made of several pieces of wood. The two men tidied their appearance a little and then walked to the wooden gate.
"Excuse me, is Mr. Song at home?" Gong Shangze called out towards the yard.
There was no movement inside.
However, looking at the chimney on the roof, there must be someone at home.
The two called out a few more times, and sure enough, after a while, a figure walked out of the house.
The man was wearing a coarse cloth gown, had a gray beard, and looked energetic, with an air of an immortal.
After seeing Song Jin in person, Ning Xi's heart suddenly skipped a beat.
It's obvious from the old man's image that he has no desires or demands. People who have no desires or demands are the most difficult to deal with!
"Mr. Song!" Gong Shangze was a die-hard fan of Song Jin. When he saw his idol, all his tiredness disappeared and he was full of energy. He said excitedly, "Mr. Song, I'm sorry to disturb your peace. My name is Gong Shangze. I'm a designer. I like your work very much. You are my favorite calligrapher and painter. I once collected your masterpiece "Ten Miles of Frogs"..."
Gong Shangze was indeed a qualified fan. He knew all of Song Jin's works by heart, and the love and excitement in his eyes were genuine and pure. From Ning Xi's perspective, if she had such a cute and enthusiastic little fan who came all the way to see me, she should at least invite him in for a cup of tea.
"There is no painter or calligrapher here, only an old man. Please go back."
However, Song Jin's expression was extremely indifferent from beginning to end, and it didn't even seem like he was looking at two people, but just at two inanimate objects. In the end, he just replied with this sentence and went straight into the house.
Looking at the door that closed mercilessly, Gong Shangze looked disappointed, "Although I have been prepared... but..."
Ning Xi patted his shoulder, "It's nothing, at least you got to meet your idol!"
Gong Shangze regained his spirits: "I want to wait a little longer."
Ning Xi was also planning this, "Then let's wait a little longer! Maybe if Master Song sees that we are sincere, he will be willing to see us!"
The two waited outside the door until the sun went down.
Seeing the sky getting darker and darker, Ning Xi sighed, "The heavens are so uncooperative! It would be great if there was a downpour to set the mood at this time!"
However, the weather was obviously not good. They waited until the end but there was no heavy rain. Of course, they also did not wait for Song Jin to change his mind.
"Shangze, come back tomorrow! If you're any later you'll miss the last bus!"
Although Gong Shangze was unwilling, he had no choice but to leave.
…