Parents were startled by the mention of 'Zhu You.' Though they knew he was in Jinling, they also understood his status was far superior to Borris.
The problem was that Zhu You was a man who intensely disliked public appearances. Many wealthy individuals had tried and failed to invite him, and even high-ranking officials found it difficult to meet him. He wasn't known to have any particularly close friends. In short, Zhu You was a notoriously stubborn recluse who would never attend any large-scale event.
Zhu You holding a painting exhibition in Jinling was already beyond everyone's wildest imagination; getting him to challenge Borris was utterly inconceivable.
The parents exchanged glances, their initial shock slowly giving way to mockery.
"My, my, such big talk, bringing up Master Zhu You himself. Everyone knows Master Zhu's temperament; he'd never attend an event like this!"
"He probably just knows Master Zhu is in Jinling and is saying this to scare us. Just wait and see, he'll soon say Master Zhu is busy and will come another time."
"Sigh, I actually had a good impression of Lu Ming, but I didn't expect him to use such a cheap trick to fool us. It's laughable."
"There's a saying: 'The donkey at its wit's end.' It seems Lu Ming was forced into a corner, hence such an unreliable claim. Sigh, poor him, let's be more understanding."
Everyone's feelings toward Lu Ming varied, but their conclusion was unanimous: Lu Ming could never summon Zhu You. Furthermore, they doubted Lu Ming even had Zhu You's phone number. They weren't even sure who he had called.
Logan and Borris, after their initial nervousness, quickly calmed down. They shared the parents' view: Lu Ming was merely bluffing and wouldn't actually bring Zhu You.
Then, Logan said, "Sir, if I heard correctly, you were calling Master Zhu You to come here?"
Lu Ming nodded, "Yes. Zhu You's painting skills are quite good. If I call him over for a competition, I think there's a chance of winning."
Heh.
Borris sneered, "Who doesn't know Master Zhu never attends any large events? Stop trying to pull the wool over our eyes. Do you take us for fools? If Master Zhu were to come, there'd be no need for a competition; I'd concede immediately!"
He was right about that. With Zhu You's caliber, Borris was no match. If Zhu You were to appear, Borris would undoubtedly lose and might as well concede without a fight.
Logan waved his hand, "Borris, that's rather harsh. It sounds as if this gentleman is deliberately bragging."
Borris snorted, "Isn't he? Everyone can see he's playing us!"
Lu Ming shook his head helplessly.
People were like this. If someone possessed abilities beyond your imagination, it was hard to believe. It wasn't their fault, but rather the limitation of your own perception. Zhu You didn't avoid large events; it was just that your status was too low to invite him.
Clearing his throat deliberately, Lu Ming glanced at his phone. "You don't have to wait long, just 10 minutes. Give me 10 minutes, and Zhu You will arrive. If Zhu You doesn't come, I will bow and apologize to everyone and leave the venue immediately."
Tsk tsk, that was quite a bold move.
Logan was pleased and nodded, "I believe you. I'll give you 10 minutes. Then, everyone, please bear with me for a short wait. If your legs are getting numb from sitting, you can stand up and walk around a bit..."
Logan was about to say more pleasantries when, to his utter astonishment, someone unexpected appeared at the venue's entrance before he could even finish his sentence.
Zhu You!
Zhu You happened to be nearby. Upon receiving Lu Ming's call, he immediately dropped everything and rushed over. Lu Ming had expected him to take 10 minutes, but Zhu You had run all the way here, arriving before Logan had even finished speaking.
Someone with sharp eyes immediately recognized him and exclaimed in surprise, "Master Zhu, it's really Master Zhu! Master Zhu is actually here!"
At that cry, everyone turned to look. There were many well-traveled individuals present who recognized Zhu You. They became excited, even taking out their phones to snap pictures. They forgot their status, forgot why they were there, and frantically took photos, fearing they'd miss this moment of seeing Zhu You.
Zhu You hurried toward the stage, slightly out of breath.
"Master Zhu... ran here?!"
"Good heavens, what is Lu Ming's relationship with Master Zhu for him to be held in such high regard?"
"I apologize for what I said earlier. Lu Ming's actions today have truly astounded me."
The most shocked was Borris. Standing on the stage, he stared blankly at the approaching Zhu You, completely bewildered. He couldn't fathom why a master of Zhu You's status would appear in such a setting. Crucially, Zhu You had arrived with an eager, panting haste, as if summoned by a god.
Borris was right. Zhu You had indeed been summoned by a god. The War God's summons! Borris had a clear understanding of his own skill level. Though not low, it paled in comparison to Zhu You's. Zhu You's skill was a generation ahead globally. With Zhu You's help, Borris had no chance of winning. There was no need to compete; he should concede immediately!
Logan glanced at Borris, hoping to see even a flicker of confidence in his eyes regarding a victory over Zhu You. Unfortunately, Borris had already lowered his head in fear, lacking the courage to even face Zhu You. Defeated, utterly defeated.
Logan sighed in despair. He knew this final battle was lost. The boxer, the musician, the painter—three losses. All of Logan's efforts for this exhibition had been thwarted by Lu Ming, who was the greatest obstacle in his path! Logan wished he could flay Lu Ming alive. The rage!
Zhu You broke free from the throng and quickly ascended the stage. Logan still planned to try and curry favor, thinking he might be able to win Zhu You over. In his mind, Lu Ming had likely hired Zhu You with considerable wealth. If Lu Ming could spend money, why couldn't Logan?
However, to his embarrassment, before Logan could even speak, Zhu You completely ignored him and strode directly to Lu Ming, saying excitedly, "Mr. Lu, I'm here!"
Lu Ming nodded and announced to the crowd, "Everyone, fortunately, I did not fail you. I have invited Master Zhu You to be with us!"