421: Xu Lu: How could I possibly lose to myself when I'm comparing myself to myself?

"How is it? Whose level is higher in these two poems? Why do I feel like Director Xu Lu's poem in this second round is even more brilliant?"

As a spectator, Zhang Xi, who writes essays, naturally has limited appreciation for poetry.

Although he was one of the head judges for the 'Poetry Scroll of Affection Competition' at the time, how could those submitted works compare to today's poetry battle?

Since he couldn't understand it clearly, he chose to ask the professional next to him.

After all, Shen Zizhen is a famous poet, and this is what he does, so naturally, he is more professional than someone who writes essays like him.

Hearing Zhang Xi's words, Shen Zizhen shook his head once more and said:

"Even for professionals, it is difficult to distinguish the superiority of poetry at this level.

As the saying goes, 'In literature there is no first, in martial arts there is no second,' but Director Xu Lu's response this time was equally exquisite.

Didn't you see? Green Lotus Layman's poem didn't describe the Mid-Autumn Moon directly, but depicted it beautifully through various references.

If Director Xu Lu had merely responded with another poem praising the moon, I wouldn't be surprised.

But what is shocking is that the poem Director Xu Lu responded with also had no mention of the moon throughout, similarly using references like 'Chang'e.' This demonstrates his level..."

"Uh, don't give me all this nonsense. Just tell me directly who is stronger!"

Zhang Xi, utterly confused by what he heard, interrupted impatiently.

However, Shen Zizhen just rolled his eyes at him and said:

"You ask me? Who should I ask? Both of them are equally powerful; it's impossible to judge right now!"

Hearing this, Zhang Xi was stunned.

So you don't know who is better either, yet you were seriously rambling on about a bunch of things.

I'm truly impressed by you... Meanwhile, as Shen Zizhen's student, Xiao Su was also bewildered:

"How come Director Xu Lu also seems really amazing, appearing to be on par with Green Lotus Layman?

My heavens, when did so many powerful poets pop up?

I wish I had that level of skill. I'm so envious!"

Regarding Green Lotus Layman, Xiao Su witnessed his strength from the very beginning, back at the preliminary round of the 'Poetry Scroll of Affection Competition.'

Afterward, the opponent displayed even more strength through daily posts.

Thus, in Xiao Su's mind, Green Lotus Layman was definitely a more powerful poet than her teacher, Shen Zizhen.

But yesterday, she accidentally saw Director Xu Lu's poem and suddenly realized that he was also quite good.

Of course, at that time, Green Lotus Layman still ranked first in Xiao Su's mind.

However, after the two rounds of poetry battle now, the belief in Xiao Su's heart began to waver.

Director Xu Lu, whom she only started paying attention to yesterday, had gradually reached a position equal to Green Lotus Layman.

In fact, many of Green Lotus Layman's fans were just as confused as Xiao Su.

Originally, in their minds, Green Lotus Layman was practically a god-like existence.

Posting one poem a day as a status update, and excellent poetry at that—this was something everyone previously dared not even imagine.

But Green Lotus Layman actually accomplished it.

In the fans' hearts, Green Lotus Layman was definitely a super powerful poet.

Therefore, everyone believed that today's poetry matching between him and Director Xu Lu would definitely end with Green Lotus Layman's victory.

Originally, when Green Lotus Layman made his move in the first round, everyone thought Director Xu Lu definitely wouldn't be able to match it.

But the result was unexpected: Director Xu Lu not only matched it but did so at an equally high level.

This made Green Lotus Layman's fans a little puzzled, and they muttered to themselves.

How is Director Xu Lu so powerful too?

When it came to the second round just now, the fans again felt that although Director Xu Lu was strong, he would probably stop here.

However, the reality was different from their expectation; Director Xu matched it again.

By this point, all of Green Lotus Layman's fans were dumbfounded:

"Holy crap, holy crap, holy crap! What's going on? How did the opponent match it again?"

"Yeah, I thought Director Xu was going to lose, but who knew he was ridiculously strong!"

"Oh my god! Today's match is probably a showdown between super experts, not the 'crushing victory' we imagined."

"Yes, actually, we misunderstood one point: why was Green Lotus Layman sent out by the Modern Poetry Association to deal with Director Xu Lu!

It's purely because Director Xu himself is extremely powerful, and the Modern Poetry Association has nobody else who can handle him..."

..."It's too brilliant. Although I am a fan of Green Lotus Layman, I also greatly admire Director Xu."

"Yes, both sides are super powerful poets. How lucky we are to see them compete on the same stage!"

"I think after this poetry battle ends, Green Lotus Layman and Director Xu will definitely become close friends..."

"Now, I no longer care about winning or losing. When we can personally witness such a grand event, why bother caring about the result."

...Equally shocked, of course, were the fans of Our Director Xu.

Of course, their mindset was slightly different from Green Lotus Layman's fans; it was shock following pleasant surprise.

They originally thought Director Xu was going to lose, but who knew the situation would take a sudden favorable turn, and the circumstances changed again.

Director Xu... he held firm!

[This is great, this is great! I knew Director Xu wouldn't lose so easily. Sure enough.]

[Another sigh of relief. We've sighed too many times today; I wonder if we'll run out of air pressure tomorrow.]

[It's the second round now. As long as he holds on for a few more rounds, even if he loses, it will be glorious.

After all, Director Xu isn't a professional poet; being able to hold on this long is already quite impressive.]

[Exactly. If anyone else went up there, let alone the second round, they probably couldn't even survive the first.]

...[Seriously, Director Xu's strength is truly immense. I think this poem is even slightly better than his opponent's.]

[Huh, I think so too. Of course, the previous poem was slightly worse by just a tiny bit.

But after two rounds, I think both sides should be considered tied, returning to the same starting line.]

[Damn it, after this Mid-Autumn Poetry Gathering ends, let's suggest to Director Xu that they compete in filmmaking instead, and see whose box office is higher!]

[Great! That method is excellent. That's right, filmmaking is Our Director Xu's professional field!

If that Green Lotus Layman has the guts, after the poetry battle is over, he should come challenge Director Xu to a film competition!]

"What Xu Lu's fans are saying makes a lot of sense. In the field of poetry writing, Green Lotus Layman inherently holds an advantage, which isn't entirely fair to Xu Lu.

If it comes to the field of filmmaking, I believe he can definitely win against the opponent, since I haven't yet seen anyone who can make films better than Xu Lu!"

Seeing the discussions among the fans in the comment section, Reba nodded slightly at this moment.

Moreover, since two rounds of the poetry battle have passed, she is not as worried as before.

Because she felt that since Xu Lu had managed to endure two rounds, even if he lost now, it would be 'glorious despite the loss.'

Of course, Our CEO Xu himself definitely wouldn't agree with Reba's opinion.

What 'glorious despite the loss'? If I compete against myself, can I possibly manage to lose?