Simon and Darryl also nodded. “Okay, then you may come up with a topic.”
The reporter looked around and saw a potted plant with a few bamboo in it. He said, “Since ancient times, famous writers had been fond of writing about bamboo. Why don’t we start with that?”
“Good one!”
The crowd nodded again.
Simon laughed and said, “That is a good topic.
Light a stick of incense. Whoever can write the better poem before one incense burnt out shall be the winner.
Two people brought a stick of incense and lit it up.
The audience remained silent; they knew that it was hard work to create something on the spot, especially a new poem.
When the stick of incense had been lit, Darryl laughed and stepped forward. He announced, “I have already written mine down.”
What? Everyone was stunned. The time passed was merely enough to take a dozen breaths, and yet Darryl had already completed the poem?
“Then you should read your poem out loud so that everyone can hear you,” Simon challenged with a sneer.
“Yes, read the poem that you’ve written.”
All eyes were on Darryl. He took a deep breath before he began to recite his poem, like how ancient scholars would have done. “My root grows deep between the rocks as I anchor myself in the woods, though the wind blew in all directions, I remained strong and steady.”
Zheng Banqiao wrote the poem in the early Qing Dynasty. Darryl was reminded of the poem just then.
The short stanza made the audience fall silent!
There was only dead silence!
Everyone was stupefied as they repeatedly recited the poem in their heart!
‘Though the wind blew in all directions, I remained strong and steady! ‘
That was so apt and nicely put!
Simon’s head buzzed. He racked his brains, but he could not think of a poem at all! Even if he could, it was unlikely that he could surpass Darryl’s poetry!
Someone took the lead and applauded, and then the audience burst into loud applause!
“Good poem! Good poem!”
“That is nicely done! “
As the compliments flooded like a tide, Simon’s expression became uglier!
“You are so amazing, Mister.” Jewel blushed as she gently pulled the corner of Darryl’s clothes.
She did not expect Darryl to be so talented!
Darryl laughed and looked at Simon. “Elder Crescent, are you convinced now?”
Everyone looked at Simon. The older man blushed, but he bit the bullet and said, “Very well, you win this round. We’ll have three rounds, and the person who wins two rounds is the winner.”
“Yes, two wins in three rounds!”