The Women's Pleas

Rong Shiyu approached Chu Qingzhi with a playful twinkle in her eye. "Miss Chu, we really need you. Will you join our camp?"

Fan Yuru was annoyed. "Rong Shiyu, what are you doing?"

Ignoring Fan Yuru, Rong continued, "Miss Chu, if you're interested in calligraphy, I know many skilled artists. You could exchange ideas with them."

Fan Yuru glared at Rong and then turned to Chu Qingzhi, gently tugging at her sleeve. "Miss Chu, I can introduce you to similar people. Why not join us?"

Chu Qingzhi felt overwhelmed. Ge Lihua gave her a sympathetic look. What was supposed to be a simple banquet had turned into a recruitment drive.

Chu Qingzhi, smiling helplessly, said, "Didn't you agree to give me some time to think?"

Fan Yuru and Rong Shiyu, worried about irritating Chu Qingzhi, glared at each other and stopped their persuasion.

"We won't rush you," Fan Yuru said. "Take your time to decide."

Chu Qingzhi breathed a sigh of relief. "Okay."