Chapter 017-Perfect Performance
But compared to his teasing “little fish”, Qi Yu was even more surprised at the “rival” that Complex Number mentioned in the latter half of his statement.
Yu: “Why do you say that he’s my rival?”
F1S: “Fia and Mei Wei are roughly the same size. That Zhang Cheng Xuan might also be one of the heirs of the group. You just praised him for his slick sociability. Isn’t he qualified to be your rival?”
Qi Yu was dumbfounded. When Complex Number laid it out like that, it was indeed true.
F1S: “Don’t think of how you’re schoolmates now. You will run into each other sooner or later when you enter the business world and competition makes no consideration for friends or not friends.”
Yu: “You’re making me feel a sense of crisis…”
F1S: “It’s okay, maybe he doesn’t know who you are yet. You’re already in a slightly better position that he is.”
Yu: “I found out who he is through you. How can he not find out about me?”
F1S: “As you’ve said, your dad is fairly cautious. From top to bottom, there is no company under the Si Yuan Group where we can find you listed as a shareholder. He must have found someone to hold it on your behalf, right? He protects you very well.”
Yu: “…”
F1S: “The Zhang Family’s awareness in this regard isn’t strong enough, or you could say that they’re relatively public. You can search for the equity structure of the Li Zao Group and the equity distribution of all the subsidiaries they invest in and it’s basically a family tree. They’ve even got a Zhang Cheng Min, Zhang Cheng Huan, Zhang Cheng Rui listed there…I’m guessing they must be Zhang Cheng Xuan’s brothers and sisters?”
Qi Yu: “……???”
Yu: “What use would I have knowing his family tree?”
F1S: “You can at least speculate how he’s managed to become so smooth and slick — It’s because he has many brothers. Compared with a little prince like you, who can sit back and enjoy the achievements of others, he not only has to deal with external competition, but also has to face internal competition. After all, there’s only so much of the family property. If everyone were to be given a bit, it would all be gone. Then, does he not have to make good friends? Doesn’t he have to work hard to improve his competitiveness?”
Qi Yu suddenly realized that, yes, although he was relatively passive socially, knowing this information in advance allowed him to understand the opponent’s personality, and to better predict the other’s patterns of behavior, turning passiveness into activeness.
…It was ingenious!
But Qi Yu reconsidered the matter and narrowed his eyes.
Yu: “I just realized. You know my background, but I don’t know your identity. Doesn’t that put me at a disadvantage!?”
F1S: “…”
F1S: “The contract doesn’t stipulate that I have to tell you.”
Yu: “[Tuzki Madly Shaking a Person.gif]”
F1S: “It’s no use shaking me. You can check it yourself if you have the ability.”
Yu: “…”
Qi Yu was choked and sent a few shaking emoticons to express his anger.
F1S: “Stop shaking…”
F1S: “You’ll find out as a matter of course in the future.”
Yu: “When is ‘in the future’?”
F1S: “Wait until you graduate.”
F1S: “Aren’t you starting to react better? You’re pretty good at inferring things.”
Yu: “…”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
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Without knowing it, they had already been talking for an hour. Seeing that it was almost two o’clock in China, Qi Yu waved him away and let him go to sleep.
As it approached 12 noon, the students came back one after another.
“Qi Yu, you didn’t go look around?” Gao Zhishi said loudly as he walked over. It was still a bit hot in September and he was sweating profusely from walking around. After sitting down next to Qi Yu, he took a bottle of water and while drinking, he sighed, “This park is so big. A day probably won’t be enough to see everything.”
Qi Yu asked, “You’ve been here for two years. Haven’t you been to Golden Mountain Park before?”
Gao Zhishi smiled bitterly. “I’ve been busy with my studies these past two years and I’ve only managed to explore around the school. You know how stressful Stafford’s courses are…” He looked at Qi Yu and curiously said, “You must have attended high school here, right? I saw you navigate and drive just now and you seemed very practiced at it.”
“It’s passable. I’ve been driving for a year,” Qi Yu said.
The conversation with Complex Number just now made Qi Yu even more aware of the importance of protecting his information. And so, he began to subconsciously think about what could and could not be said.
Things like having come to the United States when he was in elementary school, would obviously reveal his background, so he wouldn’t tell this to the other party.
“You’re all here!” As he said this, Zhang Cheng Xuan also came back with a few classmates. He was carrying a pile of hot food in his hand and enthusiastically called to everyone, “I bought hot dogs for everyone. Those who are here already, come and get it while it’s hot!”
Everyone cheered and went over to him, happily thanking Zhang Cheng Xuan.
Qi Yu secretly pondered. One hot dog would cost around eight dollars, for twenty of them, converted to RMB, it would be about a thousand yuan, which would just be a drop in the bucket for someone of Zhang Cheng Xuan’s status.
But Zhang Cheng Xuan could first disguise himself as a student with a background similar to everyone’s and then use this “pocket change” to buy into people’s hearts. It was actually quite cost-effective.
Looking at the bright smile on the other’s face, Qi Yu couldn’t help but think of his brothers and sisters, Zhang Cheng Min, Zhang Cheng Huan, Zhang Cheng Rui…
If a big family had a brother who was considerate and knew how to take care of other people’s feelings, he must definitely attract people’s affections, right?
But, why did Zhang Cheng Xuan want to attract people’s affection?
Was he…
Not much favored?
At this moment, Zhang Cheng Xuan suddenly looked over and called his name, “Qi Yu, don’t you want one?”
Qi Yu interrupted his thoughts and raised the corners of his lips. “You’re so polite. You just treated me to coffee, and now you’ve treated everyone to hot dogs…”
Zhang Cheng Xuan was stunned for a moment. This may be the longest sentence Qi Yu has said after arriving today, and everyone couldn’t help being surprised.
Qi Zhentian was the first to react. He teased Zhang Cheng Xuan: “Wow, Zhang Tongxue, you actually only invited Qi Yu to drink coffee. That’s not very generous!”
Qi Zhentian was obviously joking when he said this, but while the speaker was guileless, the listener was not.
Zhang Cheng Xuan’s eyes flashed and a smile reappeared on his face. He looked at the girls and asked, “Wouldn’t you agree that exchanging a cup of coffee was worth it to get a handsome guy to join our picnic?”
“Worth it–!” A few girls excitedly chimed in, “So worth it!”
Qi Yu pretended not to have heard anything wrong. He smiled at Zhang Cheng Xuan. “Then I’ll have one too, thanks.”
This trivial matter passed by with everyone’s laughter and jokes.
Everyone sat on the picnic mats in four or five groups of three to five students. They were all chatting while sharing the snacks they had brought.
The mats were covered with all kinds of food and drink. Some the female juniors carefully made sushi and rice balls, and there was also the fried squid rings made by male junior who had accepted the challenge in the group chat.
In this kind of gathering, almost everyone was trying their best to show themselves. Those who had the gift of gab, in a group like this, their words spewed forth like a torrent. Those who couldn’t talk but had talents to show grabbed this opportunity to perform.
And those like Qi Yu, who had outstanding looks, merely had to sit there to attract attention. Though, he also did bring his violin, which roused everyone’s expectations.
“Isn’t it time for our handsome Ge, Qi Yu to perform?” After a few song and dance numbers, someone finally couldn’t hold back from urging.
“That’s right! That’s right! Qi Yu hasn’t played the violin yet!
Before Qi Yu could react, everyone had already began to applaud and cheer: “Wo~wo~wo! Come on, come on!”
Qi Yu opened the violin case and took out a violin made of spruce. He stood up amidst applause.
He wore a light-colored shirt, dark slim-fitting trousers, and a pair of matte white handmade leather shoes. He already displayed perfect qualities and at this moment, when he placed a red-orange violin on his left shoulder, under the light of the sun, he suddenly appeared so dazzling that it blinded the gathered people.
“Excuse me…” Before he started to play, a girl suddenly raised her hand and blushing, asked, “Can we take photos and post it to Moments?”
Qi Yu stared at her for a couple of seconds and when the girl was so embarrassed, her face was practically dripping blood, he let out an “en”.
Hearing this, everyone cheered. Several of his schoolmates took out their mobile phones and pointed them at him.
Qi Yu took a deep breath, poised the bow onto the strings, and said to everyone, “This is ‘Playing Love from The Legend of 1900’. This is dedicated to everyone.”
As soon as he spoke, the audience immediately quieted down.
The melodious and soothing sound of the violin rang out, instantly bringing them back to the deep blue ocean of the nineteenth century…
This was a tune of less than two minutes. Qi Yu added a tune with a similar melody in the middle, extending the tune to three minutes.
However, for the students who listened with bated breath for these three minutes, it seemed to only be a few seconds before it was all over.
When Qi Yu put down the bow, everyone was still immersed in it and unable to free themselves from it.
At this time, a loud whistle came from behind them. Everyone turned their heads and saw that about a dozen or so foreigners had been standing there for who knows how long. Among them, two youths carrying bass guitars faced towards Qi Yu. They gave him a thumbs up and said loudly, “Great performance!”
The crowd then began to applaud and cheer. They were so moved, their faces filled with glory, as though Qi Yu had won his fellow countrymen some sort of great honor, “That’s great, Qi Yu! Encore! Encore!!”
The two foreign youths also gestured towards Qi Yu, saying something in English. His schoolmates who were quick to react, began to translate: “They’re inviting Qi Yu to play together…”
“That’s great! Come on over!” Everyone welcomed them in unison.
Qi Yu knew that he wouldn’t be getting off the stage for a while and so, he simply invited them to join in.
The three chatted for a while. It seemed as if they were negotiating what piece of music to play. When they finally agreed on a piece, they played a few beats and soon a fast-paced dance music engulfed everyone’s ears.
“Oh my god! What music is this? It sounds so good!”
“‘Where is the love’!” The two youth seemed to guess what they were asking. While they played, they playfully announced the title, “——Love is everywhere!”
Qi Yu was also driven by their relaxed atmosphere. He gradually lost himself in the joy of simply performing. A natural and pleasant smile appeared on his face.
The trio’s performance caused the crowd of onlookers to double, raising the atmosphere on the lawn to a climax.
When the performance finally ended, Qi Yu thanked the two foreigners and with his violin, he sat back at his original spot.
“Qi Yu, you’re so multi-talented.” Zhang Cheng Xuan handed him a bottle of water, looking at him with sparkling eyes, a trace of envy flashing through them.
“Thank you.” Qi Yu took the water and threw the other person a glance. The names of his brothers and sisters — Zhang Cheng Min, Zhang Cheng Huan, Zhang Cheng Rui… — came unbidden in his mind.
So just what was this guy’s position in his family? For what purpose was carefully “currying favor with” him for?
Should he try probing him out again?
Qi Yu looked at Zhang Cheng Xuan and said, “Young Master Zhang is probably just as talented, right?”
Zhang Cheng Xuan was taken aback for a moment. “Did Gao Zhishi tell you something?”
Qi Yu pretended not to know anything. “Like what?”
Zhang Cheng Xuan’s gaze shifted slightly, “Nothing. Why did you call me that just now?”
Qi Yu: “Oh, I saw Gao Zhishi call you that in the group. I thought it was amusing.”
Zhang Cheng Xuan smiled unnaturally. “…Hehe.”
***
Sunday in Haicheng.
Fu Yansheng was invited to a party by a client he met at work.
At the party, there was a lawyer pushing fifty, surnamed Shan. After exchanging a few words with Fu Yansheng, he could barely hide his admiration. He couldn’t help but say, “Mr. Fu is so young and promising. Might I know if you have a significant other?”
Fu Yansheng was a bit surprised. He was wondering how to answer, when Lawyer Shan took out his cell phone and said, “If you don’t have one, I would like to introduce you to the little girl. My daughter just entered Stafford University this year. She has a bright and cheerful disposition and she looks pretty good too…”
When Fu Yansheng heard “Stafford University”, he couldn’t help swallowing down his refusal. “Oh?”
Lawyer Shan opened his daughter’s Moments and saw that she had posted several video clips a few hours ago.
“Let’s see if she took a video of herself…” Lawyer Shan clicked on one of the videos. A sweet-sounding violin piece came from his phone.
Fu Yansheng took a glance and then his gaze stopped on it. The performer in the video was actually… Qi Yu.
Lawyer Shan, by force of habit, watched for a while. But after a while, seeing that his daughter wasn’t showing up, he closed the video.
There were a few comments from his daughter below–
“Ahhhh, I’m dead. It was so elegant!”
“I’m at the scene! It’s a senior from the same department!”
“Now, I can fully understand those celebrity-chasing girls. I’m willing to retake the TOEFL no matter how many times if I get to run into him! Mom, I can do it!”
Fu Yansheng: “…”
“It seems she went out on a picnic this weekend.” Lawyer Shan explained as he scrolled further down.
Fu Yansheng gave a light cough and interrupted him, “I’m sorry, Lawyer Shan, I already have a partner, who is, coincidentally, also studying abroad.”
Lawyer Shan was surprised and put his phone away with some regret. “Really?”
Fu Yansheng smiled helplessly. “En, it’s hard being in different places. I was chatting with him last night and couldn’t get off the phone and go to bed until two o’clock in the morning.”
The author has something to say: [Little Theater]
Qi Yu: “Young Master Zhang is probably just as talented, right?”
Zhang Cheng Xuan: “…”I suspect that my opponent has already seen through me! Orz
————
From the Author:
[Note] Qi Yu’s two violin songs: The first solo is “Playing Love from The Legend of 1900” by Yo-Yo Ma, a violin version of the Legend of the Pianist on the Ocean.
The second song played with the passing youths is Josh Vietti’s “Where Is the Love”.
Both songs are available on NetEase Cloud. If you are interested, you can look for it there and have a listen. But please, please do not disturb the music fans in the comments section of NetEase. Just quietly have a listen and if you like it, you can tell me so below the chapter!
I can’t with Fu Yansheng 🙈🙈🙈
Thank you for the chapter!!
Qi Yu sub conciously performed those two songs for his husband 😂😂✨
💙💙💙
Thanks for the chapter~(^^)
thanks for the chapter!
lao gong, aren’t you getting ahead of yourself? 😂
Xiao Yu : Fu ge is my teacher / online friend
Lao Fu (shamelessly) : Xiao Yu is my partner