Chapter 42

Yang Jingxing, of course, wouldn't take Yu Xinting and An Xin to be mere accompaniments, so he had to call Yu Xinting to apologize: "We'll go tomorrow, tell An Xin's friends not to leave."

Yu Xinting said, "Then I'll congratulate you again tomorrow."

The group went to the parking lot, and Zhang Jiahuo kept calling people, saying each time, "I'll introduce you to a genius, come over quickly!"

Zhang Jiahuo wanted Yang Jingxing and Zhang Chujia to ride with him, but Li Yingzhen said, "My eyesight isn't good at night, I'll ride with Yang Jingxing."

"Alright, follow us then," Zhang Jiahuo glanced at Yang Jingxing's car.

The destination was the Puhua Hotel, and six cars drove in a line, with Yang Jingxing bringing up the rear. Li Yingzhen instructed Yang Jingxing, "Be careful with your words, if you don't know what to say, just don't say it, listen to me."

Zhang Chujia also understood, "Don't believe anything they say, you're already a master, don't be fooled."

When they arrived, the group waited in the lobby for a while, and the two friends Zhang Jiahuo invited also arrived. One was from an agency, and the other from a music production company. Zhang Jiahuo introduced them to Yang Jingxing.

Then the group went upstairs to a place similar to a bar or club. Zhang Jiahuo was a member and was personally greeted by the manager. Even the manager, Zhang Jiahuo introduced Yang Jingxing, "This is my little brother, a piano genius, he's going to be something great!"

The environment was quite luxurious, and the group of fourteen sat on four long sofas. Zhang Jiahuo had stored a few bottles of good wine here, which he generously shared with everyone.

Li Yingzhen said Yang Jingxing couldn't drink because he had to drive. Zhang Jiahuo insisted, saying he should drink, and if necessary, they could stay the night.

Yang Jingxing had no choice but to pick up a glass and say, "Then I'll have one glass, toasting to all the teachers and seniors, I'll finish mine, teachers, please drink as you wish."

Zhang Jiahuo praised him, and then started boasting about Yang Jingxing to his friends, saying how amazing he was: "Absolutely a sensation, a rising star! Professor Li's guidance is excellent, the pride of the music college!"

The conversation then opened up, and Yang Jingxing just listened, smiling modestly when praised.

After a long discussion, they finally got to the point of sharing Yang Jingxing with the world. The agency representative went first, saying their company had signed many performing artists and pop singers who performed worldwide. The agency also cared for and supported the artists, thinking about their well-being. They gave an example of how they successfully packaged and promoted a violinist: "The concert in Japan, the sponsorship and advertising fees were over two million dollars... All you have to do is focus on your art, everything else will be taken care of, even your nails will be trimmed by a specialist, ha ha..."

The music producer chimed in, "These are secondary, it's not the age where good wine doesn't need a deep alley. For any artist to have their masterpiece appreciated by more people, they need a professional team to plan and promote..."

Before anyone could extend an olive branch, Yang Jingxing humbly said, "I've just started, I want to finish my university studies."

"Since Conductor Zhang recommends you so highly, you can sign first, of course, you should finish university."

Yang Jingxing asked, "What can I do if I sign?"

"We'll plan for you without affecting your studies, participating in some competitions is necessary, doing some small-scale promotions, gradually building your reputation. Our training plans are at least five years, usually ten, very detailed, with a professional team responsible for you, one-on-one."

Yang Jingxing was hesitant, "Isn't that too restrictive?"

After a long talk, Yang Jingxing didn't even notice the benefits he could get. Zhang Jiahuo asked, "I forgot to ask, what do your parents do?"

Li Yingzhen said, "His father is in real estate."

Yang Jingxing blushed, "Not really, just a small business in a small place."

He Hongchui rarely praised Yang Jingxing, "You have the conditions, the ideals, and the willingness to work hard, you will definitely achieve something in the future."

The deputy dean said, "Yang Jingxing, with so many seniors here today supporting you, don't let them down."

After all, he was their student, and the music college people protected Yang Jingxing, not letting outsiders take him away to make money. However, the gathering was still lively and joyful, lasting for two to three hours.

No one got drunk, and around twelve, everyone said their goodbyes and dispersed. Li Yingzhen asked Yang Jingxing to drive her home and gave her car keys to Zhang Chujia, asking her to bring the car parked at school to her house the next day.

On the way, Li Yingzhen suddenly asked Yang Jingxing, "Have you considered having a girlfriend?"

Yang Jingxing laughed, "Not yet."

Li Yingzhen said, "You need someone to take care of you."

Yang Jingxing was arrogant, "I can take care of myself."

Zhang Chujia laughed, "Nowadays, girls don't know how to take care of anyone, it's better if they don't have to take care of him."

Li Yingzhen said, "You can't generalize... Has your family mentioned anything to you?"

Yang Jingxing said, "I don't dare to say."

Li Yingzhen laughed, "Your mother, her standards are definitely high."

After dropping off Li Yingzhen, Yang Jingxing had to drop off Zhang Chujia. Zhang Chujia sat in the front and asked Yang Jingxing, "What's the name of that girl in the first year?"

Yang Jingxing said, "There are so many girls in the first year, I haven't met them all yet."

Zhang Chujia rolled her eyes, "That cute one, the one you met during the exam at the beginning of the year, she sits in the front row at night!"

"Yu Xinting."

Zhang Chujia nodded, "I remember... Why don't you make her your girlfriend?"

Yang Jingxing said, "If I had the right, I would have made someone else my girlfriend."

Zhang Chujia laughed, "You just wave your hand at school, and a bunch of them will come."

On Saturday noon, after practicing the piano, Yang Jingxing met up with Yu Xinting, An Xin, and her skinny classmate, Yao Chunyan. When they were introduced, Yao Chunyan was much more reserved than the day before, barely speaking. Yang Jingxing was still very enthusiastic, asking what school she was from and what she studied. Yao Chunyan still couldn't speak.

Yu Xinting was anxious, "Oh, don't be shy, he's very approachable!"

Yang Jingxing scolded, "What kind of description is that?"

Yu Xinting revealed, "Chunyan even said she wanted your autograph last night!"

Yang Jingxing looked down, "If there was a crack in the ground, I'd crawl into it!"

Yao Chunyan hid her head behind An Xin and laughed.

Yang Jingxing was embarrassed, "Wait here, I'll go get the car." He heard An Xin and Yu Xinting laughing behind him.

An Xin asked Yu Xinting to sit in the front, and they headed straight to a hot pot restaurant. Yu Xinting opened her bag and showed Yang Jingxing an apple, saying, "I'm not eating it, I didn't have breakfast, ha ha, I'm going to eat a lot!"

Yang Jingxing said, "Give it to An Xin and the others."

Yu Xinting said, "I already did... I want to order two servings of beef."

Yang Jingxing was generous, "As long as you can finish... Chunyan, do you like hot pot?"

When called so affectionately, Yao Chunyan took a while to say, "Yes."

When they sat down at the hot pot restaurant, Yu Xinting focused all her attention on the menu. Yang Jingxing reminded her, "Ask An Xin and the others what they like!"

Yu Xinting was busy, "You order yourselves!"

An Xin reminded, "Don't order too much, it's wasteful."

Yu Xinting wasn't worried, "No problem, no problem, he can eat a lot!"

They started eating, raising their glasses first. Yu Xinting led the toast to Yang Jingxing's successful concert, then eagerly dug in. Despite her pretentiousness, she only put a little bit in her mouth each time, which was a pity, she should have been born with a bigger mouth.

Yang Jingxing reminded her, "Don't just focus on yourself, give some to Chunyan... You'll only envy me later."

Yu Xinting clenched her fists, "I'll beat you today!"

Beating him was out of the question. Yang Jingxing was just warming up when Yu Xinting couldn't keep up, complaining, "Is it because you didn't eat breakfast, so your stomach is smaller? We hardly ever come here."

Yang Jingxing said, "We can come every week."

Yu Xinting asked, "What about your girlfriend?"

Yang Jingxing glared, "Once a month."

Yu Xinting quickly said, "You don't have a girlfriend, you don't have a girlfriend!"

Yao Chunyan was confused.

Near the end, Yu Xinting wanted dessert, knowing her limits, she sought allies, "An Xin, you eat one with me... Chunyan, you eat one with me."

Yang Jingxing asked the waiter to split a large dessert into three smaller ones, satisfying Yu Xinting's psychological hunger.

After the meal, Yao Chunyan had to return to school. Yang Jingxing offered to drive her, but she ran away quickly. An Xin suggested, "You two go play, I'll go back to school by myself."

Yang Jingxing asked Yu Xinting, "Do you want to go?"

Yu Xinting hesitated for a moment and decided, "Let's celebrate a little."

However, Yang Jingxing first dropped off An Xin at school, asking Yu Xinting where she wanted to go. Yu Xinting surprisingly said she wanted to play video games! This didn't stump Yang Jingxing, as he had been to the arcade with Tan Dong many times.

Yang Jingxing asked Yu Xinting what games she played. Yu Xinting said she liked drumming, dancing, and shooting zombies, showing she really enjoyed games.

At the arcade, Yang Jingxing bought several dozen game tokens for Yu Xinting. There were many people, and they had to circle around to find the drum game. Someone was playing, and Yu Xinting felt superior, "I can play intermediate, just can't step well."

Playing the game, Yu Xinting was clearly happier than playing the piano, though her expression was focused, she smiled from time to time. After ten minutes of drumming, Yu Xinting said she hadn't played in a long time and her skills had declined.

Yang Jingxing said, "You can learn jazz drums."

Yu Xinting said, "My family would kill me! What about you? I want to watch."

Yang Jingxing only knew how to drive, but once he started, he broke records one after another, winning a lot of prize tickets. Yu Xinting was delighted.

Then they watched Yu Xinting dance. Ha ha, she wasn't as good as the other two girls, so she ran away. They played zombie shooting together, with Yang Jingxing being very brave, leading Yu Xinting through the levels. Yu Xinting just shot randomly at the screen, scared of the boss.

After playing, they bought water to drink, with Yu Xinting paying. While drinking, she tapped the drum, saying, "When I have money, I'll learn to play the drums."

Yang Jingxing laughed, "Playing the piano to earn money to learn drums, the order is wrong."

"It's all your fault, you discouraged me!" Yu Xinting threw the tissue she used to wipe her sweat into the trash can. There was a jingle as a few one-yuan coins fell in. They were the change from buying water.

Truly, joy turned to sorrow. Yu Xinting looked into the large trash can, devastated.

Yang Jingxing said, "Forget it, let's go."

Yu Xinting didn't speak, still looking.

Yang Jingxing said, "I'll pay you back."

Yu Xinting shook her head and rolled up her sleeves. Yang Jingxing quickly pulled her away, rolled up his sleeves, bent down, and quickly picked up the four coins, then rinsed them with mineral water. Yu Xinting wiped the coins clean with a tissue and put them in her bag, then threw the tissue away.

The two left the scene, and Yu Xinting laughed, asking Yang Jingxing to wash his hands in the restroom before continuing to play. Yu Xinting was determined, gritting her teeth. Yang Jingxing's phone rang, it was Tao Meng, and he quickly went to a quiet place to answer.

Tao Meng asked, "What are you doing?"

Yang Jingxing laughed, "Playing video games."

Tao Meng didn't criticize, "Relaxing is good, how was the concert?"

"Great, lots of beautiful audience members."

"I heard someone talking?"

Yang Jingxing reported, "I'm outside playing."

"With who?"

"Yu Xinting, remember?"

Tao Meng asked, "Are the beautiful audience members you mentioned her?"

Yang Jingxing shamelessly said, "One of them."

Tao Meng asked, "Just the two of you?"

"Uh-huh."

"Oh, I won't disturb you then." Tao Meng hung up.

Yang Jingxing turned back to find Yu Xinting, who looked like a lost little girl, standing in the crowd, looking around helplessly.

"Hey!" Yang Jingxing tried to scare Yu Xinting.

Yu Xinting wasn't scared, looking at Yang Jingxing, she said, "I thought you left."

Yang Jingxing laughed, "Where would I go? I was just answering a call."

Yu Xinting was still worried, "I thought you were angry."

Yang Jingxing was puzzled, "Why would I be angry?"

Yu Xinting looked around and said, "I don't want to play anymore, I'm going back to school."

Yang Jingxing was sensitive, "Are you trying to leave me behind as revenge?"

Yu Xinting really wasn't in the mood to play, so the two went back to school. Yu Xinting still wanted to explain, "I didn't want you to pick up the money for me."

Yang Jingxing said, "I was happy to."

Yu Xinting said, "It was money from my family, I can't lose it."

Yang Jingxing praised, "That's right."

Yu Xinting said, "You probably wouldn't want to pick it up."

Yang Jingxing said, "If it was before, I might not have, but from now on, even if it falls into a cesspool, I'll jump in to get it."

Yu Xinting laughed, "That's not good, the leader fell into a cesspool... Yao Chunyan thought you were hard to approach, but you're not at all."

Yang Jingxing said, "She must be nearsighted."

Yu Xinting said, "When I first met you, I thought I was so silly, like a clown."

Yang Jingxing glanced at her, "Do you think you're smart now?"

Yu Xinting was hurt and didn't speak.

Yang Jingxing said, "You're smart, getting smarter every day."

Yu Xinting said, "I know I'm not smart."

Yang Jingxing said, "People who know they're not smart are smart, fools think they're the best in the world."

Yu Xinting asked, "What about you?"

Yang Jingxing said, "I'm the biggest fool in the world."

Yu Xinting caught him, "You're saying you're the smartest!"

Yang Jingxing said, "I'm saying you're smart."

Yu Xinting laughed for a while, then said, "They say you're arrogant, but you're nice to everyone."

Yang Jingxing asked, "Who said that?"

Yu Xinting laughed, "Just random talk, don't take it to heart, people nowadays like to talk nonsense."

After getting back to school, Yu Xinting went to her dorm, not forgetting to leave the apple for Yang Jingxing, saying, "I have to go with my senior for tutoring tomorrow, if you come in the morning, I'll give you the apple."

Yang Jingxing said, "Remember, we'll make it up next week. Where is the tutoring? Is it far?"

Yu Xinting shook her head, "I don't know, my senior will take me."

Yang Jingxing nodded, "Be careful."

Wasting a day, Yang Jingxing had to hurry to practice the piano. Next week, New York would be coming to Puhai, and he couldn't let Li Yingzhen down, he had to do his best.

Now, Yang Jingxing faced not the difficulty of the pieces but their expressiveness. Machines or software could play music more precisely than humans, but they couldn't move people. As his theoretical knowledge deepened and he played more pieces, the profound and complex world of music became increasingly awe-inspiring to him.

In the evening, Yang Jingxing, as usual, went online. Responding to Tao Meng's call, he checked the alumni page and left a message: "I despise people who post intimate photos!"

After a while, Tao Meng sent a message: "Are you online?"

Yang Jingxing said, "I'm on fire! They're so quick."

Tao Meng said, "Don't you have any?"

Yang Jingxing asked, "Where? If I upload our photos, can I make Shao Lei jealous?"

Tao Meng said, "Post the ones you took today."

Yang Jingxing opened his computer's camera, made a funny face, and uploaded it to the alumni page, telling Tao Meng, "Posted, taken today."

After a while, Tao Meng scolded, "Are you trying to keep me up all night? Do you have a photo of that girl? I didn't see it clearly."

Yang Jingxing said, "No. If you want to see, come over."

Tao Meng said, "I won't disturb you."

Yang Jingxing imagined, "Are you jealous?"

Tao Meng said, "That joke is so low-level."

Yang Jingxing pleaded, "Can't you do a good deed and make me happy?"

Tao Meng: "No way."

Tao Meng: "What are you doing?"

Yang Jingxing: "I'm crying."

Actually, Lu Lin invited him to play online games. Not only Zhang Yang and Xu Wei were working hard, but even Du Ling was leveling up. Yang Jingxing really didn't have the time, so he apologized to his friends. Lu Lin insisted, making Yang Jingxing download the game.

Lu Lin said he had plenty of time and would help Yang Jingxing level up, so he could play when he had time. This was a common cause among friends. Lu Lin also said, "I'll pick a space mage for you, a class that only a pianist can play well."

Tao Meng still lectured Yang Jingxing, "I suggest you keep a polite distance from girls at school, don't let people misunderstand."

Yang Jingxing said, "It's the other way around, they keep their distance from me, not letting me misunderstand."

Tao Meng didn't believe it, "Then why did she go play games with you?"

Yang Jingxing said, "We went with a group, and I also went to eat with you."

Tao Meng said, "Don't make such a pointless comparison, I'm going to rest."

Yang Jingxing