Chapter 30

Because the SMS voting system crashed, the joint performance ended without announcing the most popular program. However, based on the opinions of teachers from several schools, the special grand prize, originally intended for the top vote-getter, was awarded to Su Yuxi. Cheng Xiaoyu and his two companions' performance won the first prize. When Xia Shamo went on stage to receive the award, thunderous applause erupted from the audience.

Cheng Xiaoyu, of course, was indifferent to such an award, but Wang Ou felt quite regretful. Although he was the captain of Su Yuxi's fan club, he also thought that this time it should have been Xia Shamo and her group who won.

After the performance, Cheng Xiaoyu said goodbye to everyone and wished them a happy New Year. When Wang Ou left, he said he would find Cheng Xiaoyu to hang out during the holiday. Cheng Xiaoyu nodded in agreement. Then he remembered that Xia Shamo's bicycle was still parked at the subway station, so he quickly called her to offer to go with her to get it. Xia Shamo replied that it was fine, as her mother was coming to pick her up, and she would go home with her mother, so there was no need for Cheng Xiaoyu to worry. Cheng Xiaoyu wished Xia Shamo a happy New Year over the phone. Xia Shamo also smiled and wished Cheng Xiaoyu a happy New Year, thanking him for the wonderful New Year's gift. Cheng Xiaoyu thought she was referring to the crystal shoes and didn't think much of it, saying, "No need to be so formal, SUMMER. Remember our agreement," before hanging up.

Aunt Zhou didn't drive over, but Wang Huasheng picked up the three of them in a Maybach. Cheng Xiaoyu sat in the front, while Su Yuxi and Aunt Zhou sat in the back.

As soon as they got in the car, Cheng Xiaoyu could see Aunt Zhou's smile. "Not bad, Xiaoyu. You have a real talent for music. Did you write all the pieces?"

Cheng Xiaoyu hesitated for a moment but then smiled and replied, "Yes, I've been writing some things, but I didn't know if anyone would appreciate them. This time, I had no choice but to bring them out. Su Yuxi's piano playing was so good that I thought of this showy performance style."

Su Yuxi, however, was not grateful and said coldly, "You used two instruments to create the effect of an orchestra. I don't have that kind of talent. You should have won the special grand prize today. Honestly, I don't deserve it."

Cheng Xiaoyu, hearing the hidden hostility in her words, felt awkward and said, "That's not what I meant. I genuinely admire your piano skills."

Aunt Zhou, hearing Su Yuxi's cold words, though she knew Su Yuxi was always like this, couldn't help but criticize her, "Xixi, how can you talk to your brother like that? I don't say anything when you're outside, but you treat your brother this way too. You've been spoiled too much these years. Apologize to your brother right now."

Cheng Xiaoyu quickly said, "Aunt Zhou, no need to apologize. I know Xixi's temperament. It's good that she's not fake or pretentious. I appreciate her character."

Su Yuxi didn't say anything and turned her head to look out the window at the street scenery.

Aunt Zhou had never worried about her excellent daughter from a young age and thought that the obedient and sensible Su Yuxi didn't need much discipline. Though her personality was a bit cold, it wasn't necessarily a bad thing. So she always let Su Yuxi do as she pleased. Though Su Yuxi's personality was like her father's, she still maintained basic etiquette in social interactions and didn't completely ignore superficial social obligations. However, she was particularly unfriendly towards this suddenly appearing brother. Aunt Zhou thought Su Yuxi might have some emotional knots and decided to talk to her when she had the chance, so she didn't force her to apologize.

Aunt Zhou looked at Su Yuxi a few times and then said to Cheng Xiaoyu, "Xiaoyu, you've become much more sensible after the car accident. Seeing your performance, Aunt Zhou is reassured. You can discuss the recording studio with Qiao Sansi tomorrow. Aunt Zhou approves."

Cheng Xiaoyu was overjoyed. Owning his own recording studio had always been his dream. Seeing his dream about to come true, he turned and gave Aunt Zhou a big smile, saying, "Thank you, Empress."

Aunt Zhou also smiled, "You look much better this way. You used to be so gloomy and didn't talk much. I always felt I couldn't take good care of you, and it was all my fault. Seeing you become more cheerful, I'm also happy for your father. Your father may not say it, but he cares about you. You should find a time to have a good talk with him. There can't be that much enmity between father and son. I believe your mother would want you to let it go." Aunt Zhou sighed, feeling a bit melancholic. She didn't know much about Su Changhe's past, though she had tried to probe. The couple had been married for nearly 20 years without a single argument, and they were considered a model of mutual respect. For nearly 20 years, unless there was an unavoidable social engagement, Su Changhe either worked at the company or stayed at home, making him a model husband.

So even with the addition of a love child, Zhou Peipei had no resentment and was even quite happy. She had always regretted not being able to give Su Changhe a son, so she treated Cheng Xiaoyu genuinely well. As for property issues, Zhou Peipei, from a scholarly family, didn't care much. Su Yuxi had never spent the family's money since she was old enough and probably saved a lot from modeling. Besides, the Su family's wealth could easily accommodate Cheng Xiaoyu's extravagance, as long as he wasn't overly wasteful or did anything immoral. Zhou Peipei wouldn't criticize Cheng Xiaoyu at all.

Cheng Xiaoyu knew he had to face Su Changhe, but the complex emotions in his heart made it impossible for him to easily try to resolve such a knot. He could only smile bitterly and say to Aunt Zhou, "Aunt Zhou, give me some time. I believe I will eventually be able to let it go."

Seeing Cheng Xiaoyu's attitude soften, Aunt Zhou didn't want to push too hard and nodded, "It's good that you can think it through. Remember, your father isn't easy either." She sighed.

The Maybach was silent for a moment. Zhou Peipei then remembered that Wang Huasheng had already retrieved Cheng Xiaoyu's driver's license from the traffic police. She took out Cheng Xiaoyu's license from her Hermes Birkin bag. Cheng Xiaoyu had obtained his U.S. driver's license at 16 and later exchanged it for a Chinese one, so he wasn't restricted by the Chinese rule that one must be 18 to obtain a driver's license. "Xiaoyu, I've got your driver's license back. My Ferrari is fixed and still at the 4S store. You can go pick it up tomorrow. The repair costs are covered by insurance, and you just need to sign the papers."

Cheng Xiaoyu turned to take the license and said, "Aunt Zhou, do you have a less flashy car? I want to drive myself to school. This one is too eye-catching."

Aunt Zhou smiled, "Are you worried about the repairs? The car is fine. It just had the headlights, fenders, and bumper replaced. There's no major damage. How about this: you drive it for now, and when you get into college, Aunt Zhou will give you a better car."

Cheng Xiaoyu couldn't say anything more and had to agree, though he really didn't want to be so high-profile.

When they got home, it was nearly midnight, and someone had started setting off fireworks. Cheng Xiaoyu stood at the door and watched for a while, only going inside after Su Yuxi and Aunt Zhou went to their rooms.

The next morning, Cheng Xiaoyu woke up feeling refreshed. He went downstairs for breakfast and realized he had nothing to do without classes. He could only find the butler, Qiao Sansi, to discuss the renovation of the recording studio.

Qiao Sansi knew nothing about recording studio renovations, and Cheng Xiaoyu only had a basic understanding. He didn't expect to build a top-tier studio but hoped to have a music workstation and a home recording studio. He wanted to record his own songs, both as a test of his skills as a producer and to fulfill his own wishes.

To renovate a recording studio, the first step was to ensure soundproofing, followed by purchasing and installing equipment. Looking at the already empty entertainment room, Cheng Xiaoyu thought about just setting up a practice room, as building a full recording studio was a bit too much work, and he still had classes and piano practice to attend to, leaving him with little time.

Qiao Sansi seemed to sense Cheng Xiaoyu's concerns and said softly, "Master, do you think building a recording studio is too much trouble?"

Cheng Xiaoyu nodded, "Yes, the walls need to be torn down and rebuilt as soundproof walls. The floor needs to be redone, preferably with a double layer, and the air conditioning needs to be relocated..."

Qiao Sansi interrupted, "Master, you don't need to do the renovation yourself. We can hire professionals to design and construct it. Just tell me your requirements, and I'll have them draw up the plans."

Cheng Xiaoyu then remembered that he was now a genuine rich second generation and didn't need to haggle over renovation materials like before. He scolded himself for being a workaholic and smiled at Qiao Sansi, "That's right. Just professional level, no need for top-tier. Show me the plans, and if possible, set up a small practice room for me."

Qiao Sansi said, "No problem, Master. Our company specializes in this. Don't worry, Mrs. Zhou has instructed us to meet all your requirements."

Cheng Xiaoyu returned to his bedroom, feeling satisfied. He thought to himself, "Money is indeed a good thing."

With nothing to do, Cheng Xiaoyu decided to go to the Ferrari 4S store to pick up his car.

Aunt Zhou had already made plans to go shopping with some wealthy friends in the morning.

Su Yuxi started practicing the piano early in the morning, even on New Year's Day, showing no intention of taking a break.

As for Cheng Xiaoyu's father, Su Changhe, who never took holidays, went to the company as usual.

Cheng Xiaoyu asked Wang Huasheng if Su Yuxi needed a ride. If not, he would go to the Ferrari 4S store first. After Wang Huasheng asked a few questions at the door, he came over and said he would take Cheng Xiaoyu there first. Cheng Xiaoyu nodded and walked to the door to wait for Wang Huasheng to drive over.

He smoothly picked up the repaired white F430 from the Ferrari 4S store. Feeling a bit lost, Cheng Xiaoyu called Wang Ou. Wang Ou was also bored at his grandmother's house and asked Cheng Xiaoyu if he wanted to learn an instrument, something not too difficult. Cheng Xiaoyu recommended the guitar. Due to the lack of appreciation for rock music and the negative perception of American culture in China at the time, the guitar was also less popular. In this timeline, symphony orchestras generally didn't have a place for guitars, so there were very few people learning the instrument. Wang Ou was a bit hesitant. Cheng Xiaoyu said he was going to buy a guitar and invited Wang Ou to come along to see if it was suitable. Wang Ou agreed and made plans to meet at the musical instrument street on Jinling East Road after lunch. Cheng Xiaoyu hung up and thought about where to grab a quick bite before meeting Wang Ou on Jinling East Road.

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