Chapter 46

"More than seven hundred! One person even sent 299!" Wang Ou said with a trembling voice, excitedly. Thinking about how he could also be one of them after he mastered the guitar, he was even more excited and couldn't hide it.

Huang Yong was also stunned. This number was more than all the roses their band had received during their three years of performing at the Forest of Lights. Seven hundred roses in one night meant more than seven thousand yuan, and Huang Yong's heart raced, wondering if he would get a share.

Cheng Xiaoyu was also surprised, but thinking about the rich patrons from his past life, he felt that this amount was just a drop in the bucket. Besides, they were singing all classics, and the lead singer, Xia Shamo, was incredibly beautiful. It would be abnormal if they didn't have such a huge fan base. Cheng Xiaoyu smiled and said, "SUMMER deserves half the credit. She worked the hardest, and most of the roses were probably for her! We're just benefiting from SUMMER's popularity!"

Everyone in the dressing room focused their attention on Xia Shamo. Only then did Cheng Xiaoyu have the chance to carefully observe her. The look he had created for Xia Shamo today was one he was particularly satisfied with. Of course, the look from the New Year's performance was even more grand and stunning, but he privately preferred Xia Shamo's current look—pure and enchanting, making her seem so close, almost within reach. But when he looked closely at her delicate features and indifferent expression, he realized how distant she was, as if she were light-years away.

No one wanted to look away from Xia Shamo in this state. Xia Shamo herself didn't know what was happening. She had no concept of money; even if she had more, she wouldn't use it. Moreover, she didn't particularly desire money, even though she came from a not-so-affluent family. Of course, if she could ease her mother's burden, she would be very happy. But she hadn't fully grasped the fact that they had earned more than seven thousand yuan that night. Her mind was still in "Summer Light Year," a dream she had once firmly abandoned because the cost of pursuing an arts career was too high, and the chances of success were slim. Studying at Fudan University and getting a good job after graduation would be much easier, allowing her to make her mother's life better sooner.

"But I still love singing so much," Xia Shamo silently shouted in her heart, completely unaware that Cheng Xiaoyu and the others were looking at her, and she didn't hear what they were saying clearly.

Cheng Xiaoyu waved his hand in front of Xia Shamo's face and said a bit louder, "Hey! Xia Shamo."

Xia Shamo was startled, looked up at everyone with surprise, and asked, "What's wrong? Can we go home now?"

"Man, we were all discussing what to do with all these roses and the sudden wealth," Cheng Xiaoyu said, slapping his head. "You didn't hear a word we said, did you?"

Xia Shamo's face turned red quickly. "Sorry! I was distracted. I have no opinion. Whatever you decide is fine!"

Cheng Xiaoyu turned to look at Chen Haoran, who had a "not my problem" expression.

There was a moment of silence in the dressing room. Cheng Xiaoyu then said, "Alright, I'll make the decision. Don't blame me for being unfair later!"

Chen Jinglong happened to push the door open, holding a stack of money and a beaming smile. "Hey, why so serious? Are you guys having a tribunal?"

Huang Yong quickly stood up and offered his chair to Chen Jinglong, who waved it off.

Cheng Xiaoyu laughed and said, "Brother Chen, Dazhuang just told us we hit the jackpot! We're discussing where to go celebrate!"

Chen Jinglong's smile didn't fade. "You should treat us. The money from the roses you got tonight is more than my bar's profit for the whole night! Let's go celebrate, and don't forget to bring Brother Chen!" He handed the stack of money to Cheng Xiaoyu. "Count it, 7270 yuan. At this rate, you won't even care about the performance fees I give you!" He chuckled, but he had also made a good profit tonight, with beer and drink sales doubling.

Cheng Xiaoyu took the money and laughed. "How could we not care? Even a small amount is still something! Brother Chen, if you don't give us a raise, we'll have to deduct the cost of the treat from Haoran!"

Everyone in the dressing room laughed.

Chen Jinglong laughed heartily. "You're a sly one. Alright, I'll treat you to a late-night snack. I'll go out and say hello. Don't leave, and remember, Brother Chen is treating you!" He left, not wanting to stay while they divided the money.

Cheng Xiaoyu held the money and said, "Our band's debut was a success. SUMMER, do you need to rush home?"

Xia Shamo nodded. "My mom said she'd pick me up at 10:30."

Everyone's faces showed disappointment. Cheng Xiaoyu thought for a moment. "Then bring your mom tomorrow for dinner with us! I don't want to get home too late."

Xia Shamo nodded.

Cheng Xiaoyu then said to Huang Yong, "Tomorrow, after our practice, we'll go out for a big meal. Bring your girlfriend if you have one!"

Huang Yong smiled and agreed.

Cheng Xiaoyu started counting the money and gave three thousand to Xia Shamo. "Yours."

Xia Shamo was surprised by the amount. "Isn't it 600 a day? Why so much?" She took the money without counting it, holding it in her hand.

Wang Ou quickly answered, "This is from the roses, not the performance fee." Seeing Xia Shamo's confused expression, he explained the concept of rose money.

Cheng Xiaoyu then gave 2500 to Chen Haoran, who also didn't count it and put it in his pocket.

With 1770 left, Cheng Xiaoyu gave 1000 to Huang Yong. "Brother Yong, I'm giving you less, don't mind."

Huang Yong waved his hands. "Brother Chen said I don't get a share."

Cheng Xiaoyu pushed the money into Huang Yong's hand. "How can I not? It would be disrespectful if you refused!"

Huang Yong held the money awkwardly. "You're too kind, Xiaoyu."

Cheng Xiaoyu smiled. "Unexpected wealth, everyone gets a share. Without you, our performance wouldn't have been so good, and you also helped us practice in the afternoon."

Huang Yong smiled. "It's my duty. I'll go help out now, Xiaoyu."

Cheng Xiaoyu nodded, and Huang Yong said goodbye to everyone and went to the bar.

Seeing that Cheng Xiaoyu had little money left, Xia Shamo didn't want to ask and planned to give half of her money to Cheng Xiaoyu later.

Cheng Xiaoyu said to Wang Ou, "Dazhuang, from now on, I'll cover your meals at the Forest of Lights!"

Wang Ou laughed. "I'll have to think about how to eat you out of house and home."

Cheng Xiaoyu snorted. "That's all you care about. Even if you eat abalone and bird's nest every day, it's nothing to me." He stood up. "Let's go. Come to practice early tomorrow!"

Wang Ou walked in front, Cheng Xiaoyu and Xia Shamo in the middle, and Chen Haoran said goodbye and turned left to the basement, probably to practice drums.

Cheng Xiaoyu gestured for Wang Ou and Xia Shamo to leave through the back door, while he went to the bar to find Chen Jinglong, apologized for not being able to have the late-night snack, and invited him to dinner the next day. Chen Jinglong, being the money man, agreed with a smile.

When Cheng Xiaoyu was about to leave the bar, Xia Shamo called him at the door.

Seeing Xia Shamo's nose slightly red from the cold, Cheng Xiaoyu couldn't help but smile. "Why haven't you gone home? Your mom hasn't come yet?"

Xia Shamo pointed to a middle-aged woman pushing a bicycle not far away. "My mom is here! She's waiting for me!"

Cheng Xiaoyu looked in the direction Xia Shamo pointed. A woman with an ordinary but pretty face was standing there, looking at the beautifully delicate Xia Shamo. Cheng Xiaoyu couldn't resist teasing, "Why don't you introduce me to your mother-in-law?"

Xia Shamo's face, already red from the cold, turned even more rosy. "You gave me too much money. I'll give you half back." She didn't dare mention the word "mother-in-law" and knew Cheng Xiaoyu would tease her endlessly. She took out the counted money and handed it to Cheng Xiaoyu.

Cheng Xiaoyu pushed it back and shook his head. "SUMMER, money isn't important to me. Besides, I didn't do much. You worked the hardest, and most of the roses were for you. You deserve more."

Xia Shamo didn't retract her hand, her eyes serious. "The songs are all yours. We're benefiting from your talent. Without you, I wouldn't be here singing, and I'm really happy and honored to sing your songs."

Cheng Xiaoyu's head ached, not knowing how to refuse. He took two hundred from Xia Shamo's hand and said, "This way, you and Haoran will have the same amount. I have too much money, and I don't know why you care so much." Without waiting for Xia Shamo's reaction, he walked toward her mother.

Xia Shamo, fearing Cheng Xiaoyu would really call her mother "mother-in-law," quickly followed.

Xia Shamo's mother was pushing a dark blue women's bicycle on the side of the bar street. Despite being a bar street, it was actually a narrow alley with various neon lights crowding the sky, and a lonely street lamp casting a dim light in the midst of the bright lights.

Cheng Xiaoyu walked over, bowed to Xia Shamo's mother, and said with a greasy smile, "Thank you for coming so late to pick up Xia Shamo. I'm her classmate, Cheng Xiaoyu."

Xia Shamo's mother had a kind and gentle face, looking her age, but her voice was young. She smiled at Cheng Xiaoyu. "Xia Shamo has mentioned you before. You can call me Aunt Xia. Thank you for your hard work."

Cheng Xiaoyu smiled. "I just wanted to do something during the winter break. Participating in social practice, broadening my horizons, and earning some tuition to help my family is a good thing. If I've caused any trouble, I'm sorry!"

Xia Shamo's mother smiled, her wrinkles full of kindness. "Xia Shamo doesn't have many friends and rarely goes out. I'm glad she's willing to come out. Just take good care of her."

"Xia Shamo is much more sensible than us boys. We should learn from her. Can I have your phone number, Aunt Xia? In case anything happens, we can communicate easily." Cheng Xiaoyu enthusiastically took out his phone and handed it to Xia Shamo's mother.

Xia Shamo's mother didn't refuse, entered her phone number, and dialed it. "You're a smart kid. I feel at ease with Xia Shamo around you. The bar is a mixed place, so please keep an eye on her. She's a young girl and can be naive."

Cheng Xiaoyu took his phone, saved "Aunt Xia," and said, "Don't worry, Aunt Xia. The guests here are mostly students, and the bar is run by my classmate's brother. I promise nothing will happen."

Xia Shamo also pulled her mother's arm and said softly, "Mom, don't worry. My classmates take good care of me." Her tone lacked any coquettishness.

Cheng Xiaoyu quickly took the opportunity to say goodbye to Xia Shamo's mother. "Goodbye, Aunt Xia. Take care on your way home!" He winked at Xia Shamo and left.

Xia Shamo's mother, looking at Cheng Xiaoyu's broad back, said, "This kid is nice. How is his academic performance?"

Xia Shamo quickly replied, "Our band's drummer is the top student in the grade. Cheng Xiaoyu scored zero in math but is the 33rd in our class. He's better than me in several subjects, scoring 150 in Chinese, which caused a stir in the school." She didn't mention Wang Ou, who was the last in the class, and deliberately ignored the fact that Cheng Xiaoyu's zero in math was due to his poor performance.

Xia Shamo's mother didn't ask more and pushed the bike, turning to walk home with Xia Shamo.

Xia Shamo secretly sighed in relief, fearing Cheng Xiaoyu might leave a bad impression on her mother.

As Cheng Xiaoyu turned to leave, tears welled up in his eyes. The elongated shadow under the street lamp and the smile in the wrinkles reminded him of his mother.