Thank you so much for your support! I will continue to work hard!
Chapter 70
Standing in front of the car, Yi Jinbai watched Shen Yunyi get out of the driver's seat and walk towards him. He glanced uncertainly in the direction of the car. Why hadn't Jiang Shuiyun gotten out yet?
Shen Yunyi also noticed Yi Jinbai's gaze, glanced at his car, and said, "Miss Yi, there's no need to look anymore, Shuiyun hasn't returned."
"What's wrong?" Yi Jinbai's heart skipped a beat, but seeing that Shen Yunyi didn't seem to be in a hurry, it probably couldn't be anything wrong. But he should be back by now.
"Shuiyun probably won't be back for a while. Because of the confidentiality of this project, her whereabouts are top secret and handled by professionals. She left by plane tonight. To be honest, none of us know where she is now."
Shen Yunyi briefly explained the situation to Yi Jinbai. Seeing Yi Jinbai's stunned expression, he scratched his head somewhat awkwardly, "Shuiyun told me some things before she left, which are about you, so I came to pass on the message."
Yi Jinbai's initial excitement plummeted. Hearing Shen Yunyi's words, he snapped out of his daze and said, "Alright, Mr. Shen, let's go inside and have a cup of tea before we talk."
Shen Yunyi and Yi Jinbai entered the house. Shen Yunyi looked around at the environment of the new house, which was indeed very nice. In every aspect, it was better than the one he lived in. This was why Jianghe Group could easily get such a house; other people might not be able to buy it even if they had the money.
"I haven't congratulated Miss Yi yet on moving to her new home. May this bring you great fortune."
Shen Yunyi noticed the table full of food in the restaurant next door and remembered the matter, then offered his congratulations.
Yi Jinbai showed no joy on his face. After thanking Shen Yunyi, he and Shen Yunyi went to the tea room next door to sit down. He poured tea and listened to Shen Yunyi slowly tell him what Jiang Shuiyun had told him.
“Before Shuiyun left, she knew she didn’t need to worry about anything at the company or the Jiang family, so she only told her about things related to you,” Shen Yunyi said, taking out his phone. “I recorded everything she said. Do you want to hear my retelling or her own voice?”
Can I hear her voice?
Yi Jinbai naturally chose to accept Jiang Shuiyun's words, even though it was just a recording.
Shen Yunyi nodded, "Of course."
Shen Yunyi opened his phone and found Jiang Shuiyun's recording. In the quiet house, Jiang Shuiyun's voice was very clear.
"Contact Gao Zhouzhou and bring Yi Jinbai..."
Jiang Shuiyun recounted everything she had said about the music company without missing a single word. Yi Jinbai listened quietly. It turned out that Jiang Shuiyun had already planned everything for him. However, she didn't have time to do these things herself, so she entrusted them to Shen Yunyi. She had thought everything through and was always looking out for him.
The recording ended, it was very short, just a few sentences. Yi Jinbai glanced at Shen Yunyi's phone, "Is that all?"
“There’s another part,” Shen Yunyi replied.
"...As for the message, please tell her for me that I hope she takes good care of herself, lives a happy life, and can come to you if she needs anything."
After the recording ended, Jiang Shuiyun only said these words to Yi Jinbai, besides explaining that she had registered the house under Yi Jinbai's name.
"What does this mean?" Yi Jinbai felt that Jiang Shuiyun's last words were not right, and slowly clenched the hem of his clothes.
"Miss Yi, there's something I'm not sure if I should say."
Shen Yunyi was conflicted. These were his own guesses, and he wasn't entirely sure. He didn't know whether he should tell Yi Jinbai or not. After all, what if Jiang Shuiyun didn't mean it that way? Wouldn't he become the sinner?
"Speak." Hearing Shen Yunyi say this, Yi Jinbai felt even more uncertain.
"Here's the thing, there's a little bit in between these two recordings that Shuiyun paused herself and didn't get recorded. She asked my second brother Shen Xian about his character and stuff, and I said that although my second brother is a bit cold-hearted, his character is passable, okay, I can't find fault with him. She said that's good. I don't know what she meant by that, it's just a guess."
Shen Yunyi paused, looking at Yi Jinbai's slightly furrowed brows, "And another thing is, when I left, my eldest brother Shen Fu told me something. Originally, after discussing this project with Jianghe Group, the higher-ups didn't plan to involve Shen's Group. However, before the meeting started, Shen's Group received an invitation. According to reliable sources, it was Shuiyun who made the offer. My eldest brother thought I persuaded Shuiyun, but I didn't say that. After thinking about it, I think the remaining possibility is related to Miss Yi and my second brother. This is just my guess, because Shuiyun doesn't care about anything in this project except the core technology, so it's a bit unusual for her to suddenly make this offer."
Shen Yunyi and Shen Fu said the same thing, which was the only possibility he could think of. "Of course, I want to emphasize again that this is all just my wild guess. Miss Yi just heard it."
Yi Jinbai didn't speak. Her mind was a jumble of thoughts, and she couldn't make sense of what was going on. She wanted to ask Shen Yunyi why he was related to her and Shen Xian.
Shen Yunyi noticed that Yi Jinbai remained silent and wondered if he had been too talkative.
“Miss Yi, you shouldn’t take this to heart. I know about your relationship with Shuiyun. Shuiyun is a very loyal person. Maybe what she did was a blessing gift for you two, right?”
Shen Yunyi was still trying to explain, but for some reason, the more he explained, the uglier Yi Jinbai's expression seemed to become. Could it be that his guess about the relationship between Yi Jinbai and Shen Xian was wrong? Then why did Jiang Shuiyun inexplicably inquire about his second brother's character and pull this stunt?
Shen Yunyi felt a little confused; what was going on here?
"Did Jiang Shuiyun tell you about our current relationship? What did she say? What did she say about me and Teacher Shen?" Yi Jinbai's voice was very calm, which was somewhat inconsistent with his ugly expression, making Shen Yunyi's heart pound. He felt like he had said something he shouldn't have.
"No, I just thought you two were a couple, and then Shuiyun said you're not anymore. She never mentioned you and Shen Xian to me. It was all just my guess. I was just making wild guesses. I might not be thinking clearly today, so I'm talking incoherently. Please don't take it to heart."
Shen Yunyi felt like he was sitting on pins and needles. He was thinking of leaving. Why did he have to be so talkative? Wouldn't it have been better to just let Yi Jinbai listen to Jiang Shuiyun's recording and then leave?
"Just a wild guess?" Yi Jinbai felt a bitter taste in his mouth.
“Yes,” Shen Yunyi wanted to run away immediately. “Miss Yi, I’ve said what I should and shouldn’t have said. If there’s nothing else, I’ll be going now. Please don’t take my words to heart. Also, if there’s anything else, you can tell me directly. Shui Yun instructed that during her absence, Miss Yi’s affairs are my affairs.”
"Thank you for your help, Mr. Shen."
Yi Jinbai noticed Shen Yunyi's predicament and stood up to see him off.
Watching Shen Yunyi drive away, Yi Jinbai returned with a calm expression. He walked into the restaurant, sat down at the table, and looked at the sumptuous dinner. He felt as if his heart was being torn apart.
No wonder Jiang Shuiyun has been acting so strangely these past two days. She actually thought I was going to be with Shen Xian, so what? So she agreed without even asking me a single question, just making up her mind like that. She's really generous, giving away houses and projects like that. Should I thank her?
Yi Jinbai picked up his chopsticks and ate the food in front of him in big mouthfuls. Mixed with bitter tears, the bitterness was so intense that he couldn't swallow a single bite.
After putting down his chopsticks, Yi Jinbai saw for the first time so clearly the place Jiang Shuiyun held in his heart.
The two used to be inseparable, spending most of their time together. Even when they were apart, they kept in touch. Their message history was countless, dating back to when Jiang Shuiyun went out to compete and Yi Jinbai went to record a single.
It's like boiling a frog in lukewarm water. When the other person is around, you don't feel anything. And for some reason, you always feel that the other person will always be behind you, always within your reach. Although the two of them have never said it explicitly, she thought that the two of them could stay like that forever, like fish and water, and neither of them would leave the other.
But no, he should have known sooner that Jiang Shuiyun had no obligation to always stand behind him. Yi Jinbai felt as if the water on his face could never be wiped clean.
The phone on the table next to him rang. Yi Jinbai looked over and saw that it was Gao Zhouzhou calling.
Today is also the release date of Yi Jinbai's first single, and the response has been excellent, completely exceeding expectations.
The recommendations from Shen Xian, Fei Yan, and Gao Zhouzhou played a significant role. They discussed and agreed on the recommendation method to avoid strong promotion and excessive marketing that could cause public resentment.
First, Shen Xian sent a message.
[Shen Xian: I unexpectedly heard a great new song today, and I'd like to recommend it to you guys.]
Shen Xian had recommended newcomers before, but everyone he recommended soared to new heights after his recommendation, becoming a hot new generation of music superstars with a pivotal position. Therefore, Shen Xian's recommendations were also known as a divine touch.
The last one was the current king of folk music, so when this news was seen, it immediately became a trending topic within half an hour, and the single's downloads immediately exceeded 100,000.
Then Fei Yan and Gao Zhouzhou forwarded Shen Xian's words one after another, which made perfect sense. How could their fans not be interested in the song recommended by their idol?
With the addition of other marketing accounts, the song's name was trending on social media for a day, and its popularity instantly became one of the top ten songs on major music platforms that day.
The audience response was also positive. Although compared to the fast-paced, catchy songs that are currently popular, this song is a bit too soothing, but to each their own. In addition, the song is of high quality and has won a lot of praise. Yi Jinbai's newly registered account has also attracted a lot of attention.
Yi Jinbai was naturally pleased with the results. She originally wanted to share it with Jiang Shuiyun, but then she remembered that Jiang Shuiyun was not happy when she learned that Shen Xian and others had helped promote the project. In addition, Jiang Shuiyun was probably very busy, so she could only swallow her thoughts and decided to talk about it when she got back in the evening.
Such a result must have pleased everyone except Yi Jinbai, especially Gao Zhouzhou. She felt that this was largely due to her foresight, so she called in the morning to say that she wanted to find an opportunity to have a celebratory drink with Yi Jinbai.
At the time, Yi Jinbai readily agreed, but now, looking at Gao Zhouzhou's phone, he had no desire to answer it.
Watching the screen light up and then go out, Yi Jinbai remained motionless until the same ringtone sounded for the third time before he finally answered.
"Jinbai, why didn't you answer the phone after I called you so many times? I have some good news to tell you."
Gao Zhouzhou's voice came from the other side. Her signature loud voice, combined with her already excited tone, was extremely penetrating and infectious. However, none of this affected Yi Jinbai. It was as if there was a transparent barrier around her, isolating her from all influencing factors.
"What's up?"
Yi Jinbai's voice was very low, and it was immediately clear that something was wrong.
Although Gao Zhouzhou on the other end was carefree, she wasn't stupid. She immediately sensed that something was wrong. "Jinbai, what happened? Weren't you having a good time before?"
"It's okay, you go first."
Yi Jinbai tried his best to make his voice sound like nothing was wrong.
Gao Zhouzhou, on the other end of the line, was half-believing and half-doubting. "No matter what happens, remember to tell me. It's a joyous day, so cheer up! And I have some great news for you too. You'll definitely be happy when you hear it."
"Go ahead," Yi Jinbai said, lowering his eyes, not believing that any news could affect him.
Gao Zhouzhou, of course, didn't notice this and continued, "Let me tell you, I just got a call from Shen Yunyi. My god, Jiang Shuiyun has really stepped up! She actually bought out Feiyue Music Company! What kind of move is that? I just found out about it, and the acquisition is already complete. And Shen Yunyi told me that Jiang Shuiyun bought the company for you, and also told me to take good care of myself..."
Gao Zhouzhou was still talking non-stop, but Yi Jinbai already knew about these things. It was indeed Jiang Shuiyun who said it herself, but what good was that?
"Hey?! Jinbai, say something! Why aren't you saying anything again?"
After Gao Zhouzhou finished her rapid-fire speech, she realized that Yi Jinbai had been silent for a long time, and couldn't help but keep asking her questions.
“I’m listening. I already know about it. Mr. Shen told me.”
Yi Jinbai's voice had basically returned to normal, but she couldn't fake happiness in her tone.
"Shen Yunyi, that quick-tongued guy, beat me to it! No wonder you didn't seem too surprised," Gao Zhouzhou blamed Shen Yunyi for Yi Jinbai's lack of joy, so she didn't think much of it. "But Jinbai, we might see each other often in the future. Also, I heard that you'll be managed by Feiyue Company's top agent. Don't worry, this will definitely be handled perfectly. Our Jinbai is definitely tomorrow's rising star! A superstar!"
Yi Jinbai and Gao Zhouzhou exchanged a few more words before finally hanging up. In an instant, she felt as if all her strength had been drained away. She curled up in her chair, staring blankly at the screen as it went dark.
Suddenly she picked up her phone and started dialing Jiang Shuiyun's number. There was no busy signal; instead, a cold, inorganic female voice came from the other end, telling Yi Jinbai that the other party's phone was switched off.
I kept calling again and again, but the result was always the same.
Yi Jinbai seemed to have finally accepted the fact. He stopped dialing repeatedly, scrolled down to find Shen Yunyi's phone number, and dialed it.
"Miss Yi, is there anything I can help you with?"
Shen Yunyi answered the call quickly, but he was a little nervous. Was Yi Jinbai calling him to ask about what had just happened?
"Mr. Shen, how can I get in touch with Jiang Shuiyun? Please help me contact her."
Yi Jinbai had only one thought in her mind: she wanted to hear Jiang Shuiyun's voice right now. She wanted to explain everything to her clearly and didn't want to wait a moment longer.
“Ms. Yi, I think you’ve already called Shuiyun. It’s not that I don’t want to help you, but this is not something I can decide, or rather, it’s not something Shuiyun can decide. None of us know where she is right now. Her phone and all her other contact methods are invalid. She’s completely isolated from the world right now. None of us can reach her unless she contacts us, but that’s only one-way communication, and there’s definitely no way we can communicate.”
Shen Yunyi pinched the bridge of his nose, glanced at his watch which was already past midnight, and shook his head helplessly.
Yi Jinbai was still unwilling to give up, "When will she be back?"
"I really don't know either. These kinds of things are confidential." Not to mention Shen Yunyi, even Jiang Shuiyun herself said that the timeframe was uncertain and could be either short or long.
When will she contact us?
Yi Jinbai never imagined that finding someone could be so difficult.
"I really don't know either. It all depends on her own wishes. After all, we can't decide this. Miss Yi, please don't make things difficult for me. If I can help, I definitely will."
Shen Yunyi only heard Jiang Shuiyun mention it casually and didn't actually give a specific time.
With all possibilities blocked, Yi Jinbai hung up the phone in despair.
Yi Jinbai sat in the chair, sitting there blankly all night. It turned out that the connection between her and Jiang Shuiyun was so weak, so weak that she tried every possible way to find Jiang Shuiyun, but in the end, she only had two options: to call or find Shen Yunyi. She didn't even have any other ideas.
As dawn broke, Jiang Shuiyun successfully arrived at her destination, a secluded secret base.