Made entirely of crystal, its internal structure is clearly visible, making it luxurious and opulent. Although it is silent, it must be a very nice item.
As Jiang Shuiyun was examining the items, the host next to her followed her gaze, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes behind his glasses. "Professor Jiang, this is my youngest son. He loves these things and is making a fool of himself here today."
"Oh, young master, you are truly multi-talented."
Jiang Shuiyun praised it casually, her gaze still fixed on the piano, as she was currently wondering how long it would take to build one.
The topic returned to what the group had been discussing earlier. Jiang Shuiyun handled it with ease. When she had finished speaking, she put down her teacup. "We're all seasoned foxes," she said, and the host suggested that they go downstairs together to take a look.
The group left the teahouse, with the host and Jiang Shuiyun at the back. As they walked and talked, they reached the stairs when someone came towards them. Jiang Shuiyun hadn't paid much attention and stepped aside to let the person pass. Just as they were about to step down, the host called out to the person.
"Xiaoying, this is Professor Jiang. Don't you even greet such an important guest?"
"Father, Professor Jiang, hello."
When the person spoke, Jiang Shuiyun looked over and saw it was the boy who had been playing the zither. She nodded indifferently and continued walking without lingering. The host quickly followed Jiang Shuiyun, not forgetting to glare at the boy who stood there blankly.
Jiang Shuiyun didn't pay any attention to those things. When she walked past the piano, she couldn't help but take another look. She was still thinking about whether she could get Yi Jinbai a set of all-crystal musical instruments. It would definitely be very dazzling if they were put together.
After chatting with the people next to her for a couple of minutes, Jiang Shuiyun took the opportunity to say goodbye. The host didn't want her to stay any longer and personally saw her off to the door.
"Wait."
The driver opened the car door, and Jiang Shuiyun politely said something before getting in and leaving.
With that matter settled, Jiang Shuiyun sat in the car and rubbed her temples. Before she could even close her eyes to rest, the driver slammed on the brakes, nearly sending the windshield crashing into her.
"Professor, are you alright? There's someone up ahead, it should be the young master of the Zhao family, the one playing the piano."
The driver was also a little flustered. Lei Yu, sitting in the passenger seat, turned around and explained to Jiang Shuiyun.
"Running into the road for no reason? Is this young master out of his mind?"
Jiang Shuiyun was somewhat startled, and her tone wasn't much better, "Don't waste time, make him move aside."
Lei Yu accepted the order and went downstairs. Jiang Shuiyun thought that was the end of it, but then she saw the kid pulling Lei Yu toward his car.
Lei Yu opened the car door, bent down to get in, and looked at Jiang Shuiyun with some difficulty, "Young Master Zhao has something to say to you."
Jiang Shuiyun waved for Lei Yu to move aside and looked at Zhao Ying, who was standing by the car door. "Young Master, is there something you need?"
"Professor Jiang, may I speak in the car?" In the chilly spring of January, Zhao Ying was wearing the same tuxedo she had worn while playing the piano earlier, and now she was shivering from the cold as she spoke.
Jiang Shuiyun leaned back, and Lei Yu searched Zhao Ying's back before letting him into the car.
Jiang Shuiyun glanced at Zhao Ying, who sat awkwardly beside her, and said, "My time is very precious."
She glanced at the time; it was almost noon. She had promised to buy Yi Jinbai something delicious and have lunch with her when she got back.
"Professor Jiang, I want to report Zhao Zidong for more than a dozen crimes, including murder and illegal imprisonment."
The car's heater was on, but Zhao Ying was still trembling violently, whether from the cold or fear, she didn't know. That Zhao Zidong was the host from earlier, and also her father.
Jiang Shuiyun looked at the frightened boy in front of her, raised her eyebrows in confusion, and suddenly smiled, "Little friend, do you have some misunderstanding? You should say these things to the police. I'm just a professor who does research and development, and also a businessman. This matter has nothing to do with me."
"I heard Zhao Zidong say that you're not that simple. I beg you," Zhao Ying knelt down in front of Jiang Shuiyun without warning. Although she was trembling like a leaf, she still stubbornly raised her head and looked at Jiang Shuiyun. "Professor Jiang, I beg you, please save my father!"
"Hey! No, wait," even Jiang Shuiyun was caught off guard by this scene. "Little kid, are you acting in a TV drama? What is all this about? If you're in trouble, I'll call the police for you, okay?"
“Professor Jiang, I’m so sorry,” Zhao Ying suddenly kowtowed to Jiang Shuiyun. “Actually, it doesn’t matter whether you help me or not. Zhao Zidong saw me get into your car and knew that his secret couldn’t be kept. You and he are not on the same side. He must be living in fear every day and will eventually make a move against you. Given your importance, he will surely die. Even if I die when I go back, it will be worth it.”
Jiang Shuiyun: !! You little brat, are you trying to use my life to catch your father, this big fish?!
Seeing Zhao Ying turn to open the door and get out of the car, Jiang Shuiyun grabbed the little brat by the back of his collar. "I don't care if what you're saying is true or not. Do you think I'll let you off so easily just because you dragged me into this mess without my permission? Do I look like a sucker?"
Zhao Ying felt a chill run down his spine. He turned to look at Jiang Shuiyun in the chair, unable to believe he had guessed wrong.
Jiang Shuiyun released his grip, wiped his hands with a wet wipe, and looked at Lei Yu in the passenger seat. "This kid tried to attack me. Let's throw him in the police station."
Lei Yu nodded, then called over a car from the rear guard and forced Zhao Ying into it. He then had her taken directly to the police station. Throughout the entire process, Zhao Ying looked on in disbelief.
Lei Yu returned to the car, suppressing a laugh as he looked at Jiang Shuiyun, who was still diligently wiping her hands in the back seat. "Professor, she's nineteen already, and you're still calling her a kid?"
"Nineteen? Isn't that just a child?" Jiang Shuiyun checked the time after making sure her hands were clean. "We can still go buy it now. Let's go."
"Professor, are you really going to abandon this?"
Lei Yu smiled and shook her head. If she remembered correctly, Jiang Shuiyun's twenty-fourth birthday hadn't even passed yet.
"Do I live in the Pacific Ocean? Why are you meddling in my business? I'm just a tech developer, what right do you have to interfere?"
Jiang Shuiyun leaned back in her chair, preparing to find a comfortable position to take a nap.
"Then why did you send him to the police station? With your current status, Professor, wouldn't anyone who dared to attack you have their entire family history investigated? But Professor, do you think what this kid said is true?"
Lei Yu knew Jiang Shuiyun's plan from the beginning. This way, he could avoid getting involved with them, find out whether or not the matter was true, and do so very quickly. He estimated that before Jiang Shuiyun had even finished buying delicious food for Yi Jinbai, Zhao Zidong's family would be able to gather together for tea.
“I don’t care if it’s true or not,” Jiang Shuiyun said with her eyes closed. “Don’t forget to call me when you get there. One is roast duck from over there, the other is some dessert, and some snacks. I need to buy some for Jinbai later.”
“Okay,” Lei Yu readily agreed. “By the way, Professor, Xu Xu will be here soon, in about three or four days. Also, the gems and stuff you asked for have been bought and will be delivered soon. Should we have them delivered directly to your home?”
"Hmm," Jiang Shuiyun responded, then opened her eyes again, "Lei Yu, do you think sapphire isn't very pretty for a proposal? Would pink or red be prettier? Or a diamond?"
“Uh…” Lei Yu, who had never been in a relationship, was stumped by the question and scratched his head. “I’d better call Xu Xu and ask her. She knows everything.”
"Ask away."
Jiang Shuiyun waved her hand, not expecting anything from Lei Yu, nor from Xu Xu, another lifelong single. She still had to think carefully about what color would look good.
When Jiang Shuiyun returned with a large amount of delicious food, she heard the guards tell her that guests had arrived.
Jiang Shuiyun didn't take it seriously at first, thinking it might be Shen Yunyi or the others, but as soon as she nodded, she heard the guard say it was Mr. Shen Xian.
Shen Xian?
Jiang Shuiyun sat up straight immediately. What was this guy doing here?
After handing the food over to Lei Yu, Jiang Shuiyun got out of the car and walked quickly inside. She saw Shen Xian and Yi Jinbai sitting in the living room. She guessed that Shen Xian had just sat down and the tea hadn't been served yet.
"You're back?" Yi Jinbai greeted Jiang Shuiyun with a smile, taking her arm. "Teacher Shen just arrived, what a coincidence."
“It is indeed quite a coincidence,” Jiang Shuiyun said, looking at Shen Xian who had stood up. “Mr. Shen, please have a seat. I had to go out for a moment. I apologize for the inconvenience.”
"Professor Jiang, you're too kind. Actually, I came here today because there's something I'd like to discuss with Jinbai. I wonder if it's convenient for you?"
Shen Xian didn't sit down; he got straight to the point and was indeed not one to beat around the bush.
Jiang Shuiyun was somewhat taken aback. Were they so self-righteous that they wanted her to get out of the way?
Yi Jinbai tugged at Jiang Shuiyun's sleeve, "Why don't you go upstairs and change your clothes first?"
Jiang Shuiyun immediately looked at Yi Jinbai with a wronged expression. How could he have actually let her avoid him?
"Sweetie, it's just a few words. Go upstairs first."
Yi Jinbai gave Jiang Shuiyun a comforting kiss and coaxed her upstairs.
Since Yi Jinbai had already said that, Jiang Shuiyun had no choice but to go upstairs. After reaching the second floor, she entered the study, which was still open.
"Close the door, and don't eavesdrop."
Jiang Shuiyun's little scheme was practically laid bare to Yi Jinbai. When Yi Jinbai spoke up to remind her, he saw the door reluctantly close.
Although the door was closed, Jiang Shuiyun glanced at the study window, opened it, and nimbly jumped onto the balcony of the next room. She quietly slipped into the next room, which was also not closed. She tiptoed behind the door and listened intently to the conversation downstairs.
A note from the author:
First update.
Chapter 80
Yi Jinbai poured tea for Shen Xian, "Teacher Shen, please have a seat."
Shen Xian then sat down, looking at Yi Jinbai with regret in his eyes, "Jinbai, why did you refuse my suggestion? It's such a good opportunity, it's a real pity for you."
Yi Jinbai paused, holding a teacup in his hand. Shen Xian had suggested to Yi Jinbai before that Yi Jinbai's current style wouldn't make much of a splash in China. Instead of wasting time in China, he should consider studying abroad to enhance his resume. Shen Xian even handed Yi Jinbai an acceptance letter from the Jordan Brands Conservatory of Music and an invitation from the Winchester Opera House.
According to Shen Xian's plan, in a few years, Yi Jinbai will have a high international reputation. At that time, whether he returns to China or continues to stay abroad, he will definitely be a musician who is admired by everyone.
This kind of good thing, which is comparable to a pie falling from the sky, was something Yi Jinbai only hesitated slightly before choosing to refuse. Shen Xian had tried to persuade her many times, but each time it ended in vain. Until this time, when Yi Jinbai and Jiang Shuiyun announced their relationship in a high-profile manner, Shen Xian was really spitting blood. Because of Jiang Shuiyun's special status and their relationship, the possibility of Yi Jinbai going abroad was completely shattered.
After much deliberation, Shen Xian couldn't sit still any longer, so he found some time to meet Yi Jinbai in person. In his eyes, Yi Jinbai's talent and future potential were limitless. To let things slip by like this would be like letting a pearl be covered in dust, a complete waste of talent.
“Teacher Shen, I know you mean well, but I really never thought about leaving. As long as Shuiyun is here, I will stay here. I’m sorry to have disappointed you after all the trouble you’ve gone to.”
Yi Jinbai had thought all of this through. Leaving would indeed lead to a bright future, but it wasn't the future she wanted. Moreover, she knew in her heart that, given Jiang Shuiyun's temperament, if she wanted to, Jiang Shuiyun would be the first to support her and would personally guide her onto that better path. Therefore, Yi Jinbai didn't tell Jiang Shuiyun about this at all. For her, there was no other answer to this matter; she wouldn't leave.
The only regret is that the path Shen Xian paved for her was wasted.
“Jiang Shuiyun,” Shen Xian said with a self-deprecating smile, “Jinbai, I really don’t know what you like about her. No one is worth giving up your bright future. The most important thing in life is to realize your own value.”
"The first person to say this to me was Jiang Shuiyun. I don't feel like I gave up anything for her, and I've been working hard to realize my own value, so there's no conflict between us."
Yi Jinbai still remembers the way Jiang Shuiyun looked when she said those words. She had said them to him and to the members of the Miracle Team, and they all kept those words in mind.
“You’re just fooling yourself,” Shen Xian shook his head. “If you hadn’t been with her, or if you had been willing to be with me, things would have been completely different.”
Yi Jinbai knew Shen Xian's feelings. Shen Xian was not a hesitant or indecisive person, and he didn't know what unrequited love was. So when he realized that he had a special feeling for Yi Jinbai, he told Yi Jinbai directly. The result was obvious: the two of them remained the same except for becoming more distant.
Thinking of this, Shen Xian frowned slightly. "I don't understand why you chose her to reject me. We have a good understanding, we share common goals and are on the same wavelength. We should be the most compatible, but she doesn't understand anything."
"She doesn't understand music, and you don't understand love."
Yi Jinbai's conclusion was straightforward and incisive: "Yes, she doesn't understand anything. She can't even draw sheet music. She falls asleep when she listens to my songs. She doesn't understand those professional terms. Her only comment is 'it sounds good.' But she likes me, Teacher Shen, while you only like some of the same qualities that I have with you."
"I don't understand the difference." Shen Xian said, his eyes filled with confusion.
"Jiang Shuiyun likes me simply because I am who I am. That's why she likes me without reservation, a pure and complete me. I can miss many of you, but I only want one of you in the whole world."
Yi Jinbai wasn't impatient. She knew that Shen Xian truly didn't understand. As a young genius, there were very few things in this world that Shen Xian didn't understand, and love was one of them. Therefore, his works covered national sentiments, the vicissitudes of life, and even ordinary people on the street, but love was the least of his works.
Shen Xian still didn't understand. He knew very well that some things could not be understood or felt without experiencing them firsthand, so he didn't dwell on it and returned to the previous topic.
"Perhaps I really don't understand love, but I know that you and I are pursuing art. It would be unwise of you to give up this opportunity."
“Perhaps we are not so the same,” Yi Jinbai remained unmoved. “Music should be an embellishment of life for me, not the whole thing. Perhaps I will never become an artist as great as you.”
It seemed that Yi Jinbai was determined. Shen Xian knew he couldn't persuade her, but he still felt a little regretful. "It's not worth it. Your talent shouldn't stop here."
Yi Jinbai laughed, “Teacher Shen, this is the difference between you and Jiang Shuiyun. She doesn’t understand anything, so she said as long as I’m happy. No matter how big the sky is, it’s no match for my happiness. She doesn’t care about whether it’s worth it or not. She only knows that if I’m happy, she will do her best to help me. If I’m not happy, I can turn around at any time because she will always be behind me.”
"A good partner is one who encourages each other to move forward and become a better version of themselves," Shen Xian argued, somewhat unconvinced.
“We’ve been pushed too far by life, so it’s all the more precious to let go of ourselves at this point. It’s rare to find someone who’s willing to spoil you, indulge you, and protect you without limits, so you can get along in the most comfortable way. In my eyes, that’s the best kind of partner.”