"Fisherman's Song at Dusk" depicts the beautiful scene of the setting sun reflecting on the vast blue waves, fishermen leisurely enjoying themselves, and fishing boats drifting away with the waves. This piece of music is the most widely circulated and influential zither solo in China since the 1930s, which is why Li Boyang had an impression of it.
Fortunately, this time Li Boyang noticed the other person's embarrassment, but he didn't know it was because the song he requested hadn't been released yet.
He wasn't familiar with music to begin with; it was good enough if he could remember the name and melody of the piece. Expecting him to remember when it was composed? That's absurd.
He assumed that neither of the two songs she requested were ones that Miss Pan'er knew. Seeing that she was a little embarrassed, he spoke up again to ease the tension:
"I think it would be better if Miss Pan'er told me what she's good at, so I don't have to order."
The words had already left her mouth, and Pan'er's pretty face turned even redder. It was clearly not because she was shy, but because she felt that her specialty had been questioned, and she had no way to refute it.
Although Li Boyang meant well, her words sounded to her like he didn't know how. At that moment, she really wanted to find a place to crawl into, feeling too ashamed to face anyone.
Seeing that the other woman's face was flushed, Li Boyang thought she was having a health problem and kindly asked, "Miss Pan'er, are you alright?"
Pan'er gritted her teeth for a moment, then said softly:
"How about I play a piece of music for you, sir, called 'High Mountains and Flowing Water'?"
“Good, this is good. ‘High mountains and flowing water seek a kindred spirit.’ Mr. Boyang, this poem suits our situation perfectly. Let’s take this one.”
As soon as Pan'er finished speaking, Shen Wansan quickly chimed in, saying that they couldn't let Li Boyang continue to request songs, since he didn't know any of them. If he requested another song, the scene would become awkward.
Tonight's location was arranged by him. If Li Boyang felt that this pleasure boat was incompetent and couldn't do this or that, it would make him seem too useless.
"My skills are limited, please forgive me if it is not good."
Pan'er gave another curtsy and returned behind the painted screen.
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Chapter 126 Shen Wansan's Follow-up Investment
The faint sound of the zither echoed in the room.
Pan'er leaned slightly forward, her ten fingers dancing on the strings.
Her rendition of "High Mountains and Flowing Water" truly evoked a sense of finding a kindred spirit.
Li Boyang shook his head twice. It sounded nice; the woman played quite well. As for hearing a deeper, more profound meaning, sorry, you'd better not ask him for that.
In his view, there are only four types of music: pleasant to listen to; unpleasant to listen to; pleasant to listen to and that he likes to listen to; and unpleasant to listen to and that he doesn't like to listen to.
As for more details, Li Boyang could talk for three days and three nights about his insights and experiences when it came to martial arts, but when it came to the zither, it was beyond the comprehension of an outsider like him.
The piece that Pan'er played was pleasant to listen to and he liked it, and that was enough for him, it was that simple.
"Master Boyang, do you still remember what you said at the Chongyang Hall of the Quanzhen Sect?"
While Li Boyang could still listen to a few lines while swaying his head and bobbing his breast, Shen Wansan was not in the mood for that. He had come to consult a doctor, not to listen to any music.
Li Boyang squinted, listening quietly to the music, and said:
"What? What's your opinion on what I said, Brother Wan?"
"How could I dare to have any opinions?"
"I just feel that Mr. Boyang only said half of what he said in the Chongyang Hall. Could you tell me the other half?"
Shen Wansan's purpose today was simple: he felt that he shouldn't put all his eggs in one basket, but he couldn't find a suitable investment target. He remembered Li Boyang's words in the Chongyang Hall, so he wanted to know the other party's opinion.
"Um?"
"Brother Wan, didn't you support Zhang Shicheng? Why are you suddenly asking about this?"
Interesting. Li Boyang smiled. Could it be that Shen Wansan wanted to change his target? But that's impossible. He has already invested too much in Zhang Shicheng.
Shen Wansan said with a wry smile, "To be honest, as Zhang Shicheng's strength grows, he becomes increasingly difficult to control."
Li Boyang smiled contemptuously. Trying to control a warlord who wanted to seize the world was simply wishful thinking; it was bound to happen sooner or later.
When Zhang Shicheng was still young and needed the support of Shen Wansan and the Beggars' Sect, he might have been able to treat them with utmost respect. But once he grew stronger, expecting them to act the same way as before was nothing short of naive.
If Shen Wansan can't even see through this, what right does he have to invest in the world? He believed that Shen Wansan hadn't revealed his true purpose yet, so he didn't respond.
Seeing that Li Boyang remained silent, Shen Wansan paused and then spoke:
“Mr. Boyang, you know I’m a businessman. Businessmen always like to compare prices. You should understand what I mean, Mr. Boyang.”
"You mean you want me to recommend someone else to you?"
Li Boyang raised an eyebrow, thinking to himself that this was the other party's plan. This was a good thing; he should have said so earlier, he would have been more than happy to accept it.
He had just released Liu Bowen from his apprenticeship and was preparing to have Liu Bowen assist Zhu Yuanzhang. Now that he lacked a gift for Liu Bowen's arrival, Shen Wansan's idea would be the icing on the cake for him.
"So it seems that Mr. Boyang does indeed have a preferred candidate?"
In the Chongyang Hall, Shen Wansan felt that Li Boyang hadn't finished speaking, and now that he asked, it was indeed the case. He just didn't know who the other party was interested in, or whether he was reliable.
Li Boyang smiled mysteriously and asked, "What does Brother Wan think of my student?"
"He has a refined and elegant demeanor and is intelligent, but I don't know much else about him."
Shen Wansan naturally knew that Li Boyang was referring to Liu Bowen, but he had not known Liu Bowen for long and could only make an assessment based on what he had seen.
Li Boyang said with a hint of smugness, "I plan to have him leave my side soon so that he can go and assist the true chosen one who can turn the tide."
Shen Wansan seemed somewhat suspicious. Li Boyang's words seemed exaggerated, as if the person he was talking about was certain to unify the world and end the chaotic era.