Chapter 023: A Shift in Mindset

ps: Thanks to Void Heart and henhen―120 for their generous rewards. The competition for recommended slots in the urban category is fierce, and it seems there won’t be any recommendations until the Dragon Boat Festival. So, there will only be one update a day for now. If you want more chapters, urge me on—push hard, or bribe me with rewards.

Returning backstage, Le Xiaotian once again donned a smiling face, adding a self-deprecating grin, “It seems the performance is not happening. Shall we go for a drink together?”

Though the six beauties wanted nothing more than to share a drink and chat with him, they comforted him, “Perhaps the audience is just late? We’ve seen this happen before. Shall we wait a little longer?”

Late arrivals were possible, but how could more than half the attendees all be late? This wasn’t school—these were seats bought with money.

He packed up his violin, slung the case over his shoulder, and prepared to leave. Le Xiaotian’s tone was calm, “Tomorrow night I want every seat filled, not a single one empty.”

Though he spoke so, anger simmered within him.

A performance without an audience is no performance at all, but that doesn’t mean the musician must grovel before the crowd. At least, that’s how he saw it.

The renowned third movement of “Pathetique,” performed on electric violin, blended with pop elements, alongside masterpieces like “Palladio,” “Flight of the Bumblebee,” “Running Song”—yet even with only 398 seats, he couldn’t fill the hall?!

He hadn’t confronted the audience or started a brawl; he felt he was already being exceedingly patient.

Had none of these spectators listened to the first episode of “Xiaotian’s Request Channel”?

Even if they hadn’t, the topic should have been trending these past few days. He already had about thirty hit songs on Tianlai Net; this situation shouldn’t be happening!

Just as he sensed something amiss, his phone vibrated in his pocket.

When he checked, it was Zhang Lei’s number. He promptly turned the phone off.

Noticing this, one of the female sound engineers asked, “Is that Zhang Lei from the Review Department? Aren’t you going to answer?”

Le Xiaotian smiled, unconcerned. “This isn’t something I need to handle. Why should I worry?”

His nonchalant attitude nearly made the six beauties bite their tongues. How could this not concern him?

They’d spent these days together and knew Le Xiaotian’s temper was fierce, but some matters couldn’t be left to impulse.

Another beauty asked, “Don’t you need to explain?”

Le Xiaotian’s gaze deepened. “No need. I’ll resolve it by tomorrow morning.”

“Really? I’m afraid that might not be possible.” A woman’s voice echoed from not far away.

When the identity was confirmed, everyone turned to her. “Sister Zhen.”

Le Xiaotian was surprised. She hadn’t cheered him on before; was her appearance now connected to his suspicions?

Aware that the other six women were present, Le Xiaotian decided not to expose anything yet.

So he smiled, “Come on, I’ll treat you all to drinks. No more refusals.”

776 Bar—one of Beihai’s most famous.

In the best private room, under dazzling lights, Le Xiaotian watched the six beauties, drunk, serenading him with love songs. Finally, he found a chance to whisper to Sun Yuzhen.

“Sister Zhen, was tonight’s empty audience Zhang Hao’s doing?”

After last night’s failure, Sun Yuzhen was filled with anxiety, unable to understand Le Xiaotian’s attitude.

Things had gone as far as undressing, yet he hadn’t taken her. Did he have some unspoken reason?

Or was he bothered by her age? Yet she’d taken good care of herself.

Could it all be one-sided, and Le Xiaotian had never felt any affection for her?

These doubts plagued Sun Yuzhen, leaving her out of sorts all day, even reluctant to encourage him.

Still, she had quietly attended. After all, she knew this was Xiaotian’s debut performance. It was a completely different realm from radio.

The result: he canceled the show.

After uncovering the strange circumstances tonight, she leveraged her status at Nine Phoenixes to seek out Zhang Lei. Through probing questions, Zhang Lei tacitly confirmed that Zhang Hao had given the order.

But how did Le Xiaotian know? Was it just a guess?

Setting aside her questions, Sun Yuzhen took a sip of chilled red wine, then nestled into Le Xiaotian’s arms. “Xiaotian, Zhang Hao’s influence is overwhelming. You haven’t found your footing yet. While I have some connections in Beihai, they’re useless against him. Yuzhen will go with you to seek opportunities elsewhere, will you?”

Moved by her gesture, Le Xiaotian wrapped his arm around her waist. This time, no thunder struck.

Sun Yuzhen had managed to carve out her own success in Beihai while maintaining her dignity; besides her exceptional abilities, her journey couldn’t have been easy.

Yet she was willing to give it all up to follow him. It seemed she truly loved him.

Moved, Le Xiaotian spoke gently, “Yuzhen, don’t worry. Tomorrow, I’ll sell all 398 tickets in Solo Hall Two—at ten times today’s price. No matter how formidable Zhang Hao seems, he’s nothing compared to me.”

Today, fewer than a hundred tickets sold. To sell at tenfold the price tomorrow? And Zhang Hao surely wouldn’t let it go so easily. How could that be possible?

Though skeptical, Sun Yuzhen asked, “Are you sure?”

Le Xiaotian’s eyes narrowed, his smile turning icy. “I underestimated Zhang Hao’s cunning, but he underestimated my abilities.”

Seeing his expression, Sun Yuzhen was lost. Though their acquaintance was brief, she knew well—Le Xiaotian’s temper was fierce, stubborn, and proud.

Previously, Zhang Hao asked him to write songs—he refused. That led to bloody conflict at Dalang Alley.

She’d thought he would retreat after that incident. But now, it was clear he had no intention of backing down.

Le Xiaotian leaned in close to Sun Yuzhen’s right ear. “Want to go home?”

Recalling the awkwardness of last night, Sun Yuzhen couldn’t help but complain, “Are you trying to make fun of me again?”

Le Xiaotian’s eyes sharpened. “Even if it kills me, tonight I’ll see things through with you.”

Sun Yuzhen protested, “You make it sound like going to war. There’s no need to amuse me; I’ve forgotten about last night.”

Words were useless now; only actions could prove everything.

After downing a large glass of red wine, Le Xiaotian picked up the microphone. “Ladies, that’s enough fun for tonight. Let me take you home.”

The six tipsy beauties agreed happily, “Alright!”

Of course, their wish was not fulfilled. After dropping them off, Le Xiaotian went straight to Sun Yuzhen’s apartment.

Five hours later, lying in bed, Le Xiaotian smoked a cigarette, gazing at the peacefully sleeping Sun Yuzhen beside him, his mind in turmoil.

Indeed, Xiao Jiu hadn’t struck him with lightning for a reason—he’d developed genuine feelings for her.

So what now? Should he protect her by sending her away, as he did with Su Yun?

Damn it! Brother Xiaotian did not want to be so repressed.

Lan Cang had yet to make a move, Zhang Hao was causing trouble again, and Xiao Jiu wasn’t entirely on his side.

Would anyone be allowed to trample on Brother Xiaotian? Absolutely not! I refuse!

At that moment, Sun Yuzhen awoke. “Husband, aren’t you tired? Your wife wants to sleep.”

Looking at his woman, Le Xiaotian made a new decision. “Just finished reflecting on life—going to sleep now.”