Chapter 12

Translator: Larbre Studio  Editor: Larbre Studio

Lu Yao’s complexion worsened considerably, having noticed the intoxicated expressions of the audience below the stage. It was her stage, but the centre of attention had been grabbed by someone else. If it were anyone else in her position, they would not be feeling too good as well.

What was more infuriating was she had invited the person up for a duet with her, yet Tang Shiyun had hogged all the lyrics for herself. It was as though it was Tang Shiyun’s solo, not hers.

From the reactions of the audience, it seemed as though she was just the accompaniment and Tang Shiyun was the star of the show.

If it was any other performance, then she could just turn a blind eye, but there was a very important guest present today, which may very well decide whether her future career could take off.

Thinking about this point, her fingers slipped slightly from the guitar strings. The initial flowing melody now had few jarring notes which immediately gave the audience who were still immersed in the music a rude awakening.

“What happened?” The audience members were full of dissatisfaction and complained.

Lu Yao hurriedly bowed her head and apologized. “Sorry guys, my fingers slipped.”

“That’s alright. We still haven’t heard enough yet! Young lady, can you start singing again from the beginning?”

Lu Yao was fuming inwardly, If I let the lass continue singing, then what’s left for me to do? She turned her gaze towards a man dressed in a formal Western suit, who was standing at the bottom of the stage.

Seeming to catch her hint, the host hurriedly walked onto the stage with a face full of smiles. “Esteemed guests, the performance still needs to go on. The time for the duet with the audience has ended. Young lady, thank you for your exciting performance!”

Tang Shiyun blushed and passed over the microphone to the host, before rushing off the stage, back to Ling Chen’s side. She then nervously looked at him and expectantly asked, “Big Brother Ling, how was my singing?”

“Can’t you tell from everyone’s reactions?”

At that moment, thunderous applause was ringing across the lobby, showing no signs of stopping for quite a while.

Even the troublesome fan from before could not resist raising his thumb towards her. “Young lady, great singing! I almost wanted to switch allegiances to become your fan!”

Tang Shiyun gave an embarrassed smile in response, with both her hands tightly clutching on to Ling Chen’s wrists, acting incredibly intimate with Ling Chen.

The troublesome fan enviably said, “This brother, you’re really fortunate to have such a great girlfriend!”

“That’s true!” Ling Chen burst out into boisterous laughter, his favourable impression towards the fan rising by a few notches.

With Tang Shiyun’s angelic performance setting a precedent, Lu Yao’s following songs seemed rather bland in comparison. Luckily her fans still showed her some face and only dispersed after the end of the concert.

When they left the bar, Ling Chen noticed that it was almost ten o’clock. If they didn’t go home, Ling Chen reckoned that Tang Shiyun’s mother would go out of her mind with worry.

Just as the two were getting ready to flag a taxi, an immaculately-dressed middle-aged gentleman hurriedly caught up to them.

“You two, sorry to trouble you.”

Ling Chen suspiciously looked at the man.

“Who are you?”

The middle-aged gentleman handed over a name card and introduced himself.

“Hello, my name is Zhu Yansong, a producer from Silverstar Entertainment.”

“Is there something you’re stopping us for? We still need to hurry home.”

“It’s like this, just now at the bar, I had the privilege to listen to the young lady’s singing. I feel that her voice is simply too splendid, and with proper training her future potential is limitless.” Speaking till this point, he turned a passionate gaze towards Tang Shiyun.

“Young lady, your talent is simply out of this world. I hope you will cherish it and not waste it.”

“I…”

“Mr Zhu.”

Right at this time, Lu Yao hurriedly rushed out of the bar. Looking at Zhu Yansong, who was standing outside, she almost broke into a run to get to him as fast she could.

“Mr Zhu, I’ve been trying to find you everywhere, so it turns out that you’re outside.”

While saying that, she swept a glance at the nearby Ling Chen and Tang Shiyun and uneasiness welled up in her heart.

Zhu Yansong was a star producer in the entertainment business. If she could manage to gain his favour, then she’d ascend to the heavens, becoming a future superstar would not be a far-off dream.

To invite Zhu Yansong to her performance this time, she had expended a vast sum of resources.

However, after her performance had ended, Zhu Yansong did not approach her but instead went looking for the lass which made her feel extremely uncomfortable.

She had paid a hefty price to invite him over, so how could she let anyone benefit from her sacrifice? Thinking about this left her feeling more infuriated, and she glared at Tang Shiyun with a gaze burning with jealousy.

When facing Lu Yao, Zhu Yansong was not as warm as when he talked to Tang Shiyun. Instead, his face was cold and even contained a trace of disgust.

Considering his status, initially, he did not need to lower himself to watch Lu Yao’s performance, however his boss had given the order, and he was not in a position to reject his boss. It was apparent what methods Lu Yao employed to gain his boss’s favour.

“Miss Lu, why not you go back first. We’ll talk about your matter another day.”

“Mr Zhu…”

“Have I not made myself clear enough?”

Zhu Yansong frowned at her, his impatience evident.

Lu Yao did not want to offend the other party any further and could only hurriedly add, “Sorry then, I won’t bother you anymore.” With that, she turned and walked back into the bar.

After taking a few steps, she could not resist turning her head back only to see Zhu Yansong talking to Tang Shiyun animatedly with a face full of warmth and smiles.

The difference in treatment left her boiling with anger.

“Isn’t this Miss Lu?”

Back at the bar, a few guys walked over to her, with the middle-aged guy at the front waving towards her.

Seeing people approaching her, Lu Yao could only force out a sweet smile on her face and veered to his side, coyly calling out, “Big Brother Sheng, when did you arrive? I didn’t see you at all!”

The middle-aged guy’s name was Yang Sheng, and he was the head of the local gang. He was also the owner of the bar. Back before she debuted, she often sang at bars and was no stranger to Yang Sheng. In fact, her achievements today could largely be attributed to Yang Sheng’s help.

“I came here quite a long time ago. I was talking business with someone in a private room.”

Yang Sheng ran his hands down Lu Yao’s curvy figure, and his eyes were almost spewing fire, burning hot with lust. The corners of his mouth curled up and he said, “Miss Lu, after not seeing you for so long you’re becoming more and more beautiful.”

Lu Yao still maintained a face full of smiles, seemingly showing no offence to the other party’s lewd caress.

“Big Brother Sheng, can you do me a favour?”

“Just say the word. Being able to help a great beauty like Miss Lu is my honour. As long as it’s within my abilities, I’ll do my best to fulfil your request.”

Right at this time, Zhu Yansong was busy trying to persuade Tang Shiyun.

“I’m so sorry Mr Zhu, but I’m still a student. I don’t want to consider joining showbiz at the moment.”

Zhu Yansong anxiously said, “Young Lady, that isn’t a problem at all. I guarantee it wouldn’t affect your studies.”

“Mr Zhu, this matter concerns her future. With you being so anxious, how is she supposed to make a decision? I suggest you give her some time to talk things through with her family.”

“Right, right, I’m too anxious! Then how about this, the name card contains details of my phone number and company address. If you have thought things through, then you can give me a call anytime.”