Chapter 280 - Selena Tang (18) <2-in-1>

Qin Tai forgot to consult Zheng Xiang, no, Jiang Li about the exact plans for the songs so he temporarily left the group of men, planning to call the guy who just left. He also wanted to know why he sold those to him.

He was one of the few aware that those were songs not yet released to the public but posted privately in the man's account. Since the man seemed unwilling to let those pieces be air to the masses, why sell then? After all, he was a businessman. It would be natural for him to put those songs to use. Yet wouldn't that contradict the singer's original intention? 

'Jiang Li must have a plan. He keeps giving the other boys weird advice. I don't believe he has no scheme for himself when he's the one who suffered the most in their hands.' Qin Tai absent-mindedly thought as he evaded the other guests and sought out a fairly secluded spot.

It seemed his call went through when Jiang Li was already driving back to his recently bought two-story townhouse in the southern part of the city. After all, the other complained to him. "Hey, young master Qin, how free are you? Do you know if I end up in an accident because you suddenly called, I will haunt you until you die?"

Qin Tai coughed. His eyes checked the surroundings, and when he saw that there were people seemingly heading his way, he frowned then walked towards the balcony. There should be lesser chances of being pestered by anyone there.

Leaning his back against the wall, he faced the dazzling night scenery in front. The mansion of the magnate celebrating his wife's birthday was in a high location which overlooks the whole city. The assorted lights and gentle breeze was perfect to lift one's mood up.

The man chuckled as he replied, "Sorry, I just remembered the songs you want to sell to me. I simply don't get why you don't want to retain even a part of the copyright. Do you have other ideas for those?"

"My only plan is to monetize them." Jiang Li laughed. "I'm a poor man. Since there's a CEO who can generously give me something in exchange, I'm more than willing to sell my creations. How much are you planning to give me again? May I expect more than ten thousand dollars?"

'Poor man, your face,' the heir's mouth formed a sneer. In his mind, he was in awe of the other's shamelessness.

"Since you said so, fine. I'll send my lawyer to you tomorrow. You only need to sign. And the money will be transferred to your account. Don't worry, it will be an amount which will definitely satisfy you. I saw the value of the dozen or so songs. I'll be fair."

"Hey, that should be separate from my dividends." Jiang Li reminded.

"What are you taking me for? A swindler?" Qin Tai answered, his tone hinting that he was a bit offended.

"I'm just being careful. Because I heard apart from our circle, you are best friends with Tang Jinyi. Days ago, that guy offered me a ten-year contract with 7:3 distri----"

"Stop! I already told that guy about you. He's a fool, alright? I'm sane!"

'Don't you know you sound like somebody hiding something nasty?'  

"Good then. I have no complaints," from the other line, the man answered. He then asked, "So do you have anything more to add? I'm driving."

Qin Tai thought for a moment and when the guess in his mind became finalized, he laughingly shook his head. "No. Drive safely…."

However, before he let Jiang Li hang up, he actually added, "Actually, I have something to add… I just realized, you sure know how to create disgusting lyrics. I wonder how you stomach writing and singing those."

"Huh? What---!"

He then ended the call, smirking to himself since he had a hunch the other guy, the oldest of their bunch, was planning to spout profanities at him. The thought put him in a good mood.

'You made fun of me and my reputation? Fine, I'll simply apply what I learn from you and get back at you.'  

Qin Tai felt like he had taken revenge a bit. After all, it was hard to make their oldest lose composure. The online singer slash shadow shareholder was a faker who loved donning the guise of a gentleman who was both mature yet naïve. Who knows how could he stand acting like that in real life?

'I heard he's going to be an actor. Is his fake persona a training for him?' Qin Tai almost burst into laughter.

After shaking his head, he pocketed his phone and turned around. He was naturally intending to head back to his boys and see how far and stupid their discussion had become.

Perhaps they were already talking about how to murder Liu De, the bastard of the century, as they dubbed? Or perhaps, exchanging more silly ideas on how to chase women? If not for seeing his previous self in them, he would have claimed no association whatsoever to them.

"Mr. Qin." Suddenly, a female voice rang from his right, prompting him to turn his head there.

It was quite unexpected. He showed surprise upon seeing a familiar figure slowly making her way out of the dim spot near the entrance. She trotted towards his direction in her black stilettos. In his estimate, the woman had been there for some time.

Since there was no one else nearby, he could only be her target. The only reason she didn't interrupt nor speak earlier was that he was still on phone with somebody. If not for that, she would have not observed decorum and approached without any hesitation.

'Again?' Young Master Qin almost didn't manage to hold back his frown on time. 'What does she want this time?'

He gave the lady a smile, however, it was one which was at most polite, neither servile nor joyous like he used to give her before. The reaction was purposely made to look perfunctory.

"Good evening, Miss Mo. It's a pleasure to meet you here," he said to Mo Zan. His tone suggested politeness, yet it sounded distant. He was denying familiarity with her.

A smile appeared on the face of the refined woman. She was dressed in a black shoulderless gown that fitted on her upper body and h.i.p.s but flowed loosely around the calves.

Yet, although she maintained the elegant arc formed by her red lips, her gaze darkened. As somebody taught from a young age to be observant of the behavior and speeches of people around her, she naturally noticed his unusual attitude. He was acting so distant.

Why did Qin Tai change?

It was a question that gave the woman countless headaches.

She hid her thoughts and maintained the captivating curl of her lips. She said, "It's been a while since we spoke to each other, Mr. Qin. I have yet to congratulate you on the opening of your new mall in Shanghai. May I have a few words with you?"

Qin Tai inwardly wanted to sigh, annoyance creeping into his heart. But on the outside, he flashed another smile. "Thank you, Miss Mo, and we're already talking. It's nothing special, but it's an honor for a small accomplishment of mine to be noticed by the big boss of Dreamer."

Mo Zan stared at his face for some time. At first, she only felt irritated when seeing that same smile, but after trying to get his attention and cooperation for months, as she had no choice due to her family's pressure, her opinions of him began to change.

She didn't know when it started. But it seems since months ago, she started noticing many good points about him. One of those was his face which was actually not one whit inferior to Liu De…

There was also his air of nobleness which the other man barely had. She was referring to that aura of confidence that was deeply rooted in Qin Tai's body as someone born to superior lineage and with natural superior qualities and capabilities.

Of course, in her heart, was still Liu De… The glamorous lady silently whispered to herself. After regaining a bit of clarity in her head, she raised two champagne flutes. "I would like to formally congratulate you. So how about a toast?"

Oblivious to Mo Zan's train of thoughts before her offer, the man lightly puckered his lips looked at the two glasses in her hands.

A moment later, his grin reappeared as he clasped his hands in front and said, "Pardon me, Miss Mo. But I have already drunk too much so I don't think I can accept the drinks. My acquaintances are also waiting for me in the lounge."

'Escaping from me?' Mo Zan felt like her pride got hit, a hint of anger crossed her eyes and she barely managed to hide them when she hurriedly replied, "Mr. Qin. I'm sure you know why I approach you and I think you simply don't want to engage in pleasantries. But can't you give me more of your time? If you're really in a hurry, I will be brief, I assure you it's business cooperation that you'll be interested in."

"The host said we should enjoy ourselves tonight and refrain from talking about stressful or work-related matters. And I think he has a point. As career-oriented working people, it's hard for us to find time to relax. So I want to take this opportunity to just be happy with my friends."

The man's handsome face showed a laugh that stunned Mo Zan for some time. But seeing her not retorting, he made use of that chance to add, "Miss Mo, I think you should do the same too. If you have some other business with me, please forward them to my secretary. Don't worry, if it's something worth collaborating with, they'll definitely send it to me."

The woman was enthralled by his face and voice for quite a while. However, upon hearing what he just said, anger rose in her heart again. None of her letters or proposals ever got a reply for him! And according to her insider in the Qin Enterprise, those never reached his hand anyways! What did he mean by his recent statement then? Was she insulting her? Or testing her? 

As much as she didn't want to admit it, a hint of bitterness rose from within as well. A question once again lingered in her mind, 'When did he change and become cold to me?'

She tried to shake it off, of course, after she realized what she just asked herself. 'No. I should be minding when this dog will agree to cooperate with us again so I can get my peace and return to my happy days with Liu De.'