16 1.1.16: The Music Room

Ni Ming shook her head and glanced at Xiao Yunhua like one would glance at a child. "Revenge? Little girl, do you even know what that means? You're so young, how could your heart desire vengeance? Besides, beauty comes with a price."

A glint of determination flashed in Xiao Yunhua's eyes. This glint surprised Ni Ming even more than it did before. "Revenge for those who wronged my only family."

Ni Ming paused and a brief silence loomed over the two women. Finally, Ni Ming couldn't help but ask, "Really? Your heart doesn't desire revenge for yourself as well?"

Thinking of her life for the past few weeks, Xiao Yunhua couldn't help but honestly answer, "Yes. I want revenge for myself too."

Memories of being defamed flashed through her head. The same classmates that once fawned and swooned over her as the number one student threw paper and whatever trash they had in their hands because she was a so-called slut. Even her best friend turned out to be a shrew that destroyed her reputation and threw her away, even going as far as ruining whatever relationship she was building with her current target.

Of course, if the Zhou family hadn't abandoned the eight year old, previous Xiao Yunhua, then none of this would've happened! They abandoned Han Mi as well when she was in her final moments. They could've saved her, but instead, they made it impossible for the old woman to even receive treatment!

Just why did they despise Han Mi so much? She could only accumulate points to find out later on!

"Little girl, I've never necessarily 'trained' anyone. What makes you think you're so special? I've become the woman I am today by undergoing hard work on my own, so I won't help you. You need to grow on your own." Ni Ming's words shattered Xiao Yunhua's expectations and she couldn't help but panic.

"Please, Miss Ni! I will do anything! You're my last chance."

"Being an entertainer... do you really want that career? Why not continue going to school and become a good doctor or something?" Ni Ming could only use such words to try to appease the young girl. Yet the young girl firmly stood on her guard and begged her even more.

The young girl even admitted that she was expelled! Just what did the girl do to be expelled?

Before any of the two could speak, Wang Yaowan appeared with Mrs. Bao behind him. They were surprised to see the Ni Ming and Xiahu Yunhua in the kitchen.

"What are you two doing here?" Wang Yaowan paused and his eyes widened in delight, "And what is that heavenly smell?"

Even Mrs. Bao, who knew she was an excellent chef, couldn't help but marvel at the delicious smell that drifted in the kitchen air. Both she and Wang Yaowan knew that Ni Ming couldn't cook, so they looked at Xiahu Yunhua, only to see her shrug.

"I will cook whenever you want as a way of appreciation for letting me stay here." She admitted, surprising Ni Ming.

"She is staying here?"

Wang Yaowan nodded at Ni Ming's question and explained to her about Xiahu Yunhua's predicament. Hearing her conditions, Ni Ming's heart softened towards the young girl and sympathy filled her gaze. All alone on her own, she was happy that Wang Yaowan decided to allow her to stay here.

"What is your relationship to Wang Yaowan?" Xiao Yunhua asked Ni Ming, earning her a chuckle from the duo.

Ni Ming flashed a ring and stunned Xiao Yunhua. Wang Yaowan walked over and wrapped an arm around Ni Ming, proudly announcing, "We're engaged!"

"But nobody knows about this at Riverside?"

Ni Ming shook her head, "Nobody knows for now. This is to prevent trouble and rumors from floating around."

"How can I learn from you?" Xiao Yunhua was persistent, but it was because she had no choice! Desperation could cause anyone to panic and do crazy things, including something like this!

Ni Ming sighed and looked at Wang Yaowan. They shared a mutual look and seemed to communicate without speaking until Ni Ming turned around and acknowledged Xiao Yunhua again. "When you're eighteen, I'll take you in as my student."

"But that's two years—" Xiao Yunhua paused. She had forgotten about a very important fact. She would turn seventeen in two weeks! Every year, she would spend her birthday with her grandmother, and they would have tons of memorable fun. But this year, she was on her own. In fact, with everything recent that was going on, she didn't even realize that her birthday was an upcoming event.

"That's a whole year after I turn seventeen in two weeks."

Ni Ming's eyes glinted with mischief, "Exactly! In this year, prove yourself to me! If I find you acceptable, I'll allow you to train under me! I promise that by the time you're twenty one, you'll be as good as me!"

"No." Xiao Yunhua's cold voice startled the couple and stunned them with her next sentence, "I'll be even better."

Ni Ming couldn't help but chuckle out loud as she leaned forward and patted the head of Xiao Yunhua in an affectionate manner. "That's the spirit! Confidence is key to being an entertainer, so keep it up little girl!"

After their intense conversation, the four decided to eat whatever Xiao Yunhua made. Even Mrs. Bao, who would've been gone and at her own home at this time, stayed to eat with them. This was because Xiao Yunhua's food was too delicious and tasty to resist! Hence the trio couldn't help but dive in as soon as Xiao Yunhua placed the food on their plates.

Seeing them enjoying her food, Xiao Yunhua promised to be in charge of the food from now on. Not only did it allow her to enhance her skills and practice, but it allowed her mind some peace knowing that she was helping her benefactors in some way. After all, they provided her a roof on top of her head and food to eat. This was the least that she could do. They even provided her with a job!

"Little girl, how come you are such a good chef? Even the best chefs we've had to serve us do not compare to you!" Ni Ming exclaimed in admiration after they finished eating.

Xiao Yunhua couldn't tell the truth about the skill gained from the Ultimate Goddess System, so she could only bluff, "My grandmother taught me."

"Really? Where is she?" Seeing Xiahu Yunhua's dejected face, Ni Ming's excited eyes and tone simmered down and she couldn't help big pity the girl even more. Subconsciously, she knew answer.

"Watching me from above." Her four words were vague, but Ni Ming understood them well.

"Little girl, I won't start training you until your eighteenth birthday, but can you show me your singing? I heard from Yaowan that you're quite talented but sound mediocre." Ni Ming abruptly changed the topic as to prevent Xiao Yunhua from feeling uncomfortable.

Xiao Yunhua opened her mouth and a heaven-defying voice ring in front of Ni Ming. Unfortunately, the woman only had a beautiful-sounding voice, but it sounded too dull and robotic; stiff.

"Little girl, such a beautiful voice and yet you don't know how to use it to it's full extent."

Hearing Ni Ming's words, Xiao Yunhua nodded. "You sounded so nice when you sang in Riverside."

"That's because I pour my emotions into each song, like a siren luring a sailor to their doom." Ni Ming explained. "Try thinking of a particular memory to trigger a particular emotion. That particular emotion will allow you to express the meaning of the song."

Xiao Yunhua was confused until Ni Ming grabbed her hand and pulled her into what Ni Ming called 'the music room' due to the abundance of musical instruments and musical supplies. Ni Ming showed her a song and told her that it was supposed to be tragic love.

Xiao Yunhua took a deep breath and opened her mouth, but before she could even finish the first verse, Ni Ming stopped her. Gently, she said, "Just keep practicing and remember what I told you. You do have one year to impress me. In this one year, do not let it go to waste! I believe that an intelligent girl like you can understand the concept that I speak of."

Xiao Yunhua was still confused, but she appreciated the kindness that Ni Ming showed her. Ni Ming left, and Xiao Yunhua was left to practice on her own.

Surrounded by the peacefulness and the musical instruments, Xiao Yunhua began to practice all types of songs, but she still couldn't understand what Ni Ming meant. How could one represent joy, sadness, hate, love merely by using their voice to convey?

It was impossible!

<<But you will conquer the impossible!>>

Xiao Taotao was back!

<<Yes, sorry about the technical difficulties earlier. It has been resolved.>>

What was it about?

<<Confidential information. Sorry host!>>

Hearing Xiao Taotao's reply, Xiao Yunhua wasn't surprised. The little fairy wasn't exposing everything to her, but she will admit sooner or later!

Xiao Taotao sighed when she heard her host's thoughts and couldn't help but encourage cheerfully, <<That's the spirit, host! Good luck!>>

She didn't need luck because luck wasn't going to help her at all! She needed perseverance and needed to put effort to overcome her obstacles!