Chapter 501 - Chapter 501: Do I Look Like I’m Short of Money?

Chapter 501: Do I Look Like I’m Short of Money?

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation  Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Listening to Lisa’s complaint, Wen Xin raised an eyebrow and laughed lightly, dismissing the concern casually, “If we can’t be on camera, we’ll just go into academic research. Wouldn’t it be easier to just give up the piano?”

“No, no, no, Little Grandaunt, it’s already a great loss that you do not want to be a pianist, and now you even want to lead Xingyue astray? That’s going too far! You really can’t say that.”

Lisa was terrified by Wen Xin’s suggestion, and she quickly tried to deter her. Losing Tan Xingyue from the piano scene too would be too great a loss for them. Knowing that Wen Xin had stopped pursuing a career as a pianist had already made many feel it was a pity.

She had worked so hard to nurture Tan Xingyue, and if she didn’t follow this path, Lisa felt like she might just die of grief.

Wen Xin looked at Lisa’s anxious expression and teased her with a nonchalant eyebrow raise, “You’re the one who complains about us being fat.”

“No, no, I wouldn’t dare, not fat, not fat at all. Tan Xingyue has a good foundation; even a bit plumper she looks good.”

Lisa nervously fidgeted with her fingers under the table, truly afraid to say a word against it. Wen Xin was too intimidating, and she genuinely feared that Wen Xin might ruin Tan Xingyue’s career path.

Seeing Lisa so nervous, Wen Xin turned her head and gently pinched Tan Xingyue’s cheek, smiling softly. Tan Xingyue smiled sweetly back, her eyes curving delightfully.

“Alright, I won’t tease you anymore. Here, take this piece of music; consider it a thank you for taking care of Tan Xingyue lately.” Wen Xin pulled a music sheet from her backpack and slapped it on the table before Lisa.

“I didn’t have time to record a demo. You find someone to play it, or have Tan Xingyue record it and send it to you.”

Lisa looked at the sheet music on the table as if it were a treasure, gratefully gazing at Wen Xin.

“You really are my Little Grandaunt. I will work hard, take good care of Xingyue, and ensure her path is smooth. With me around, I promise I’ll make everything easy for her.”

Lisa knew exactly why Wen Xin was doing this. She suddenly realized a shortcut: as long as she took good care of Tan Xingyue, Wen Xin would be inclined to compose.

Just then, Tan Xingyue’s phone vibrated. She checked it and saw a call from Chu Mufeng. She turned to Wen Xin, seemingly asking whether she should take the call.

“Your cousin is calling you. Why are you asking me? Go ahead; it’s up to you!”

Wen Xin smiled helplessly. Her cousin was calling, and Tan Xingyue still felt she needed her approval, which was entirely unnecessary.

Hearing Wen Xin had no objections, Tan Xingyue answered the call, her voice gentle, “Cousin.”

“Xingyue, I’ve taken on a reality show recently, and they need a few people who are yet-to-be-famous. Your profile fits perfectly. Do you want to come and play for a few days? I can have my agent arrange everything. You just need to bring an assistant to manage your daily needs.”

“Manage my daily needs?”

Tan Xingyue wasn’t really inclined towards this direction; she was quite camera-shy. However, because of her genuine love for the piano, she was willing to overcome her fears for her dream.

“Yes, if you don’t have an assistant, you can bring Wen Xin along too. She took good care of you before, the work isn’t hard, and it could be a decent income. It would help cover living expenses, and I’ll transfer your tuition fees in a bit.”

Chu Mufeng spoke kindly, believing he was helping both Wen Xin and Tan Xingyue. After all, without any financial sources and relying solely on Tan Xingyue’s concerts, how much could they earn?

Hearing Chu Mufeng’s well-intentioned words, Wen Xin turned her head towards Mu Chengxi, “Do I look like I’m short of money?”

“In others’ eyes, you’re just a poor little thing with no one to rely on,” Mu Chengxi responded softly, gently squeezing her fingers.

“That’s right, so you better take good care of this poor little thing,” Wen Xin joked with a light laugh.

Turning her attention back to Lisa, she continued, “If Xingyue wants to go, you should accompany her. Don’t let anyone in the crew push her around. If anyone bullies Tan Xingyue, just quit the show.”

Wen Xin had never thought about making Tan Xingyue earn money; as long as Xingyue enjoyed what she was doing, Wen Xin was prepared to support her in anything. With her support, Xingyue could do whatever she wanted.

Chu Mufeng thought he heard Wen Xin’s voice; he paused, his tone mild yet suggestive. “Wen Xin is there, right? Tell her it’s just a half-month reality show. It’s really fun, laid-back.”

“If she’s not going, and I don’t really want to either. I’ll think about it and get back to you later.” Tan Xingyue was genuinely reluctant. She had just finished a tour and wanted to rest for a few days before returning to school.

Chu Mufeng’s excitement dimmed upon hearing Wen Xin would not be joining. His main reason for inviting Tan Xingyue was to lure Wen Xin to spend a few enjoyable days with him, as the scenery was spectacular.

“Well, take your time to think about it. I still hope you can come and enjoy it here. The scenery is particularly nice. I’ll give you two days to decide; just let me know either way so I can inform the production team.”

After saying his piece, Chu Mufeng hung up without hesitation.

Chu Mufeng’s manager entered and found him staring blankly while sitting on the couch. Sitting beside him, the manager asked, “What’s wrong? The girl doesn’t want to participate?”

“I didn’t invite her specifically. She doesn’t like being on camera. I invited Tan Xingyue, hoping she would bring Wen Xin along, but it seems I was mistaken. She doesn’t want to accompany Tan Xingyue, and even if Tan Xingyue wants to go, she wouldn’t follow.”

Chu Mufeng was filled with regret. He lamented that he had not made more of an effort to get close to Wen Xin when he had the chance. Now, it seemed too late to bridge the distance between them.

“You were never in the same world. You’re a top star in the entertainment industry, and she’s just a girl from the countryside. She’s not on your level.”

“Maybe it’s me who isn’t on her level. She doesn’t see me at all. Forget it; she’s already cared for by someone else, and I can’t even provide her with a stable life.”

Chu Mufeng sighed softly and stood up, heading towards his bedroom.

During the call to Xingyue, he had distinctly heard the doting tone of another man and realized he truly had no chance anymore.

Realizing he couldn’t be with her, he decided it was best not to cause her unnecessary trouble or provoke idle gossip, which would only harm her further.

Wen Xin and Mu Chengxi spent some time with Tan Xingyue and others at the airport café. Ultimately, Tan Xingyue decided against participating in the reality show.

She wanted to focus on practicing Wen Xin’s latest piano composition and dedicate herself to studying piano—she wasn’t one to rely on variety shows to make money.