Xiao Tang brought over a salad. Looking at the bowl of greens in front of him, Ji Nian had no appetite.
Thinking about her appointment with Yu Luobai later, and after exercising this morning and being all sweaty, Ji Nian went to take a shower and change before heading out.
The location was a music restaurant. Ji Nian looked at the map, got in her car, and sent the address to Xiao Tang's WeChat.
"Sis Ji, aren't you staying home today to study your role?" Xiao Tang asked in confusion. This outing didn't seem to be on the schedule he was given.
"I'm going now to hone my acting skills," Ji Nian said from the car as she reviewed the script. She still hadn't decided what song to give Yu Luobai.
After a 20-minute drive, Xiao Tang stopped at a more remote location.
Wearing a mask, Ji Nian was puzzled. Where was Yu Luobai taking her?
She looked around and was about to send a message that she had arrived when she heard Peng He's voice.
Ji Nian turned and waved with a smile at Xiao Tang, saying, "You wait in the car for me."
Then she walked over to Peng He and into a small restaurant that looked more like a music bar, although there only seemed to be two people inside.
Seeing Ji Nian arrive, Yu Luobai stood up to greet her, "Over here."
Ji Nian looked over to see the man dressed casually with a baseball cap on. As expected of the entertainment industry's top star, he looked very handsome even in casual wear.
"Why did you choose this place?" Ji Nian asked in puzzlement. Weren't these kinds of venues usually only open at night?
Yu Luobai smiled, "A friend of mine owns this music bar. Didn't you say you had a new song? This is a good fit since there's a guitar and piano here, very convenient."
Ji Nian nodded. So that was it. Fortunately she had practiced the piano accompaniment for a few songs yesterday and could play them out.
"What kind of songs do you like?" Ji Nian asked.
Surprise flashed in Yu Luobai's eyes. He smiled, "I get to pick?"
"No, I was just asking," Ji Nian replied. She couldn't let others know she had a lot of songs on hand. If they got suspicious, she wouldn't be able to explain it.
"It can't be worse than 'Ordinary Road'," Yu Luobai nodded in response.
Ji Nian thought about it and decided to go with the most classic song, "Fairytale". Back then, this song had become hugely popular across the country. Nearly everyone had heard it; it was the youth anthem for so many.
"It's a deal if you're satisfied with this song and agree to teach me acting," Ji Nian said, wanting confirmation.
Yu Luobai gave an interested look and a thumbs up, feeling expectant inside.
Ji Nian went up on stage and sat down at the electronic keyboard placed front and center. She positioned the mic and placed her fingertips on the black and white keys. A prelude flowed out as she softly began singing.
After finishing the song, Ji Nian couldn't help sighing. The electronic keyboard paired with the speakers and the original owner's vocal talents made the song sound even better...
Down below, Yu Luobai and Peng He wore looks of shock on their faces, unable to calm down for a long time.
Just then, the other man who had been recording a video on his phone couldn't help but applaud. "Awesome!"
Seeing the stranger recording video, Ji Nian didn't actually mind. But she was worried it might get leaked, so she said, "Um... that video..."
"Don't worry, I won't spread it around!" The man said with a big smile, hurriedly adding, "Haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Luobai's friend and also the owner of this music bar."
"Oh, I see..." Ji Nian suddenly understood. She came down from the stage and sat back in her original spot, smiling as she asked, "Well, Teacher Yu, satisfied?"
Yu Luobai finally snapped out of it. Recalling the woman's performance on stage just now and this new song, his face was full of amazement as he said, "Miss Ji, you've made me even more curious about you."
Ji Nian blinked playfully. "No need to be curious. Other than me, I've only shared these mysterious songs with you."
"I'm honored," Yu Luobai said with a smile. His company had been preparing a concert for him recently. This new song would be a perfect addition.
"So you'll be my teacher then?" Ji Nian asked.
Peng He couldn't help but chime in enthusiastically, "Definitely! Miss Ji, do you have any other new songs? Luobai is getting ready for a concert. How about being a guest performer?"
Yu Luobai beside him: "?"
"A concert?" Ji Nian was surprised, then asked, "I mentioned 'Ordinary Road' earlier and was wondering why you hadn't released it yet. Are you saving it for the concert debut?"
"That's right. If you have other new songs, we'd like to buy them too!" Peng He generously offered.
Yu Luobai beside him who felt arranged: "......"
"I do have more..." Ji Nian's eyes darted around as she tried to remember what other classic hits there were.
"Ahem," Yu Luobai gave a light cough.
Only then did Peng He realize he had gotten too excited and looked at the man somewhat awkwardly.
"But I'll have to pass on being a guest performer. I still have to focus on acting," Ji Nian declined.
"The style has been the same every year. Having a guest performer this year would be a nice change," Yu Luobai considered and felt it was feasible. "Which drama production are you with? I can put in a word with the director."
"Um..." Although Ji Nian had been on stage before, doing a concert with so many people made her nervous about stage fright. She struggled to decline, "I'd still rather not..."
"I will provide an appropriate payment."
Upon hearing that, Ji Nian's eyes instantly lit up as she looked at the man. "How much?!"
Seeing her change expression so quickly, Yu Luobai couldn't help but laugh out loud. Raising a brow, he asked, "How much do you want?"
Ji Nian had an ear-to-ear grin. Was there even a need to ask? Obviously the more the better! But she felt she should keep some modesty since Yu Luobai seemed to have a close relationship with the male lead, Ye Jinghan. Can't scam, can't scam!
"You decide," Ji Nian said joyfully. No matter the amount, singing would definitely be simpler than acting. Easy money!
Amusement flashed in Yu Luobai's eyes. He suddenly found this woman rather adorable.
"Alright, let's get down to business," Yu Luobai's expression turned serious as he asked, "Did you bring the script?"
Ji Nian also nodded seriously. She took the script out of her bag and handed it over, saying, "I'm counting on you!"
