After their last parting in Jiangjing, Bai Shaoqi and Song Min hadn’t seen Bai Lian again.
They had thought they might run into Bai Lian at the Bai residence or at Jiangjing University… anywhere except the Jiangjing Music Academy building.
Ji Mulan had tried to develop Bai Lian’s talents comprehensively, having her pick up sketching at age three. When that didn’t work out, she attempted piano and painting…
The two had barely adjusted their mindset and tried to forget about the college entrance exam.
Yet they unexpectedly saw Bai Lian without any preparation.
“Sister,” the girl beside Bai Shaoqi was hesitant to speak to Bai Lian, so she turned to Lu Xiaohan instead, “Are you going to the third floor?”
As the elevator doors closed, Lu Xiaohan lowered her hand and smiled: “Yes.”
“Master,” the girl clasped her hands together, “What do you study?”
She was asking about instruments.
Lu Xiaohan answered clearly: “Directing.”
The girl heard these two words and doubted her own knowledge, wondering if she’d never heard of “directing” as an instrument. She didn’t question whether Lu Xiaohan was a student at the Music Academy. “Huh?”
“Ding—”
They reached the third floor, the elevator slowly came to a stop, and the doors opened.
The girl and the other three finally reacted. As the doors opened, they saw a corner of the third floor, facing white walls displaying two landscape ink paintings that were slightly yellowed, protected behind glass.
A guzheng model sat between them.
The entire third floor was carpeted, extending from the corridors to the elevator entrance.
It was quiet and elegant.
Old Hu stood at the elevator entrance. Seeing Bai Lian, he smiled, “Student Bai.”
“Mr. Hu.” Bai Lian stepped out.
“Bye bye.” Lu Xiaohan hadn’t met Old Hu before. After saying goodbye to the girl, she followed Bai Lian out.
The elevator doors closed again, and the girl turned to Bai Shaoqi excitedly: “That’s the legendary Shaman Tower recording studio! And did you see those two paintings outside? Those are original works by our guzheng department’s founding master Qin Jiu!”
Not many people could usually come to this building. The girl could attend the summer master class because she had some family resources, but she had never been to the third floor.
She had only seen photos of the two paintings countless times on the Music Academy forum. This was her first time seeing them in person.
She thought Bai Shaoqi would discuss the third floor masters with her as usual, but unexpectedly both Bai Shaoqi and Song Min remained silent.
Bai Shaoqi’s gaze lingered vaguely in the direction of the elevator doors.
Her eyes had no focus point.
Third floor… why could Bai Lian go there?
** On the third floor.
Lu Xiaohan was looking at the two landscape paintings, done in a freestyle manner.
One depicted a view from a city tower, the other showed a pavilion among green mountains.
There were no poems or signatures.
Qin Jiu’s painting skills weren’t particularly good, but these works were very well preserved. These two paintings were from his early years and were kept by the Music Academy on the third floor.
Lu Xiaohan knew of Qin Jiu but had just learned he had two paintings.
While she looked at the paintings, Bai Lian and Old Hu stood aside waiting for her.
After Lu Xiaohan finished looking, Old Hu led them to the vocal recording studio.
When they arrived at the studio, Yan Lu was wearing black headphones and recording in the inner room. Through the glass, they could see her standing in front of the microphone, eyes slightly closed, her profile striking.
Dean Jian and Zhao Jianxin were adjusting the sound outside.
She had just finished recording a segment and was listening to the playback in her headphones.
Dean Jian raised his hand to greet Lu Xiaohan, then spoke to Bai Lian. His right hand held a black pen, casually drawing a section in his notebook: “You’ll re-record this part later.”
Bai Lian glanced at it and nodded.
“Any thoughts on new songs recently?” Dean Jian closed his notebook.
For Yan Lu’s new songs, Dean Jian was more enthusiastic than anyone.
“Soon,” Bai Lian spoke, though she hadn’t really started working on anything.
After they finished talking, Lu Xiaohan raised her phone, “Grandpa Jian, can I post this?”
Dean Jian looked over – it was photos of the two paintings at the elevator entrance. “Go ahead, post quickly. You haven’t posted any videos for over half a month.”
Since the third floor wasn’t open to the general public, there weren’t many photos of the paintings circulating.
Lu Xiaohan’s last video was from last time.
She posted videos infrequently, but each video was around ten minutes of quality content. Her last video was a four-month project of traditional Chinese graduation photos – all major productions.
Viewers were left wanting more.
Dean Jian was among them, though he only urged her in person.
“Soon,” Lu Xiaohan learned quickly.
Dean Jian put his notebook on the side table and suddenly remembered something, “Why don’t you film some of the Music Academy?”
“The Music Academy…” Lu Xiaohan paused. When she saw the two paintings coming out of the elevator just now, she had a special idea.
The Music Academy was indeed a school with rich history.
The two were talking.
Nearby, Old Hu, who had just handed a bottle of milk to the only child present, trembled slightly. He could understand Bai Lian’s presence, as he had guessed her identity at the time.
But—
Who was this girl who called Jian Zhongyou “Grandpa Jian” right upon meeting?
He unconsciously gripped the milk bottle tighter, looking at Lu Xiaohan’s back.
Lu Xiaohan was considering possibilities for her new video when she turned and saw Old Hu and Jiang He each holding half of the milk bottle.
She was surprised – were they giving it or not?
Old Hu followed Lu Xiaohan’s gaze and realized he was still holding the milk, quickly letting go, “Here you go, little one.”
** It had been a while since Bai Lian and Yan Lu had met. After recording, they all had lunch at a private restaurant next to the Music Academy.
Yan Lu could now be recognized on the street at any time and wasn’t as free to move around as before.
Sister Xin didn’t interrupt their small gathering, just waiting outside for Yan Lu to finish eating.
When they came out, Sister Xin greeted Bai Lian and the others before driving Yan Lu back to the hotel.
Yan Lu had to attend an evening gala, her schedule was tight.
“I just agreed with them at the company,” Sister Xin sat in the driver’s seat, telling Yan Lu about recent arrangements, “These songs have been included in the ‘Gambling Wine’ album and submitted for the Hua Music Awards.”
This year, Yan Lu’s TV dramas and songs were both blooming, and the company naturally wouldn’t let such momentum go to waste.
Yan Lu removed her mask and fisherman’s hat, picking up the script on the car and opening it. Hearing this, she looked up: “These songs were all released separately.”
The number of songs barely met the requirements.
“Yes, but the organizers personally called me,” Sister Xin also sighed, “The music industry has declined these past few years, and the Hua Music Awards’ influence has diminished greatly. You’re their special invited guest.”
The entire music industry showed signs of decline, no longer seeing battles between heavenly talents.
Bai Jian’s sudden appearance in the music industry caught the attention of many dedicated musicians. “Bai Jian” had no company, no marketing, not even previous works, as if appearing solely for Yan Lu.
It sparked an unprecedented trend in the music industry.
After being dormant for so long, the music industry was finally bustling again.
From “Gambling Wine” to “Another Autumn” to “Cold Time Floss” to the latest “Reunion”… each had its unique style, plus Dean Jian’s heavenly arrangements.
Not to mention Best Lyrics, Best Composition, Best Arrangement – for Song of the Year, it couldn’t be anything other than “Cold Time Floss,” which had topped charts overseas for two months.
** Mountain Sea Apartments, 302.
Jiang Fuli rarely took afternoon naps, waking up at dusk.
Wearing soft pajamas, he opened the curtains. The room was unlit and dim, everything shrouded in shadows. The compound below was extremely quiet. Being summer vacation, hardly anyone could be seen. His fine black hair fell messily across his forehead.
The room was empty, twilight outside was hazy, surroundings silent.
Jiang Fuli was rarely in such a relaxed state, leaning lightly against the window, noble yet distant, watching the street lights begin to light up in the compound.
About two minutes later, he picked up his phone from the bedside, opening WeChat to ask if Bai Lian was back while opening his room door.
As soon as the door opened, crystal light poured over him.
In the hall, Jiang He sat on the carpet, head down working on a puzzle.
Bai Lian sat cross-legged beside him, handing him needed puzzle pieces. Her white dress spread on the carpet, various poppies blooming into a sea of flowers.
Her right wrist rested casually on her knee, a book on her knee, left hand casually tossing puzzle pieces to Jiang He.
Under the crystal lights, her whole person seemed wrapped in diffused light, with a lazy demeanor.
Making time seem peaceful and beautiful.
Bai Lian turned back to see Jiang Fuli standing at the door, leisurely turning a page, “Awake?”
“Mm,” Jiang Fuli walked over to them, crouching beside her, noble and elegant, lowering his head to look at the book she was reading, “Why didn’t you wake me when you got back?”
For once, Bai Lian wasn’t reading academic papers but the original Don Quixote, borrowed from the Jiang University library.
“You rarely sleep this long.”
“Indeed been busy these days.” Jiang Fuli spoke.
There were busy times before, but back then it seemed he had nothing else besides being busy.
Bai Lian lifted her head slightly, picking up a candied haw stick from beside her phone and handing it to him.
Jiang Fuli looked down at the bright red candied haws, hesitating, “For me?”
“Of course,” Bai Lian casually rested her elbow on her knee, palm supporting her chin, “Bird and I finished ours.”
She bought these at the snack street next to the Music Academy at noon with Lu Xiaohan.
Jiang Fuli had never eaten such things. His slender fingers held the bottom of the stick, “You like it?”
“It’s okay.” Bai Lian said casually.
Jiang Fuli glanced at her, not asking further.
He stood up holding the candied haws, preparing to return to his room to shower first, “What do you want for dinner?”
“Shrimp, maybe.”
Bai Lian hadn’t really thought about it, just saying the first thing that came to mind.
Jiang Fuli nodded. He returned to his room, the candy coating excessively sweet, heavy with artificial sweetener – a gentleness hidden in the twilight.
** Yang Lin’s train was early the next morning.
Jiangjing was far from Xiangcheng, even changing planes would take over ten hours.
She would be on the train for two days.
Tang Ming and Ning Xiao would leave a day later than her.
On the day of Old Master Xu’s birthday, from seven in the morning, gifts from political and business circles continuously entered the Xu residence.
Cars came from all directions toward Xingjiang District.
When Bai Shaoqi took the Yin family car early in the morning, from Yunxiao District to Chang’an District, she encountered several rarely seen limited edition cars along the way, along with some special license plates.
She had never seen such a scene before.
“Auntie, what’s happening today?”
Song Min wasn’t there today, only the Yin family driver and Mrs. Song were in the car.
Mrs. Song had heard some things from Mr. Yin, she withdrew her gaze, “Today, seems like there’s a celebration in Xingjiang District.”
As for which family, she didn’t say. Mr. Yin wouldn’t tell her these things, the class gap was too large.
A black business car passed by them.
Bai Shaoqi couldn’t help but look again, it was very similar to the car with Xiangcheng plates she saw in the north city, belonging to someone who knew Bai Lian.
“What is it?” Mrs. Song asked her.
“Nothing.” Bai Shaoqi withdrew her gaze, shaking her head.
How could this car appear in Jiangjing? It’s simple for ordinary people to buy a car, but Jiangjing license plates weren’t easy to get.
She lowered her head to open her phone.
The simultaneous movement of luxury cars caught everyone’s attention. Last time’s crackdown in Yunxiao District had sparked a wave of popularity through marketing accounts that hadn’t subsided, and today’s car movement sparked more speculation from marketing accounts.
As soon as Bai Shaoqi opened her video account, she saw news from marketing accounts—
[What’s happening in Jiangjing today? All luxury cars mobilized?]
The video was a compilation of seven or eight luxury cars pouring into an old street. Bai Shaoqi saw the street’s name—
Changping Street.
Below, people were speculating, with the highest-liked message saying—
Lost today: [Picture] Stop looking, today is an old master’s birthday celebration, the threshold is at least Central Director General level]
IP showed Jiangjing.
** 29 Chang’an Street.
After Xu Jueling paid respects to the old master, he returned to change clothes before preparing to receive guests.
“She really won’t come?” He changed into a long robe.
“Mm,” Gao Yan was also helpless. She wore a fitted qipao, holding a jade teacup, “I’ve told her three times.”
Gao Yan thought for a moment and still made a call to Bai Lian.
“Auntie?” Bai Lian was at the station by now.
She stood at the busy entrance, waiting for Yang Lin.
Gao Yan’s voice was very gentle, “Today the house invited chefs from Kangyu Tower, their ancestors were imperial chefs, their dim sum and dishes are very delicious. You can just come eat something in my courtyard, you won’t see other people.”
“No,” Bai Lian declined politely, “I’m waiting for my classmate.”
“Classmates can come too… alright, have fun.” Gao Yan hung up the phone. She and Xu Jueling exchanged glances. At least Gao Yan had met Bai Lian, Xu Jueling hadn’t even seen her.
He wasn’t as familiar with Jiang Fuli as Gao Yan was, so he didn’t dare meet Bai Lian rashly.
Outside the Xu family gate.
The Mu family car also stopped.
Mu Yining wore capable clothing. A young man stood on her left, Jing Shaojun and Ren Wanxuan on her right.
The Xu family gate towers were very high, the two stone lions outside extremely imposing.
Two rows of black-suited guards stood on either side, their vigilant appearance leaving no doubt they could pull out guns from their pockets.
The large space outside the gate was full of cars.
Grand and solemn.
Ren Wanxuan’s gaze fell on the cars outside, and she couldn’t help taking out her phone to secretly take some photos.
Mu Yining saw it in her peripheral vision and silently shook her head.
The attendant led them to the central hall, very politely: “The central hall is for young people, with rest rooms beside it. Miss Mu, please rest well first.”
Saying this, he handed Mu Yining a list and half a map of the Xu family old residence, showing all the courtyards open today.
This was Ren Wanxuan’s first time entering such a large garden; previously she had only seen them at tourist attractions.
“This is my brother.” Mu Yining introduced Ji Shaojun to the middle-aged man beside her.
The middle-aged man extended his hand to Ji Shaojun.
** Jiangjing Station.
Bai Lian waited at the station for an hour. Close to ten o’clock, Yang Lin finally came out. She had transferred from a train to a high-speed rail.
Yang Lin always wore only school uniforms, with an old black suitcase mostly filled with books.
She still wore a long T-shirt, habitually covering her wrists and arms. Thick bangs covered her forehead, hiding those pitch-black eyes. Standing in the crowd, she had almost no presence.
This seemed to be her innate talent, erasing her presence to the greatest extent.
“Let’s go.” Bai Lian took her suitcase.
She was always straightforward.
Yang Lin had already chosen a place, staying in Mingfeng District before school started.
Bai Lian put the suitcase in the taxi’s trunk, gesturing for Yang Lin to get in.
The taxi driver was very enthusiastic, “Young ladies, where are you going?”
“Jiang University.” Bai Lian and Yang Lin sat in the back.
“Here for tourism…” The taxi driver thought they were going to Jiang University for sightseeing. He introduced Jiangjing’s food all the way, “You know the old street, right? That’s an internet-famous street, too crowded, don’t recommend you go…”
Arriving at Jiangjing Avenue.
Bai Lian scanned the code, took Yang Lin’s suitcase and got out.
Lu Xiaohan had been waiting for them at the university gate for a while, holding a parasol. She waved from far away, “Sister Lian, Yang Lin, over here!”
The three walked toward the gate, Bai Lian directly taking out her campus card to enter.
The driver watched through the rearview mirror, his eyes almost popping out: “Incredible, Jiang University students are all so good-looking now…”
** Lu Xiaohan saw them coming and put away her umbrella.
She also had two cups of iced lemon water, casually blocking one straw end and piercing one bottle, handing it to Yang Lin, “Drink first, let’s take the campus bus.”
They all had a way of handling Yang Lin now.
“It’s South Plum Garden, right?” Lu Xiaohan asked after getting on the campus bus.
South Plum Garden was in the South Plum District, also the freshman area, accessible by campus bus.
Bai Lian checked her WeChat – Principal Shi had sent a message: South Plum Garden Building 2, Room 407.
Yang Lin had already signed her agreement with Jiang University, choosing the Biology department. When they learned she was coming, Bai Lian had asked Principal Shi if she could move into the dorm early.
Many students stayed at Jiang University during summer break, though they had to move to the same building.
Principal Shi had arranged everything.
Yang Lin was probably their first one to enter the school dormitory. She was still dazed when Bai Lian had her take out her ID card, register at the academic affairs office, then collect the bedding issued by the school.
Finally, they went to the small supermarket to buy daily necessities.
Yang Lin stood at the checkout counter, scanning the code.
“Student, all done.” The cashier handed over a big bag of items.
Yang Lin carried the bag out. The sunlight outside shone in her eyes, not harsh but strangely dazzling, giving a sense of unreality.
Bai Lian walked leisurely behind them, taking a call from Jiang Fuli.
“Got the person?” Jiang Fuli’s voice was somewhat low, and instrument sounds could be heard from his end.
Ming Donghen wanted to stay today but was refused by Bai Lian.
Bai Lian opened her folding fan one-handed, placing it on her forehead to block the sun, “She’s in the dorm now. Why are you still busy, haven’t left?”
She knew the Xu family had a banquet today.
“No rush,” Jiang Fuli spoke unhurriedly, putting aside what he was holding, “Don’t really want to go.”
Bai Lian followed behind Yang Lin and Lu Xiaohan, laughing, “How can you not go? You can come back early tonight.”
“Mm,” Jiang Fuli’s voice was very reluctant, “That works too.”
Bai Lian hung up the phone, took a photo of the school, and sent it to him on WeChat. On WeChat, Tang Ming posted in the “Xiangcheng Small Squad” group:
[Me and Ning Xiao are on the plane, turning phones off first.]
These people from Xiangcheng No.1 High School were about to arrive.
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