Nie Anni was indeed talented, and Yu Zexiao, just as exceptional. Although they didn’t see eye to eye, they at least respected each other’s musical prowess.
Actually, it’s fine this way. If there were a woman who was perfect in all aspects—temperament, personality, appearance, background, as well as musical cultivation—and she came into Yu Zexiao’s life, that would make her feel threatened!
The more Nie Anni and Yu Zexiao didn’t get along in private, the more relieved she felt. Moreover, she needed to work hard to ensure that these two took their work seriously.
On this end, Hong Minjun also persuaded, "Haha, yes. We can talk things over nicely. Anni is Master John Gruber’s prized pupil, and Zexiao is a graduate of Princeton University who has won a Grammy. Both of your musical cultivations are very high; I believe working together will be very pleasant."
Pleasant collaboration?
Yu Zexiao, at that moment, glared at Nie Anni, and Nie Anni returned the cold look.
Jian Anning had a headache, and in the end, all she and Hong Minjun could do was exchange forced smiles with bewildered eyes.
------------------------------------
And so, a group of them went to the Shangcheng night market, which was still open through the night.
The place chosen by Director Li was quite a famous spicy crayfish spot in the Shangcheng night market. He had called ahead before leaving to reserve the largest private room to shield the celebrities from being gawked at, even making arrangements for a back entrance to be opened specifically for them.
This was Yu Zexiao’s first time at such a place to eat crayfish, and he couldn’t help feeling a bit of novelty.
The car stopped in front of the night market streets, ready to turn towards the back alleyway. Through the car window, Yu Zexiao saw that the whole street had been turned into a pedestrian thoroughfare, with cheerful red lanterns hanging from the trees on both sides, lighting up the street as if it were daytime. Despite the late hour, the area was bustling and teeming with crowds—Shangcheng’s night market had been prosperous in recent years.
He had attended an elite boarding school for middle and high school, then went straight to the United States for college. Normally, his parents were very busy with work, and they were also keen on healthy living, hardly ever taking him out for late-night snacks. Since returning from the United States, he had immediately entered the entertainment industry, never having the chance to visit such lively places.
Although he usually acted aloof, seemingly dismissive of crowded places, deep down, his heart housed a small child, always longing to break free from the heavy shackles and go out to play.
Jian Anning also noticed the hint of envy hidden beneath Yu Zexiao’s gaze as he looked out the window.
Indeed, for a big star like him, it wasn’t just about the trouble of getting caught up in scandals. Even going out for a meal, a stroll, or using a public restroom could lead to paparazzi taking sneaky shots!
Inwardly, she thought she must find a way to spend some time to go out with him in the future.
After several twists and turns, the car entered through a back alley.
When it came time to get out of the car, Yu Zexiao’s good mood vanished in an instant.
To tell the truth, the ground here was dirty and a bit greasy. Especially since this was the back door, right next to the kitchen, with sewage flowing in the gutter next door and several large trash bins filled with leftover food emitting periodic waves of foul odor.