Chapter 165: Casual Play
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Song Ling smiled. “Yes, Chairman Mu did express that inclination earlier, but Elder Qian is still the foremost authority in this industry. I suggested to Jiayi not to rush and consider it carefully…”
Bi Qinghui hadn’t anticipated Elder Qian being their target. He was momentarily stunned before responding with a smile, “To attract Chairman Mu’s attention implies that Jiayi possesses exceptional piano skills. My daughter has been learning the piano for years. Despite my efforts, Chairman Mu declined to guide her… Jiayi truly must be extraordinary to capture Chairman Mu’s interest!”
“Jiayi secured second place, while our daughter is only in fifth place. She can’t compare to others.”
Song Ling, initially in a sour mood, felt uplifted by these compliments.
“Once the host finishes the opening speech, the top eight winners will perform their own pieces. Jiayi, make sure to give a stellar performance. Perhaps Elder Qian will be impressed when he sees the replay of today’s stage…” “Absolutely!” Song Ling nudged Fang Jiayi. “Did you hear that, Jiayi? You must perform well!”
“Got it.” Fang Jiayi felt a bit disheartened.
Suddenly, her phone buzzed with a WeChat message. Opening it, she saw it was from Lu Chen. Her mood instantly brightened.
[I’m already in the audience. Where are you?]
Fang Jiayi promptly stood up and turned around. Spotting Lu Chen, she eagerly waved. “Brother Lu Chen, I’m over here!” She quickly went to welcome him.
Madam Bi looked a bit surprised. “Who’s here? Jiayi seems quite happy…”
“Oh, that’s Jiayi’s boyfriend. He came specifically to support her!” Song Ling hadn’t expected Lu Chen’s arrival at this moment, enhancing her mood.
“You have a boyfriend right after high school?” Madam Bi observed that the young man was well-mannered and couldn’t help asking, “You seem well-bred. Which family are you from?”
Song Ling casually remarked, “Oh, he’s from the Lu family, the wealthiest in Fengcheng City.”
“Lu Chen?” Madam Bi was genuinely surprised, not anticipating the connection between the Fang and Lu families.
“Do you know him too?” Song Ling seized the opportunity to showcase the Fang family’s association with the powerful Lu family, anticipating envy from others.
“Not really…” Madam Bi was acquainted with Lu Chen’s mother but hadn’t interacted much with Lu Chen himself.
Meanwhile, Fang Jiayi walked with Lu Chen to the fifth row of the audience, introducing him generously to those around her.
Initially hesitant to attend, Lu Chen felt obligated as Fang Jiayi’s fiance to be present at the award ceremony. Despite his reluctance, he politely greeted those around him, bringing pride to the Fang family. Fang Liguo and Song Ling couldn’t hide their smug expressions.
On the other side, Madam Bi discreetly sent a WeChat message to Mrs. Lu: [You’re a bit secretive. Why didn’t you mention that Ah Chen and Jiayi are dating? If 1 hadn’t seen you at the award ceremony, I wouldn’t have known he already has a daughter-in-law!]
Mrs. Lu was sipping her morning tea when she read the message, nearly choking with anger. She quickly responded: [What kind of ceremony is an award ceremony?] Frustration overwhelmed her; she had repeatedly warned her son not to associate with the Fang family, yet he disregarded her advice! [It’s the National Piano Competition award ceremony! My daughter got fifth place. I accompanied her, but Jiayi secured second place. You certainly have exquisite taste…]
Mrs. Lu felt a stifling sensation in her chest, nearly unable to breathe. [Send me the location. I’ll go take a look.]
[Why? Wasn’t your future daughter-in-law gracious enough to invite you?] Madam Bi playfully teased, [Looks like the two of them are getting along quite well…]
Meanwhile, Fang Jiayi walked beside Lu Chen, holding onto his arm and sharing something with him. Lu Chen lowered his head, attentively listening, and a faint smile adorned his face. The scene radiated affection.
Mrs. Lu, on the brink of frustration, responded with irritation, [What future daughter-in-law? There’s no such thing. They’re just fooling around.] [Oh?] Madam Bi expressed surprise. [Fooling around? I got the impression that her parents take it seriously…]
Mrs. Lu: [You know they’re all here for the Lu family…]
Madam Bi finally grasped the situation. It appeared that the Fang family had been presumptuous. The Lu family hadn’t even agreed to the marriage, and yet the Fangs were spreading the news everywhere…
Lu Chen, accompanying Fang Jiayi to listen to the host’s opening speech, felt his phone vibrate. Retrieving it, he saw a message from his mother.
[Are you trying to drive your mother to an early grave? How many times have I told you to break up with that girl?! Why won’t you listen?! ]
[Fine, if you’re so eager to marry into the Fang family, our Lu family will disown you!]
[If you love her that much, then don’t bother coming back home in the future!]