Chapter 54: Very Bad
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Fang Yuan hadn’t anticipated that the French violinist she had dedicated half a month’s worth of energy to instructing would produce such an unpleasant rendition of the tune she had taught. She had been pondering recently about the origins of this violinist, who displayed such a lackluster performance.
“Do you know her?” Bo Yi inquired of Fang Yuan as he observed the violinist.
Fang Yuan smirked. “Who isn’t familiar with the renowned violinist, Siya Wintour?”
Siya appeared flustered and quickly spoke in Chinese, “No, no, you’re overestimating. 1 haven’t been practicing the zither diligently as of late. 1 apologize if my performance left you dissatisfied.”
“You’re free to go.” Bo Yi was unaware of the underlying tension, so he held onto Fang Yuan’s hand without letting go.
Seeing Fang Yuan wasn’t inclined to pursue the matter further, Siya hastily composed a message on her phone as she left: [Senior, 1 genuinely had no idea it was you! I received a last-minute invitation. Initially, 1 presumed it was a wealthy individual with little understanding of music, just looking to pass the time. Hence, 1 didn’t take it seriously…]
Upon receiving Siya’s message, Fang Yuan replied tersely: [Quite disappointing.]
Siya promptly responded: [I’ll absolutely commit to rigorous training after 1 return!]
Fang Yuan pocketed her phone without responding.
Across from Starry Night Restaurant, Fang Jiayi sat feeling overly full, yet Fang Yuan hadn’t finished work yet.
“Jiayi, you’ve got quite the appetite today. Care for some dessert? I can order one for you,” Lu Chen remarked, oblivious to her thoughts, thinking that today’s dishes were particularly to her liking.
“Brother Lu Chen, that’s not necessary. I’m finished eating,” Fang Jiayi smiled outwardly but internally she was on the brink of collapse. Still eating? 1 might just throw up if I continue! If it weren’t for waiting on Fang Yuan, why would 1 have overindulged? Gaining weight would outweigh any benefits!
“No more eating? How about a stroll by the river then?” As the day was drawing to a close, Lu Chen signaled for the waiter to bring the check. He led Fang Jiayi out of the restaurant, holding her hand.
Fang Jiayi intentionally slowed her pace, lingering behind. She felt a deep pang of regret that Lu Chen wouldn’t have the chance to witness Fang Yuan’s less-than-presentable appearance after work. What a missed opportunity it was!
In that moment, her attention was drawn to the VIP elevator across the way from Starry Night Restaurant. It abruptly opened, revealing a tall, strikingly handsome man stepping out alongside Fang Yuan. Fang Jiayi was left utterly stupefied. Even from a distance, his stature, looks, and charisma easily eclipsed those of Lu Chen’s! While his facial features weren’t entirely discernible, it was clear to Fang Jiayi that this man was quite young! Her emotions were a whirlwind. Could this be Fang Yuan’s brother? Maybe Fang Yuan came to work here with her brother due to their family’s impoverished circumstances?
As this thought took root, Fang Jiayi felt somewhat relieved, yet this explanation felt far-fetched. After all, she thought she’d glimpsed that man holding Fang Yuan’s hand as they left… But that couldn’t be right, could it? Siblings don’t typically hold hands, do they?
“Jiayi, everything alright?” Lu Chen inquired, noticing her dazed state.
“Oh, it’s nothing…” Fang Jiayi refrained from mentioning that she’d spotted her sister, fearing Lu Chen might misconstrue that she was keeping tabs on her sister’s every move. Nevertheless, she concluded that the direction in which the man and Fang Yuan had departed led to Starry Night Restaurant’s exclusive parking lot.
“Brother Lu Chen, 1 recall there’s a dessert shop at the foot of the mountain that sells really delectable treats. I wanted to get some for Mom and Dad too,” she suggested.
“No need, my parents don’t have a sweet tooth. Just buy some for Uncle and Auntie,” Lu Chen replied, driving them to the base of the mountain and accompanying Fang Jiayi into the dessert shop.
Pretending to contemplate the desserts, Fang Jiayi was covertly keeping an eye on the road outside. It was the lone road descending from the mountaintop. Whether Fang Yuan hailed a cab, rode a bicycle, or even an electric scooter, she would surely pass this way.
However, despite her vigilant watch, and a half hour of anticipation, the only vehicle that drove by was a high-end luxury car. Could it be that Fang Yuan was making her way down on foot?
“Miss, are our desserts not up to your standards?” The shopkeeper couldn’t help but ask when he saw Fang Jiayi, dressed in designer clothes, spending a good 20 minutes mulling over the dessert selection.
“Oh, it’s not like that. i just realized that my parents are attending the charity gala tonight. 1 assume they won’t be in the mood for dessert, so I won’t get any for them,” Fang Jiayi explained before coaxing Lu Chen out of the dessert shop. Once they were inside the vehicle, she glanced at the rearview mirror, finding no one in sight. It appeared that Fang Yuan must have indeed walked down the mountain!
Meanwhile, Fang Yuan sat inside the high-end luxury car that Fang Jiayi had spotted earlier. She cast a somewhat exasperated gaze at the man beside her. “Could you please let go now?” Weren’t they supposed to hold hands briefly? Yet, inexplicably, they had ended up holding hands all night! Wasn’t this a bit excessive?
Bo Yi arched an eyebrow. “Is it unreasonable for me to hold my fiancee’s hand?”
Fang Yuan retorted, “I’m not your fiancee..” What era did they think they were in, still adhering to arranged marriages? The real question was, why didn’t a highly educated man like Bo Yi object to such a forced union? It was all rather baffling!