Xiao Can’s head buzzed.
Even deep breaths couldn’t contain his current anger. He raised his finger trembling, wanting to say something, but his emotions were too overwhelming to organize coherent thoughts. In the end, he managed only one word, “You,” before falling silent.
He Xingzhou quietly watched him, eyebrows slightly raised as he sensed his intense emotions.
After a brief standoff, Xiao Can regained some composure. Taking a deep breath, he was about to unleash a torrent of insults when he heard He Xingzhou softly say, “Ah.”
“I remember now,” He Xingzhou said calmly, without a hint of emotion, “I’ve seen your video.”
Seeing Xiao Can still standing there, he kindly added, “The one that was either singing or attempting comedy, quite awkward.”
Was that the main point?
Was he pretending to be clueless, hoping to ignore what happened in the hotel room that day, or had he done so many similar things that he genuinely couldn’t remember the individual?
During this period, Xiao Can had comforted himself countless times, thinking it wasn’t a big deal, just a couple of touches. As long as he didn’t make a big deal out of it, he wouldn’t hurt himself.
But now, all his psychological defenses crumbled.
Xiao Can was so angry he almost turned away. Stepping closer, his finger almost poked He Xingzhou’s nose, “You—”
Finally, a hint of surprise appeared on He Xingzhou’s face. But at that moment, someone knocked on the meeting room door from the outside.
Not good, someone’s here!
After politely knocking twice, the visitor directly turned the doorknob.
Xiao Can reacted swiftly, biting back the curse he was about to utter and swallowing the second half. His raised hand, too late to retract, grabbed He Xingzhou’s hand in urgency.
As the visitor opened the door, they were greeted by the friendly scene of Xiao Can shaking hands with He Xingzhou.
Xiao Can smiled, leaned forward slightly, and firmly grasped He Xingzhou’s left hand with both of his, speaking enthusiastically, “It’s such an honor to collaborate with you!”
He Xingzhou glanced down at their intertwined hands, then looked up at Xiao Can’s face, then back down at their hands.
Xiao Can released his grip with a smile, turning to the person who had just entered, “Mr. Ma, you’re here.”
Mr. Ma was from Baitao’s side, the person in charge whom they had met before.
“Sorry, got caught in traffic on the way,” Mr. Ma said.
“I just arrived myself,” Xiao Can said, glancing at He Xingzhou and discreetly wiping his hand on his pants. “I was just greeting Mr. He.”
“It seems like you two get along quite well,” Mr. Ma remarked with a smile. “This collaboration is bound to be very smooth.”
“Mr. He is very friendly,” Xiao Can babbled, “I didn’t expect us to get along so well.”
As he spoke, he carefully observed, afraid that He Xingzhou might say something shocking, leaving him unable to save face.
Unexpectedly, He Xingzhou remained silent throughout. Only after the two men exchanged pleasantries and took their seats did he speak softly, “You change your face pretty quickly.”
Mr. Ma didn’t catch it. “What?”
He Xingzhou didn’t reply, pursing his lips with a hint of a smile, while Xiao Can pretended to be dead.
After that, they had a symbolic short meeting.
Facing He Xingzhou, recognized as someone difficult to get along with, Mr. Ma, as the client, inevitably appeared somewhat restrained. When he spoke, he was very cautious, keeping a very low profile.
He expressed his hope that the overall style of the song would be light-hearted, but with a bit of power in the climax, overall catchy and easily spreadable.
Throughout his speech, he carefully observed He Xingzhou’s expression. Finally, he emphasized, “These are all layman’s opinions. We completely trust Mr. He’s professional judgment. Please feel free to create boldly.”
Contrary to expectations, He Xingzhou remained silent throughout, without any objections or dissatisfaction, just listening quietly.
With his unique temperament, even sitting quietly, he exuded a powerful presence. Looking directly at him made one feel as if they were being scrutinized.
Mr. Ma tried to remain calm and composed, but after being stared at for a long time, he couldn’t help but show a hint of unease, and hastily concluded his speech.
After a long silence, He Xingzhou finally spoke up, “Is that all? Anything else?”
Mr. Ma shook his head cautiously, “Mr. He, feel free to express yourself. We don’t impose many restrictions.”
“Give it some more thought,” He Xingzhou said.
“Is there something missing?” Mr. Ma asked uneasily.
“It’s better if there isn’t, but if there is, it’s best to bring it up now,” He Xingzhou said, “Starting work and then remembering something can lead to unpleasantness.”
Mr. Ma’s confidence was shaken by his words. After hesitating for a while, he said, “Because this is a charity project, it’s better to keep the overall tone healthy and positive. We fully trust your aesthetic judgment and abilities. So once again please feel free to unleash your creativity.”
Xiao Can sat on the side, watching Mr. Ma’s ingratiating smile and He Xingzhou’s slightly raised chin, momentarily unsure which side was the principal.
“Alright, I got it,” He Xingzhou nodded, then raised his hand to gesture towards Xiao Can, “Next, I’d like to have a private chat with him.”
Xiao Can’s hairs stood on end.
“Of course, feel free, you two,” Mr. Ma stood up.
Xiao Can didn’t want to, but it wasn’t convenient to say so directly. He twisted his hands on his lap in knots.
“You mentioned there’s a piano here,” He Xingzhou asked, “Where is it?”
“Upstairs,” Mr. Ma guided enthusiastically, “Let me take you there.”
Mr. Ma led them to a room upstairs where there was a somewhat old-looking piano in the corner.
“Sorry it’s not very professional, but we had someone come over to tune it a few days ago. The pitch is accurate,” Mr. Ma said.
He Xingzhou walked over, lifted the piano lid, and deftly tapped on a few keys, producing a series of melodious sounds.
“It’s fine,” he nodded, “As long as it works.” Then he gestured towards a staff member nearby, “I need the room cleared, except for him.”
“Alright, alright,” Mr. Ma nodded, “You’re free to do as you wish.”
Xiao Can bit his lip in secret, watching everyone leave the room, his palms growing cold.
Seeing the door close, he put his hand in his pocket, gripping his phone tightly.
“Why stand so far?” He Xingzhou beckoned, “Come here.”
With no one else around, Xiao Can stopped pretending, furrowing his brows he asked, “What do you want?”
“Just to understand your level,” He Xingzhou sat down at the piano and casually pressed a few keys, “Find your comfort zone.”
Xiao Can took a few steps closer, looking at him suspiciously.
“Your video was a mess, not much reference value,” He Xingzhou urged, “Come closer.”
Xiao Can took out his phone, switched to the emergency call, and then cautiously approached. Just as he was about to sit down, he was stopped.
“Stand,” He Xingzhou said.
“Why?” Xiao Can asked.
He Xingzhou gave him a look as if he were an idiot.
Xiao Can quickly realized his own foolishness and understood that He Xingzhou had brought him to a room with a piano because he wanted to hear him sing. Standing would undoubtedly be better for projection.
So, did he really want to act as if nothing had happened before?
This was a work occasion, so he chose to cooperate for now.
He Xingzhou casually played an eight-beat melody and said, “Hum along with it.”
Xiao Can liked to sing, but he lacked objective self-awareness. He used to receive praise at KTV, often complimented, and was once full of confidence until He Xingzhou forwarded that Weibo post.
Now, opening his mouth, he was eager to perform, but nerves caused him to falter, his voice noticeably trembling and off-key.
He expected to be mocked by the guy in front of him, but He Xingzhou simply played again calmly after listening, saying, “Continue.”
Xiao Can took a deep breath and sang again. This time, he managed to deliver about eighty percent of his actual ability.
He Xingzhou made no comment but played another melody on the keyboard.
This repeated several times, Xiao Can gradually calming down, getting into the groove, and stabilizing his performance.
He Xingzhou listened attentively, not saying a word aside from playing the piano, his expression thoughtful.
About ten minutes later, he closed the piano lid, stood up, and said, “I have a general understanding now. Let’s end here for today.”
Having not been criticized throughout, Xiao Can felt somewhat pleasantly surprised but still uncertain. So, tentatively, he asked, “Am I… alright?”
“Don’t worry,” He Xingzhou said, “I’m very good at downward compatibility.”
“…”
“Is there anything else you need to discuss with me? Now’s the time to bring it up,” He Xingzhou added.
Although his emotions had calmed during the music, Xiao Can was instantly stirred up again.
Though unrelated to this project, he did have things on his mind and needed to vent.
“Are you planning to act as if nothing happened?” he got straight to the point.
He Xingzhou finally looked at him, his eyes obscure, silent.
Taking his silence as confirmation, Xiao Can sneered, “I didn’t expect you to be this kind of person.”
“Didn’t expect?” He Xingzhou turned to face him, a hint of a smile appearing on his face, though the inherent pressure remained undiminished, “Then, what did you originally think of me?”
“You…” Xiao Can involuntarily took a step back, “I thought you were just rude. I didn’t expect you to be so… so…”
He Xingzhou crossed his arms, waiting for him to continue.
Xiao Can took a breath and finally squeezed out the last two words, “…disgusting!”
He Xingzhou seemed somewhat surprised, and after a moment of contemplation, he asked, “Is this your way of getting my attention?”
