The stage lights suddenly dimmed, and a faint background music with an ancient flair gradually rose.
Accompanied by the sudden exclamations from the audience, Qian Jianan slowly turned around and saw a performance stage set up in a corner behind him. Jing Li, who had put on ancient clothes at some time, was slowly walking over. He lifted up his clothes and sat behind the guqin.
“Ahhh! Jing Li looks so handsome in ancient costume!”
“My young master has stepped right out of a painting!”
“Wah, the way Jing Li lifted his robe is simply killing me! I’m in love!”
“Just for this look, I’ve decided to become a fan!”
“Sisters, I suddenly feel like climbing the wall1Climb a wall (爬墙): refers to a fan who already has an idol but starts to like another celebrity (or other celebrities), and eventually gives up on his/her original idol. , what should I do…”
“To be honest, me too…”
……
On stage, Jing Li wore a white, form-fitting ancient costume that accentuated his slender and graceful figure. The majestic celestial palace backdrop instantly added an ethereal, otherworldly aura to his presence. The mist from the fog machine swirled around him, creating an alluring, hazy scene as if he were a divine being descending from the heavens. His exquisite and handsome features instantly captivated everyone’s eyes, drawing them in irresistibly and holding their gazes spellbound.
Even Qian Jianan couldn’t help but feel momentarily dazed.
Realizing he had become fascinated by someone he despised, Qian Jianan quickly looked away. But seeing the audience utterly transfixed, their voices fading into silence, his expression darkened further. Recalling that some audience members were even holding his fan banners, he shot Jing Li a resentful glare.
However, Jing Li remained entirely unaffected.
He lowered his eyes contemplatively at the guqin before him, lightly brushing his fingers across its body with a nostalgic gaze.
Perhaps due to the ethereal aura he exuded, the surrounding air fell into profound stillness, everyone deliberately quieting their breathing as if the slightest sound might shatter the spell.
After a moment, Jing Li plucked a string, testing the tone. Then, raising his hands, his fingers danced nimbly across the strings, eliciting a flowing melody.
Instantly, a distant, ethereal guqin tune resonated throughout the recording studio.
The melody seemed unfamiliar, not a popular or acclaimed piece circulating online, yet its beauty drew the audience into its captivating ambiance.
The notes drifted like clouds, transporting them into soft, delicate mists caressed by gentle breezes. Then like tinkling streams, serene and clear; and playful birds flitting through the woods, lively and joyous. Suddenly the pitch soared, surging like crashing waves pounding the shore, spraying meters-high waves, and then gradually became calm and easy-going, and gently merged into the sea again…
Everyone felt themselves following the guqin’s guidance, as if soaring on swords like celestial beings. First, hovering above the clouds, embraced by gentle breeze while admiring the breathtaking scenery below with loved ones.
Then glimpsing a crystal-clear stream, leaping from leaf to leaf with companions, listening to the murmuring waters while observing the merry birds darting through the trees.
Tired of the quiet stream, they charged towards the blue ocean, riding the crests of surging waves that pounded the shoreline, watching seabirds dive for their prey.
…
The entire journey was serene yet exhilarating, leaving them reluctant for it to end.
Until the final notes faded, they remained entranced in the beautiful ambiance, reluctant to wake from its spell.
The recording studio fell into profound silence, as if everyone was still recovering from the guqin’s mesmerizing impact.
“My humble offering.” Jing Li stood and bowed towards the audience with a light smile.
“Ah, I’m sorry, I was completely drawn in,” Wei Jia was the first to respond with an amused chuckle. “I never expected Jing Li’s guqin skills to be so impressive.”
“I’m suddenly envious of your neighbors who get to hear such music daily. They must be overjoyed.”
The others soon echoed their admiration for his remarkable talent. During the rehearsals, they would only go through the formalities, so Jing Li did not actually perform. At first, they thought that the other party had just learned a little bit, but they did not expect that he would be so good.
Jing Li smiled and thanked everyone humbly. His posture was elegant and gentlemanly, instantly earning a fresh wave of admiration.
The fans in the audience erupted into excited cheers, thunderous applause resonating below.
“Handsome, talented in acting and calligraphy, and now an incredible guqin master – is there anything you can’t do, Jing Shao?!”
“I always thought the descriptions of being transported by guqin music were exaggerated, but today I experienced it firsthand!”
“What an amazing idol I’ve become a fan of!”
“Sorry sisters, I can’t resist anymore – I’m climbing that wall!”
“Me too…”
…
The atmosphere reached its peak as everyone gazed admiringly at Jing Li.
Even the guests who had not paid much attention to Jing Li before also cast their eyes approvingly at him.
Of course, Qian Jianan was the sole exception.
In fact, sensing Jing Li’s surging popularity only fueled his resentment and bitterness towards its peak.
‘Hah, no wonder you refused to collaborate with me – you just didn’t want anyone stealing the spotlight, right?
With me as your foil, it only highlights your superiority, doesn’t it?
Hearing everyone sing your praises, are you practically bursting with pride, thinking you can leverage this to gain more fans and fame?’
Recalling his own humiliating struggles during his earlier performance, Qian Jianan completely removed even the last trace of pretense, leaving only full of malice towards Jing Li
After filming concluded, he quickly left the show first and called his assistant from a secluded corner.
“Immediately have someone contact the person in charge of the Dolphin TV and have them cut the talent showcase segment.”
“Or at least edit out Jing Li’s part.”
“Also, look into what businesses Jing Li’s family is involved in. Get in touch with their partners, and no matter what it takes, sabotage their dealings!”
……
After instructing his assistant, Qian Jianan hung up and turned towards Jing Li, who was chatting amiably with the other guests, his expression twisting into a sinister grin.
‘Want fame and popularity? Then you’ll have a chance for more people to see you!’
*
Jing Li remained unaware of Qian Jianan’s underhanded schemes. After filming concluded, he joined the other guests in the dressing room for a short break.
His current mortal form lacked his powers from the Spiritual Realm, even just a few hours of filming had left him drained.
The others were no better, and with their constantly busy schedule, they felt even more fatigued than him.
So after some initial casual conversation, everyone closed their eyes for a brief rest while the staff helped remove their makeup.
“Hey Jing Li, do you have any plans tomorrow?” Wang Lele suddenly spoke up in the quiet room. “It’s my last day off. If you have nothing to do, want to hit up Green Forest for a meal?”
Green Forest?
Jing Li paused for a moment, then remembered the strange restaurant Wang Lele had mentioned before, and immediately responded, “Sure, I’m free,”
It just so happened that he had been free recently. This would be a good opportunity to meet the rumored mystical owner who supposedly only served guests based on the ‘color of the aura above their heads.’
If they truly were a local spirit, it could aid his future research into the supernatural realm.
“Great, it’s settled then?” Wang Lele turned towards him. “My flight back to Capital City is tonight, so I’ll give them a heads up. We can head over first thing tomorrow morning for a relaxing retreat.”
Jing Li smiled in agreement.
As they chatted, Jing Li’s assistant approached and whispered, “Er Shao, Da Shao is here waiting in the car outside.”
Jing Li’s eyes widened in surprise as he glanced at his assistant.
His brother had come here unexpectedly?
Regardless, he was overjoyed at his brother’s arrival. Work had kept them from even video calling much this month, let alone meeting in person.
The more he thought about it, the more excited he became to see his brother. He could hardly wait to rush out, but managed to remain composed, asking his assistant to let his brother know he’d be right out. He closed his eyes again, struggling to wait patiently as they finished removing his makeup.
Unable to contain himself any longer, he politely urged the staff to hurry.
Finally free, he bid farewell to the others in the room and hurried out of the dressing room.
However, as soon as he turned out of the door, he was blocked by a figure next to him.
Jing Li thought it was because his brother couldn’t wait for him to come in, so he quickly looked up with a smile, but suddenly he was met by Qian Jianan, who had a gloomy look on his face.
“So? Feeling proud about showing off on the show?” Qian Jianan looked at him with a mocking look and sneered, “But you might be celebrating too soon. The episode hasn’t even aired yet, and you’re already smug. If word gets out online, I bet even your pitiful few fans will abandon you.”
Jing Li’s face hardened as he shot him an impatient glare. “Step aside, you’re in my way.”
“What? Think you’re hot stuff just from being on one little show?” Qian Jianan glared viciously, his tone turning icy. “Jing Li, you’re the first to dare cross me like this. You’ll regret it!”
He looked him up and down disdainfully, then suddenly laughed as if recalling something amusing. “Oh right, I remember you mentioned your family has some small business ventures? You better keep a close eye on those – they might go bankrupt any day now.”
Jing Li ignored his words, his gaze shifting past Qian Jianan to the person entering from outside, his eyes brightening.
However, the newcomer’s expression darkened upon hearing the threats directed at his younger brother.
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