Although Ye Qingqing had been abroad for two years and had not returned to live here, the villa was still spotless. There was not even a trace of dust on the table. It was obvious that Ye Qingqing had hired someone to clean it regularly; otherwise, it could not have remained this immaculate.
Lin Mo sat on the sofa, quietly scanning the room.
“Senior Lin, have some water,” Ye Qingqing said with a smile as she placed the glass on the coffee table.
Lin Mo took the glass. After hesitating for a moment, he spoke somewhat awkwardly, “Qingqing, sit down first. I want to talk to you about something.”
“Hmm? What is it, Senior Lin?” Ye Qingqing sat down beside Lin Mo, looking at him with confusion.
“It’s like this. I want to enter the music industry, so… could you help me?” Lin Mo said, his face full of embarrassment, completely unaware of anything unusual.
He had just said that he did not like owing others favors, yet in the next moment he was asking for one. Lin Mo wished he could find a crack in the ground and hide inside.
But there was no other way. If he wanted to find Shen Youchu as soon as possible, this was the only method. For Shen Youchu, what did it matter if he set aside his pride?
Ye Qingqing could not help but laugh softly. “Senior Lin, is something this small really worth being so nervous about?”
“Don’t worry. Leave this matter to me. I can’t guarantee things for others, but if you want to enter the music industry, it will be incredibly easy.”
Lin Mo’s professional ability and vocal skills were exceptional. Even without Ye Qingqing’s help, he could easily make his way in. It was no exaggeration to say that if Lin Mo and Ye Qingqing had entered the music industry at the same time back then, his achievements would have far surpassed hers. Unfortunately, his circumstances at the time had not allowed him to pursue that path.
“Then thank you, Qingqing,” Lin Mo said, finally letting out a breath of relief after receiving Ye Qingqing’s assurance.
Ye Qingqing’s cheeks turned slightly red as she lowered her voice. “It’s nothing. I’m willing to do it…”
“Ah? What?” Lin Mo looked at her in confusion.
“N-nothing. I mean, since I’m helping you with such a big favor, aren’t you going to treat me to a meal?” Ye Qingqing quickly forced a calm smile.
“Oh right, look at my memory. What would you like to eat? Let’s go now.”
“Hmm… Western food?”
“Alright.”
Meanwhile, Xiao Jibo had already caught up with Su Qianqian. He half crouched in front of her, looking aggrieved. “Qianqian, I’m sorry. I really didn’t mean to say those things just now. I just didn’t want those people to label you as Lin Mo’s. I want you to belong only to me.”
Su Qianqian let out a soft sigh and gently rubbed Xiao Jibo’s head. “Jibo, I’m not blaming you. It’s just that we can’t let people know yet that Lin Mo and I are in a contract marriage. Otherwise, it will bring unnecessary trouble. I hope you can understand.”
“That’s great, Qianqian. I knew you wouldn’t blame me. Don’t worry, I won’t be so impulsive in the future,” Xiao Jibo said excitedly as he leaned forward and hugged Su Qianqian.
Su Qianqian frowned slightly, instinctively wanting to push him away. Over the years, she had grown used to Lin Mo’s presence. Even Xiao Jibo’s touch made her feel resistant. After coming back to her senses, however, she merely patted his back lightly.
Xia Shiya, who stood nearby, watched the scene as if she wanted to speak but held herself back. In the end, she only rolled her eyes at Xiao Jibo and turned her head away, her gaze filled with obvious disgust.
“Alright, Jibo, you just got off the plane and probably haven’t eaten yet, right? I know a newly opened Western restaurant. Let’s go eat something first,” Su Qianqian said with a smile, quietly pushing Xiao Jibo away.
Knowing that Xiao Jibo had just returned from abroad and might not be used to the local food yet, Su Qianqian decided to take him to eat Western cuisine. This chapter is updated first at novelping dot com.
Xiao Jibo paused briefly, then smiled and nodded.
“Shiya, do you want to join us?” Su Qianqian turned her head to ask Xia Shiya.
“No thanks. I lose my appetite just looking at someone. It’s disgusting,” Xia Shiya said angrily before storming off.
Su Qianqian shook her head helplessly and explained to Xiao Jibo, “Jibo, don’t be upset. That’s just Shiya’s personality. You’ll get used to each other over time.”
“Don’t worry, Qianqian. I won’t stoop to her level,” Xiao Jibo said, though his expression had already darkened slightly.
“Alright, let’s go.”
At the same time, Lin Mo and Ye Qingqing had arrived at the Western restaurant. Although he was not quite used to the food, Lin Mo still accompanied Ye Qingqing there.
“Qingqing, how exactly do I enter the music industry?” Lin Mo asked again, perhaps finding the atmosphere too quiet.
Ye Qingqing seemed interested. She put down her knife and fork and explained patiently, “Senior Lin, this can be difficult or simple, depending on which path you choose.”
“What do you mean?” Lin Mo had never entered the music industry, so he naturally did not understand.
“There are many ways to get in. One is to graduate from a music academy and then be recruited by a company. The second is to release your own original albums on short-video platforms, let fans see your talent, and then music companies will come looking for you,” Ye Qingqing said while chewing her food.
Lin Mo fell silent for a moment before asking tentatively, “Then… which path do you think I should choose?”
“I think neither of those two paths suits you,” Ye Qingqing replied without hesitation, leaving Lin Mo confused.
Seeing his expression, Ye Qingqing smiled playfully before turning serious. “With your talent, you should join a talent show and stand out among many singers. You need to let fans see your ability and also gain recognition from the mentors. That way, your path in music will be incredibly smooth in the future.”
“Of course, I’m one of the mentors, so you don’t need to worry about me. And you don’t need to worry about the other mentors either. With your talent, you will definitely earn their recognition.”
Ye Qingqing grinned confidently.
It turned out that Ye Qingqing had returned to the country this time because she had been invited to serve as a mentor on a talent show.
Lin Mo suddenly understood and felt his confidence soar. Since Ye Qingqing had said so, he no longer had any concerns. He would participate in the talent show, debut successfully, and stand at the very top of the music industry, waiting for Shen Youchu.
A clear and determined direction formed instantly in Lin Mo’s mind.
“Qingqing, thank you,” Lin Mo said sincerely.
“Senior Lin, I already told you not to be so polite with me. Or are you treating me like an outsider?” Ye Qingqing pouted slightly in dissatisfaction.
Lin Mo scratched his head awkwardly and did not reply.
“Qianqian, you’re so thoughtful. You know I’m not used to the food here, so you even picked a Western restaurant for me,” a familiar voice suddenly reached Lin Mo’s ears as he lowered his head to eat.
Looking up, he saw Xiao Jibo pushing Su Qianqian while speaking with a smile. Su Qianqian also showed a rare gentle smile.
Lin Mo hurriedly lowered his head again, afraid that Su Qianqian might see him. There had already been an awkward misunderstanding at the airport earlier. He did not want to become a laughingstock in the restaurant as well.
“Senior Lin, what’s wrong?” Ye Qingqing noticed something unusual about Lin Mo and turned to look behind her.
“That scumbag woman hasn’t even divorced yet and she’s already flirting with another man. Let me go teach her a lesson,” Ye Qingqing said as she stood up.
Lin Mo quickly reached out to stop her and lowered his voice. “Alright, Qingqing. It’s better to avoid trouble. Besides, Su Qianqian and I are only in a contract marriage, and we’re about to divorce anyway. Let’s just leave it.”
Ye Qingqing pressed her lips together and sat back down.
“Qianqian, let’s sit over there,” Xiao Jibo said, pointing to the seats behind Ye Qingqing.
Su Qianqian nodded slightly.
Soon, the two of them arrived at the table behind Ye Qingqing. Since Lin Mo had kept his head lowered, neither Su Qianqian nor Xiao Jibo noticed him.
After pushing Su Qianqian to the table, Xiao Jibo sat down by himself on a chair, completely forgetting that Su Qianqian was still in her wheelchair. He focused only on flipping through the menu.
Not only did Lin Mo and Ye Qingqing find this hard to watch, but even the nearby waiter looked uncomfortable.
Su Qianqian frowned but said nothing.
The waiter coughed lightly. “Sir, is your girlfriend going to sit here?”
Xiao Jibo finally came to his senses, embarrassment flashing across his face. However, when he heard the word “girlfriend,” a satisfied smile also appeared.
He hurriedly stood up, but in his haste, he accidentally bumped into Su Qianqian’s wheelchair.
“Mm…” The wheelchair tilted forward, and Su Qianqian’s legs struck the table leg without warning. A soft cry of pain escaped her lips.
“I’m sorry, Qianqian. I… I’m really too clumsy. Are you okay?” Xiao Jibo asked in panic.
Su Qianqian forced a smile while enduring the pain. “I’m fine. Let’s order first.”
“Alright. Qianqian, I’ll carry you to the chair. It’ll be more comfortable to eat that way,” Xiao Jibo said as he reached out to lift her.
Su Qianqian’s expression changed slightly. “No.”
“Qianqian, what’s wrong?”
“I said no. It’s the same eating here.” After saying that, Su Qianqian turned to look out the window, lost in thought.
When Lin Mo used to take care of her, nothing like this had ever happened. He would gently carry her to the dining chair, order all her favorite dishes, arrange the knife and fork for her, and even cut the food into pieces after it was served. He was almost ready to feed her personally.
For some reason, Su Qianqian thought of Lin Mo again.
A trace of displeasure flashed across Xiao Jibo’s face, but he said nothing.
Just as he was about to sit back down and continue ordering, he accidentally glanced at the neighboring table.
“Lin Mo? Why are you here?”