Returning to Feng Zhou Yuan around lunchtime, Liu E greeted me respectfully upon my return.
Glancing at the still appetizing dishes on the table, I recalled my recent encounter with Pei Heng and Wei Lan, instantly losing my appetite. Without touching my chopsticks, I headed upstairs.
“Madam, are you feeling unwell? Should I call a doctor?” Liu E asked considerately as she followed me.
Ever since I forgave her for breaking the skincare products, she had become even more attentive toward me.
If she weren’t Wei Lan’s mother, I might have genuinely appreciated having a housekeeper like her.
“No, I just don’t feel like eating. You and the other aunts can share the meal,” I replied irritably, lying down on the bed.
Liu E didn’t dare say more and quietly withdrew.
Amidst my chaotic thoughts, I fell asleep. If it weren’t for the barrage of calls from Deng Jing’er and the others, I could have slept until the next day.
Deng Jing’er’s loud, excited voice burst through the phone, “Holy crap!!! Goddess!!! The cello goddess of A University has made a comeback!!”
“Huh?” Still groggy from sleep, I didn’t understand what she was talking about.
“I sent you the link. Check it out, right now!” Deng Jing’er hung up after saying that.
Checking my missed calls, I saw that Ouyang Tian and Li You had each called three times, but I hadn’t answered.
Opening WeChat, I clicked on the link Deng Jing’er sent. It was a video of today’s performance at A University Concert Hall.
I was seated on the far left, and whoever filmed it kept zooming in on me as if they had a crush on me.
Below were countless netizens lavishing praise on me—comments about my elegant beauty, my past status as the music department goddess at A University. Reading them made my spirits soar, and all drowsiness vanished.
Who doesn’t love being praised? This was the first time I’d experienced such a feeling.
Though I’d received plenty of compliments growing up, most were due to my father’s status. This was the first time so many people admired me purely for my own charm.
Deng Jing’er timed it perfectly, calling again right after I finished watching. “So, what do you think? Didn’t expect that, huh? Suddenly famous, hahahaha…”
“It really is quite unexpected,” I replied, feeling pleased. “Seems like my charm hasn’t faded over the years!”
“Of course not! Back then, you were just blinded by Pei Heng. So many people pursued you, yet you insisted on being his humble admirer.” Deng Jing’er still sounded indignant whenever she brought up the past.
“Let’s not dwell on those memories. I’ve moved on now, haven’t I?” Thinking back, I felt a tinge of melancholy.
“If you’ve moved on, then come have a drink with me! I’m free anyway—might as well turn you into a big internet celebrity.” Deng Jing’er began fantasizing about the future. “Then the four of us could start a band! Li You as the lead singer, and the three of us as accompanists. Perfect!”
I felt like Deng Jing’er had too much time on her hands, coming up with such unrealistic ideas. “Forget about the future. Where are you? Let’s all meet for a meal—no drinking.”
I’d been hungry all day. My weight-gain plan couldn’t afford any interruptions.
Deng Jing’er agreed without hesitation, “Sure! I know a teahouse with excellent tea, and their dishes are even better than any five-star hotel I’ve tried. I’ll send you the address!”
After receiving the teahouse location, I changed clothes and headed out.
Unexpectedly, I ran into my dad at the teahouse entrance. He was chatting with some friends, apparently just finished a meal.
“Dad!” I called out.
“Yi Yi, what are you doing here?” My dad looked surprised to see me, and his old friends all glanced over.
One sharp-eyed uncle immediately spoke up, “Old Xu, isn’t your daughter the cello beauty from A University today? She’s trending online!”
My dad must have seen it too. A hint of pride showed on his face, though his tone remained restrained, “Oh, what trend? She studied cello in university but hasn’t practiced for years!”
“Still so skilled after years off? Old Xu, your daughter is truly remarkable!”
“And so good-looking too, clearly has an aristocratic air.”
Listening to these flattering compliments, I felt both pleased and somewhat ashamed. How could my White Bone Spirit image possibly match any aristocratic appearance?
Just then, Deng Jing’er called to hurry me along. I quickly told my dad, “Dad, my friend is waiting for me. I should go in now!”
“Go ahead, I need to head back too.” My dad waved me off.
I nodded and walked toward the teahouse, suddenly wanting to tell him I’d be home for dinner in a couple days. But when I turned back, I saw a woman around forty getting out of my dad’s car. Standing under the bright streetlight, she wore a classic black-and-white wrap dress with a wide round neckline, exuding both charm and intellect. She bowed respectfully to my dad, revealing just the right amount of cleavage – subtle yet suggestive.
After my dad said something to her, he got in the back seat while she took the driver’s seat.
Wasn’t his previous driver a man? Had he switched to a female driver now??
I felt puzzled and strangely uncomfortable.
“Yi Yi, what are you doing at the entrance? Working as a greeter?” Ouyang Tian, who had just arrived, noticed me spacing out and joked while patting my shoulder.
“Waiting for you! Being your personal greeter – touched?” I snapped back to reality, smiling as I linked arms with her. “Let’s go, Jing’er is about to die waiting!”
Chatting with Ouyang Tian, we reached the reserved private room. Opening the door released a gentle tea fragrance, with elegant classical music playing from hidden speakers in the corner, creating a refreshing atmosphere.
Deng Jing’er was posing with a teacup while Li You took photos for her to post on social media and flirt with her backup admirers.
I used to think Deng Jing’er was fickle and didn’t understand romance, but now I increasingly see her as truly clear-headed about life.
“Yi Yi, Tian Tian, you’re here.” Seeing us arrive, Deng Jing’er dropped her flirtatious pose and finally sat like a normal person, cheerfully waving us over. “Sit, sit! I’ve already ordered. Trust me, the food will be absolutely fantastic!”
Ouyang Tian and I sat down at the tea table. “Alright, we trust you!”
The four of us filled the tea table perfectly. An elegant tea master in a sophisticated cyan cheongsam, her hair adorned with a white jade hairpin, added to the distinctive ambiance.
I ordered a cup of Jin Jun Mei, a type of black tea with a relatively sweet flavor. The tea ceremony hostess performed the entire tea brewing process for us on the spot while softly explaining the price, origin, and flavor characteristics of the tea being brewed. It was truly a delightful experience.
As we sipped our tea, the dishes arrived one by one. Indeed, each dish tasted excellent.
Just as the waitress opened and closed the door, I caught a glimpse of Pei Heng and Yu Yifan passing by outside.