“Heartless”
After that day, Jiang Zhi realized late, always feeling that the atmosphere between the two was strange, making him inexplicably want to hide.
Maybe it was because work had been too busy lately, or maybe the main plot of the story had finally loosened, making him suddenly lose his sense of crisis.
After the Tianjing banquet, Jiang Zhi’s schedule gradually became dense, and his contract with the First Philharmonic Orchestra officially took effect.
Every day he was either on stage or on the way to a stage.
Kyoto, Shanghai, Yuncheng—flying back and forth between various domestic cities. At his busiest, he couldn’t even look at his phone all day, and every time he returned, it was midnight.
Worried that the constant tossing and turning would affect his parents’ rest, Jiang Zhi temporarily asked his assistant to find an apartment for him. Every time he came back late, he would temporarily stay there.
These past two days, there was a business exchange meeting in Yuncheng, and all the renowned enterprises in the country were listed to attend.
On the opening night, the organizer held a welcoming banquet at the Art Center, and Jiang Zhi was also on the invitation list—not representing the Jiang family, but as the grand finale guest of the banquet.
Jiang Zhi rarely accepted non-professional performance occasions like this; however, his parents would be attending that night, as well as many family relatives he frequently interacted with, so after considering it repeatedly, he came.
Those who could attend the banquet were basically the elites in their industries, wealthy or noble. Most of these people admired art, especially hobbies that symbolized elegance, such as classical piano music.
The expectations for Jiang Zhi at the banquet were much higher than those for many celebrities or artists.
Fu Yunting only received the news that day, and it was a personal call from the old master. The Fu family had not been peaceful recently, and the company internal affairs were also turbulent; his own work was not exactly leisurely.
Knowing that Jiang Zhi had been busy with work lately, he didn’t do anything rashly. Instead, it was the old master who said that even if he had to wear his hospital gown, he would go to the scene, telling Fu Yunting to figure it out himself.
The man had a headache and could only have people go over to arrange it first.
“Yunting, did you call the Jiang family?”
Near evening, the butler helped the old master change out of his hospital gown. “You’ve asked ten times already, I’ve already called.”
“What about Zhizhi?”
“Jiang Zhi has been very busy lately and only arrived in Yuncheng today,” Fu Yunting said helplessly. “After it ends tonight, I’ll take him to see you.”
Old Fu was then satisfied, looking at himself in the mirror. “Does this bow tie have to be worn? It’s choking me.”
The butler helplessly went up to loosen it. “Actually, it’s fine if you don’t wear it…”
That night, Fu Yunting took the old master to the banquet scene early. Worried that there were too many miscellaneous people, they stayed in the lounge until the banquet started before showing up.
Jiang Zheng and Zhang Ru’an arrived a step late. Seeing that the old master had even brought a doctor, their hearts tightened.
“…Uncle Fu, you are?” Jiang Zheng hurried to meet them.
When the engagement between the two families was set, it was Old Fu who personally came over with Fu Yunting. His health looked alright then, but he didn’t expect that after just a few days of not seeing him, the old man had lost a whole circle of weight.
“Sigh, I’m old, I’m old. Even going out is such a hassle. Fortunately, I still have a grandson who can be ordered around.” As he spoke, he patted Fu Yunting’s hand. “You go ahead, see where Zhizhi is.”
The man smiled. “Then Uncle, Aunt, you guys chat.”
Before going out, he had the doctor guard next door and took Sheng Yuan out to walk around.
“President Fu, Young Master Jiang should not have arrived yet. The backstage area has already been greeted.”
Jiang Zhi had flown back from Shanghai in the morning and had just finished an interview. He had fallen asleep as soon as he got on the car.
When they arrived at the Art Center, the assistant turned around to wake Jiang Zhi, but the side window was suddenly knocked on.
She opened the door, smiled, and left with the driver first.
Jiang Zhi felt vaguely that the car had stopped. He was dazed for a while, opened his eyes, and looked out the window. It had indeed stopped.
“…Why didn’t you call me when we arrived?”
After saying this, he felt the atmosphere in the car was wrong. He turned his face and saw Fu Yunting, whom he hadn’t seen for a long time, and was startled.
“Why are you here?”
“Your phone couldn’t get through, so I had to come here to stake you out.” Fu Yunting casually tore off a wet tissue and handed it to him. “Wipe your drool.”
“…” He subconsciously touched the corner of his mouth—there was nothing. “Who was drooling!”
After speaking, he took the tissue and pressed it on his face to become slightly more sober.
“I originally thought today’s occasion wouldn’t require your attendance.”
“I don’t need to attend,” Fu Yunting said. “But Grandpa wanted to come, so I accompanied him.”
“Grandpa?” Jiang Zhi quickly sat up and looked out. “Where?”
“Inside talking to your parents.”
Jiang Zhi realized late that he really was dizzy from being busy. “Then I’ll go see Grandpa first.”
“Don’t you still need to test the piano? Go backstage first. After it’s over, you can accompany Grandpa to talk.” Fu Yunting took the water cup from the side and handed it to him. “Drink some to replenish your fluids; it’s getting late.”
Jiang Zhi frowned and pushed it away. “No.”
The man saw his resistance, lowered his head, and sniffed. “Not feeling well?”
“It’s nothing, just been too busy and a bit inflamed (strained/stressed) lately.” Jiang Zhi twisted his body twice. “Where is my assistant? Where did you put her?”
“She went to coordinate with the person in charge.”
After getting off the car, Fu Yunting took a mask and put it on him. “Public figure, you have to be careful when coming and going.”
Jiang Zhi looked around late. “…I know.”
Fu Yunting raised an eyebrow, watching him stay motionless and letting himself put on the mask.
“Why are you so obedient today?” Usually, he would at least step back twice.
“When am I not…” Jiang Zhi stopped in time. “Obedient? Who’s being obedient? I’m not a child.”
He just felt a little embarrassed that the old master would come to see him in person.
“Oh… a big child.” Fu Yunting watched his little expressions while walking. Nowadays, Jiang Zhi didn’t hide his emotions at all. “Still needing people to coax him to drink medicine.”
“I’m not sick, why would I drink medicine? Adults have an adult’s freedom.” Jiang Zhi was very willful, doing whatever felt comfortable.
Fu Yunting sent him to the backstage, told Sheng Yuan to keep an eye on him, and took the old master to his seat.
Because it was arranged in advance, the two families sat together. Zhang Ru’an saw how Fu Yunting took care of the old master. Even Jiang Yan, who came late and hadn’t gotten a word in, was a bit surprised.
When everyone entered, the performances on stage were almost done, and people could be heard discussing Jiang Zhi sporadically.
Jiang’s parents didn’t show it on their faces, but they were very happy inside.
The old master was different; every person who came to greet him would be told that his grandson was a pianist and that he was the grand finale.
Fu Yunting was helpless and couldn’t stop him.
Fortunately, those sitting there had heard of Jiang Zhi long ago. Not to mention his recent popularity, just being the closed-door disciple of world-renowned pianist Nolan was enough for them to drop everything and come to see his style.
Even if they didn’t understand it themselves, it was an experience they could brag about when they went back.
If they could get a word in, maybe they could even plot a bright future for their own sons and daughters.
It was just that everyone’s level was the same; they were busy scheming in the business world every day and had limited understanding of music. At this moment, they were all coincidentally considering how to react later.
However, when Jiang Zhi appeared under that beam of light, the music played.
Everyone had a smile on their faces, also carrying a sense of pride after surveying each other.
“I’ve heard this song.”
“I’m familiar with this music.”
“Oh, isn’t it just ‘Canon’? I even know the name.”
Even Fu Yunting tugged at the corner of his lips and asked the old master, “Have you heard this?”
“You underestimate Grandpa. When I was chasing your grandma back then, I studied this stuff too.” The old master smiled. “Little Zhizhi’s brain is really useful; he knows how to calculate and plan.”
“Do you think everything Jiang Zhi does is good now?” Fu Yunting found it funny.
“Yes, yes, he is our own grandson. Looking at Zhizhi, he’s so pretty and obedient; I just love watching him.”
Zhang Ru’an was sitting on the old master’s left at this time, and hearing this, she felt a bit guilty. This trip made her see that the old master’s health was getting worse by the day, but she could also see how much he liked Jiang Zhi.
Zhang Ru’an knew in her heart what her own child was like—heartless. But Fu Yunting was different. Growing up in such a family, he was destined to be a child who lacked love. In terms of relationships, he must hope to establish a family of his own as soon as possible.
Could two people with such personalities really walk together?
While thinking, the music in her ears suddenly changed key, the rhythm began to flip and fly—it was obviously Jiang Zhi’s own style.
Compared to the previous sighs, everyone started staring intently.
It wasn’t usually noticeable, but at this moment, Jiang Zhi’s professional quality was fully reflected.
The melody flowed like water, his fingers were beautiful and agile, and the continuous decima progressions—his superb skills made him look like a dancer on the piano keys.
Those who usually wore princess dresses and posed in front of pianos now looked like a joke.
Old Fu smacked his lips. “Look at this. What is that stuff Jiayue plays called? And she had the nerve to ask me for money.”
Fu Yunting, “…” He hadn’t expected this.
Zhang Ru’an laughed. “Uncle, Jiang Zhi has been studying this for all these years, while Jiayue is a high-achieving student in finance. There is no comparison between two different directions.”
“What high-achieving student? She doesn’t understand people.” The old master waved his hand, looking like he didn’t want to talk about it anymore.
After the venue dispersed, Jiang Yan booked a restaurant nearby, but Old Fu’s complexion didn’t look too good.
“Uncle, Aunt, Grandpa is still sick and needs to watch his diet. We just came today to see you and Jiang Zhi. Please tell Jiang Zhi for us later, we’ll go first.”
“Good, good, it’s better to go back early. Should I have Jiang Yan drive you?”
Fu Yunting smiled. “No need, Uncle. The driver and doctor are both there. Jiang Zhi is rarely back today, so you guys keep an eye on him and have a good meal.”
“Then remember to give your Aunt a call when you get to the hospital.”
“I will.”
Zhang Ru’an watched the grandfather and grandson get in the car, feeling a bit sorry.
A long time later, Jiang Zhi ran out without having time to change his clothes.
“Mom, where is Grandpa Fu?”
“Left, just left.” Jiang Yan raised his chin. “I say, you kid are capable, you can actually move a big Buddha like Grandpa Fu.”
Jiang Zhi didn’t understand yet. How did he leave? “What’s the situation with Fu Yunting? Why didn’t he wait for me?”
Zhang Ru’an found it funny. “Yo, calling him by his name so righteously now?”
“Is it not normal for me to call his name?” Jiang Zhi struggled a bit. “Then Mom and Dad, do you think I should go to the hospital?”
“Go, Grandpa likes you. It is only right to show filial piety.” Jiang Zheng exhorted him. “Old people, you know, they like having children around. It’s a pity that the two in the Fu family are unreliable.”
“Then I won’t eat with you guys. I’ll go back to my little apartment tonight, don’t wait for me.” After Jiang Zhi finished speaking, he turned and got into his car.
“There, I see this person will belong to someone else sooner or later.” Zhang Ru’an sighed.
Jiang Yan touched his chin. “Seconded.”