Chapter 37
You Sound As Though You’re Pulling Out Your Investment Or Something
On 9th of July, a ten story cruise ship was parked at the harbor of Ocean City’s east coast. At 6:30 pm, in the brightly lit cruise ship, the red carpets were decked out, leading a glamorous path straight to the golden Roman columns and revolving doors. It was as though one could sniff the scent of money everywhere in this vanity fair.
Having rehearsed for the entire day with Mr. Vincent the day before, the fusion of Eastern and Western music was honed to perfection. Today, they were going to perform the ‘Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto’ and ‘Jasmine Flower’ together.
It was said that he was blown away when he chanced upon the video of her performing at the Central Conservatory of Music interview, so much so that he sought out Nine Middle School for her email address.
Wen Qiao was dressed suitably in a black dress while next to her, Lu Youyou looked like her assistant carrying a pipa case on her shoulders. The latter was extremely pleased with her creation.
“Our Qiao’s beauty has reached a new height today.”
Wen Qiao hooked her arm around Lu Youyou’s. Seeing the duo standing by the revolving doors, she raised a brow. “Look…”
As they spoke, the pair walked towards a golden Roman pillar.
With her arms crossed, Zhao Tong let out a soft snicker. “I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. Turns out it’s really you two. What are the two of you doing here? To watch the performance? Your presence really pulls down the standards of the entire audience, you know that? Why are you carrying your pipa case when you’re here to view a performance? Is this a provocative act towards the world class piano master? Stop disgracing yourself and go home.”
Wen Qiao was speechless.
Why was this person such a motormouth?
Her lips parted, and was about to explain, lest Zhao Tong spoke too much and appeared too stupid.
But Zhao Tong opened her motor-like mouth again. “Which row are your tickets? You won’t be able to view the master’s elegant demeanor if you sit too far behind. Oh that’s right, not everyone is able to get VIP tickets like ours, Lulu and I are in the first row. After the concert is over, I suppose we can describe to you how fascinating his performance was from where we were.”
In the face of the other girl’s tirade, Lu Youyou merely said, “… Sorry to disappoint you, our Qiaoqiao isn’t here to view a performance today. Our Qiao is here to perform onstage with Mr. Vincent.”
Xu Lu froze for a moment. She tightened her grip on her handbag, the smile on her face turning stiff.
Perform together with Mr. Vincent?
What shameless braggarts.
Zhao Tong sneered. “Perform together with Mr. Vincent? Lu Youyou, if you’re going to brag, at least come up with something that sounds remotely plausible. Her? Wen Qiao? Is she fit? Never mind the lowly status of your traditional music, even if we solely focus on results, has Wen Qiao ever won a major international award? Has she ever received the recognition of any professional organization? Even our Lulu, who has obtained so many major awards before, doesn’t dare to make such a bold claim! Y—”
At that moment, Wen Qiao leisurely fished out an invitation and waved it before Zhao Tong’s eyes. Lu Youyou said smugly, “Can you read? It’s written in both Chinese and English. Do you need me to read it out loud for you?”
Xu Lu’s entire heart was trembling, and her emotions were spiralling out of control. But she could only grip her handbag tightly, so much so her fingernails were digging into the flesh of her fingers.
Still in disbelief, Zhao Tong snatched the invitation from her and her eyes scanned the card. The arrogance she displayed earlier seemed like a joke now.
Not afraid to add fuel to the fire, Wen Qiao went on to say, “I don’t need you to describe to me how wonderful the performance is. Being onstage, I should be able to have a better perception of it than you.”
With an ashen face, the young miss of the Zhao family tossed the invitation back at Wen Qiao. “Just from this, it’s obvious that this Mr. Vincent’s taste is only so-so. I’m definitely no fan of his from now on!”
Wen Qiao scoffed. “You sound as though you’re pulling out your investment or something. There’s no need to announce something as trivial as this. No one cares.”
“Wen Qiao, what are you so cocky about?” Zhao Tong fumed.
Lu Youyou raised a brow. “Our Qiaoqiao has the capital to be cocky. Can’t take it lying down? Guess you can only suck it up.”
On the other side of the red carpet, Zhuang Yan had entered with his mother. Xu Lu tugged at Zhao Tong and whispered, “Tongtong, forget it. Perhaps the school wishes to popularize traditional music and that’s why it brought about this collaboration.”
Having no interest in continuing the conversation, Wen Qiao and Lu Youyou had already entered the revolving doors and ascended the gangway.