Chapter 43

Their agent’s name is Xie Qing, a slightly plump but explosively curvy middle-aged woman.

An appraisal document lies in front of Xie Qing, detailing the comprehensive performance scores of the four artists during the assessment period and the final results.

She is dressed in a red suit with an office lady skirt, seated at her desk scrutinizing the four newcomers before her.

Her gaze makes these newcomers incredibly nervous. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

"The assessment period has ended, and the reason I called you here today is to announce the results of the assessment." Xie Qing picked up the document, shook it at them, and released a bombshell.

She said, "For this album, the company has invested a lot to hire Luo Muni, a titan in the composition world. You all know that Luo Muni is known for guaranteeing album success. Albums he produces never fail. This album too is aiming for music awards."

"It’s no exaggeration to say that whoever lands this opportunity can become the hottest new star in the music scene in the coming years."

Xie Qing easily stirred up everyone’s fighting spirit and passion.

The thought of grabbing this opportunity and soaring to become the hottest new star in the music world made all four hearts race, even You Mingyue was no exception.

"Among you four, two have emerged as popular singers from talent shows, one is an internet singer, and one is a top piano student at Xia Country Music College. You are all excellent, but only one will ultimately emerge victorious."

Xie Qing deliberately left suspense, not directly announcing the winner.

Among the four, Lü Xingxing and Xu Yue are newcomers rising from talent shows, already having certain fame. Zhang Zhixing was previously a hot internet singer, though his songs were popular but not himself.

Only You Mingyue among the four is a genuine musician, also a top graduate from Xia Country Music College’s piano department.

During her third year, a video of her wearing a purple dress while playing piano in the practice room, secretly recorded by a smitten admirer, unexpectedly went viral on Douyin.

From that day, You Mingyue earned the title of ’Most Beautiful Piano Talent.’

It can be said that all four have certain achievements and popularity, all being quite competent newcomers.

Before the final results were announced, all four tried to maintain composure, with You Mingyue looking particularly calm and collected.

Xie Qing’s gaze swept across the four, slightly pausing on You Mingyue.

Noticing this detail, You Mingyue felt a hint of joy.

Xie Qing opened the file and said, "After three months of company operation and assessment, the final winner is..."

Xie Qing turned the file towards the four of them and said, "Xu Yue."

Upon hearing the answer, their expressions varied, with You Mingyue feeling as if struck by lightning.

Xu Yue was overjoyed inside, her lips curling up instantly. Lü Xingxing and Zhang Zhixing, after a few seconds of disappointment, instinctively looked towards You Mingyue.

Earlier in the elevator, hearing You Mingyue’s comments, they thought she was deceiving them.

At this moment, confirming the real winner was Xu Yue, not this boyfriend-backgrounded You Mingyue, they truly believed what You Mingyue said.

It seemed that her boyfriend really didn’t help her.

You Mingyue’s expression remained composed, but inside, she was roaring, furious, and unwilling.

She actually lost to Xu Yue!

It turns out, Xie Qing’s earlier gaze wasn’t admiration but regret for her.

Xie Qing finally managed a slight smile on her face, "Congratulations, Xu Yue."

After congratulating Xu Yue, she told the other three, "You are all very promising young people; the company won’t neglect you. In the second half of the year, songs tailored for you will be launched successively."

No matter if Xie Qing’s promise is true or not, both Lü Xingxing and Zhang Zhixing saw hope.

Only You Mingyue felt burdened.

Wait until the second half of the year?

The entertainment industry changes rapidly, by the second half, the popularity they painstakingly built might have already faded. Meanwhile, the company might sign new artists.

By then, will there still be opportunities for them?

And, men’s hearts change quickly; can Chu Zimu really be devoted to her?

Half a year is too many variables, she cannot afford to gamble!

But the Chu Family won’t help her; Chu Zimu also won’t defy the agreement made with his mother. Without help, she finds it hard to stand out in the music world.

What should she do?

You Mingyue glanced at Xie Qing’s desk file, seeing her name right after Xu Yue’s, with their comprehensive data not much different; Xu Yue only barely won.

If anything happens to Xu Yue, wouldn’t the opportunity fall to her?

You Mingyue quickly calmed down, walked towards Xu Yue and extended her right hand, peacefully joking, "Congratulations, Xu Yue. This time you won, but be careful; I might surpass you."

Xu Yue held You Mingyue’s fingers, laughed heartily, saying, "I’m waiting for you to catch up!"

He then looked towards Lü Xingxing and Zhang Zhixing behind You Mingyue, comforting them, "I just started six months earlier than you, I believe you’ll catch up soon. Keep it up!"

Lü Xingxing and Zhang Zhixing then smiled widely.

Xie Qing felt relieved seeing You Mingyue and Lü Xingxing maintaining a magnanimous attitude even after not being selected. She specifically reminded Xu Yue, "Xu Yue, after tonight, you can’t indulge anymore. Always be mindful of your words and actions, as for artists, image is most important."

Xu Yue nodded seriously, "Don’t worry, I’ll be careful."

Leaving Xie Qing’s office, Xu Yue proposed going out to celebrate with dinner, "I’ll host tonight; let’s go to Friendship Building for dinner."

"Alright, we’re gonna take advantage of you!" Zhang Zhixing draped an arm over Xu Yue’s shoulder, leading the way, with You Mingyue and Lü Xingxing walking side by side.

*

Ye Mingluo, curious about any new happenings around Huo Wen’an, decided to head to Cangshan Town to find him that afternoon.

Arriving at Huo Wen’an’s house, he realized Huo Wen’an had recently become a devoted fan of Xu Xingguang.

Standing under the eaves, Ye Mingluo gazed towards the neighboring yard, watching Xu Xingguang carry a whole carload of logs into the yard with her slim figure, whistling in admiration.

"Amazing, neighbor!" Ye Mingluo truly admired Xu Xingguang.

After being in a vegetative state for three years, recovering to this level in such a short time surprised everyone.

Xu Xingguang patted her hands, raised her work shirt to wipe her sweat off her forehead, revealing a long swath of slender, white waist.

She removed her mask, her bright eyes slightly bent, said to Ye Mingluo, "Doctor Ye, what a coincidence, you know Boss Huo." Then she walked to the faucet and squatted down to wash her hands and face.

"I’ve been old friends with A Zui for years." Ye Mingluo had a good impression of Xu Xingguang, wanting to make friends, said, "Miss Xu, a meeting is fate, being neighbors is an even greater fate. Let’s be friends, join me for dinner at Friendship Building tonight. I’ll treat you."

Xu Xingguang had been doing physical work all day, and was indeed hungry now.

Plus, there’s no harm in being friends with the Ghost Hand Divine Doctor.

Nodding, Xu Xingguang said, "Give me forty minutes, I’ll take a shower."

"Alright."

Watching Xu Xingguang enter the house, Ye Mingluo went over to squat beside Huo Wen’an, and waggishly grinned, teasing Huo Wen’an, "Skipping your nap, just sitting here watching her work?"

Huo Wen’an now appeared drowsy, squinting his eyes, saying, "Move aside, you’re blocking my sunset."

Ye Mingluo repositioned, staring at Huo Wen’an’s handsome face, illuminated rosy by the sunset, said, "Miss Xu has quite the figure, so your hobby is watching beauties?"

A while ago, when Xu Xingguang raised her shirt to wipe sweat, Ye Mingluo saw her slender waist.

Blindingly white and excessively slim.

Huo Wen’an said, "Not interested."

Ye Mingluo clicked his tongue, "I’m interested though; does Miss Xu have a boyfriend?"

Ye Mingluo muttered to himself, "Think about it, I have money, and ability, still single. Though we have quite an age gap, older guys have their charm."

"A Zui, when do you think I could have a chance pursuing Miss Xu?"

Upon hearing this, Huo Wen’an finally squinted his eyes open, staring at Ye Mingluo for a moment, suddenly pointed at the corner to the east side of the yard, said, "Get someone to dig a well in the yard."

"Huh?" Ye Mingluo instinctively asked: "Why dig a well? Is the faucet at your house old, running low on water?" So scarce?

Huo Wen’an said, "Dig a well, to put you, the toad, inside."

Ye Mingluo: "..."

Insulting with a twist.