0137: A Ballad of Mulan

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At nine o’clock, the four-person group arrived at Teacher Guan’s studio. As soon as they entered, they saw the same two receptionists slacking off at the front desk.

“Teacher Guan has gone out. You can go upstairs and wait for her in the conference room.”

“All right.”

Chu Qingchan nodded and led them upstairs. After the two girls watched them disappear around the corner, they began whispering.

“That Xu fellow is even more handsome than before, isn’t he?”

“Handsome or not, he’d never look at you. Just look at the three girls beside him—which one of them doesn’t outshine us completely?”

“They’re all breathtaking beauties. In my entire life, I’ve barely seen a few women like that in real life, and today there are three of them at once.”

“But Miss Chu is still the prettiest.”

“Exactly. By the way, when is Miss Chu’s single coming out?”

“Probably on New Year’s Day.”

“That’s nice. The first day of the new year—a brand-new beginning.”

“Speaking of which, what exactly did Teacher Guan hire us to do here? Just sit around and play?”

“Who knows? I feel a little uneasy taking this money.”

“Uneasy? Go back to the factory and work a nine-to-nine-seven schedule. That’ll make you feel better.”

“When you put it that way, I suddenly feel much better.”

Xu Lin was actually rather puzzled by the same question. What use were these two receptionists, really? Had Teacher Guan hired them merely to make the studio look more fully staffed?

“By the way, Teacher Guan is currently taking a break and isn’t accepting any work. Why did she hire two receptionists?” Xu Lin could not help asking.

“I don’t know either. For now, they just clean the place and receive visitors. Though there aren’t many people coming here at the moment.”

They arrived in the conference room. Apart from a long table, a circle of chairs, a display screen, and a water dispenser, there was nothing else.

“Let’s sit down for now. Teacher Guan may have gone out to exercise at this hour.”

“But you’ve been acting like a couch potato these past two days. Ji Yun goes out exercising with me every day.” He glared at Chu Qingchan.

“Tired…” Chu Qingchan collapsed onto the table, laying both arms down before resting her face directly on the tabletop.

“She’s always been like this. Getting her to exercise is a real headache. If you hadn’t refused to train with me back then and had come along to learn instead, you might not be as capable as I am now, but you’d certainly be stronger than Xu Lin.”

Chu Fengyi took another jab at her older sister. Though Chu Qingchan’s natural aptitude was inferior to hers, she had always learned things quickly.

“If I trained, would I end up looking like you? Never growing up would be a problem. I don’t want to spend my whole life feeding formula to children.”

“Chu Qingchan, how did you start attacking me personally? I even bought you strawberries for nothing!”

“I never asked you to buy them. Besides, didn’t I buy you cherries the day you came back?”

Xu Lin listened to the sisters bicker and felt as though he were watching two little children arguing. It was rather amusing. Yet Chu Qingchan’s words also reminded him of something.

With Chu Fengyi’s build, would she really be all right if she had children someday?

Her constitution was excellent, but childbirth would surely take a considerable toll on her. If that happened—

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He would much rather let her remain a carefree young heiress. If anything went wrong, he absolutely did not want to see it.

Speaking of which, among the people around him, Bai Xiaoxiao still needed to be properly fed. He would visit her house that afternoon. His father-in-law had also been discharged from the hospital.

He still had not found a chance to use the precious orb. He would try it that afternoon, and if it worked, he would immediately use it on his former mother-in-law as well.

Whether it could extend her life even a little would depend on how powerful the Healing Orb truly was. He could not place his hopes too high.

If the noon discussion went well, he could also share the good news with them and have them prepare to open their shop.

“Xu Lin, throat lozenge.” Ji Yun handed him a small box, interrupting his thoughts.

“Oh, thanks. Ah? Chu Qingchan, I think I forgot to buy some throat lozenges for Teacher Guan. I promised her last time, but I forgot again.”

“Isn’t this the great Xu himself? The fact that you still remembered to come visit me is enough to make me happy.”

A clear, pleasant voice came from the doorway, though it carried a hint of sarcasm. Xu Lin was not offended. Instead, he stood up with a cheeky grin.

“A great talent is naturally a busy man. You’ll have to be a little understanding.”

“You really do know how to turn one compliment into an excuse to brag!”

Guan Mingchen laughed at his reply, then glanced at Chu Fengyi and Ji Yun.

“Oh? You brought two pretty girls with you. Aren’t you going to introduce them?”

“This is my younger sister, Chu Fengyi. And this is Xu Lin’s classmate—and also my younger sister—Ji Yun.”

“Hello.”

“Hello, Teacher Guan.”

“Hello, both of you. Just sit down. I’m going to change in the lounge first—I’m covered in sweat. Qingchan, there are some snacks in my office. Bring them over.”

“No need to trouble yourself.”

“It’s nothing, just a few little treats.”

With that, she strode out as briskly as she had arrived.

“Guan Mingchen—Teacher Guan. My father loves listening to her songs. I never would have imagined that she would still look so young.”

Ji Yun felt certain that she herself would never be able to maintain such an appearance at sixty. It was not only her face; keeping such a figure required just as much perseverance.

“She must take excellent care of herself. By the way, Chu Qingchan, moderate exercise is part of proper upkeep too.”

Chu Fengyi fired another shot at her sister. Yet this time, Chu Qingchan surprisingly did not answer. She merely frowned.

“I really do seem to have gained a little weight lately. What do you think, Xu Lin?”

“Didn’t I feel your stomach just now? There’s hardly any fat there. You’re fine, but exercise is still necessary.”

Xu Lin recalled the sensation of holding Chu Qingchan earlier at home. There truly had not been much softness at all, so he answered casually.

But the next second, he realized he had spoken too quickly. Chu Fengyi and Ji Yun had both lifted their eyes to look at him.

“Chu Qingchan, last time you suspected me of doing something wrong. Don’t tell me you were actually the one who did something wrong?”

“Chu Fengyi, Xu Lin and I are completely innocent.”

“Oh, completely innocent…”

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“Ahem. I’ll sing you a song!”

“Don’t change the subject.”

Xu Lin ignored Chu Fengyi completely and began to sing. It was one of his favorite songs from the internet.

Though it was an online song, it had truly been his favorite before his rebirth—a traditional-style piece with touches of opera singing.

The lyrics told the story of the renowned female general Hua Mulan’s life, beginning with a tranquil scene of bridges, flowing water, and village homes before progressing to banners whipping in the wind and golden armor shining brightly on the battlefield.

As his voice rang out, Chu Fengyi, who had intended to interrupt him, closed her lips and shut her eyes, listening intently.

Chu Qingchan narrowed her eyes as well. Listening to Xu Lin’s deep yet clear voice accompanied by the gentle opening melody, she began tapping her leg.

Ji Yun rested her small chin in her hand, her eyes sparkling as she gazed at Xu Lin’s profile. It was the first time she had seen him like this. He looked even more attractive when he was serious.

As the soft, unhurried prelude faded away, an operatic note rose into the air, and the song suddenly burst into its main verse. A surge of heroic intensity erupted.

Along with Xu Lin’s rising voice, scenes of ranks of soldiers drawing their weapons seemed to appear in everyone’s minds.

A series of soaring opera passages wove through the song as it reached its rhythmic climax, exploding with force.

The three girls all drew a deep breath before finally calming the restless emotions stirring within them. They had been completely swept up in the performance.

But when the chorus arrived, everything seemed to settle, as though the war had ended. The melody grew gentle and peaceful once more, slowly drifting toward its conclusion.

Then came another operatic passage. Compared with the bold, powerful masculine tone earlier, this one was tender and feminine, symbolizing Mulan’s dual identity as both woman and warrior.

The final note faded completely. The song ended, and silence descended.

“Whew…”

“Incredible!”

Chu Qingchan and Chu Fengyi opened their eyes. Without realizing it, both had clenched their hands tightly.

“Impressive! You were hiding this talent last time, weren’t you?”

Guan Mingchen had appeared from who knew where. She applauded, staring at him as though a gray wolf were eyeing a little white rabbit.

“No, no!” He hurriedly shook his head. He had practiced this song many times, but he had no other songs of comparable quality.

“I have to record this song of yours today!”

“Teacher Guan… Even if we record it, I have nowhere to release it.”

Xu Lin’s face fell. Recording a song was exhausting, and Teacher Guan was far too demanding. They would probably have to do it several times at the very least.

“I’ll take care of that! Come on, come on! Time to get to work!”

Guan Mingchen clenched her fists, convinced that she could produce an exceptionally perfect single today.

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