Wei Yin was currently aiming for a pure and innocent image. Sister Li had told her that the internet was currently swept by the "pure desire" trend, and their previous sexy approach was no longer popular. To that end, she had gone to Jiangnan and bought a large batch of qipaos, spending a considerable amount, which had pained her greatly.
She had specifically chosen a silk one for Song Xi, its satin smooth and designed to accentuate her waist. She had also instructed the makeup artist to braid her hair.
After the styling was complete, the makeup artist couldn't help but exclaim, "You're truly the most fitting person I've ever seen wear a qipao!"
Sister Li fanned herself with satisfaction, "Of course. Our Xi'er has a graceful and well-proportioned figure that ordinary people simply cannot appreciate."
Having been accustomed to the demeaning remarks from Zhang Qi and the others for so long, Song Xi was somewhat unaccustomed to this praise. She had forgotten that she herself had once been a sensation at Wei Yin.
"Perform well," Sister Li looked at her, smiling exceptionally gently. "This Mr. Shen today has a good temper. As long as you don't make any mistakes, your hospital fees for this month will definitely be covered."
Song Xi's expression showed a hint of surprise.
Sister Li sighed helplessly, "I saw the payment reminder message the hospital sent you just now. It's one after another; I don't know how you've managed to get by."
"Never mind, let's not talk about that. I heard Mr. Shen is entertaining a distinguished guest today. You need to bring honor to your sister! You can do it!"
Song Xi forced a smile and stood up, picked up her pipa, and went to the private room.
She was a bit nervous, afraid she might mess up this task, so she acted exceptionally well-behaved once she entered.
Fortunately, there was only one man sitting in the private room. He had his legs crossed, his build lean, and he looked refined and elegant.
She curtsied slightly and, under his gaze, began to strum the strings.
Somehow, this scene reminded Song Xi of her first meeting with Lou Yu Ming.
The plot was cliché—
She was harassed by a guest and had nowhere to escape. Just as she was about to be cornered, Lou Yu Ming intervened and she followed him from then on. At that time, Lou Yu Ming had also appeared refined and distinguished.
Even now, she couldn't understand his reason for helping. Was it truly because he'd had a few too many drinks, as he claimed?
But Lou Yu Ming, as anyone who had interacted with him knew, was cold, distant, and heartless, not the type to interfere in others' affairs. He wouldn't be playing the hero.
Song Xi couldn't be bothered to dwell on these past events anymore, especially since they had no connection now.
After the song, the room was silent. It wasn't until applause rang out from the front that Song Xi's suspended heart could finally relax.
The handsome man walked over and asked her name.
"Song Xi," she replied.
The man's eyes crinkled into a smile, "A thousand calls and you finally appear, half hidden as you hold the pipa."
"Shen He Ping."
So, they were acquainted.
His name sounded gentle, completely different from Lou Yu Ming's, and Song Xi inexplicably let out a sigh of relief.
"Can you drink?" he asked, raising his wine glass.
Song Xi hesitated. Recalling the hospital message she had received before entering, she fell silent for a moment before gritting her teeth and downing the wine.
Shen He Ping nodded in satisfaction. "If anyone asks you to drink later, just drink. I won't shortchange you on the money." He then produced several bills.
Her throat burned from the wine, but Song Xi felt it was worth it.
Shen He Ping asked her to play another song. After it concluded, he strode forward and examined her more closely, asking, "Are you taken?"
Song Xi's expression changed.
Shen He Ping, however, smiled and said, "No rush, have a few more drinks."
Shen He Ping offered her another glass of wine. Song Xi pursed her lips; she had thought this man would be different from the others.
She felt a sense of impending doom, wondering if she should inform Sister Li, when she heard the man's cold voice.
"What? Xi'er, are you disobeying now?"
Song Xi's heart tightened, and she could only reach out her hand.
— Bang!
The door was suddenly pushed open with great force. Song Xi's hand trembled when she saw who had entered. She fumbled the wine, which spilled down her chest and onto the floor, shattering the glass.