Chapter 56

As Shi Yao turned around with a dark expression and walked away without saying a word, Qin Qingzhuo breathed out a sigh of relief, realizing that he had completely offended Shi Yao this time.

Jiang Ji handed over the contract he had just signed: “You still have time to change your mind now.”

“Hmm?” Qin Qingzhuo looked at him. “Why would I change my mind? The audition has already passed.”

“Have you tried the Irish bagpipes?” Jiang Ji asked.

“Yeah,” Qin Qingzhuo said, “They’re quite suitable.”

“So soon,” Jiang Ji looked at him, his eyes carrying a hint of playfulness, “You weren’t planning to switch to the Irish bagpipes from the beginning, were you?”

“How could that be so coincidental,” Qin Qingzhuo smiled. After the “confession” this afternoon, being alone with Jiang Ji always felt a bit ambiguous to him. He turned his face slightly towards the door, “Let’s go, aren’t you still going to sing?”

Walking towards the door with Qin Qingzhuo, Jiang Ji asked, “Why did you suddenly come over? Did Zhong Yang call you?”

“Yeah, he was worried that you and Shi Yao might clash, so he called me to come and take a look,” Qin Qingzhuo recalled the scene when he entered, when Jiang Ji had grabbed Shi Yao’s collar, “Speaking of which, if I had arrived a moment later, would you have really attacked him?”

“Not necessarily,” Jiang Ji reached out to close the second-floor security door, “He’s the kind of person that if you really hit him, he’ll turn around and bite you back, which would be troublesome.”

“You’re quite rational,” Qin Qingzhuo was somewhat surprised. “Then why did you…?”

He stopped halfway through his sentence, actually wanting to mention Ji Chi, but feeling it inappropriate to mention his ex-boyfriend frequently in front of Jiang Ji.

Just as he was about to change his words to “Urban Collapse,” Jiang Ji finished his sentence for him: “Why did I hit Ji Chi?”

Qin Qingzhuo remained silent.

“Because he deserved it,” Jiang Ji said.

Qin Qingzhuo had no words. He continued down a few more steps of stairs until they reached the corner of the staircase, then suddenly reached out and grabbed Jiang Ji’s arm.

“What’s wrong?” Jiang Ji stopped in his tracks, turning to look at him.

“Jiang Ji,” Qin Qingzhuo said, “don’t get into fights anymore.”

There was only a dim motion-sensing light hanging on the wall at the corner of the stairs. It was only now that Jiang Ji could see the fine layer of sweat on Qin Qingzhuo’s forehead. Their conversation with Shi Yao had only lasted for a little over ten minutes, so how did Qin Qingzhuo rush over? And how did he manage to convince the driver to bring the car over?

“You…” Jiang Ji paused, lowering his voice, “Are you very worried about me?”

“Hmm,” Qin Qingzhuo looked at him and said, “Even if it’s for my sake, don’t get into fights anymore.”

Suddenly, Jiang Ji remembered a few years ago when he had sent one of the debt collectors to the hospital. His mother, who had never shed a tear before, couldn’t stop crying when she found out that he might end up with a criminal record because of it. Since then, he had learned to control the severity of his actions, and sometimes he even refrained from retaliating even if he got beaten up.

“Okay,” he looked at Qin Qingzhuo, his voice sounding almost gentle, “I won’t get into fights anymore.”

Qin Qingzhuo nodded, a slight smile appearing on his face as he let go of Jiang Ji’s arm. “Let’s go.”

Downstairs in the bar, Zhong Yang was sitting on a high stool, singing with closed eyes, fully immersed in the moment.

Actually, his vocal range was not bad, but unfortunately, he couldn’t reach the high notes or the low notes, so he had to make do with his comfortable mid-range.

Suddenly, there was a burst of screams from the audience below. Zhong Yang was startled, opening his eyes with a confused expression.

He thought maybe he had suddenly stunned the audience with his singing, but when he followed the crowd’s gaze, he realized where the screams were coming from—Qin Qingzhuo and Jiang Ji were walking down from upstairs.

When Qin Qingzhuo had walked upstairs alone earlier, few people had noticed him because he was wearing a mask and had his head down, walking quickly. But now, walking downstairs with Jiang Ji, all eyes in the bar were focused on them, and people quickly raised their phones towards them.

As they approached, Qin Qingzhuo heard someone calling his name and smiled, raising his hand to greet them, “Are you all here to listen to Jiang Ji sing?”

The girls below responded with a chorus of “Yes.” Qin Qingzhuo smiled and followed Jiang Ji towards the door.

The bartender approached with a tray of drinks. The aisle was a bit narrow, so Jiang Ji raised his hand and held Qin Qingzhuo’s wrist, guiding him towards himself.

This prompted another burst of cheers from the surrounding crowd.

This cheer was even louder than the previous one, almost making Qin Qingzhuo feel like his eardrums had been shocked. After realizing what they were cheering about, he couldn’t help but feel a bit amused and exasperated.

Jiang Ji didn’t react much. He released Qin Qingzhuo’s wrist and pushed open the door of the bar.

Standing at the bar’s entrance, Qin Qingzhuo said, “By the way, I forgot to tell you, that contract earlier was actually just a generic version used to scare people. My thought is, you guys should continue participating in the show. It’s a good opportunity to gain popularity on a platform, and giving up just because of some shady business would be a shame. I’ll have someone negotiate about the resurrection, so you can wait for the show’s team to contact you. Just focus on preparing for the upcoming competition.

“After the show ends, we’ll plan specifically about your education and future development. By then, we’ll call Ke Shi and Zhong Yang to discuss and sign a more comprehensive and formal contract. This one will serve as a proof for now. What do you think?”

Jiang Ji looked at him. “I’ll go along with what you say.”

Qin Qingzhuo smiled. “Go back quickly. So many people are waiting to hear you sing. I’ll leave too.”

Jiang Ji nodded, but still stood at the door, watching Qin Qingzhuo descend the steps and get into the car before finally turning back to the bar.

As Zhong Yang finished singing on stage, he put down the microphone and walked over to Jiang Ji to boast, “How was that? My phone call was timely, right? If Brother Qingzhuo hadn’t come, would you have beaten up Shi Yao?”

“I wouldn’t beat him up, I have to thank him instead.” Jiang Ji handed the contract to Zhong Yang.

“What do you mean?” Zhong Yang widened his eyes. “Did Brother Qingzhuo just sign us?”

Jiang Ji walked towards the stage, picked up the guitar, and sat on the high stool. He heard someone in the audience say, “Sing a song by Qin Qingzhuo.”

In fact, after performing as a resident singer at the Honglu Bar for so long, he rarely interacted with the audience. He just sang one song after another according to the song list every night. But today, when he looked up at the person calling out, he asked, “Which one?”

“Whisper!” The person raised their voice.

It was a song from Qin Qingzhuo’s early album, quite niche.

“Okay,” Jiang Ji said.

He responded decisively. Someone curiously asked, “Does he know how to play and sing all of the mentor’s songs?”

He rarely chatted with the audience below and said, “Do you believe I just happened to know this song?”

“We don’t believe it!” This time, everyone said in unison.

Jiang Ji smiled lightly and didn’t say anything more. He lowered his eyes and plucked the guitar strings.

Inside the car, the driver smoothly started the vehicle. “Mr. Qin, no need to hurry back now? It’s the first time I’ve seen you in such a rush.”

“Not in a hurry anymore,” Qin Qingzhuo smiled. “Just drive slowly back.”

Leaning against the back of the car seat, he raised his hand to rub his left ear, which was ringing a bit, but not too severely.

He had been in a hurry on the way here, with Jiang Ji’s punch towards Ji Chi replaying in his mind. He was afraid that Jiang Ji, in a fit of anger, would also beat Shi Yao severely.

If a fight really broke out, Shi Yao wouldn’t be easy to deal with. Lightly, he would find a way to expose a weakness, and heavily, he could ruin all future prospects.

Shi Yao must have calculated this point well, using threatening methods to provoke Jiang Ji.

But they both underestimated Jiang Ji’s level of rationality. Jiang Ji had never intended to resort to violence from the beginning.

Well, someone who had experienced the ups and downs of life, someone who had grown up through hardships since childhood, had seen all kinds of scenes… Jiang Ji then wondered, how many fights had he been through, and how many experiences had shaped him into what he was now?

Qin Qingzhuo took out his phone and sent a message to Cai Heng: “He ended up signing with me. Sorry for wasting your afternoon. I’ll treat you to a drink later.”

Cai Heng quickly replied: “I guessed as much. A drink won’t be enough; come help me with some songs.”

Qin Qingzhuo smiled and replied with a single word: “Okay.”

After messaging Cai Heng, he called Uncle Qiao: “Uncle Qiao, everything’s resolved… About the resurrection in the show, you’ll have to take care of that… I’ll bring him over later to thank you in person…”

Putting away his phone, he had a feeling of fate taking a strange turn. After all the twists and turns, he ended up signing Jiang Ji himself.

In fact, after Jiang Ji left in the afternoon, he thought carefully. He felt that Jiang Ji was right. As good as Huan Yang might be, it might not be suitable for him. Moreover, Huan Yang always had the suspicion of exploiting artists. Although Cai Heng said that Huan Yang had changed its style since he left after the incident, Qin Qingzhuo couldn’t help but have concerns in this regard.

When he received Zhong Yang’s call, he was having dinner with Uncle Qiao, discussing the matter of signing Jiang Ji. Uncle Qiao had invested in several domestic music companies over the years and had a wide network. Helping Asperatus resurrect in the show was not a difficult task for him.

Well, that’s the way it is, Qin Qingzhuo thought. Although his studio was not large in scale, it could provide Jiang Ji with enough freedom. Jiang Ji should indeed live more freely.

Moreover, if it weren’t for that kiss that night, he would probably have signed Jiang Ji long ago. He intentionally avoided Jiang Ji, but now that he calmed down and reflected on his urgent feelings on the way here, regardless of whether he wanted to admit it or not, Jiang Ji seemed to be different to him…

The next night, “Restless Band” aired, and Zhong Yang casually strolled to the bar. While Jiang Ji took a break, he provided real-time updates on the online public opinion, saying that the internet was now divided into two groups. One group was the rational faction supporting them, strongly condemning the show’s shady business. The other group was the nonsense faction supporting the Urban Collapse, saying that even if their band was not eliminated, they should be disqualified by the show for the assault.

“Right now, the rational faction and the nonsense faction are having a lively debate,” Zhong Yang enjoys the spectacle and, not minding the chaos, applied for a secondary account to join the “rational faction.” He narrates the situation to Jiang Ji while engaging in online debates, saying, “Do you want to take a look?”

“I don’t want to.” Jiang Ji took a sip of mint water.

Anything related to Qin Qingzhuo seems to have a magical quality, making him think of Qin Qingzhuo every time he touches something. Just like when he used to light a cigarette, he would always remember Qin Qingzhuo frowning and saying, “Jiang Ji, don’t smoke anymore.” Now, with a sip of mint water, he recalls that night when Qin Qingzhuo closed his eyes and softly hummed “Dying in the Sun,” along with that warm kiss mixed with the taste of alcohol and woody fragrance.

“The program really introduced a resurrection segment,” Zhong Yang shows him the resurrection interface, saying, “F*ck, Brother Qingzhuo is amazing. How did he do it? I quickly voted for our band, give me your phone too…”

After a frantic series of actions by Zhong Yang, he also rallied the customers in the bar to vote for Asperatus.

Jiang Ji finished the mint water in his cup and walked to the singing stage to continue singing.

In fact, whether he resurrects or not is not that important to him. Initially, he didn’t plan to go far in this program. The crucial thing is that he signed with Qin Qingzhuo’s studio, which makes the sense of stability in his heart even stronger.

Perhaps Qin Qingzhuo was right that night; he indeed yearns for a stable life.

He has never had clear thoughts about the future, just living day by day. The idea of becoming a wandering singer, mentioned to Qin Qingzhuo that night, was just a fleeting thought in the midst of a busy life.

But now, even though his thoughts about the future are still vague, the outline of an idea is gradually taking shape and becoming clearer.

Maybe… he can become someone like Qin Qingzhuo.

When Qin Qingzhuo received Xia Qi’s call, he had just finished discussing the ideas for the new album with his studio’s contracted singer.

“Asperatus has been resurrected,” Xia Qi said over the phone. “Do you know about this?”

“I haven’t been informed about the voting results yet,” Qin Qingzhuo smiled. “But there shouldn’t be much suspense.”

“Indeed, after the song ‘Endless Night’ was aired, their popularity soared. Many people in my circle are sharing this song, and quite a few are specifically praising Jiang Ji.”

“That’s impressive,” Qin Qingzhuo said, detecting Xia Qi’s excitement. “It seems they’ve broken through.”

“Absolutely, they’ve broken through. Qingzhuo, thank you. I heard it was your suggestion for them to change the song?”

“I just gave a suggestion; the final decision was theirs.” Qin Qingzhuo chuckled.

“Your insight is amazing. I remember when you first saw Jiang Ji in the lounge, you were quite interested in him, right? You even praised his voice. By the way, can you guess what people are talking about online now?”

“Are they criticizing the program?” Qin Qingzhuo guessed, playing along.

“No.”

“Then they must be praising Asperatus?”

“Not that either. They’re making a fuss about your CP,” Xia Qi laughed and said, “It’s driving them crazy. The material is rich, you went to the music festival together, did you go to the bar where Jiang Ji performed last night? And on the show, Jiang Ji kept looking in your direction. Online, various angles and analyses are making many people obsessed.”

“She’s talking about herself,” Duan Chong interjected, “I’m telling you, Xia Qi has gone crazy. She spent the whole night pestering me about your visit to the music festival.”

Qin Qingzhuo found it a bit amusing, yet somewhat unbelievable.

“If Duan Chong hadn’t mentioned that you denied it last time, I would have thought you two were really dating,” Xia Qi said. “Do you know everyone has given you two a CP name?”

“What?”

“It’s called ‘Jiang Shang Qing’…” Before she could finish, Duan Chong interjected with a sarcastic remark, “You better not tell him that,” then he laughed and changed the subject, “Speaking of business, Qingzhuo, I called to say that the next match will require your cooperation for an outdoor shoot. The program will arrange for the bands to stay in different locations for a week, filming their creative process and rehearsals throughout. You just need to come and guide your bands, similar to when we filmed the band shorts before. I’ll send you the specific schedule on WeChat.”

“Alright,” Qin Qingzhuo agreed, “send me the details in advance.”

“Great, thanks Qingzhuo,” Xia Qi added, “and please don’t let the bands know about the surprise visit from the mentors.”

“Springing a surprise attack, huh?” Qin Qingzhuo chuckled. “Sure, my lips are sealed.”

After hanging up, Qin Qingzhuo walked to the water dispenser to fill his cup.

As he watched the water flowing into his cup, he remembered the “CP name” Xia Qi had just mentioned. It was strange. After so many years in the industry, no one had ever paired him with anyone as a “CP.” But now, after appearing on a variety show, it seemed like the whole world assumed there was some sort of secret relationship between him and Jiang Ji…

But why “Jiang Shang Qing”? “Jiang” obviously referred to Jiang Ji, that was certain, but those three characters seemed unrelated to himself… Could it be because “Qin” and “Qing” sounded alike?

“Jiang Shang Qing”… Qin Qingzhuo choked on the water he had just swallowed.

Coughing, he thought, what on earth is going on here?

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Author’s Note:

The CP name you came up with is too subtle; mine is more straightforward 2333(LOL).

TN:
Not sure about the CP name but I think it’s Jiang (JJ) above Qing(can be romance or QQ since Qing sounds the same as Qin). Or it could be Romance On River (Jiang is River and Qing is Love/Romance/Passion).Ah I don’t know! Basically Jiang topping Qin.

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