Chapter 12: Sometimes, It’s Better to Be Flexible

The night breeze was slightly cool. After watching He Zhimou leave, Tang Susu wrapped her delicate fingers around her clothes for warmth.

She looked down to check the map and raised her hand to hail a taxi.

Shalong Plaza—the most bustling area of Ling City.

It was brightly lit, even the neon lights were more dazzling than anywhere else.

Carrying her backpack, Tang Susu walked along the street. Cafés, Western restaurants—every time she passed an upscale venue, she would stop and examine the job postings on their windows.

Finally, she paused in front of a Western restaurant, smiling when she saw they were hiring a pianist.

This was the fastest way she could think of to make money.

The doorman at the entrance noticed her approaching. With her simple ponytail and student-like appearance, she carried an elegant demeanor.

He politely asked, “Miss, how many in your party?”

Tang Susu smiled. “I’m looking for someone.”

She walked into the lobby with her backpack and immediately spotted a man in a tailcoat who looked like the restaurant manager.

She quickly approached him and asked politely, “Hello, are you the manager?”

The manager nodded. “Young lady, how can I help you?”

Tang Susu briefly and clearly stated her purpose.

The manager smiled, assuming she was just a child who had taken a few years of piano lessons and wanted to play around.

He said tactfully, “Young lady, our standards for pianists are quite high. Just passing Piano Level 10 isn’t enough to get a part-time job here.”

Tang Susu nodded. “Yes, I understand.”

To those unfamiliar with music, Piano Level 10 might seem impressive.

But for real musicians, they rarely bother with such certifications—she herself had never taken any.

Looking up, her clear eyes sparkled. “Manager, please let me try. I promise I can handle it—classical, jazz, I can play both. I’m especially good at…”

Just then, a cheerful jazz tune began playing in the restaurant. Tang Susu blinked and quickly changed her words.

Sometimes, flexibility really is best.

“I’m especially good at jazz!”

Still, the manager refused. “Young lady, you should go home. This isn’t a place for you.”

Tang Susu hadn’t expected to be rejected—after all, she’d even performed on national stages.

A girl her age should have pride, especially in something she excelled at.

But thinking of He Zhimou, and the rent she needed to earn…

She clasped her hands and pleaded, “Manager, just let me play one song. One try and you’ll see—I’m good.”

The manager was about to decline again when a waiter approached.

“Manager, a customer said the pianist is no good. This month alone we’ve already gone through five pianists.”

Tang Susu immediately volunteered. “Manager, let me give it a try!”

Seeing that he was still hesitant, her gaze landed on the grand piano in the center. She rushed over.

She placed her backpack beside the bench and tested a note.

The manager hurried over to stop her.

The next second, the first note rang out.

In an instant, the music transported everyone to the Middle Ages. The light rhythm stirred deep emotions and desires.

The manager froze.

I’m in the Mood for Love—he’d heard this piece performed by many pianists, but none played it like this girl did.

Her fingertips seemed magical, effortlessly pulling listeners into the world of music.

In the 19th century, at a ball, guests danced under the light to this melody.

No one knew how much time had passed before the piece ended.

The diners spontaneously applauded. Only then did the manager snap out of it.

Tang Susu picked up her backpack and returned to the manager.

She smiled with curved eyes, though a bit nervous inside. “Manager, what do you think?”

Although she had sounded confident, she usually played classical music—jazz was rare for her, and this performance had relied entirely on memory.

She had never performed in this kind of venue before, so she felt a bit unsure.

“Do your parents know you’re here?” the manager asked hesitantly.

A girl with this level of talent—no parent would let her just take a job like this.

She should be performing in concert halls, not playing background music in a fancy restaurant. She had the skill of a professional pianist—if not better.

Tang Susu smiled gently. “Manager, I can make my own decisions.”

He was still hesitating.

Shalong Plaza’s restaurants were all similarly upscale. Customers didn’t lack money—they wanted atmosphere.

Their regular pianist had gone abroad last month, and they hadn’t found a suitable replacement since. Business had noticeably declined.

But this girl—he believed—not only could retain their usual clientele, she might even attract more.

Just then, the waiter came over. “Manager, several customers just asked if she’s the new pianist. They said she’s amazing—on par with what they hear in music halls.”

With that, the manager finally made his decision.

Hire her.

He discussed working hours and salary with Tang Susu.

After they agreed, she requested an advance of half a month’s pay.

The manager finally felt at ease. He had guessed that a pianist of this caliber wouldn’t come here unless she had no choice.

Having a clear goal made her more reliable.

After carefully checking her student ID, identity card, and other documents, he approved the request.

Tang Susu looked at the envelope of money and smiled.

She hadn’t expected the manager to be so nice—she thought she’d have to work hard to convince him to pay her in advance. But he agreed right away.

Now, she could find a safe place for He Zhimou to stay.

Next, she just needed to focus on repaying the money owed to her mom.

…

Class 10, Second Year of High School.

The monthly exams were approaching.

The class was filled with an air of focused revision. Even the usual troublemakers were unusually well-behaved—everyone was working hard.

Especially Tang Susu—her dedication was off the charts.

Some classmates believed she had genuinely turned over a new leaf.

Others thought she was just putting on an act and would soon return to her old ways.

Everyone was quietly watching the girl who had suddenly changed.

When the math teacher dismissed class—

As soon as the teacher left, Tang Susu shot out of the room like an arrow.

Meng Xue’s deskmate watched her leave and snorted, “She only studied seriously for a few days and now she’s already disappearing the moment class ends. And the homeroom teacher even praised her attitude—just wait, she’ll be at the bottom of the rankings again.”

Meng Xue glanced at Tang Susu’s retreating figure and said softly, “Maybe she has something to do. Don’t speak about classmates like that.”

Her deskmate wasn’t convinced. “Xiao Xue, you’re too kind. Didn’t you see during the city math competition when you partnered with Jin Yuhao? She was clearly trying to make things difficult for you.”

Meng Xue was stunned for a moment, then smiled gently. “Maybe it was a misunderstanding. She’s been really friendly the past couple of days.”

“Friendly? Please. She’s just too busy chasing guys to mess with you. Everyone knows she used to hang around Jin Yuhao every time class ended. Bet she’s doing the same now. Just wait—she’ll definitely make trouble for you at the school’s upcoming English speech contest.”

Meng Xue froze. Thinking about the English competition, her mind suddenly conjured the image of that cold, handsome boy, and her cheeks flushed slightly.

She and Jin Yuhao were the hosts of this year’s English contest, and Tang Susu had always gone after any girl who got close to him.

But she and Jin Yuhao weren’t even close… surely Tang Susu wouldn’t target her?

Meanwhile, Tang Susu ran out of the classroom and headed straight to the rooftop.

She’d scoped it out before—no one ever came here.

At this school, high schoolers weren’t allowed to use phones openly. She needed to contact real estate agents, so this was her hiding spot.

After finalizing a viewing for noon, she felt satisfied and was about to leave.

She peeked her head out—only to meet a pair of cold, distant eyes.

For a moment, the air froze.

Tang Susu was awkward for a second—then remembered the time he deducted points from her for not wearing her school uniform.

Was he here to catch students using phones again?

If she got caught again, would it mean more deductions?

The homeroom teacher had just said they had to win next month’s “Red Flag” award. If she caused them to lose it, she’d be in serious trouble.

She didn’t want to be the class’s weak link anymore.

Looking up at the sky, she said, “The view from the rooftop is really nice! The clouds are so white!”

As she spoke, she tried to sneak away.

The next second, she stepped wrong on a loose brick and almost fell.

She instinctively grabbed onto someone’s shirt—and steadied herself.

She smiled, ready to thank him, but met the boy’s icy expression and immediately let go.

Fine. Her fault.

“Sorry, I touched you.”

She turned and quickly ran off.

…

Rooftop.

The wind blew gently. Jin Yuhao jumped lightly and sat on the rooftop’s edge.

His long fingers rested on one side as he tilted his head upward. In the distance, layers of clouds floated beneath a deep blue sky.

The view really was beautiful.

Whenever he was in a bad mood, he came here—usually to stare at the trees below and listen to the wind.

But he had never looked up before.

Now he realized—the view from above could be this beautiful too.