novelraw Chapter 193: Su Yu’s Song
Chapter 193: Su Yu’s Song
Noticing Tang Song’s gaze, Xu Qing also turned toward the stage.
“He sings well, and he’s quite handsome. Look at all those girls taking photos and recording—seems like he’s a bit of an influencer.”
“Yeah, not bad,” Tang Song agreed.
He recalled the first time he heard guitar playing from Gao Mengting’s balcony. It had been impressive then, but after gaining guitar skills and talent from the dream instance, he could now discern flaws in Liu Wenning’s performance.
After all, the dream-version “Tang Song” had been a genius musician, going from an amateur to performing on world-class stages.
Xu Qing’s eyes sparkled as she said sweetly, “But of course, he’s not as handsome as you, nor does he have a voice as captivating as yours.”
Tang Song pulled his attention back to Xu Qing, who was sitting cutely across from him, and gave a bright smile. “I like honest girls like you.”
His smile, with red lips and white teeth, made Xu Qing’s heart flutter. “Thanks for the compliment!”
She realized that Tang Song seemed even more handsome than the last time they met. His slim-fit shirt accentuated the muscles beneath, and his skin was flawless. She recalled seeing some small imperfections on his face during their previous meeting.
She made a mental note to ask him about his skincare products. They clearly worked wonders.The two chatted briefly about the “4090” graphics card, and then their drinks were served.
Xu Qing’s dark eyes gleamed as she placed a cocktail in front of Tang Song. “The atmosphere is great, and it’s a holiday. Let’s have a drink to celebrate.”
She watched him eagerly.
She needed him to drink—a bit tipsy would be perfect. With the 4090, alcohol, and her JK uniform, Yanyan’s investment pitch was practically guaranteed!
“Sure.” Tang Song nodded, taking the glass with his long, elegant fingers and clinking it with hers.
Xu Qing gulped down a mouthful for her best friend’s sake.
The food arrived quickly, and they ate, drank, and talked.
“This chicken is amazing—crispy outside, tender inside. You take the drumstick.”
“Cheers to you, handsome!”
“Gao sent me an email this afternoon about drafting another purchase contract. Looks like your company is thriving! Congratulations!”
“I’m following Songmei Fashion on Douyin and even bought a few outfits there. The quality and shopping experience are great!”
...
Xu Qing’s words flowed as if she’d been oiled, sweet and clear, full of youthful energy to match her current persona.
Seeing his goddess-like college friend in this light, Tang Song couldn’t help but smile, amused by her act.
He wasn’t clueless. From Xu Qing’s sudden invitations and cosplay photos, he knew she needed something from him.
Given today’s 4090, it had to be significant.
---
Around 8 p.m., Lv Kai approached again. “I’m heading out. We’re done eating.”
Tang Song glanced around, asking, “What about your date?”
Lv Kai gave a wry smile, “She left after a while. I don’t think she liked me much. But it’s fine; at least it wasn’t awkward.”
“Keep at it, and you’ll find true love someday.” Tang Song patted his arm. “Want to join us for a drink?”
“No thanks, heading home. Bye~”
“Bye.”
After waving him off, Lv Kai looked back at Tang Song—handsome as ever—then at the 4090 and Xu Qing.
His mouth tasted bitter.
Damn, Tang Song was now unbelievably good-looking. No wonder he could date women like Tian Jing and Xu Qing.
Lv Kai resolved to keep improving himself, determined to learn from Tang Song’s success.
Maybe his day would come too.
---
The restaurant lights dimmed as soft background music faded out.
On stage, a young man in his mid-twenties grabbed a microphone and stepped up.
Xu Qing smiled, “That’s Chu Mingzhou, the restaurant owner and our schoolmate.”
“Yeah, I know him,” Tang Song nodded.
Xu Qing shared that Chu’s family owned gas stations, but he loved music. After graduation, he partnered to open a bar that had closed last year. Now, he was trying his hand at a music restaurant.
She mentioned he was also interested in her best friend, Shen Yuyan.
“Thank you all for choosing Music Banquet for tonight’s special evening...” Chu Mingzhou’s speech was filled with warmth before he announced, “Let’s welcome tonight’s special guest band, the White Knights!”
Applause followed.
Tang Song joined in with light claps.
He soon noticed Cheng Qiuqiu standing up from her seat under the stage.
Her features were more defined up close. Though young, she exuded a sophisticated, aloof aura.
She flipped her brown hair and took off her oversized black cover-up, revealing a white cropped T-shirt that accentuated her chest and toned midriff.
She wore denim shorts that highlighted her long, well-shaped legs.
Her figure was stunning—proportional and curvy.
Two others, a man and a woman, removed their colorful jackets, revealing white T-shirts and jeans.
They joined Cheng Qiuqiu on stage.
Liu Wenning also stepped up, holding an electric guitar in a matching white T-shirt.
An electronic keyboard, drum set, and bass were set up by the staff.
Tang Song raised an eyebrow.
So the “White Knights” band was just these four.
But wasn’t Cheng Qiuqiu a UI designer? Where did she find time for this? Her workload must not be enough!
Cheng Qiuqiu gripped the plugged-in bass and stood center stage, adjusting the strap and resting it against her chest.
She lowered her gaze, expression indifferent.
The female keyboardist and male drummer took their positions.
With their coordinated outfits and good looks, they made an attractive group.
Cheers erupted as the restaurant’s lights intertwined in a dazzling show.
A gentle guitar riff set the mood, calming the audience.
Then the electric guitar, drums, and bass joined in.
At the mic, Cheng Qiuqiu lifted her head, her voice soft and melodic as it resonated through the sound system.
*“In the melodies of life, I found a rhyme...”*
Xu Qing’s eyes lit up, exclaiming, “Wow! It’s a Su Yu song! This band is impressive, and the lead singer sounds like Su Yu!”
Tang Song raised an eyebrow. “A Su Yu song?”
“Yes! One of Su Yu’s few English songs, *Love Of Song*, a classic she wrote,” Xu Qing explained with the enthusiasm of a true fan. “She personifies ‘Song’ as a person, expressing her deep love for music.”
Tang Song’s expression shifted as realization dawned.
He pressed his lips together, focusing on the performance.
Although Tang Song’s English was at a proficient level, some lyrics still eluded him. But the song’s emotional swells were palpable.
Cheng Qiuqiu’s body moved to the rhythm, her brown hair swaying as she played.
The song ended with a coordinated pause from the guitar, drums, and keyboard.
Cheng Qiuqiu, still holding her bass, paced the stage with half-closed eyes, playing a somber solo.
Bass, essentially a low-pitched guitar, requires different techniques. As an accomplished guitarist, Tang Song saw promise in her skills. Not high-level, but diligent and talented.
The solo’s melody conveyed subtle sorrow and resignation.
“I bet she’s a hardcore Su Yu fan! A true die-hard!” Xu Qing said, eyes wide with certainty.
“Why do you say that?”
“The original song doesn’t include this bass solo. Su Yu improvised it once during a concert—it’s a legendary fan favorite moment!”
Xu Qing added, “Her appearance, voice, and expressions all mimic Su Yu. And she’s quite pretty too, with a hint of Su Yu’s aura.”
The solo faded after a minute, and the White Knights left the stage as soothing background music resumed.
Xu Qing beamed, chattering non-stop about Su Yu’s superstar status.
A singer-songwriter, actress, and author, Su Yu was renowned for her talent and flawless image.
She painted, wrote scripts, played piano, and frequently appeared in viral drum videos. She could play guitar, trumpet, violin, and was one of the top three bassists in China.
Debuting from a girl group, she overcame hardships to reach the peak without scandals.
Famous yet humble, she continued her education and was now a co-owner of Tangzong Entertainment, the country’s largest entertainment company.
Xu Qing leaned forward, raising her brows, “By the way, I had a nickname in college: ‘Little Su Yu of the Cosplay World’!”
She burst out laughing at her own joke.
Tang Song wasn’t surprised; Su Yu’s influence was legendary.
Her fans spanned all ages, evenly split between genders—a true national idol.
Among Songmei Fashion’s staff, concert ticket grabs and related discussions were constant.
---
“I’m full!” Xu Qing patted her stomach, crossed her arms on the table, and looked at Tang Song.
Her dark eyes, like shiny black grapes, had long lashes that framed them.
Slightly tipsy, her cheeks were flushed, her smile adorably silly.
She looked so cute, it was tempting to pinch her cheeks.
Tang Song checked his watch and met her gaze with a smile, “Is there anything else? If not, we should head out.”
Xu Qing shrank slightly, biting her soft lips, “Well... I do have something small to discuss.”
Nerves took hold. This was about her best friend’s future, and Tang Song was the most influential person she knew.
His car was a 1-million-yuan Mercedes
S-Class—definitely wealthier than Hou Shaoyuan.
Tang Song leaned in, eyes assertive, “Go ahead, I’m listening.”
Xu Qing swallowed, her face flushed, “Yuyan’s company has been seeking investment. I told you before, U-Clean Services is doing well and profitable, but they need funds to expand.”
Sitting up, she looked at him with pure, hopeful eyes. “Tang Song, would you consider investing?”
“Uh...” Tang Song blinked, understanding her strange behavior tonight.
He had seen U-Clean’s presentation at an investment conference. A modest company, not particularly innovative, with limited growth potential and some risk—hence, low investment appeal.
Noticing his pause, Xu Qing pouted at her 4090.
Fourteen thousand yuan! Her first-ever gift to a guy, while wearing a JK uniform and showering him with compliments!
Slightly drunk, her eyes welled up, and tears soon dropped onto her skirt.
Xu Qing sniffled, slumping onto the table in quiet sobs.
Damn you, Tang Song! How could you not appreciate my effort?
Tonight, I’ll write a fanfiction where you’re licking unwashed feet and kneeling on durian!
Tang Song’s brow twitched at her sudden tears. He moved to sit beside her, patting her shoulder gently.
“Hey, Qingqing, what’s wrong?”
Xu Qing lifted her head, teary-eyed, “Nothing, just homesick after hearing that song.”
“Pfft—” Tang Song chuckled.
He reached out, giving her soft cheek a playful squeeze. It felt smooth and elastic.
Xu Qing gasped, shifting away, “What are you doing!”
Tang Song rapped his fingers on the table, “Send me U-Clean’s business plan. Investments are serious, so I need to see their ownership and financials first.”
Her tears dried instantly, eyes shining with hope, “You’ll invest!?”
Tang Song chuckled, squeezing her cheek again, “For Xu Qing’s sake, if the project checks out, I’m in.” Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on novel·fiɾe·net
With *Slover Trust*, he controlled investment portfolios focused on fields like renewable energy and AI.
U-Clean, still in its “angel round” seeking under $1 million, was pocket change for his firm.
He wasn’t naive; due diligence would precede any decision to confirm valuation, operations, and hidden debts.
Xu Qing’s eyes sparkled brighter than ever.
Tang Song! You’re the hero from my stories!
Thank you, Tang Song! You look so dashing when you agree to invest!
“Thank you!” Xu Qing’s hands clasped in her lap, her smile radiant.
“Not homesick anymore?” Tang Song teased.
Xu Qing stuck out her tongue, “Nope, now you remind me of my dad! So comforting.”
The playful title quickened his heartbeat. Her pure, adorable face was irresistible.
“Let’s head out. I’ll ask Yuyan for the plan and tell you as soon as it’s ready!” Xu Qing was too excited to stay, eager to share her success with her friend.
Tang Song stood, 4090 in hand, smiling at Xu Qing’s bouncing JK-clad figure.
Having a cosplayer friend wasn’t bad; she could dress as characters like Senpai Mai or Shenhe...
Time to use his new Hasselblad camera for a photoshoot.
At the counter, Xu Qing paid with a white membership card, stowing the receipt with a playful wink at Tang Song.
Mission complete, her spirits soared.
Exiting into the cool evening breeze, Tang Song suggested, “How about a walk? I’ll call a driver later to take you home.”
“Sure!” Xu Qing nodded enthusiastically.
Moonlight poured down, and stars glittered in the sky as neon lights lit up the street.
They strolled, discussing dinner and the graphics card.
Slightly tipsy, Xu Qing maintained her schoolgirl act, occasionally stumbling over words—adorably endearing.
As he caught the scent of her shampoo and glanced at her face, an idea crossed Tang Song’s mind.
What if Xu Qing and Tian Jing both wore JK uniforms together?
They looped the block and returned to the restaurant entrance as the driver arrived.
At Tang Song’s silver Mercedes S450L, the driver inspected the car.
Noticing something, he called out, “Excuse me, there are a few footprints here, looks like someone kicked it. Could you check?”
Tang Song stepped back, brows furrowing as he spotted clear footprints on the spotless rear fender.