Chapter 164: Chapter 35 "Honestly, it’s quite good.
This young girl’s thoughts were very simple.
From their previous interactions, she felt that Uncle Sun was a decent person. Although her brother was mercilessly tormented by him, it was always her brother who provoked the man first. And in her heart, her father was a very important, very good person.
She hoped these two ’good people’ could resolve whatever misunderstanding they had. At the very least, they could just become strangers. That was better than old colleagues meeting again like mortal enemies.
But it seemed both men treated her like a child and didn’t take her words seriously. Because of this, she was a little upset.
A young girl’s feelings are impossible to hide.
Seeing the person she liked was upset, Yang Xintian immediately tried to comfort her.
"These adults just love to act like that, all high and mighty. They still treat us like little kids. It’s hilarious. In some ways, they, the so-called adults, handle things worse than we do."
Sun Dasheng knew that while her words seemed meant to comfort Xiang Zixuan, they were actually aimed at him.
This little witch really has a fiery temper.
Sun Dasheng didn’t indulge her, either. He reached out and pinched both her cheeks with his hands.
Then he whispered in her ear, "Tian Tian, you wouldn’t want her to find out about your little secret, would you?"
Just like that, the world fell silent.
All her struggling ceased. She simply let him pinch her face as he laughed with abandon.
Watching the two of them, Xiang Zixuan felt a pang of envy.
Tian Tian has such a great personality; she can get along with anyone. Not like me. Because of my personality, I have very few friends. Add to that my sister-obsessed brother, and you could say I have practically none. I actually want to join in their playful banter as well, but I can’t let go of the poise I’ve cultivated for so many years.
Yang Xintian, who was always attentive to her friend, quickly sensed her melancholy. She wriggled free from those devilish hands and pulled Xiang Zixuan by the arm. "Zi Xuan, let’s go sing a song!"
This was a lounge bar, not a nightclub with a big DJ stage. However, it did have a small stage with a projection screen, meant for customers who loved to sing to show off their skills a little. The song list was filled with ballads, lacking the loud, boisterous songs that required belting high notes.
The two girls quietly sang Jay Chou’s "Sunny Day" and received a round of applause from the surrounding tables.
It had to be said, two young girls singing a song about youth was quite fitting for the occasion.
This song seems to have gotten really popular much later, especially with the post-00s generation, Sun Dasheng mused. I remember when my generation, the post-90s, were in school, the most popular songs were things like ’East Wind Breaks’ and ’Nunchucks.’ ’Sunny Day’ wasn’t even on the charts, and not many people sang it.
"Uncle Sun, do you want to sing?" Yang Xintian asked.
He waved his hand. These days, he was content to just listen to music when he had nothing else to do. As for singing himself, he hadn’t felt the urge in a long time.
Seeing him decline, the two girls sang a few more songs before passing the microphone to other customers.
He listened to the music for a while and had a few drinks, which helped him relax considerably. He felt the atmosphere here was much better than at a nightclub; it was a good place to unwind.
Before long, Xiang Zixuan received a call.
She offered an apology. "Tian Tian, my brother is here to pick me up. I have to go. Thanks for everything today."
Yang Xintian hugged her and refused to let go. "Zi Xuan, no need for thanks. Some people are just heartless. He didn’t even help you get the matter sorted out."
As she spoke, she shot a glance at a certain someone, only to find his skin was thicker than a city wall. He was just sitting there drinking his beer, pretending he hadn’t heard a thing.
"Even though it wasn’t resolved, I’m still grateful for your kindness," Xiang Zixuan said, glancing cautiously at the man. When she saw he remained unmoved, a flash of disappointment crossed her face.
She quickly hid it with a smile and said, "Well, I’ll be going then. Bye, Tian Tian!"
"And goodbye, Uncle Sun!" she added, still making sure to be polite.
"Bye!" Sun Dasheng nodded in return.
After seeing her friend out, Yang Xintian returned and flopped down next to Sun Dasheng. Pouting, she refused to speak to him. She sat improperly with her legs spread wide, propping her elbows on the table and gulping down her beer. Before long, her face began to flush.
She finally couldn’t hold it in any longer. "Uncle Sun, what kind of grudge do you and her dad have against each other? Is there really no chance for reconciliation?"
Sun Dasheng raised his glass and drank with her.
He put it in terms she would understand. "Imagine you study hard and are always one of the top students in your class. Then one day, your teacher says your conduct is poor, your grades are terrible, and you have no future. He says you’re not fit to stay in his class, kicks you out, and even has the school expel you. What would you think then?"
"Is it really that bad?" Yang Xintian froze, her glass held to her lips.
"Pretty much," Sun Dasheng said coolly.
"Then that really is an unsolvable knot," Yang Xintian said, putting down her glass with a hint of melancholy.
On one side was her dear uncle; on the other, the father of the girl she had a crush on. She didn’t know whose side to take. It felt wrong to choose either one.
Naturally, the best solution was to say, "Uncle Sun, in that case, I won’t meddle in this matter anymore."
A wise decision.
The proprietress was in a good mood today. She walked over carrying two glasses and a bottle of liquor.
"Sister Manman, are you bringing me more free drinks?" Yang Xintian said with a smug air. "You don’t have to. Your bar’s business is just starting to pick up. You’ll have plenty of expenses later, so you should save your money."
Wang Manman sat down, unconcerned.
"Thanks for your concern, Tian Tian, but this bottle was free. A new supplier left it here for me to sell. I’m letting you try it to see if it’s any good. If it sucks, I won’t stock their products."