Fu Zhengnan never expected that the esteemed Maestro Zheng Yu, whom he had longed to meet, would actually be present.
Why hadn't she sent him a message in advance?
So he could personally welcome her!
Fu Zhengnan was overcome with excitement.
He completely failed to notice the brewing undercurrents backstage.
Just as he was about to rush towards Ming Zheng.
He had only uttered a single syllable.
When he was halted by Ming Zheng's chilling gaze.
Fu Zhengnan's throat tightened, as if ensnared by Ming Zheng's stare, rendering him speechless.
He understood!
He understood!
Maestro Zheng Yu wished for her identity to remain unknown!
Fu Zhengnan quickly nodded his head towards Ming Zheng.
Only then did Ming Zheng graciously avert her gaze.
Fu Zhengnan could finally breathe fresh air.
He let out a sigh of relief.
Just as he was preparing to find an excuse to invite Maestro Zheng Yu into his lounge.
He heard a soft yet tearful voice: "Chairman Fu... please don't blame my sister, and don't send her away. My sister didn't intentionally barge into our backstage, nor did she mean to lay hands on my second brother. Please don't be angry with my sister, don't drive her out..."
The voice was soft and melodious, tinged with a plea.
And a hint of wronged grievance.
Fu Zhengnan furrowed his brow and followed the sound with his eyes.
He saw his association's most promising disciple, holding a sweet-faced girl dressed in luxurious attire.
The young girl's face, as delicate as a lotus, was streaked with tear stains, and a clear, red, swollen slap mark adorned her cheek.
Her reddened eyes continued to shed tears, drop by drop.
A sight that evoked pity.
Fu Zhengnan stared at her, and she wept even harder.
Despite her pitiable state, she continued to speak, "Chairman Fu, please don't blame my sister. I am willing to apologize to you on my sister's behalf."
Chairman Fu: "...Who are you?"
He didn't recognize her at all.
And who was her sister?
She arrived weeping and apologizing,
Making it seem as if he had bullied her?
He, a man on the verge of fifty, could possibly bully such a delicate young girl?
Ming Zhirou's tearful voice faltered.
A moment of awkwardness ensued.
Her tears almost stopped flowing.
She, who had recently become so popular within the industry, even the world-class legendary figure, Maestro Zheng Yu, was going to take her as a disciple.
Chairman Fu didn't recognize her?
Finally, Ming Weizhou broke the awkward silence: "Chairman, this is my sister, the original composer of 'Romance,' Ming Zhirou."
He had expected that upon hearing Ming Zhirou was the original composer of 'Romance,' Fu Zhengnan would, like everyone else, show a delighted smile and express admiration for Ming Zhirou.
However, Fu Zhengnan's brows furrowed, and his expression towards them both turned cold: "She, is your sister?"
This reaction, so different from his expectations, made Ming Weizhou pause before stammering his reply: "Yes... yes, she is my sister."
"Heh," Fu Zhengnan let out a meaningless chuckle, and his gaze towards Ming Weizhou also became colder.
Whether it was Ming Weizhou's imagination or not, he thought he saw the Chairman's gaze subtly drift towards Ming Zheng.
Ming Weizhou suddenly felt a sense of unease.
He had a feeling that...
That bitch would ruin their plans.
With this thought, Ming Weizhou spoke again: "Chairman, that bitch just now, trespassed into our backstage without authorization, impersonated Maestro Zheng Yu, and assaulted the original composer of 'Romance' whom we had specially invited, as well as the top star Ming Huaizhi."
"Her actions have severely impacted our upcoming performance."
"We were planning to escort her out, but Rou'er is kind-hearted and wants her to stay, yet she is completely unappreciative!"
Fu Zhengnan: "???"
Trespassed?
Impersonated?
She was Maestro Zheng Yu, the recipient of his personal invitation. Let alone backstage at the Starlight Grand Theater, even if she wished to be on stage, it would be an honor for the International Music Association!
After all, he was a man who had navigated the international scene and become the president of the International Music Association.
After reviewing everyone's words in his mind.
And then looking at Ming Zhirou's swollen face.
And Ming Huaizhi's disheveled state.
He had completely understood what had just happened.
Fu Zhengnan's expression remained impassive as he said indifferently, "Then you will not be performing."
Ming Weizhou, who had fully expected Fu Zhengnan to erupt in anger and order security to remove Ming Zheng from the Starlight Grand Theater: "???"
He replayed the conversation in his mind.
—Her actions have severely impacted our upcoming performance.
—Then you will not be performing.
Was the Chairman... supporting Ming Zheng?
Ming Weizhou's face contorted in shock, his expression instantly tightened, and he looked at Fu Zhengnan with utter disbelief.
Not allowing him to perform?
How could this be!
Ming Weizhou spoke urgently: "Chairman, no! Maestro Zheng Yu is coming today, I... I..."
He absolutely had to perform, to play, beautifully, in front of Maestro Zheng Yu!
He wanted Maestro Zheng Yu to take him as a disciple!
A year ago, with the explosive popularity of 'Romance,' he, the "composer," had gained the attention of the President of the International Music Association.
At that time, Chairman Fu had even wanted to take him as a disciple.
But his heart and mind were set only on Maestro Zheng Yu.
He only wanted to chase his singular light.
Today was his only chance, the culmination of his long efforts.
He absolutely could not miss it!
However, Fu Zhengnan paid him no mind.
Instead, he directly turned his gaze towards Ming Zheng.
He opened his mouth, as if contemplating something.
Then, he spoke, "You, please come inside."
With that, he opened the lounge door and walked in.
Ming Zheng glanced at the complex expression on Ming Weizhou's face. Ming Weizhou then pushed away Ming Zhirou, who was in his arms, intending to rush to Fu Zhengnan and plead with him.
The weak and helpless little fairy in the white dress, pushed by him, stumbled and was about to fall to the ground.
It was Ming Huaizhi, who, doting on his precious Rou'er,
Disregarding his own excruciating pain, he rushed towards Ming Zhirou and caught her.
But unfortunately, he had been kicked too hard by Ming Zheng earlier.
After catching Ming Zhirou.
He lost his balance, and they both fell to the ground.
Of course, he acted as a cushion, ensuring his precious Rou'er suffered no harm.
Ming Zheng watched this scene and couldn't help but tut.
It was truly a spectacle.
She stepped forward and entered the lounge.
Just as Ming Weizhou was about to rush in, Mo Qiyu blocked him with one hand.
Mo Qiyu stood at the doorway, smiling with immense provocation: "Oh my, Young Master Ming Four, what a pity... you don't even get a chance to perform, tsk tsk tsk..."
Ming Weizhou's face contorted in fury, and he glared fiercely at Mo Qiyu.
Then he saw inside the lounge.
Fu Zhengnan did not immediately take a seat.
Instead, he politely invited Ming Zheng to sit down.
He, standing beside Ming Zheng, smiled like a blooming chrysanthemum.