chapter 4
Chapter 4
A drunken man stood by Shi Xian’s table, reaching out to grab her wrist, cursing under his breath.
“Isn’t coming to a bar just to hook up with some sugar daddies? I’m giving you face, aren’t I!”
Shi Xian shrank back in fear, the chair legs screeching harshly against the floor, tears already glimmering in her eyes.
But the man pressed closer and closer, about to touch Shi Xian.
Wu Ai’s heart tightened. He didn’t bother to put down his guitar, jumped straight off the stage, and forcefully knocked the man’s hand away.
“Let her go.”
The man staggered from the shove, steadied himself, and glared at Wu Ai.
Seeing Wu Ai dressed in a faded hoodie and jeans with a hole at the knee, he sneered with contempt.
“Kid, trying to play the hero? Do you know who I am?”
“I don’t care who you are.”
Wu Ai’s voice was calm, his gaze cold as ice.
“Either apologize to her, or I’ll beat you up. Your choice.”
The man laughed even louder, spittle flying.
“Kid, do you know who’s backing this Acoustic Bar?”
Wu Ai raised an eyebrow and pointed at the surveillance camera overhead. “No matter how strong your connections are, it’s all on camera.”
The man chuckled darkly. “Don’t think I don’t know-the OASIS camera has been broken for ages!”
Hearing this, Wu Ai kicked the man over without hesitation.
“Damn, you think you’re so tough just because there’s no camera?”
He then grabbed the man’s wrist and twisted it lightly.
He had grown up in a military family compound and had learned plenty of self-defense, knowing just how to subdue someone with skill.
The man howled, “You dare touch me? Believe it or not, I’ll make sure you can’t work in this business anymore!”
All the customers around were looking over. Old Xin hurried over, “What’s going on? Who’s causing trouble here?”
“He was harassing this lady.”
Wu Ai let go of the man’s hand and pointed at Shi Xian behind him.
“I was just helping her out. He started it.”
Hearing this, the man still wanted to make a scene, but Shi Xian suddenly pulled out her phone from her bag.
The screen was lit up, showing a video of the man grabbing her, the audio clear as day.
“I… I’ve already recorded it. If you keep this up, I’ll call the police.” Her voice was still trembling.
“When the police come, let’s see what you have to say.”
Seeing the video, the man sobered up halfway, his face turning pale.
He knew Old Xin hated this kind of thing the most. If the police really got involved, not only would he get arrested, but he’d also be blacklisted from every Acoustic Bar in the area.
He shot Wu Ai a vicious glare, muttered “Just my bad luck,” bent down to pick up his jacket, and slunk away.
“Thanks, brother. I really owe you for that.”
Old Xin patted Wu Ai on the shoulder, his tone full of gratitude but still a bit shaken.
“That guy’s a small-time contractor from the construction site next door. Made a bit of money and now thinks he’s somebody. If you see him coming again, let me know in advance.”
Wu Ai nodded. The Workers’ Stadium nearby was being rebuilt lately, and quite a few people had made a windfall.
Seeing Wu Ai nod, Old Xin turned to Shi Xian. “Miss, are you alright? Want some hot water?”
Shi Xian shook her head, walked over to Wu Ai, her cheeks flushed, her voice soft. “Thank you, Wu Ai. Sorry for the trouble.”
“It’s nothing, just a small favor.”
Wu Ai smiled and turned to ask Old Xin to pour her a glass of warm water.
“Why are you here alone? Chen Qi didn’t come with you?”
“She had something to do today. I… I just wanted to hear you sing.”
Shi Xian’s voice grew softer, but her eyes sparkled brightly.
“The song you sang today, Goodbye When Snow Falls, was really beautiful.”
Wu Ai felt a stir in his heart-this was his original song, and apart from the examiners, no one had ever praised it before.
Since the breakup, he’d heard enough sympathy and mockery; this was the first time someone had genuinely complimented his music.
After finishing his set as the Resident Singer that night, Wu Ai insisted on escorting Shi Xian to the bus stop, using the excuse of protecting her.
The streetlights stretched their shadows long; snowflakes occasionally landed on their heads, but Shi Xian didn’t dare get too close.
Before getting on the bus, Shi Xian suddenly turned around, mustering her courage to look at Wu Ai.
“Can I come hear you sing again tomorrow?”
“Of course you can.” Wu Ai nodded, seeing the anticipation in her eyes, and couldn’t help but smile.
Shi Xian’s face flushed instantly, and she hurried onto the bus.
She found a window seat, waved at him through the glass.
The bus slowly pulled away, Wu Ai stood where he was, watching the taillights disappear into the night.
He had just pulled his scarf up when his phone suddenly chimed-it was a notification from the class group, sent by the Homeroom Teacher.
“The First Mock Exam for Chaoyang District Gaokao is scheduled for March 25th to March 28th…”
Wu Ai stared at the screen, instantly dumbfounded.
“Damn, how is it already time for the First Mock Exam?”
After the Art College Entrance Exam, his mind had been filled with gigs and rent, and he’d completely forgotten that the countdown to the Gaokao was already upon him.
Just as anxiety began to creep in, Chen Qi called.
“Wu Ai, come to Yi Qi Private Kitchen tomorrow. My mom and your mom will be there, celebrating your high score in the Art College Entrance Exam!”
“Qi-jie, this is a Hongmen Banquet!”
Wu Ai was about to refuse when he heard Chen Qi’s lowered voice on the other end.
“Cut the crap. If you don’t come, I’ll tell your mom you’ve been hanging out with Shi Xian at the Acoustic Bar every day and not studying at all!”
That hit Wu Ai’s weak spot precisely-he definitely didn’t want Madam Zhang to know he was getting close to Shi Xian, or she’d interrogate him for ages.
He gripped the guitar case strap, gritting his teeth. “Fine, I’ll be there tomorrow. Just don’t go tattling.”
He kept a calm face, but his mind was already racing, planning how to handle tomorrow.
Madam Zhang would definitely suggest he move back home. Compromise was inevitable, but he couldn’t give in for nothing.
He had to bargain, maximizing whatever benefits he could get.
The next day, the taxi stopped at the entrance of Yi Qi Private Kitchen. Red lanterns lined the way, exuding a steady, state-owned enterprise vibe.
Wu Ai had just entered the private room when he saw Madam Zhang in an off-white casual outfit, chatting warmly with a middle-aged woman in a qipao.
It was Chen Qi’s mother, Wang Xiuchun. As a child, he’d always called her Aunt Wang, following Chen Qi’s lead.
Chen Qi sat nearby; seeing him enter, she immediately winked and mouthed “Good luck.”
“You’re here?”
Madam Zhang pointed to the empty seat beside her and pushed a steaming bowl of Silkie Chicken Soup in front of him.
“Drink some soup first, nourish yourself. You’re up all night as a Resident Singer, your face is so thin it’s changed shape. Anyone who didn’t know would think I’m mistreating you.”
“Thank you, Madam.”
Wu Ai sat down, scooped up a spoonful of soup. The warmth slid down his throat, but he didn’t dare relax.
He knew Madam Zhang too well-the gentler she was up front, the tougher the real topic would be.
Just then, Aunt Wang set down her teacup, her face full of smiles, her tone kind.
“Wu Ai, Auntie heard from your mom that you scored 92 on the Art College Entrance Exam. That’s wonderful!”
“It’s alright. Next, it all depends on the ranking and admissions.”
“But speaking of which, the Gaokao is coming up soon. How can you focus on studying while renting a place by yourself?”
Wu Ai tensed up. He’d thought there’d be more small talk first, but the topic had shifted so quickly.