CH 22

Translator: Lynn

“Mr. Long, you have such a kind heart. I didn’t pay much attention to these things before. I only knew how to write a few empty songs at home. But now, if you take me to do something for those in need, I am more than willing to engage in charity work,” Jian Jie said, a flicker of excitement evident in his eyes. He realized that he had been too self-absorbed in his own world and now felt a strong desire to contribute to society.

“Very good,” Long Zichen replied, his smile reflecting his happiness. “I’m afraid you might think I’m long-winded, always talking too much.”

“How could that be? I know that you genuinely care about me, and I am truly grateful to you,” Jian Jie expressed his heartfelt thanks to Long Zichen. He had always been someone who viewed the world with kindness, firmly believing that goodness prevailed.

As they discussed their future charitable endeavors, the office door swung open, revealing a middle-aged woman with gray hair entering. It was none other than Long Zichen’s mother, Ms. Guan Fen, the director of Anping Children’s Welfare Institute. Ms. Guan, who was fifty-one years old, had a plump figure and a round, kindly face. Having just returned from inspecting the teaching building, she spotted Long Zichen and couldn’t help but smile. “You mischievous boy, why did you come here today? And who is this young man?” Ms. Guan smiled again, looking at Jian Jie with curiosity, and asked Long Zichen.

“Oh, Ms. Guan is finally back!” Long Zichen exclaimed, rushing over to hold his mother’s hand. With a smile, he introduced, “This young man’s name is Xiaojie, and he’s a singer I recently discovered. He’s talented in writing and singing, and he’s incredibly charming. Since he’s been busy lately, I brought him here to experience the noble motherly love you offer!”

“Hello, Auntie,” Jian Jie stood up and respectfully greeted Ms. Guan.

Ms. Guan was delighted to see the polite and handsome young man before her and repeated, “Alright.” She gestured for Long Zichen to step aside and walked toward Jian Jie, smiling. “Then I’ll call you Xiaojie as well. How old are you? Are you still in school? It’s the first time this rascal has brought a friend here. He usually causes trouble for the people at your company, doesn’t he?”

“Hey, Mom, why expose me like that when we meet!” Long Zichen feigned annoyance.

Jian Jie suppressed a smile and answered sincerely, “I’m nineteen years old, Auntie, and I’m a junior at Hengde University. Mr. Long is very dedicated to his work and has high standards. Moreover, he has always taken care of me, and I’m truly grateful to him.”

Long Zichen gave Jian Jie an approving look and gave a thumbs up. “Well said. I haven’t invested in you in vain.”

“Really?” Ms. Guan pretended to be surprised. “This kid has been mischievous since he was a child, and he has never done anything serious. Now he suddenly became useful?”

Jian Jie smiled and nodded, leaving Long Zichen speechless. “My dear mother, please maintain a good image. Don’t make Xiaojie stop admiring me!”

“Well, it’s not…”

Jian Jie playfully shattered Long Zichen’s façade, causing Ms. Guan to burst into laughter. Long Zichen theatrically clutched his chest and lamented, “Oh, Xiaojie, how could you be so ruthless and cold? My heart hurts!”

Long Zichen and Jian Jie sang together, bringing joy to Ms. Guan. After some lighthearted banter, Long Zichen informed his mother that Jian Jie wanted to support several orphans, an idea they had just discussed.

Upon hearing Long Zichen’s words, Ms. Guan scolded him, “It’s fine to bring Xiaojie here to play, but don’t pressure other children into donating money.”

“Mr. Long only mentioned it. It’s something I want to do,” Jian Jie explained. “Now that I’m earning a living through work, my daily expenses aren’t too high. It’s better to put the extra money to good use. I also plan to volunteer at Auntie’s place in my free time.”

“In that case, you’re welcome here,” Ms. Guan said joyfully. “Our orphanage is in need of teachers. If you’re available, come and substitute for us.”

“Okay.”

As they conversed, the bell rang outside, and some younger elementary school students gathered by the window, observing the scene and discussing in hushed voices. “Why are there two men in the director’s office?” “I know! That’s the director’s son!” They chattered, filled with curiosity. Ms. Guan stood up and approached the window, causing the children to scatter, squealing with excitement.

Jian Jie found it amusing. “Children are so adorable.”

“They’re also quite noisy. Especially the students in the lower grades, they can’t keep quiet in class,” Ms. Guan added, smiling. “Later on, I’ll arrange a music class for you to teach them nursery rhymes.”

“Okay.”

“Hey, let me tell you, you two seem to get along well. Are you planning to become friends by the end of the year?” Long Zichen, who had been overlooked, spoke up unwilling to be left out. “Mom, I know you appreciate obedient students, so don’t ignore your dear son like this.”

Ms. Guan sighed. “People used to say that I would have a daughter, but I ended up with you, a scrawny monkey. If I had known how skinny you’d turn out, I would have traded you with Old Wang’s daughter next door.”

“I’m so hurt!” Long Zichen wailed, tears streaming down his face.

In the next class, Ms. Guan arranged for Jian Jie to teach a music class for the second graders, and Long Zichen joined in. The music classroom still housed a pedal organ that closely resembled a piano, but it was quite challenging to play. Jian Jie couldn’t control the boisterous children, and after the class ended, he felt more exhausted than running five kilometers.

“Haha, raising children is no easy task,” Long Zichen taunted.

“It’s certainly not easy,” Jian Jie agreed, feeling the weight of the responsibility.

“Want to come substitute regularly?”

“…Well, maybe once a month at most?” Jian Jie eagerly asked.

Seeing the innocent and pitiful expression on Jian Jie’s delicate face, Long Zichen couldn’t help but find it amusing. “Okay. It doesn’t have to be teaching children; you can do other tasks as well.”

“That would be great!” Jian Jie felt that teaching should be left to the professionals.

After spending some time with Ms. Guan, they bid farewell to the orphanage. On the way back, Long Zichen asked Jian Jie with a smile, “Was it tiring for your first time doing something like this?”

“It was tiring, but I felt at ease and happy,” Jian Jie replied.

“It was quite tiring, but I felt a sense of tranquility and happiness,” Long Zichen responded.

If Brother Jian were aware of these developments, he would be deeply grateful to Long Zichen for providing Jian Jie with opportunities outside of his home, despite the less pleasant outcome for Brother Jian.

Half a month swiftly passed, and November arrived with gradually cooling weather. The Xinghuo company was bustling with energy. Being the grand opening, it was only natural that significant moves were in the works. Over the past two months, newcomers such as Chen Hang and Tao Qianrui’s group “HR,” Tong Liangliang, and Fang Fei had all officially released their debut albums. Additionally, a few lesser-known newcomers were preparing to release singles to test the waters. Meanwhile, several contracted artists were busy working on their new albums, and their presence could be seen in prominent announcements.

At this moment, the Heavenly King of the music industry, Ding Jiangyu, made a powerful comeback with his eleventh album since his debut. The moment the album was released, its lead title track quickly soared to the top of major music charts. True to his status as a king, Ding Jiangyu’s music had an extraordinary impact from the moment of its release. Jian Jie also received a notification during this time to shoot the music video for “Restart” alongside Ding Jiangyu. “Restart” would serve as a key promotional track for the second wave of Ding Jiangyu’s album.

Please let me know if there are typos/mistakes in the chapter.

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