Translator: Lynn
Upon reaching home, Jian Jie excitedly informed his brother about the invitation he received from a foreign musician to attend a large-scale music award ceremony abroad after the Spring Festival. Unexpectedly, his brother was displeased, feeling that Jian Jieâs company was being inconsiderate by sending him to work overseas or far away the following year. Worried about his brotherâs reaction, Jian Jie quickly explained the situation. Eventually, his brother understood the potential benefits this opportunity could bring to Jian Jieâs music career, and he had a change of heart. They made a decision to go together as a family, treating it like an enjoyable trip abroad. While Jian Jieâs company had not yet confirmed the details, his brother was already taking the initiative to apply for a visa and book flights, displaying great enthusiasm for the journey ahead.
When Jian Jie arrived home, he excitedly informed his brother that he had received an invitation from a foreign musician and would be attending a major music awards ceremony abroad after the Spring Festival. However, his brother was not pleased and felt that Jian Jieâs company was being inconsiderate by sending him to work overseas in the upcoming year. Worried that his brother might take action against the company, Jian Jie quickly explained the situation. Eventually, his brother understood the potential benefits this opportunity could bring to Jian Jieâs music career and decided that the entire family should accompany him to the award ceremony, treating it as a family trip abroad. Even though Jian Jieâs company has not yet confirmed the details, his brother is already taking the initiative to apply for a visa and book flights, displaying great enthusiasm.
The following morning, Zhou Jia arrived to pick up Jian Jie for work and informed him that Jasonâs assistant from China had visited the company in person, indicating their high regard for the collaboration with Jian Jie. Zhou Jia smiled as he drove and said, âXiao Jie, everyone misses you so much when youâre not at the company, especially Xiao Wang. Boss Long is upset, and no one can console him. Heâs in a tough spot.â
Jian Jie couldnât help but smile and asked, âIs Brother Chen really that intimidating?â
âOf course, you wouldnât notice it. Boss Long remains composed when youâre around. Since youâve been away for a while, you donât know that heâs been in a particularly gloomy mood lately. He plays your sad songs in the office every day. Itâs become a running joke around here, wondering if heâs lost his love, hahaâ¦â Zhou Jia intended to tease, but he revealed an unexpected truth.
Jian Jie was taken aback. Long Zichen acted no differently in front of him yesterday, and he didnât witness any unusual behavior during this period. Jian Jie thought the matter would resolve itself, but he didnât expect Long Zichen to feel so down. It was hard to imagine that someone as lively and cheerful as Long Zichen could be depressed. He realized that he had underestimated the place he held in Long Zichenâs heart.
âBrother Chen, have you been feeling down lately?â Jian Jie asked hesitantly.
âYeah, everyoneâs puzzled about it. Heâs just been really down,â Zhou Jia confirmed. âHeâs zoning out during meetings, hardly talks anymore, and sometimes locks himself in the office, or itâs even scarier when heâs critiquing people in the recording studio.â
Jian Jieâs emotions were tangled. He didnât want anyone to be sad because of him, especially not Brother Chen, who had always been so kind to him. If possible, heâd do anything to make Long Zichen happy. However, Long Zichenâs strong affection for him left him feeling conflicted.
As Jian Jie arrived at the company, Li Xiaoqi had already reached an agreement with Jasonâs assistant. Jian Jie would go to the United States next year to participate in the audition and makeup work for the movie âLife of the Opera,â and the whole plan must be kept confidential. Additionally, Jasonâs band, Silver Moonlight, would perform their champion single âDecemberâ at the Crystal Music Awards Ceremony, and Jian Jie needed to cooperate with rehearsals, promotions, and other tasks.
With everything arranged, Li Xiaoqi had taken care of all the details. Jian Jie only needed to sign some documents, shake hands with Jasonâs assistant, and express gratitude. He didnât have much to do upon arrival. However, feeling a sense of indecision, he finally decided to meet with Long Zichen. He had been wanting to show Long Zichen the song he had recently written.
Long Zichen was busy instructing newcomers in the rehearsal room when he realized that Jian Jie had come to the company. Expecting that Jian Jie might have some work to finish first, he was pleasantly surprised when he turned around and saw Jian Jie already there. Quickly excusing himself from the newcomersâ practice, Long Zichen took Jian Jie back to his office since the rehearsal room was too noisy for a proper conversation.
With just the two of them in the office, Long Zichen asked, âDid everything finish up so quickly?â
Jian Jie nodded, âBrother Xiaoqi had everything arranged, and I didnât have any other commitments, so I just came over.â Handing the scorebook to Long Zichen, he said, âBrother Chen, could you take a look at the song I wrote recently? Iâd appreciate your feedback.â
âOf course! Iâll work on arranging the music, and itâll be perfect for our next album,â Long Zichen replied with enthusiasm. He then asked, âHave you decided when youâll be heading to America?â
âIâll be taking the flight on the 7th,â Jian Jie replied.
âOn the second day of the Lunar New Year? You canât be alone in a foreign country, right? How many people is the company sending with you?â Long Zichen expressed concern, secretly hoping to join the group. However, Jian Jieâs response left him flabbergasted, âBrother Xiaoqi and Brother Zhou are going with me, and my brother, sister-in-law, and niece are coming too. Itâs going to be a family celebration in a foreign country.â
Long Zichen couldnât believe it. Jian Jieâs brother was coming along, as well as his entire family. He couldnât help but think, âYouâve got to be kidding me! Is your brother going to be watching my every move?â
Trying to maintain composure, Long Zichen forced a smile, âThatâs great to hear. Iâll be relieved knowing your brother will be there with you. Just be careful when youâre abroad, especially since youâre not yet twenty-one. No alcohol for you at the events, and be cautious not to get caught in any unfavorable situations by the media. And, of course, stay away from bars, motels, and the red light district. Donât let your curiosity lead you astrayâ¦â
Jian Jie felt a bit embarrassed, feeling like he was being treated like a child. He responded, âBrother Chen, donât worry. I wonât go to those places out of curiosity, and my brother would never allow it.â
âAlright, Iâll see you off on that day. Iâm looking forward to meeting your brother,â Long Zichen thought to himself, wondering what kind of protective brother Jian Jie had. He couldnât help but imagine the consequences if he were to do anything improper in Jian Jieâs brotherâs presence.
However, on the day of departure, Long Zichen didnât show up at the company, and nobody answered his phone. This left Jian Jie feeling uneasy. Long Zichen had never missed an appointment with him before, and not being able to reach him raised concerns that something might have happened. Still, the plane wouldnât wait for them, so Jian Jieâs colleagues advised him that Long Zichen might be facing a delay due to some unforeseen circumstance. They suggested heading to the airport first and then trying to contact him again later. Reluctantly, Jian Jie agreed.
Accompanying Jian Jie on this trip were five people sent by the company. Apart from Li Xiaoqi and Zhou Jia, there were two assistants and a makeup artist. With numerous boxes of luggage filled with Jian Jieâs clothes and accessories, it was clear that he traveled with a bit of extravagance. As Xinghuoâs cash cow, he had become accustomed to having a bunch of people around him at all times. However, going abroad made it impractical to bring the entire entourage and all their equipment. It was also the first time the company arranged for an artist to perform overseas, so they faced some challenges in preparation.
Due to the confidentiality of the itinerary, the company hadnât publicized Jian Jieâs departure abroad, resulting in a smaller number of fans at the airport to see him off. After swiftly checking in and handling their luggage, the group proceeded to the departure hall to meet up with Jian Jieâs family. Before boarding the plane, Jian Jie attempted to call Long Zichen once more, but again, no response. Encouraged by his elder brother, he eventually boarded the plane, but a sense of worry lingered in his heart.
To his dismay, his worries would soon prove to be justified.
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