Bar.
In the dimly lit private room, the air was filled with smoke and the smell of alcohol. Zhou Manchun frowned in disgust, disliking the ambiance of this place.
Dressed in a hand-tailored, limited edition suit, Zhao Tianyu carried an aura of steadiness in every move he made. However, his grin exuded a wicked charm. Raising a bottle, he poured her a drink and mischievously said, "Xiao Chun, accompany Director Wang for a drink tonight. He admires talented women like you. Play a song for him later, and I assure you can secure this business deal."
Zhou Manchun lifted her eyes to the man opposite, accepting the glass of liquor he offered and promptly downing it. This man, Zhao Tianyu, had been her boyfriend of three years. Now, however, he asked her to accompany a complete stranger, an older man, for drinks. This upset her, making her eyes waver slightly.
Zhao Tianyu perceived Zhou Manchun's unease, continued to chuckle, "Xiao Chun, don't worry. I'll ensure that everything goes smoothly." He pounded his chest, promising her.
Not long ago, Zhou's business had crumbled, drowning in debt overnight. Zhou Manchun had recently returned to the country and was not very familiar with the family's business. In contrast, her boyfriend Zhao Tianyu had always been working with Zhou Enterprises.
Zhao Tianyu informed her that Director Wang ran a massive business enterprise and could save Zhou Corporation if she could convince him. Unwilling to let her father's lifelong achievements crumble in an instant, Zhou Manchun reluctantly summoned all her courage and came here.
In the bar, the deafening clash of Metal music ran rampant. Peering through a door gap, men and women in the dance floor writhed enthusiastically. Zhou Manchun's heart shuddered abruptly as she tightly holds Zhao Tianyu's hand, uncertain of what the night would bring.
Shortly after, Director Wang arrived. A renowned wealthy businessman, Wang had amassed a fortune through extensive business dealings. Importantly, he was rumored to appreciate beautiful women, especially those who played the piano.
Director Wang swaggered into the private room, dressed in a silk pink shirt. His balding head was nearly bare, stirring deep revulsion in Zhou Manchun. She truly wished to leave.
"Director Wang," Zhao Tianyu stood up courteously and greeted with a smile.
Since he had entered the room, Director Wang's lustful eyes had hardly ever left Zhou Manchun. He glanced at her, admiring her fair and delicate beauty, refined and dignified, which brought him much delight.
"Are you Miss Zhou?" Director Wang approached Zhou Manchun and smirked. His plump hand reached out, planning to pull her into his arms.
Zhou Manchun let out a gasp and hid behind Zhao Tianyu in fright, swallowing a gulp before saying, "Director Wang...."
"Little beauty, don't be nervous. I heard you play the piano?" Director Wang said with a sly smile.
Zhou Manchun tightly clutched Zhao Tianyu's sleeve, took a deep breath, and responded, "Yes."
"Well, go and play a piece for me first," Director Wang pompously commanded.
Zhao Tianyu gave her a look, and Zhou Manchun slowly walked out of the private room, heading directly towards the piano outside.
For Zhou Manchun, today was a special day. It was not only crucial for the survival of the Zhou Group, but also the anniversary of an old friend's death.
She had been playing the piano since she was a child, but hadn't touched it for full four years since that car accident. She wasn't sure if she would embarrass herself tonight. Her fingers trembled slightly as she slowly walked onto the stage.
Dressed in a beige long dress, she gracefully sat on the piano bench, lifted the piano cover. Her delicate fingers gently pressed. The piano issued a melodious prelude, resembling the cautious feeling of a girl in love.
The audience below were mesmerized. Zhou Manchun thought she would never play the piano again. Only she knew her fingers were even trembling. "Stars" was a piece she composed at the age of fifteen, a gift for her closest girlfriend.
Not far away, a man was sitting on the couch with his legs crossed, his slender fingers were clearly articulated. Hearing the piano playing, he tightly clutched the glass in his hand, as if to crush it.
A slightly yellow liquid slowly flowed down from the glass and slid down the man's throat, leaving a chilling sensation at the pit of his stomach.
Suddenly, the man stood up from the couch, his upright and outstanding figure was simply perfect. He carelessly adjusted his tie, emanating a cold and gloomy aura.
As the melody ended, Zhou Manchun gracefully descended from the stage. Her heart was trembling though, she was uncertain whether Director Wang was satisfied or not.
Jin Beisen's thin lips pursed slightly, he waved his hand, a trace of laziness in his tone, he spoke to uncle Zou, "It's her."
Uncle Zou squinted his eyes, like a hawk in the night sky. His gaze was sharp and gloomy as it focused on Zhou Manchun, who was descending from the stage. He faintly asked, "What do you want to do, Mr. Jin?"
"Let's watch and see," Jin Beisen responded cryptically, his deep and intense gaze was hard to fathom, leaving people guessing his current thoughts.
Zhou Manchun moved to be beside Zhao Tianyu, her palms tightly clenched, and she could feel a thin layer of nervous sweat on her back, making her feel weak.
Mr. Wang clapped hands beside, laughing boisterously as he spoke, "Miss Zhou has excellent skills on the piano. I like it."
Zhou Manchun rolled her eyes inwardly, cursing under her breath, "You like it? What nonsense! If it weren't for the business related to the Zhou family, I wouldn't pay any attention to you!"
Mr. Wang’s chubby hand stretched out again towards Zhou Manchun, trying to wrap around her waist. Zhou Manchun deftly dodged it, saying with an apologetic smile, "I'm sorry, Mr. Wang, but I need to use the restroom."
"Haha, go ahead, we'll wait for you in the private room."
Zhou Manchun felt sick in her heart, cursing this perverted Mr. Wang vehemently. She was very conflicted, since Zhao Tianyu was her boyfriend, would he sell her out willingly? Why did she feel so uneasy inside? Seeing Mr. Wang trying to take advantage of her, Zhao Tianyu had not reacted at all!
"Mr. Jin, it’s Mr. Wang," Uncle Zou, who has good eyesight, observed Zhou Manchun and Mr. Wang from Wang Group in conversation, and a sarcastic smile appeared at the corners of his mouth.
Mr. Wang was quite notorious in city A for his lustful nature and it was known how he had fooled around with many women. He particularly fancied those who played the piano, though it was unknown why. The bunch of female students from the Music Academy were all basically involved with him. He was generous in his break-up compensations, and those women too didn’t mind being manipulated, each willing participant grappling the other.
Looking at the situation, it seemed almost certain that "She's going to find it hard to escape tonight",Jin Beisen's measured action of pouring wine suddenly stopped, as he stood up from the sofa.
Uncle Zou did not follow him. He had presumably understood the implication in Jin Beisen's words. Seeing Jin Beisen in such a state, it was clear he had developed an interest in that woman. His so-called "difficult to escape" was certainly referring to Zhou Manchun having a hard time escaping Jin Beisen.
