Chapter 21: The Little One, Cheng Orange

Wenbo Wang's eyes widened. "You’re telling me you don’t get excited over that?"

"Get lost!" Cheng Yao snapped.

He hadn’t done anything indecent, and to get worked up just by listening to piano music seemed utterly absurd—he simply couldn’t imagine it.

Zhang Lei sounded doubtful. "Is that even possible?"

Wenbo Wang clicked his tongue. "You guys don’t get it. Have you heard of how competitive streaming sites are getting?"

"Oh, I’ve seen those videos—people just playing piano in underwear or swimsuits, or sometimes not wearing anything at all, right?"

"Exactly. There are even clips of people playing piano while working the fields. It’s just ridiculous..."

Cheng Yao put on his headphones. Mozart’s sonatas played softly by his ears, yet he felt an odd restlessness deep inside. Who hasn’t longed for love?

Because of his connection with the guitar, he could sense the changes in Zhang Ya’s piano playing since summer break—she was more mature, more alluring, like someone familiar who was slowly growing distant, and yet, he was no longer standing still himself.

Did he want to hold on to her? Of course he did.

He couldn’t lie to himself. He knew best those lonely nights when melancholy surged within him; the uncertainty and distance were exhausting and heartbreaking—a torment.

"I’ve already bought my ticket for tomorrow afternoon. Wait for me."

"Mm..."

Her voice was right by his ear. Cheng Yao wished it weren’t just by his ear, but by his pillow. If a man doesn’t even long to sleep beside his woman, what right does he have to claim he loves her?

Before he knew it, he had drifted into sleep.

...

The next morning, Cheng Cheng called early. "Bro, when are you coming back? I’m all ready."

"I’m leaving campus now. Give me fifteen minutes."

"Okay, hurry up."

After washing up, Cheng Yao checked his messages.

There were plenty, all from girls—probably over a dozen—along with some spam.

Suddenly, one message caught his eye.

Star of the New Era: Hello, I’m the manager of Star of the New Era. Our team is recruiting for a boy group program and currently hosting auditions. I happened to see your video yesterday and think your looks and talent are exactly what we’re seeking.

Coincidentally, our team is developing a variety show for a boy group called ‘Candy Super Sweet.’ If you’re interested, please contact me. You can look up our company online. My surname is Zheng, and here are my details.

Cheng Yao frowned, unable to resist looking up the company. It did exist and was quite well-known—like a talent scout of the internet age.

It was a company producing international youth cultural exchange boy group shows...

However, Cheng Yao had no desire to become a star.

He washed his face and told Wenbo Wang and the others, "I won’t be back tonight. I’ll be heading to Shanghai this afternoon and might not make it in time. If I’m not there tomorrow morning, help me inform the head teacher or mark my attendance."

"Got it, no problem. Go for it."

"Good luck."

"Bye."

After leaving the dorm, Cheng Yao went to the school gate and caught a taxi straight to his rental apartment.

The apartment was in an old school district, the place small and due for demolition in a few years. When he arrived, he saw Cheng Cheng waiting by the roadside, scanning the area.

She was petite, standing at the entrance, looking around.

When she saw Cheng Yao get out of the taxi, her eyes grew wide. "Cheng Yao, you’re getting fancy now—taking taxis? My allowance needs a raise!"

"Fine, I’ll add five hundred for you. But don’t waste it."

"Really?!" It was like a dream for her—an extra five hundred was a huge windfall! Now she could sneak in some KFC.

Honestly, she’d have been happy with a twenty yuan increase—just enough for ice cream and cold drinks in this hot weather. Nothing was more satisfying than that icy rush.

"No need for five hundred. Just add fifty."

She giggled, tugging at his sleeve as they entered the apartment.

Cheng Yao opened the windows for fresh air, took the bedding out to sun, then said, "Pick up your underwear. Leaving it on the floor looks terrible. I’ve made some money online recently, so I’ll buy you a few things."

"Online? Doing what, streaming?"

"Something like that. Anyway, we’ll be fine in the future. When the time comes, I’ll get you a better place. Any cute guys in your class?"

Her eyes sparkled mischievously. "Sure, but none as handsome as you!"

Having grown up with Cheng Yao, she was immune to good looks—unlike other girls, she didn’t get excited even if she saw a handsome guy.

Leaning on the doorframe, she watched him. "You going to see your girlfriend today?"

"Yeah, it’s been a while."

"Then good luck! Don’t let anyone steal her away."

Cheng Cheng liked Zhang Ya—back in middle school, Zhang Ya had taken her to KFC, Burger King, even amusement parks.

Cheng Yao just smiled. To be honest, since he’d gotten together with Zhang Ya, Cheng Cheng had played the wingman more than once. Zhang Ya was fond of her, too.

He ruffled her hair. Cheng Cheng pouted and slapped his hand away. "Stop that! I won’t grow tall if you keep messing with my head. Do you want to steal my height, Cheng Yao?!"

"Why do girls need to be so tall?"

"No way! I want legs and a figure like Zhang Ya!"

"Keep dreaming."

Leaving the shabby apartment behind, the two set out for the subway station. Cheng Yao pulled a box from his pocket and handed her a watch. "Try it on. Do you like it?"

"Wow, is this for me?" Her eyes sparkled with delight.

Pink. So cute!

She was just over a hundred and fifty centimeters, still growing, with straight bangs, small features, and a delicate face—charming in a gentle, demure way.

Cheng Yao thought ruefully that maybe he’d taken too many of the good genes for himself; if they’d been more evenly split, she might have been even prettier.

"It’s so pretty! How much did it cost?"

"Just over a hundred yuan."

"Thanks, bro! Hehe, but it’s hard to put on..."

Seeing her struggle, Cheng Yao took her hand and fastened it for her. "Does it fit?"

"Yeah, just right."

With the watch on, her wrist looked much less bare—she seemed even cuter. Cheng Cheng waved her arm and grinned. "Hey, Cheng Yao, you didn’t just spend all your savings to make me happy, did you?"

"I’m saving up for your college expenses."

"Then what about you? Are you really earning money?"

Cheng Yao yawned, his hand unconsciously ruffling her hair again. "Yeah, I’ve made quite a bit."

"Impressive! But stop pressing on my head..."

He withdrew his hand with a laugh. She really was growing up—maybe he should sign her up for some tutoring classes during winter break. Studying hard was the way forward.

"By the way, didn’t you say you wanted to learn piano?"

"Mm..." She pursed her lips. Every time she saw Zhang Ya play, she thought she looked so beautiful.

"I’ll sign you up for lessons over winter break."

"Really?!"

...