Chapter Thirty-One: Can the Art of Flirtation Sway a Man of Steel?

“Dear fans, today is the very first day of rehearsal for little Yiyi. I hope you’ll all support me and give me even more motivation!”

While she rehearsed, Chen Yi brazenly started a livestream to make some money. In her eyes, winning first place in the Freshman Welcome Gala was all but guaranteed. She had already reached an agreement with an entertainment company: as soon as she claimed the top spot and secured her guaranteed graduate school recommendation, they would begin packaging her as a hardworking beauty with top academic achievements—a model student.

By then, she would no longer be just a small-time streamer, but a bona fide star. Just the thought of it filled her with excitement.

But just then, she suddenly noticed that the classmates who had gathered in the audience for her had begun to leave, one by one, drifting toward another class’s rehearsal spot not far away. In the end, not a single person remained.

She couldn’t help but frown, curiosity getting the better of her.

“Ahem... Dear fans, we’ve run into a little unexpected situation. Today’s livestream will have to end here for now. If I have time later, I’ll definitely start another stream for you all. Love you!”

With that, Chen Yi quickly ended her stream and hurried over to join the crowd.

She hadn’t even pushed her way to the front when she could hear her classmates egging someone on.

“One more! Sing another!”

Yiyi’s curiosity grew. She squeezed through the throng, using her petite (and short) frame to her advantage, and wriggled her way to the front.

Upon seeing Chen Fan, she was momentarily taken aback.

“He’s actually pretty handsome... And he’s holding a pipa?”

At that moment, Yang Xiaofan could hardly refuse the enthusiasm of his classmates. Smiling, he held up a finger.

“All right then, I’ll sing one last song. After that, we’re done for today.”

“Great!”

The crowd erupted in thunderous applause.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Yang Xiaofan cleared his throat and began,

“Then I’ll sing ‘Liking You.’”

“What?”

Yiyi stared in bewilderment. He was going to sing a modern song, accompanied by a pipa? Was he joking? Was this a comedy act? How could those two possibly go together?

No wonder he attracted such a crowd—his performance must be a comedy routine!

But just then, Yang Xiaofan’s fingers began to dance across the strings of the pipa.

One note rang out, ethereal as if from another world, instantly plucking at Yiyi’s heartstrings and sending a shiver down her spine.

Beautiful!

He played the pipa so beautifully!

A few seconds into the accompaniment, Yang Xiaofan began to sing.

“Fine rain and wind soak the evening street...”

The moment his voice emerged, Yiyi was utterly stunned.

Oh my God, this is insanely good! He must be joking, right?

She had never, in her entire life, heard a song so beautiful. And he was accompanying himself with a pipa!

If she weren’t completely awake and clear-headed, Yiyi would have suspected she was still dreaming.

Yang Xiaofan’s voice grew ever more powerful, blending seamlessly with the flawless pipa accompaniment—an absolute masterpiece.

Everyone present was utterly entranced, unable to tear themselves away from the music.

It was truly a sound from the heavens.

When the song ended, the entire audience erupted in thunderous applause that seemed never-ending.

But Yiyi’s heart turned icy cold.

She was doomed.

Yang Xiaofan sang so well; based on her experience, he was sure to take first place at the Freshman Gala.

So what would happen to her? If she only took second place, the entertainment company would never package her as a star.

Her dream of fame would vanish.

No! Absolutely not!

This was a matter of her future—how could she just give it up so easily?

Yang Xiaofan, first place is mine!

No one else can take it from me.

...

Yang Xiaofan had no idea that someone had already marked him in secret.

After rehearsal, he couldn’t wait to drag Qin Nuanyu out for a second round of milk tea.

Promises had to be kept, after all—what if Qin Nuanyu tried to back out? That would be a loss for him.

He strolled with her until evening, then walked Qin Nuanyu back to her dorm before making his way to his own dorm room, humming contentedly.

“The class president’s technique is getting better and better, and she was less shy today, too. Once her period’s over, looks like it’ll be time to get to work, till the fields, and sow the seeds. Go for it!”

Yang Xiaofan clenched his fists, silently cheering himself on.

But just then, a strong burst of perfume filled the air, and a figure appeared before him.

He looked down, surprised.

It was none other than the beautiful streamer from earlier that day—Yiyi.

She barely reached his chest in height, maybe a bit over 150 cm. But that wasn’t the point. The point was—he didn’t know her at all. Why was she standing in front of him?

“What do you want?”

Yang Xiaofan couldn’t help but frown.

Yiyi offered a coquettish smile, practiced to perfection. This was her usual tactic—when dealing with men, it was a surefire kill. Nine out of ten would be helpless before her.

“Yang, I’ve admired you for so long. I just had to come find you. You don’t mind, do you?”

“Of course I mind!”

“What?”

Yang Xiaofan retorted without the slightest hesitation.

Yiyi was momentarily stunned—her coquettish smile had failed?

But she quickly recovered and smiled sweetly again.

“If you say that, you’ll hurt my feelings.”

“Whether you’re hurt or not—what’s it to me?”

Again, Yiyi’s face twitched violently.

What was wrong with this guy? Why was he such a blockhead? Seeing someone as pitiful and adorable as herself, how could he not be moved at all? Was he really a man?

“Yang, I like you so much, and you’re so mean. I don’t even want to live anymore.”

“If you don’t want to live, then go ahead and die! Your legs are your own—I’m not stopping you.”

“...”

Yiyi was on the verge of collapse; Yang Xiaofan didn’t play by any rules.

She had no idea how to proceed!

“Hey! Are you finished? If you are, then move aside. I need to get back and sleep.”

“...”

Yiyi was so angry she nearly coughed up blood.

This idiot, treating someone as angelic as her like she was nothing—intolerable!

Taking a deep breath, Yiyi decided she was done with games.

“All right, I’ll be honest. I came to find you because there’s something I want to discuss with you.”