Chapter 36: Go and Meet the Wind of Destiny!

Seeing Sister Wang rush out, Lu Yao stopped playing and singing. He gazed at her retreating figure, words caught in his throat. Although this song was also plagiarized from the future, its lyrics and melody fit his current situation perfectly.

As the atmosphere grew heavy, Jian Xiaojie let out a soft sigh and quickly adopted a light, playful tone. "You're killing me, singing such a sorrowful song! You must punish yourself with three drinks!"

The social butterfly immediately chimed in, "Exactly! Three isn't enough! After three, another three!" As he poured the drinks, he signaled for others to help liven up the room. Liu Da immediately urged the rapper he had headhunted to perform. Soon, loud, rapid-fire rap filled the private room.

Rong Nianqing, who had been sitting quietly, frowned subconsciously. Is this supposed to be music? It’s nothing but noise! Watching Wang Hao sing and dance while clutching his crotch, she felt as if she couldn't stay a second longer.

Noticing Rong Nianqing’s reaction, Boss Liu Da of ST realized the gap between Wang Hao and Lu Yao. In truth, rap was not well-suited for people from the East. Its later popularity was driven by a group of trendy post-00s youth, and what became popular wasn't the rap music itself, but the trendy, individualistic culture associated with it. Young people liking to be unconventional is understandable, much like the "non-mainstream" subculture of the 90s generation. However, to claim that hip-hop, which originated in black slums, has any deep cultural foundation or symbolism is nonsense. The essence of hip-hop is violence and bloodshed; it is the roar of the impoverished against a desperate life, a cultural phenomenon rooted in race and hatred—much like the finest wine brewed from the most rotten fruit. Therefore, domestic hip-hop lacked authentic roots, naturally resulting in something that felt pseudo and ridiculous.

Both Rong Nianqing and Gan Xiaoxi had been raised with strict family values; their horizons were broad and their standards high. They didn't care for the noisy, hollow rap. With Wang Hao as a foil, their impression of Lu Yao only improved.

During Wang Hao’s performance, Boss Liu Da came over to offer a toast again. After a few drinks, he finally leaned in close to Lu Yao. "Brother! I’ve seen your talent; even a tough guy like me was almost moved to tears by your singing!"

Lu Yao replied modestly, "You’re too kind."

Liu Da continued, "Brother, I won't beat around the bush. Any interest in joining my club? Name your terms!"

Lu Yao immediately raised his glass, wearing an expression of regret that they hadn't met sooner. "Brother Liu, the fact that you think highly of me is an honor! And I trust that with your strength, the contract's penalty fee won't be an issue!"

Liu Da slapped his chest with a thud. "That’s a given!"

Lu Yao downed his drink. "You're a man of spirit, Brother Liu!"

Liu Da finished his drink happily. "So, does that mean you're coming over?"

Lu Yao replied with a sigh of regret, "Brother Liu is so righteous; you’re surely the best to your brothers, right?"

Liu Da beamed, "Of course!"

Lu Yao continued, "Since you’re so honorable, how could I be a man who abandons righteousness for profit or betrays his word?"

Liu Da’s raised eyebrows froze, then he burst into loud laughter. "You make a fair point, brother. It was my oversight. Let me punish myself with a drink!" He ignored all attempts to stop him and drank heartily.

Although Lu Yao had rejected Liu Da’s invitation, his high emotional intelligence meant he didn't make Liu Da lose face. Instead, his flattery allowed Liu Da to look good in front of Rong Nianqing. Lu Yao had set the stage for him, and Liu Da was smart enough to play along. However, Lu Yao’s words left Wang Hao, who had just finished his performance, feeling disgruntled... So, am I the one who abandons righteousness for profit and betrays his word? Damn it! I’m just here as a companion and I’m catching stray bullets.

Because Rong Nianqing and Gan Xiaoxi were present, Liu Da stopped pestering Lu Yao once he had his answer. He began leading the atmosphere in the room, even secretly plotting to have Zhu Junyan help create a group chat to pull Rong Nianqing and Gan Xiaoxi into their circle.

By midnight, the intoxicated crowd began to disperse. Zhu Junyan was set up with a girl by Liu Da. Lu Yao found Sister Wang, who had composed herself, in the public lounge outside the room, ready to leave. Jian Xiaojie wanted to head back with them, but she still had to escort Rong Nianqing, that goddess, home. Damn it! Another day where I couldn't taste the fresh meat!

Before parting, Jian Xiaojie grabbed Sister Wang, her gaze sharp. "Woman! You owe me a massive favor! I won't accept any compensation other than Lu Yao!" Sister Wang was bewildered. *Are you listening to yourself right now?*

Jian Xiaojie then turned and headed to her car to take Rong Nianqing and Gan Xiaoxi home.

...

On the way back, Rong Nianqing and Gan Xiaoxi sat in the back of Jian Xiaojie’s car, driven by the butler of the Rong estate. The June night breeze from Shangnan drifted through the windows, making the alcohol hit Jian Xiaojie. She leaned against the window and lit a cigarette. Rong Nianqing frowned in disgust, "Don't smoke in the car."

Jian Xiaojie ignored her. "It’s my car!"

Rong Nianqing was speechless. "Come to think of it, Lu Yao has a good image and talent tonight, why would he..."

Jian Xiaojie said with a mocking, ethereal tone, "Why would he want to be a kept man? Is the entertainment industry some kind of paradise? If he signs with an unscrupulous agency, his life is ruined. Since there’s a shortcut, why not take it?" Jian Xiaojie sneered, "The most shameless thing in this world is glorifying suffering to fool the poor. Which big shot didn't get their start through dirty, underhanded tactics?"

Rong Nianqing fell silent. She couldn't refute it. Because everything Jian Xiaojie said was true.

...

After saying goodbye to them, Lu Yao took out his phone and messaged Xiao Nali: "The matter is resolved."

Xiao Nali replied instantly: "?"

Lu Yao: "A friend helped smooth things over."

Xiao Nali replied: "[Strong][Strong][Strong]"

Lu Yao smiled and put his phone away. He and Xiao Nali had planned how to handle this before he arrived. He just hadn't expected Jian Xiaojie to be so effective, bringing in two big shots to ensure the boss of ST wouldn't dare cause trouble. As for their backgrounds... Lu Yao didn't even want to ask.

In high-end restaurants, tables are spaced further apart; luxury hotels have private entrances for guests. In this crowded world, power and wealth can buy many things, and the most expensive among them is the distance between people. Even though Lu Yao had shared a drink with those two in the same private room, the distance between them remained as vast as a galaxy.

Lu Yao knew his place. He wouldn't think he was a golden key just because he had opened a gold lock and gotten a little gold dust on himself. If he wanted to sit at the table and eat in the future, he had to become a figure like Lei Bus. That was difficult, but fortunately, Lu Yao held a winning hand.

Since that was the case—

"Then let’s go and meet the wind of destiny!"