Chapter 114
Note: Early release, thanks to Sakuradahl's support on Ko-Fi! ʚ( ⸝⸝´꒳`⸝⸝)ɞ
The lips under his fingertips felt soft and moist, full, and elastic — somewhat akin to the touch of jelly.
He wondered if they would taste as magnificent.
Thinking about this, Pei Jingyun's pupils darkened, and he couldn't help but lightly rub against those enticing lips.
Mu Cai felt his lips being brushed gently by fingertips, causing a ticklish sensation. He resisted the urge to lick his lips and couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable.
Luckily, this position was only held for a few seconds before the man standing opposite withdrew his hand. After Mu Cai relaxed, he couldn't help but sneak a peek at the other's facial expression.
Pei Jingyun's well-defined face maintained its usual coldness, his eyes void of any ripples, as if the past ambiguity didn't exist.
Mu Cai thought he must have overthought the situation and began to self-reflect seriously. Just because they used to be lovers, he shouldn't always view the situation through rose-colored glasses.
However, the surrounding audience members in the orchestra, who were as engaged as people enjoying their popcorn, were already shocked enough to drop their snacks.
What did they just witness?!
Following the harsh rejection of the undeserving man, who would've thought another powerhouse would join the chaotic altercations? The new competitor is not only wealthy and handsome but seems to have a knack for flirtation as well! In the face of this business empire ruler, do our senior students stand a fighting chance?!
However, it appears that the person at the center of the storm is completely oblivious to all of this. The tone in his voice indicates that he might still harbor feelings for that undeserving man?!
The onlooking crowd is becoming more and more stirred, nearly wishing they could grab a small stool and a bag of melon seeds to sit and watch the drama unfold.
Of course, watching the spectacle is secondary; the most important thing is to observe the beauty.
The person in question is slim, with perfect proportions, and exquisite fairness as delicate as fragile porcelain. Presented in front of these aesthetically appreciative music students, he is like the most exquisite flower set for diligent bees; no one can resist this appealing sight.
So now, amidst the excited gazes devouring the affair, there are also many eyes revealing a hidden mix of infatuation and aggression, almost scouring Mu Cai, who is standing on the stage, from head to toe.
Pei Jingyun stood unfazed in front of Mu Cai. He was tall, standing close to Mu Cai, nearly blocking all gazes from the front.
The surrounding eyesight dimmed considerably immediately, also peppered with veins of discontent.
Despite this, being just students, none of them had the guts to challenge a mogul from the business world over a minor action.
As Pei Jingyun moved, Mu Cai lifted his head to see Pei Jingyun repeating his earlier words in a low voice, which was a bit coaxing, "Mu Cai, you have been out for a while today. Let's go back, it's time for lunch.”
Lin Ling, standing beside them, was the first to disagree, "Uncle Pei, regarding lunch, I had already planned before coming out with Cai. We'll eat at the school cafeteria for lunch and let Cai experience the local flavor of our school cafeteria. This is something you need not worry about."
Upon hearing this, Pei Jingyun turned his face around. His expression remained calm, glancing indifferently at Lin Ling, before returning his intense gaze to Mu Cai, and said in fluent agreeance, "You're right. I should ask for Cai Cai's opinion. Cai Cai, where would you like to eat?"
Seeing the other man's unchanged expression, Lin Ling felt a sense of unease. He hurriedly looked at Mu Cai, anxious about his response.
Caught off-guard by the question, Mu Cai tilted his head to think for a bit before finally saying, "Let's just go to the school cafeteria."
Since he was already here, he thought trying the school's dishes wouldn't hurt. Mu Cai was normally a homebody, but he didn't want to leave so soon at this time. He still wanted to see the sights on campus!
Lin Ling's face immediately relaxed. He turned his head to look at the troublesome Pei Jingyun on his side, his face revealing a relieved smile, "In that case, Uncle Pei…"
Then everyone, including him, saw the cold and expressionless head of the Pei family suddenly smile, his gaze on Mu Cai seemingly softening, "In that case, Cai Cai, let's go to the school cafeteria together."
Under the astonished gaze of everyone, Pei Jingyun retracted his smile, casting a glance at Assistant Liang, who had been following him.
Understanding his cue, Assistant Liang pulled out a meal card from his top pocket and handed it to their boss.
Pei Jingyun accepted the slim card and, with his deep dark eyes on Mu Cai, asked, "Are you hungry? Shall we go now? I've loaded quite a lot of money into this card, it should be enough to fill you up."
Mu Cai wasn't quite sure if it was his imagination, but it felt as though the other man had smiled when he’d said the last sentence.
On the surface, the members of the orchestra seemed composed; but inwardly, they were cheering and applauding:
No wonder he's a top businessman who has been able to dominate the commercial world for so many years! This operation was just too slick! So he had even prepared the meal card in advance! Even in an away field, he could turn the tables and take the lead! It shows not only Pei family head's strategy and capability, but also his determination to win Mu Cai over!
Compared to their senior...
The members of the orchestra cast meaningful glances towards the other man. True enough, their senior's face was turning green and white in turns, obviously infuriated.
Never had Lin Ling thought that Pei Jingyun would be this cunning! He had been prepared to invite Mu Cai to the cafeteria, but his plan was to use a junior student's meal card, dine with Mu Cai, and in the process, get closer to him.
He had thought suggesting to eat at the cafeteria would be a blow to Pei Jingyun. If Jingyun disagreed to let Mu Cai eat at the cafeteria, Lin Ling could use that to tell Mu Cai that Jingyun had disrespect for him. If Jingyun agreed, he could take the opportunity to take Mu Cai away to the cafeteria and seize the initiative.
He never could have imagined that...
Could this be the world of adults?
Pei Jingyun did not even bother to look at the dumbfounded Lin Ling. Lowering his head and his voice, he said to Mu Cai, "Shall we go now?"
Of course, Mu Cai had no objections.
The man standing on the stage had soft black hair hanging by his ears, obediently nodding. A pair of eyes bright as the morning star reflected two small figures.
With a deep look in his eyes, Pei Jingyun slipped one arm around Mu Cai's thin shoulders and gently took hold of his arm with the other hand. He said softly, "Let's go."
The tall man sheltering the stunningly beautiful young man — their difference in sizes made it look, in the eyes of the onlookers, like Pei Jingyun was holding Mu Cai in his arms.
The surrounding gaze suddenly became fervent. However, the young man being held was unaware, a beautiful smile spreading on his face, giving off an excited glance. The excitement was so contagious that everyone around them couldn't help but feel happy too.
Except for Lin Ling and Pei Congliang.
Seeing Mu Cai nestle into the man's arms, Lin Ling gritted his teeth, jealousy raging within him.
The nearby girl watched the spectacle and asked carelessly, "Senior, are you still going to eat at the cafeteria today? I have this meal card…"
"Go," Lin Ling finally spoke. His voice filled with gritted resentment, "Why not?"
He was still watching, yet this man who was already in his thirties dared to lay hands on Mu Cai. If he didn't keep an eye on him, who knew what Pei Jingyun might do next? He could even start feeding him right in the cafeteria!
The thought made Lin Ling's heart thump with anxiety. He quickly turned to the girl in the little black dress and asked, "Are you using the meal card? Could you lend it to me?"
His female junior instantly presented the meal card with a smile, saying, "Of course, no problem! When senior orders, how dare I not agree?"
Lin Ling didn't have the patience for her distasteful joke, but thanked her, snatched the meal card, and ran off.
Seeing Lin Ling leave, the girl finally turned to the onlooking members of the symphony orchestra and said hurriedly, "Today's practice ends here, remember to come at the same time tomorrow!"
Having said this, she grabbed her close friend, lifted her little skirt, and chased after Lin Ling.
They couldn't resist spectating drama until the very end.
The leader's words were law to the students in the symphony orchestra. As the beautiful person had left and the battleground had quieted down, many people found it hard to get re-energized.
But it was only then that attention shifted to the supposedly forsaken ex-boyfriend.
People's focus gradually moved to Pei Congliang who was still standing in the middle of the empty music room.
When everyone heard that the other party had viewed such a beauty like Mu Cai as a substitute, they couldn't help but question if there was something wrong with this jerk. While the symphony orchestra students were secretly speculating, they saw Pei Congliang suddenly move.
He originally stood in the middle of the classroom like a sculpture, his expression cold and concentrated, as if pondering over a very serious issue. Now that Pei Congliang started to move, he naturally attracted most people's attention.
Everyone watched as he walked out while taking out his phone to make a call. It wasn't about meal cards or canteen matters, but seemingly consulting about violin issues—"Yes, go directly to Qinhai's store. I'll send you a picture later. Make the purchase according to it. The same model with higher configurations should be prioritized!"
Without minding the strange gazes from behind, Pei Congliang rattled off his requirements before he finally relaxed slightly.
After careful observation just now, he confirmed that his uncle had an interest in Mu Cai. He didn't know when it had started, but before all this, he hadn't sensed a single hint.
Unlike Lin Ling, Pei Congliang had just graduated from an overseas music academy. Not only were his thoughts geared towards the arts, but he also hadn't yet experienced societal hardships—he didn't comprehend how dangerous his uncle could be. As a member of the Pei family, Pei Congliang had experienced Pei Jingyun's schemes and was capable of making influential decisions.
Before, when Mu Cai depended on him, Pei Congliang had no fear of competing with his uncle. But now...
At this thought, Pei Congliang couldn't help but regret. However, it wasn't too late. He noticed that Mu Cai still seemed to have a lingering affection for him. Although Pei Congliang could not face Pei Jingyun directly, he could still employ some roundabout strategies. As long as he could effectively influence Mu Cai, he was confident he could win him over, despite the tight defense from the other side.
Thinking of this, Pei Congliang felt a surge of confidence that lightened his steps.
He had prepared a gift for Mu Cai and hoped she could see it when he returned to his room in the evening.
________________________
Author's Note:
Pei Congliang sighed: Ah, I'm truly resourceful.
Pei Jingyun smirked: Well, I've already anticipated your anticipation.
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