Chapter 242
Chapter Two Hundred and Forty-Two
Hearing what Xiao Di said, Bai Feijin almost fainted. He had gone through the trouble of getting concert tickets to invite Xiao Di to listen together, not to "treat." Her words made him seem like a ticket scalper.
Seeing Li Yan holding back laughter on the side, Bai Feijin felt a bit depressed and forced himself to say, "What I mean is... I'm inviting you to go with me, not to sell the ticket to you."
Xiao Di looked a little disappointed, "Oh, then I won't go. If there are two tickets, I can go with Brother Li."
These words clearly expressed her intention: she wasn't willing to accept his invitation, even if he had gone to great lengths to get tickets to a concert she liked.
Xiao Di didn't want to see Bai Feijin embarrassed either. After saying that, she waved and said, "We have something to do, so we'll go now. Thank you."
Bai Feijin smiled bitterly as he looked at the two concert tickets in his hand. If Xiao Di wasn't going, what interest did he have? This was initially to please her and find an opportunity. Watching their backs, he had the urge to fulfill their wish by giving them the tickets and letting them attend. But being so magnanimous was hard for him; he couldn't do it even with a refund.
However, after thinking it over carefully, Bai Feijin realized he had chosen the wrong opportunity. Since that guy was with her, even if Xiao Di was interested, she couldn't agree in front of him! Perhaps he should invite her again when no one else was around!
"Do you like listening to piano concerts?"
Hearing Li Yan's question, Xiao Di guessed he was stirred by Bai Feijin and also wanted to invite her, which made her a bit hesitant. "Not really, as a child, my mom forced me to learn piano, so I understand a bit. Sometimes I just feign elegance."
Just as she had said, if there were two tickets and she could go with Li Yan, she would be happy. However, she also understood that Nian Yufei's concert tickets wouldn't be easy to buy; otherwise, Bai Feijin wouldn't have mentioned the effort he put in. With her status, it would be a piece of cake to get two tickets, even if it meant buying them from scalpers, it was nothing to her. But as a girl, if she bought the tickets, it might make Li Yan uncomfortable.
As for letting Li Yan buy them, he was just a junior employee with limited connections, making it not so easy to get them. If they were from scalpers, and if the concert was popular, better tickets might be sold at such high prices that two tickets could cost him half a month's salary, which would not be good.
She didn't have much of a scheming mind; she usually wore her heart on her sleeve. Seeing her hesitant expression, Li Yan quickly understood her concerns. He found it a bit amusing but also touching. For someone her age and with her background, caring so much about others was quite rare and thoughtful.
"Haha, little girl, I guess you're not feigning elegance but being unique. Girls your age usually like idol stars and go to their concerts, but to show your taste is higher, you choose piano concerts, right?"
Xiao Di blushed slightly, "Actually, I don't often go to concerts. Those large-scale symphonies and such feel dull and boring to me. Actually... Nian Yufei can be considered more of an idol type. If I had to buy tickets to see old guys perform, I'd find it boring too."
"Oh? Tell me more; I'm not familiar." Li Yan casually asked.
"Nian Yufei is a young pianist, known as a piano prodigy. Before she was fifteen, she had already won many piano awards. After Lang Lang and Li Yundi, she is the most internationally influential young music talent. She not only has piano skills but also idol-like charisma, which is why she was signed and packaged by Universal Records. This past year, she has performed at the Vienna Golden Hall, Lincoln Center, Sydney Opera House, and other important venues, and her classical piano albums sell well. This concert in our city should be her first in the mainland!"
Listening to Xiao Di's introduction, although Li Yan wasn't well-versed in piano awards, classical records, or international concerts, he got a rough idea of Nian Yufei's age. Winning multiple awards before fifteen, then being packaged by a major international record company and performing everywhere in the past year meant she was probably around sixteen, much like the Nian Yufei he encountered last night on Cloud Island. Reflecting on her quiet, elegant temperament, she did seem like someone who's been cultivated by frequent piano playing.
Xiao Di continued, "She had a concert on Cloud Island last weekend, and this weekend she has one in our city. I originally thought, given her young age, without much media coverage, she wouldn't have many fans. Unexpectedly, tickets sold well."
"Haha, you underestimated them. Many pop singers lose money for promo, many others use hype to gain popularity, jumping around various venues to become more known. Even if their exposure is high, it's only for entertainment value and can't convert into real support. Globally, the most profitable musicians each year are often rock singers and bands. While those who perform classical piano and produce pure music might not be very publicly known, they still live comfortably and can even quietly make a fortune, as their fans usually have strong purchasing power and concepts of buying originals."
"Do you have time? Actually... I have booked the tickets." Xiao Di nervously asked.
Seeing her demeanor, Li Yan knew she was thinking of a way to get the tickets without hurting his pride, so he immediately laughed and said, "I haven't formally asked you out before, so it's only right I accompany you. But leave the tickets to me! Absolutely no problem."
"Really?" Xiao Di was excited yet a little worried; this might financially burden him. But as a man, having said that, she couldn't press the issue further.
...
After wandering around University S and just when I was thinking of going out to play, Wen Qianyi called, asking why I hadn't gone to work after completing the special task Li Yan had assigned.
This left Li Yan a bit puzzled. It was Zhang Yurong who had called him back that day and promised that he could accompany Shinohara Mirai and the others. Why would she tell Wen Qianyi? Wouldn't that make her suspicious?
"Manager Wen, I worked hard for a week and just got back. How did you know?"
Of course, Wen Qianyi didn't know he was fishing for information. "President Zhang said that Beihai Country girl had gone back yesterday. Did you go to Beihai Country with the tour?"
Li Yan finally relaxed. Zhang Yurong's excuse for the notification was reasonable, cleverly passing on his news indirectly without making it seem like the two had contact. It was truly well done.
"Hehe... I wish I could go, but they didn't take me."
"Hmph, did your fox tail show? You just said you worked hard, but it seems like you enjoyed yourself too much! Hurry back here. Do you remember a building contractor named Wu Songtao? He's got business with us now and specifically asked for you to handle it! You're not bad, silently pulling in business like this." Wen Qianyi laughed and scolded, but was very pleased with Li Yan's achievements.
Li Yan was a little surprised. Wu Songtao? Assigning business to me? He remembered the boss he had saved in Western Continent last time in G City and felt a bit emotional.
"Uh, he came to me himself; I didn't steal your client..."
Hearing Li Yan's explanation, Wen Qianyi burst out laughing, "You, stealing my client? If you could really steal my clients, I'd be relieved. I can develop a bunch of new clients anytime!"
Hearing her genuine laughter, Li Yan felt at ease. In places where performance and commissions are pursued, salespeople are always wary of grabbing each other's clients. Like in the case of Wen Qianyi introducing him to Wu Songtao, now that Wu Songtao specifically asked for Li Yan, it could somewhat feel like he was digging into Wen Qianyi's territory.
"Actually, Mr. Wu said he's impressed by your tall and strong figure and fell in love with you at first sight, so he's eager to help you..." As Wen Qianyi said this, she couldn't help but burst into laughter herself.
Li Yan was speechless.
Yu Xiaodi, who was beside him, hearing it was Wen Qianyi, boldly squeezed in, and before Li Yan could speak, she said, "Teacher Wen, Li Yan is here with me. Hehe, but since you're looking for him for work, I'm happy to return him to you..."
This interruption left both Li Yan and Wen Qianyi speechless and awkward. Li Yan could only make a perfunctory response, promising to go back immediately.
Boss Wu Songtao was really nice. Initially, being able to connect with Wen Qianyi was already pretty good. But now he actually gave up on Wen Qianyi and directly contacted Li Yan, a newcomer. Of course, personal connections are one thing, but this is also because Paradise Group has strong enough power and because of specific details he plans to negotiate reasonably. In these aspects, he still had Wen Qianyi's help to get everything settled together.
When the issue was resolved, it was already time to leave work. Li Yan thought of Hai Fu. While he had stood up Yu Xiaodi, he kind of made up for it today, but not yet for Hai Fu. He also had a role as a deputy security team leader, which fell under the administration department. Even if he wanted to visit Hai Fu directly, it wouldn't matter, although their relationship was indeed inconvenient to make public for everyone's sake, especially since there were already rumors.
After considering it, he sent a message to Hai Fu, asking her to wait a bit after work so he could meet her. He didn't know what Hai Fu was doing or her mood, as she didn't reply to his message. However, Li Yan didn't mind. Regardless of whether she waited for him at the administration department, he planned to visit after work.
Li Yan sent the message while in the smoking room. After finishing his cigarette and stepping out, on his way back along the corridor, he met Huang Ying. The shy girl congratulated him on successfully handling a business deal and then cautiously checked that no one was around before quickly whispering, "Do you want me to cook for you in celebration?"
Li Yan thought about the time and softly replied, "Let's do it when we have a day off! Don't tire yourself out."
Huang Ying nodded. Due to a change in her mindset, she no longer greeted him as naturally as before, as if she was afraid of being caught in an affair, she hurriedly left.
As he walked back, his phone beeped, and thinking it might be a reply from Hai Fu, he checked it, only to find it was a message from Zhang Yurong, saying that he did well today and suggesting he go home early to invite Yue Yao out for dinner tonight.
"Li Yan, you've finally taken a successful step. You should treat me to dinner as a thank you, right?" As soon as he walked in, Wen Qianyi's voice rang out.
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