Chapter 103: Intimate Lovers

As Zhao Jing and Shen Yumeng exchanged impressed glances, they simultaneously stole a quick look at Bai Yao’s chest, their eyes perfectly synchronized—truly the mark of close best friends.

Bai Yao, caught in their gaze, gave an awkward smile and smoothly slipped off her camouflage jacket, revealing the movie-themed T-shirt beneath.

Her movie T-shirt was layered over a snug-fitting long-sleeve shirt, both clinging tightly to her figure. Once the jacket was removed, her chest became even more striking, standing proudly and boldly.

“You want to see, right? Then I’ll show you more clearly.”

Bai Yao embodied the classic “tough and silent” type—straightforward and fierce without unnecessary words.

It was indeed a bit warm inside the café, so Huang Guolun removed his black jacket, revealing a deep brown shirt beneath that only accentuated his seasoned, old-official demeanor.

Zhao Jing sighed appreciatively, “Tsk tsk, Little Bai, your figure… absolutely stunning!”

Shen Yumeng teased Zhao Jing, “You’re the one who’s stunned—your eyes are practically glued.”

“Hehe,” Zhao Jing smiled gracefully, unfazed. Changing the subject, she turned to Bai Yao, “You really stand by your teacher’s film.”

Huang Guolun interjected, “It’s not just my film; Bai Yao had a hand in it as well. Her performance outshines mine in this movie.”

Seizing the moment, Zhao Jing launched into a conversation about the film, asking Shen Yumeng, “Have you seen the movie I recommended? It’s truly powerful. Teacher Huang’s brother owns the production company behind it. The song Bai Yao sings at the end? It’s explosive. You’d never believe a high school girl could sing like that.”

Shen Yumeng replied somewhat awkwardly, “Well… I still have time to watch it. Our program’s been revamping lately; everyone’s swamped. I’m practically used up by our editor-in-chief—long hours every day. Today’s the rare day I’m off early, normally I don’t finish until after nine at night.”

“Wait, after your program revamp, don’t you have to invite two top-tier singers as guests each week? You could have Teacher Huang as your guest!” Zhao Jing was always eager to organize things and excitedly introduced, “Teacher Huang, Mengmeng here is the senior editor of the capital’s prestigious arts radio show, ‘The Gathering of Literary Heroes’!”

Shen Yumeng glared at Zhao Jing nervously, “Don’t spout nonsense! I’m nothing special—just the lowest rung in our team, not even officially confirmed yet.”

“But you told me your editor has everyone recommend potential guests, and you asked if I had any industry friends suitable for your show. I think Teacher Huang fits perfectly!”

Like a nightingale, Zhao Jing babbled nonstop, turning to Huang Guolun, “Teacher Huang, Mengmeng’s show airs at prime time, eight in the evening on the arts frequency, with excellent ratings. If you come on as the music producer of ‘The Beautiful Corpse,’ talk about the music, and maybe mention the film a bit, it’d be great promotion.”

Huang Guolun appreciated Zhao Jing’s thoughtfulness but, seeing Shen Yumeng’s flustered reaction, doubted she could actually help.

Zhao Jing was unstoppable once she started talking, leaving Huang Guolun no chance to interject.

Turning back to Shen Yumeng, Zhao Jing said seriously, “Mengmeng, I’m not joking. Teacher Huang’s musical talent is off the charts. You should recommend him to your editor. Whether he gets on the show or not is another matter. But if your editor thinks it’s worth discussing and invites Teacher Huang, I’m sure his talent will win over your usually aloof editor-in-chief!”

Huang Guolun grew increasingly uneasy and hurriedly said, “Zhao Jing, please don’t stir up trouble between me and Xiao Shen.”

Zhao Jing stubbornly replied, “How is this stirring trouble? Your show is short on strong musicians as guests right now. If you appear on it, it helps both the show and your brother’s movie—win-win, isn’t it?”

Shen Yumeng couldn’t hold back and said, “Jingzi, I really have no say in our program. And… honestly, Teacher Huang, don’t be mad, but after the revamp, the guests must have a certain level of fame. I once shamelessly tried to recommend our Nanfang for the show, but our editor-in-chief flat out rejected him. She thinks Nanfang’s not famous enough. To be on our program, you have to be someone whose name everyone instantly recognizes.”

Huang Guolun nodded understandingly, “Got it.”

Zhao Jing kept nagging, “I’m not insisting you recommend Teacher Huang. Just mention it. Saying it won’t kill you. Maybe your editor will think your idea is fresh and bold. Isn’t your show’s revamp all about innovation and breakthroughs? Throwing out bold ideas might make your editor see you in a new light.”

Shen Yumeng smiled bitterly, “Only someone who’s never worked a day could say that. If you had, you’d understand what it means to keep your head down and not stick your neck out.”

Zhao Jing pouted, “Like you’ve worked for decades. You’ve only been at it a few months. Why the sudden turtle retreat? You weren’t like this in school.”

Shen Yumeng sighed with a cough, too weary to continue this awkward chat with the overly naive Zhao Jing.

Just then, Nanfang returned from singing. He had noticed Bai Yao and Huang Guolun while performing, though he paid more attention to Bai Yao—the sharp, striking girl—than to Huang Guolun, whom he hadn’t realized was the much-praised "music genius" Teacher Huang.

Only after Shen Yumeng’s introduction did Nanfang reveal a knowing smile.

True geniuses often carry an unmistakable edge and unique character.

But this seemingly old-official-like Teacher Huang showed no trace of such personality.

In contrast, Bai Yao's personality exploded with intensity.

Especially after hearing Bai Yao’s low, raspy voice, Nanfang felt as if his ears were about to be blasted deaf.

That voice was extraordinarily unique—could she really sing?

As a professional singer, Nanfang had a keen ear for vocal quality.

Though lacking Huang Guolun’s godlike hearing to discern hidden brilliance among flaws, Nanfang thought Bai Yao’s large, husky vocal cords might cause serious defects, possibly even off-key singing.

Meanwhile, Zhao Yan busied himself preparing two lattes upon hearing Huang Guolun’s arrival, personally delivering them to Huang and Bai Yao.

Like Zhao Jing, Zhao Yan hadn’t expected Bai Yao to be such a young and beautiful high school girl.

But Zhao Yan, more mature, refrained from exaggerated compliments, instead making Bai Yao feel comfortable and at ease. His plump, friendly demeanor made Bai Yao find him quite endearing.

Among the new acquaintances that evening, Bai Yao felt most at ease with Zhao Yan.

At that moment, Wang Peng and Jiang Lili noticed Huang Guolun’s arrival. From two tables away, they greeted him enthusiastically, then went on to rave about how amazing Teacher Huang’s singing was, their praise flowing like a mighty river, wild and unrestrained—almost blowing the café’s roof off.

Even without perfect ears, Huang Guolun could clearly hear their extravagant praises, leaving him feeling awkward and amused.

Nanfang, Shen Yumeng, and the others at the table also caught the vivid commentary; nearly everyone was elevating Huang Guolun to the heavens.

Nanfang’s earlier buzz from his performance was quickly overshadowed by this wave of adulation.

Naturally, Nanfang was displeased and eager to see what this unassuming Teacher Huang was truly capable of.

So he spoke up, “Teacher Huang, since everyone’s so eager to hear you sing, don’t hold back—come on up and perform.”

Huang Guolun smiled sheepishly, “Let Bai Yao practice first.”

He felt this setting was perfect for honing Bai Yao’s stage presence.

Confident in his own abilities, he didn’t need to warm up his nerves. Bai Yao, however, would benefit greatly from singing first.

Bai Yao showed no sign of stage fright and calmly asked, “Should I go first, Teacher?”

“Yes, you go ahead. I’ll accompany you on piano. Don’t be nervous—just treat it as practice.”

Zhao Jing perked up, clapping and cheering, “Ooh! Let’s hear Little Bai sing!”

Wang Peng and his group of college students, seeing Huang Guolun leading such a striking girl toward the piano, erupted in cheers and applause. Several single guys’ eyes nearly popped out, itching to ask Bai Yao for her number afterward.

Despite the intense, fiery gazes fixed on her, Bai Yao remained composed and poised, her confidence far surpassing her years.

Huang Guolun, even more collected, sat at the piano and turned to Bai Yao, “Start with ‘Intimate Lover.’”

“Okay,” Bai Yao smiled in response. Facing the crowd, she straightened her chest, imprinting the cartoon zombie’s face on her shirt firmly into everyone’s mind.

Before many could even imagine what her singing would be like, Huang Guolun’s gentle jazz piano began to flow like a small river through the air, softly transforming the café’s atmosphere into one of tender romance.

Bai Yao closed her eyes, parted her lips, and her voice, vintage and deep, husky yet melodious, poured forth like an old vinyl spinning on a Republic-era phonograph.

Her soulful tone compelled many to nearly bow in reverence:

“Tonight the wind still blows / Reminding me of your gentleness / With you, every day feels so light and easy…”