Chapter 20 Piano, a Perfect Performance

Song Kuohai was so shocked he could hardly speak, stumbling over his words. He could not understand why the one sitting in the chairman’s seat was Chen Yang. Could it be that Chen Yang was a relative of Huading Company's chairman, sitting there deliberately to scare him?

Song Kuohai composed himself and asked, “Why are you sitting here?”

Chen Yang smiled. “Weren’t you waiting half an hour for the chairman in the company?”

Song Kuohai stammered, “You… you… you’re the chairman?”

Chen Yang raised his eyebrows and smiled. “On the way here, you were showing off your wealth to me, weren’t you?”

“No, don’t change the subject. Are you the chairman of Huading Company?” Song Kuohai frowned.

Chen Yang laughed lightly. “Fool, there are some things I simply don’t want to say.”

“That’s impossible. You’re just a food delivery guy,” Song Kuohai shook his head.

Chen Yang sneered.

Just then, Shen Donghua walked into the office and said calmly, “Mr. Song is here?”

Seeing Shen Donghua, Song Kuohai hurriedly asked, “Mr. Shen, is he the chairman?”

Shen Donghua replied sincerely, “Of course. Isn’t this the Chairman Chen I told you about before?”

Song Kuohai took two steps back, his eyes filled with disbelief.

Chen Yang was just a delivery man, wasn’t he? How could he suddenly become the chairman of Huading Company?

Song Kuohai was full of doubts, feeling everything was too unreal. Yet, if it was a lie, why would Shen Donghua also say Chen Yang was the chairman? Could it be the two of them were acting together to fool him? But that didn’t make sense—Shen Donghua always seemed steady and honest, and Chen Yang could hardly have the charisma to get Shen Donghua to play along.

Shen Donghua, no fool himself, could tell from Song Kuohai’s expression and words that something was going on between him and Chen Yang. So Shen Donghua stood behind Chen Yang, silent, letting Chen Yang handle the matter himself. After all, he didn’t know what had happened between Song Kuohai and Chen Yang.

After his brief shock, Song Kuohai had to admit the truth: Chen Yang was indeed the chairman of Huading Company.

Suddenly, he felt awkward.

Deeply awkward.

After all, he had just lectured Chen Yang on the way over, telling him to give Qin Muxue a better life. He had even flaunted his wealth in front of Chen Yang. If Chen Yang really was the chairman of Huading Company, then his own money was nothing compared to Chen Yang.

Song Kuohai stuttered again, “You… you… you really are the chairman?”

Chen Yang smiled gently, “Mr. Song, on the way here you were boasting about how rich you are.”

Song Kuohai was too embarrassed to speak.

He felt this was the most humiliating moment of his life.

Chen Yang chuckled and said, “I can see what you’re thinking. But aside from that, let’s talk about your proposal to cooperate with my company. I see many problems with it. And when it comes to developing real estate together, with Huading’s influence, there are plenty of companies to choose from—we don’t need to pick yours, which has only been established for three years.”

Hearing this, Song Kuohai’s hopes sank.

Still, unwilling to give up, he looked at Shen Donghua and asked, “Mr. Shen, do you share this view?”

Shen Donghua smiled lightly, “Of course. The chairman’s word is final. Whatever he says goes.”

Song Kuohai furrowed his brows. In fact, once he accepted that Chen Yang was the chairman of Huading Company, he knew it was over. Given the conflict between him and Chen Yang, Chen Yang would never let Huading cooperate with his company.

He resigned himself to fate, though he still felt unwilling to accept Chen Yang as chairman. After all, he had already investigated Qin Muxue’s background—her husband was just a delivery man. How could he suddenly become chairman of Huading Company?

Song Kuohai nodded to Shen Donghua and turned to leave.

“Wait.”

At that moment, Chen Yang called out to him.

Song Kuohai paused, looking at Chen Yang with a hint of fear.

Chen Yang gave him a cold smile. “Look at you—already in your forties or fifties, getting old and frail. Don’t ever try to pursue my wife again, or I’ll make sure you become a eunuch.”

Song Kuohai was terrified by these words. Chen Yang’s eyes and presence convinced him that if he dared pursue Qin Muxue again, Chen Yang would really follow through.

Feeling frustrated, Song Kuohai nodded to Chen Yang and left.

As soon as he was gone, Shen Donghua asked Chen Yang, “Chairman Chen, do you have some conflict with that man?”

Chen Yang snorted coldly. “Didn’t you hear me say he harassed my wife?”

Shen Donghua’s gaze turned steely. “If you wish, I can bankrupt him.”

“Really?” Chen Yang looked at Shen Donghua.

Shen Donghua smiled confidently. “The entire Huading Group wields considerable power in Jiangdong Province. Bankrupting a small fry like Song Kuohai is easy.”

Chen Yang thought for a moment, then grinned. “To avoid further trouble, let’s bankrupt him.”

“Alright.” Shen Donghua nodded gently.

“By the way, these are trivial matters. Your main focus should be managing the company well. That’s what matters,” Chen Yang reminded him.

Shen Donghua quickly replied with a smile, “I understand. Rest assured.”

“Good, keep up the good work.”

Chen Yang patted Shen Donghua’s shoulder gently. He had great confidence in Shen Donghua. After all, Shen Donghua was personally selected from the headquarters of Huading Group, and Chen Yang trusted his own judgment—he would not be wrong about people.

Afterwards, Chen Yang returned to his office to work.

He worked until after three in the afternoon when Qin Muxue suddenly called. As soon as he answered, Qin Muxue said, “Tonight, come with me to treat Xiaoling to dinner.”

“Oh, wife, what made you think of inviting me?” Chen Yang laughed immediately.

He had a reason for saying this. Previously, whenever Qin Muxue had a private dinner with classmates or friends, she never brought him along. Chen Yang understood—he had been a delivery man, and her circle looked down on him, so Qin Muxue preferred to avoid trouble.

But now, Qin Muxue, as the elder cousin, was inviting her younger cousin Su Xiaoling for a private dinner and had called him along. Didn’t this show her attitude toward him was changing?

This was a good thing.

Chen Yang knew it was a very good sign.

He quickly agreed, “Sure, I’ll make arrangements tonight.”

“No need. I’ve already arranged it. Six o’clock, Xino Restaurant, second floor. Just come,” Qin Muxue said.

Chen Yang nodded with a smile. “Of course, no problem. I’ll definitely be there.”

“Remember to dress properly,” Qin Muxue reminded him.

Chen Yang replied, “I always dress neatly.”

On the other end, Qin Muxue rolled her eyes. “Alright, suit yourself. Just make sure to arrive early tonight.”

“No problem,” Chen Yang laughed.

After hanging up, Chen Yang snapped his fingers. Though it seemed a small matter, it showed that Qin Muxue’s attitude toward him was gradually improving.

He hadn’t said anything, but in truth, he was a billionaire. What woman wouldn’t like that?

Yet, after five years of marriage to Qin Muxue, he had brought her much humiliation. Chen Yang vowed to make it up to her in the future.

At six o’clock that evening, Chen Yang, Qin Muxue, and Su Xiaoling met punctually on the second floor of Xino Restaurant.

Xino Restaurant was one of the most upscale establishments in Linhai, elegantly and tastefully decorated, perfectly fitting the refined style of women like Qin Muxue and Su Xiaoling.

As soon as Su Xiaoling sat down, she teased Chen Yang, “Chen Yang, is this the first time my cousin has brought you to such a fancy place?”

Chen Yang smiled lightly. “Abalone and shark fin—I got tired of those long ago.”

Su Xiaoling looked at Qin Muxue and complained, “Sister Xue, look at him. When did he become so slick?”

Qin Muxue shot Chen Yang a look. “Keep quiet, no one’ll mistake you for a mute.”

Chen Yang grinned and said nothing further.

He didn’t bother to speak.

Soon, pizza, fries, and steak were served one after another.

Su Xiaoling and Qin Muxue chatted about women’s topics as they ate, leaving Chen Yang feeling a bit bored.

Their conversation soon turned to the piano, since Su Xiaoling was a music major specializing in piano.

Speaking of the piano, Qin Muxue smiled at Su Xiaoling, “Xiaoling, there’s a piano here. I love listening to you play. Why not play a piece for us?”

Su Xiaoling had already noticed the black piano in the center of the hall when she entered.

A piano enthusiast at heart, her fingers were itching. Hearing Qin Muxue’s suggestion, she immediately brightened. “Sister Xue, the piano here can be played?”

Qin Muxue smiled, “Of course.”

“Alright, I’ll go make a fool of myself.” Su Xiaoling, unable to resist, quickly walked to the piano, sat down, thought for a moment, then performed Beethoven’s “Für Elise.”

It was a famous piece.

Su Xiaoling played with fluid grace, attracting the attention of many other diners.

When she finished, several guests even applauded.

Feeling satisfied, Su Xiaoling returned to her seat opposite Qin Muxue, who smiled and applauded her as well.

Su Xiaoling was modest, “Actually, my playing isn’t great. Just showing off a bit.”

“In the middle, you missed three notes, didn’t you?” Just as Su Xiaoling was being modest, Chen Yang suddenly spoke up with a smile.

Su Xiaoling had no idea that before Chen Yang was expelled from his family in Yanjing, he had been a piano prodigy. He started learning at five, and although he hadn’t practiced since marrying Qin Muxue, his early foundation and natural musical sensitivity kept his piano skills at master level.

Su Xiaoling was surprised.

Indeed, she had missed three small notes, but unless someone truly understood music, they wouldn’t notice.

How did Chen Yang hear it?

Su Xiaoling was curious, but soon felt defiant.

She thought, You’re just a delivery man. What right do you have to comment on my piano playing?

Su Xiaoling scoffed, “You seem to know a lot. Sister Xue, should we invite him to play a piece?”

Qin Muxue frowned, “He doesn’t know how to play piano, does he?”

“Actually, I do know a bit,” Chen Yang said modestly. It had been years since he played, but seeing the piano made his fingers itch.

Su Xiaoling covered her mouth and laughed, “Chen Yang, I don’t mean to look down on you, but it’s the first time I’ve heard of a delivery guy who can play piano. That’s just too funny.”

Chen Yang smiled at her, “Shall I give it a try?”

“Go ahead, play for me.” Su Xiaoling continued to laugh.

Chen Yang smiled and walked toward the piano.

Qin Muxue thought he was crazy and quickly scolded, “Come back! What are you doing? Can you even play?”

“Let me try,” Chen Yang smiled at Qin Muxue.

He sat at the piano, took a deep breath, placed his fingers on the keys, and closed his eyes, immersing himself in the music.

He, too, played a Beethoven masterpiece.

At first, Su Xiaoling still wore a mocking expression.

But gradually, her laughter faded.

When Chen Yang finished, the restaurant was silent.

Su Xiaoling stared at Chen Yang in disbelief, murmuring from the heart, “A perfect performance!”