Heartthrob, Your Ima Chapter 287: I Am Curious What Lyrics You Will Pair It With

Hearing the saleswoman say she and Zhou Yuwen made a good match, Jiang Xinyi did not feel disgusted. On the contrary, a trace of delight actually sprouted in her heart. However, Zhou Yuwen's words had been too unpleasant. Before Jiang Xinyi could even properly enjoy that brief mont of joy, she furrowed her brows and glared at him in utter anger. "Do you think I would even be interested in you?! A kid like you, a match for ? I wouldn't take you even if you were handed to

for free! How annoying!"

With that said, Jiang Xinyi slamd the piano lid shut.

This gave the saleswoman a terrible fright. 'Miss, this piano isn't cheap!'

However, Jiang Xinyi could not care less. She did not even know why she was so angry. All she knew was that she did not want to pay Zhou Yuwen any more attention. Tossing her head, she turned and walked right out.

Realizing she had misspoken, the saleswoman grew tense and asked Zhou Yuwen, "Should you perhaps go check on your companion?"

Seeing Jiang Xinyi acting like this, Zhou Yuwen actually thought it was for the best.

Zhou Yuwen was indeed a veteran in the ga of love, but to be honest, he had no intention of pursuing a romantic relationship with Jiang Xinyi. After all, she was six years older than him and used to date You Changjin.

Zhou Yuwen did not lack won around him. His attitude toward Jiang Xinyi was truly just that of a friend. Offering her appropriate care to build a good impression, and then deliberately cutting things off before they could go a step further into ambiguous territory—wasn't this approach perfectly fine?

In truth, he completely could have avoided saying what he just did.

He could have even gone with the flow.

Having spent so much ti with Jiang Xinyi, Zhou Yuwen was no fool. He could see that although she had dated You Changjin, she was still a complete novice when it ca to romance.

As long as he employed a few minor tricks, he was confident he could easily coax her into his bed.

Of course, that was not what Zhou Yuwen wanted.

"Let her take a stroll in the yard. I am quite satisfied with this house, but I wonder if there is any more room for negotiation on the price?" Rather than chasing after Jiang Xinyi, Zhou Yuwen began discussing the price with the saleswoman.

Although the saleswoman hesitated for a mont, seeing that Zhou Yuwen was in no rush, she realized it was not her place to worry about other people's relationship issues. Returning to her professional duties, she explained that a ten percent discount was already the absolute lowest they could offer.

"You are only getting this ten percent discount because President Liu introduced you. Normally, the best we can do is five percent off."

One should not underestimate that five percent difference. Five percent of six million was a full three hundred thousand.

Zhou Yuwen put on a thoughtful expression, studied the apartnt layout plan for a mont longer, and then declared, "Alright, I cannot be bothered to look around anymore. I will take this one. Do I pay now?"

"Uh, if you have decided on it, I will take you to the sales office to sign the contract," the saleswoman quickly replied, pleasantly surprised by Zhou Yuwen's decisiveness.

Discounts were one thing, but her sales commission was another matter entirely.

With the house business settled, the saleswoman brought up Jiang Xinyi, who had run off into the yard in a huff.

The saleswoman was a woman around twenty-eight or twenty-nine years old, right at the age where a woman was most charming and experienced. She could not guess what was on Zhou Yuwen's mind, but anyone with eyes could see exactly what that girl, Jiang Xinyi, was thinking.

Since Zhou Yuwen had already decided to buy the house, she did not bother hiding her thoughts. She could not help but say, "Um, little brother... little brother, don't bla your big sister for talking too much, but no matter how old girls are, they all need to be coaxed a little. I can tell you are a capable person. When n and won get along, if you just lower your head a little, a lot of problems will naturally resolve themselves. That one outside..."

The saleswoman wanted to say that Jiang Xinyi was a good girl and that Zhou Yuwen should properly cherish her.

Zhou Yuwen, however, just smiled and said, "Alright, I understand what you an."

"How about this. You head to the sales office and draft the contract first. She and I will take another look around here."

The saleswoman was a sensible person. Knowing Zhou Yuwen was creating ti for them to be alone, she did not waste words and simply nodded. Showing her tact, she added, "Then I will co back in an hour. Take your ti looking around. Who knows, this might really beco your ho in the future."

Zhou Yuwen chuckled lightly, neither confirming nor denying her words.

Following that, the saleswoman quietly left through the front door, her high heels clicking softly against the floor.

The yard of this semi-detached villa was listed on the apartnt layout plan as eighty square ters, but in reality, it was definitely much larger. Because no one had been maintaining it, aside from a few relatively clean stone steps, the rest of the area was overgrown with weeds.

In December, the situation was not too bad. Although there were plenty of weeds, a large portion of them had withered away.

It was just a bit cold outside.

Given Jiang Xinyi's vanity and love for fashion, she was not wearing much. In just a short while, her hands and feet were already freezing cold.

Even so, she had no intention of going back inside. She continuously stomped her small feet and rubbed her hands together, cursing Zhou Yuwen a thousand tis over in her heart.

Seriously, was there sothing wrong with this Zhou Yuwen's brain?

He acted as if everyone should cherish him, even going out of his way to point out that she was six years older than him.

Was age really that important?

Bah, this was not about age at all!

It was simply that he was too narcissistic.

Did he really think every girl in the world liked him?

Ridiculous, what a kid!

Just looking at him now gave her a headache!

She would rather freeze to death out here than go back inside.

Hmph!

Wait, why was she even staying here?

She should just leave right now!

Blowing hot breath into her hands and rubbing them together in the yard, Jiang Xinyi felt increasingly frustrated the more she thought about it. She felt she was worrying over nothing. In this awful weather, wouldn't it be better to stay ho with the heater on, eating nuts and binge-watching TV shows?

Why did she co all the way out here to freeze?

Only to be humiliated by Zhou Yuwen after freezing!

Jiang Xinyi decided she would never go out with Zhou Yuwen ever again!

When he ca looking for her in a bit.

She would maintain an attitude of absolute apathy.

She would tell him: President Zhou, I think it would be best if we just maintain a simple superior-subordinate relationship from now on!

Just as she was thinking this.

The small door to the yard opened. Zhou Yuwen leaned half his body out and asked with a light chuckle, "Sister Xinyi, isn't it cold outside? Standing around like that?"

Right now, Jiang Xinyi found Zhou Yuwen's face utterly detestable. She rolled her eyes at him and snapped, "Mind your own business! I am older, so I can handle the cold!"

"Stop ssing around," Zhou Yuwen said.

Jiang Xinyi snorted and ignored him.

Zhou Yuwen urged, "Hurry up and co inside. You didn't wear long johns, you'll easily catch a chill in your legs."

"?"

Jiang Xinyi was completely stunned.

"No, seriously, is there sothing wrong with your brain, Zhou Yuwen!? Who told you I didn't wear long johns!"

Then, driving herself crazy with embarrassnt, Jiang Xinyi yanked the door open, rushed inside, and glared at Zhou Yuwen as she questioned him.

Naturally, Zhou Yuwen retreated step by step.

However, the scene was actually quite amusing.

Jiang Xinyi was not short, but in front of Zhou Yuwen's towering 1.83-ter fra, she appeared rather petite and adorable. She looked fierce, but an old saying rang true: without true intimidating presence, even a temper tantrum just looks cute.

That was exactly how Jiang Xinyi was. She was furious.

This Zhou Yuwen gave her absolutely no face.

To actually say she would get cold legs like an old lady?!

Jiang Xinyi huffed angrily.

Retreating continuously, Zhou Yuwen apologized playfully, "Ah, Sister Xinyi, I didn't need anyone to tell . Couldn't I just see it?"

As he spoke, he glanced down at her lower half.

Well, even though she was wearing jeans, she couldn't hide it from his discerning eyes.

"What are you looking at!?"

Blushing for so inexplicable reason, Jiang Xinyi lost all desire to stay alone with Zhou Yuwen any longer.

Grabbing her bag, she declared, "I am going ho!"

"I should never have co out with you, hmph!"

With that, she prepared to leave.

From behind her, Zhou Yuwen gently reminded, "Cough, the sightseeing cart was driven away by the saleswoman."

"?"

Jiang Xinyi froze again, turning back to ask, "Then how are we supposed to get back?"

Zhou Yuwen replied, "I told the saleswoman that I fancy this villa. She went back to the sales office to draft the contract. I told her that I was going to take another look at the layout with you, and she said she would be back in an hour."

"."

"Who said I wanted to look at the house with you again?"

"Alright, Sister Xinyi, stop being angry. You are the bigger person, why fuss over a kid like ? The reason I acted like that earlier was because I was afraid of misunderstandings. After all, soone as fairy-like as you, and my teacher's ex-girlfriend on top of that—I truly hold a certain level of respect for you. I was just worried people would gossip and ruin your reputation."

The saleswoman had been entirely correct; no matter their age, girls all needed a little coaxing.

Zhou Yuwen placed his hands on Jiang Xinyi's shoulders, urging her not to be mad and buttering her up by asking the 'bigger person' to humor him by looking around the house once more.

Despite Zhou Yuwen's long speech, Jiang Xinyi had zeroed in on the very first sentence. She scoffed coldly. "Don't. Save the 'bigger person' talk. At the end of the day, I am six years older than you, right? You are a child, and I am an adult. I am old."

"Oh my god! Jiang Xinyi, your mind is so narrow. You are even making a fuss out of that?"

"Right, right, right, my mind is narrow now. I am walking back. I won't take the cart."

"Okay, okay, okay, your mind isn't narrow. I misspoke, alright? Stop being mad at . At worst, I just won't call you 'sister' anymore."

"Not call

sister? If you don't call

sister, what else do you want to call ?"

"Little Sister Xinyi?"

"Get lost!"

Jiang Xinyi yelled this so forcefully that her neck turned red, but it was obvious she was no longer genuinely angry. Zhou Yuwen pressed his advantage, repeatedly teasing, "Little Sister Xinyi, Little Sister Xinyi."

"Good sister, keep

company and look at the house again. I will treat you to a al today! Today, I will treat you to Suzhou's Cangshu Mutton! I promise you, it's incredibly delicious!" Zhou Yuwen said, gently shaking her shoulders.

Being called 'sister' in such an endearing tone made Jiang Xinyi blush deeply. Fighting back her inner shyness, she demanded Zhou Yuwen stop calling her that!

Zhou Yuwen asked why. He felt that calling her 'little sister' was just perfect!

"Look at you, Sister Xinyi. Your skin is so flawless, and you're so beautiful. When we stand together, you don't look like an older sister at all."

"Otherwise, people wouldn't mistake us for a couple, right?"

"Doesn't that prove everyone thinks you are younger than ?"

"So from now on, I will just call you little sister."

"Little sister, good little sister."

"Shut up!" Jiang Xinyi's face was so red now that it seed it might drip blood. She bit down hard on her lower lip to stop the corners of her mouth from turning upward into a smile.

She said, "Zhou Yuwen, I really have to hand it to you! Stop calling

that, and try to have so manners, alright?!"

Zhou Yuwen replied, "Oh, oh, okay."

"Then I will mind my manners. Good older sister, will you accompany

to look at the house?"

"Hmph!" After Zhou Yuwen's teasing, much of the gloom in Jiang Xinyi's heart had dissipated, though the blush on her cheeks remained.

This Zhou Yuwen was just too much, actually daring to call her his little sister!

Truly devoid of manners.

But considering his good attitude.

Jiang Xinyi decided to forgive him.

However, forgiveness was one thing. He absolutely had to treat her to that Cangshu Mutton tonight as promised!

Treat, treat, treat, he would absolutely treat her!

Speaking of which, Jiang Xinyi was genuinely curious about what Cangshu Mutton tasted like.

Back when she visited Suzhou, she frequently saw signs for Cangshu Mutton on the streets. However, those small shops always seed a bit unclean to her, and she never had anyone to accompany her for a al.

As a result, Jiang Xinyi had never tried it.

She hadn't expected Zhou Yuwen to bring it up on his own today.

Therefore, Jiang Xinyi repeatedly emphasized the point. She did not want a repeat of yesterday, where Zhou Yuwen promised her hot pot only to completely forget about it later!

Zhou Yuwen laughed heartily, promising he wouldn't forget this ti.

"You still have to accompany

tomorrow! Shouldn't we practice a little more today?" Zhou Yuwen said.

This reminded Jiang Xinyi.

The piece Zhou Yuwen had played earlier was indeed beautiful.

"Hey, if you want

to be your accompanist, you need to write the sheet music out for ."

"Mhm, I will write it for you right now. Since we have so ti, let's practice a segnt first."

With that, Zhou Yuwen pulled Jiang Xinyi over to the piano.

The villa was completely empty except for the piano, but Jiang Xinyi happened to have a black pen in her bag, and Zhou Yuwen was holding the apartnt layout plan.

So, Zhou Yuwen began writing down the simplified musical notation for 'Fleet of Ti' on the back of the layout plan.

Jiang Xinyi had started learning the piano when she was four years old and had passed grade ten long ago. In fact, when she was very young, her parents had desperately hoped she would pursue an artistic career path.

However, with the piano, reaching proficiency was easy enough, but advancing beyond proficiency into true mastery was unimaginably difficult.

Jiang Xinyi didn't possess exceptional talent for the piano. Thus, after putting in effort for a period and witnessing the skills of naturally gifted prodigies, her interest in learning the piano waned.

Now, she only played a few tunes to cultivate her mood and relax.

Of course, while her talent had a ceiling, her ability to appreciate music was top-notch.

The mont Zhou Yuwen finished writing out the notation, Jiang Xinyi silently humd a segnt of the piece in her head. Truthfully, she was profoundly shocked. She had studied the piano for so many years yet had never composed a single piece. anwhile, Zhou Yuwen, who was clearly an amateur, had managed to write such an exquisite composition.

She was once again reminded of when she was very young. Despite practicing so hard, she had been thoroughly crushed by a girl who had only just started learning the piano.

That saying was entirely correct: talent was rely the entry ticket to even stand in their presence.

And she, perhaps, had not even touched the threshold of that door.

Zhou Yuwen transcribed the notation for the entire piece, handed it to Jiang Xinyi, and said with a smile, "Sister Xinyi, I don't really know how to play the piano. What I wrote here are guitar tabs. I will play it on the piano once. A few of the notes might not translate perfectly, so please help

fill in the gaps."

"You haven't learned to play the piano?" Jiang Xinyi asked.

"Mhm, I never systematically studied it, but I can play around with it."

"Play around with it?"

"Yeah, play around."

There was definitely a difference between the piano and the guitar. However, Zhou Yuwen had a solid foundation in playing the guitar. In his past life, he had dated a girl who studied the piano. Since both of them loved music, they naturally exchanged pointers.

That girl had told him that his hands were very beautiful, perfectly suited for playing the piano.

Zhou Yuwen had replied that he didn't know how.

"It doesn't matter if you don't know how, I can teach you."

So that girl personally guided Zhou Yuwen's hands, teaching him the piano for a while. He never took any grading exams, nor did he know what level his skills were at.

The only song he could probably play in its entirety was his absolute favorite, 'Fleet of Ti'.

Sitting in front of the piano, he closed his eyes, feeling the musical notes he had played in his previous life dancing before his eyes.

Jiang Xinyi stood beside him, watching in silence.

Thus, the first syllable resonated. The piano's bass was heavy and pure, flawlessly blending with the mid-range tones.

rely looking at the sheet music, Jiang Xinyi had been unable to grasp the true aning the piece was ant to convey. But soone like Zhou Yuwen, who knew both the lody and the lyrics, could play it with a completely different feel.

At its very beginning, the piece felt intensely desolate.

Like the quiet confession of a victim.

Or an unwillingness to accept everything that had transpired.

Jiang Xinyi furrowed her brows slightly. She felt as though sothing was missing, but she couldn't quite put into words what that sothing was.

As the song concluded, Jiang Xinyi felt as though she was suffocating from a pent-up breath. She demanded, "What exactly are the lyrics to this song?! By not telling

the lyrics, I feel like this piece is veiled under a thick cloth! Can you please tell

first?"

Zhou Yuwen smiled and said, "As for that, it's a secret for now!"

Jiang Xinyi was dying of frustration. This feeling was incredibly uncomfortable.

The lody of the song exuded sorrow, but without the lyrics to express it, there was no way to materialize that sadness!

Jiang Xinyi desperately wanted to know!

But Zhou Yuwen adamantly refused to say.

Jiang Xinyi complained, "You want

to be your accompanist, but you refuse to tell

the aning behind this song. How am I supposed to play for you?"

Zhou Yuwen made room on the bench and gestured for Jiang Xinyi to sit.

He said, "Then take a seat. Let's play it together once, and I will tell you a story."

"?" Intrigued, Jiang Xinyi sat down.

Zhou Yuwen began playing 'Fleet of Ti' once again.

The piano lody of 'Fleet of Ti' was actually perfectly suited to serve as background music for a story.

A long ti ago, a boy fell in love with a girl.

From the very beginning of their romance.

To attending university together.

Down to their final breakup.

The music perfectly lded with the narrative, at tis soothing and slow, at other tis fast and urgent.

Following their breakup, the girl had said with red eyes, "You will regret this!"

Then, on a rainy night, she t a stranger.

That night, beneath the unfamiliar boy, the girl stared up at the ceiling and shed her final tear of absolute despair.

"?"

Jiang Xinyi blanked, staring at Zhou Yuwen in utter disbelief.

anwhile, Zhou Yuwen remained completely focused on telling the story, playing the piano with absolute earnestness.

We must owe each other, Or else, by what right could we reminisce?

The seamless integration of music and storytelling struck an inexplicable chord of pain in Jiang Xinyi's heart near the end. She felt as though she could tangibly sense the despair of the girl in the story.

She had finally pulled back the thick veil obscuring the music.

A single tear trickled from her eye, entirely unbidden.

It was as if she were experiencing the pain herself.

After all, Jiang Xinyi was truly quite a traditional girl. In her eyes, a girl's first ti was incredibly important.

But the girl in the story, purely out of spite, gave her first ti to a stranger she didn't even know.

In this mont, Jiang Xinyi couldn't understand it.

And precisely because she couldn't understand it, the story ascended to a higher level.

The piece ca to an end.

Zhou Yuwen exhaled a long sigh of relief.

Looking at Jiang Xinyi, he smiled. "Can you understand this piece now?"

"Zhou Yuwen," Jiang Xinyi called out to him softly.

"Hmm?" Zhou Yuwen responded, curious.

Only then did he notice that Jiang Xinyi's eyes were red and she was staring at him, completely lost in thought.

Perhaps Zhou Yuwen himself hadn't realized just how focused he had been while playing the piano, nor how deeply moving his storytelling had been.

In that mont, Zhou Yuwen used no manipulative techniques.

It was a genuine outpouring of true emotion.

After all, many years ago, he truly was a sentintal, artsy youth.

Perhaps that was the very reason.

Jiang Xinyi found herself lost in thought.

Unaware of this, Zhou Yuwen asked curiously, "What's wrong?"

After a long while, Jiang Xinyi finally said, "I am curious what lyrics you will pair it with."