Chapter 57

Gu Fang opened the passenger door, got in the car, and took the business card from Lu Si.

"Huo? ...I do remember this music publishing company. It seems to be a very old one."

Lu Si leaned over, pulled the seat belt over and helped him fasten it.

Gu Fang's tall, delicate nose almost touched Lu Si's nose. He held Lu Si's hand and asked softly, "Brother, you are willing to go in your heart, right?"

The tone was inquiring, but the tone was declarative.

Lu Si's pupils twitched slightly as he stared directly at his reflection in his eyes. His lips straightened, "...I'm just not sure if I'm cut out for this."

For Lu Si, this is not only a question of whether he wants to do it, but also a question of whether he can do it.

He needs a stable job with good salary.

"But the conditions he offered are very favorable?" Gu Fang tilted his head.

Lu Si didn't know how to describe the tangled mess in his head. He was silent for a moment, trying to sort out his thoughts.

"Even if I can't write a song, he'll give me a basic salary, but I doubt my skills are truly worthy of such treatment," Lu Si said. "I haven't received any professional songwriting training and am just a layman. I might not see any results in the short term, but if I sign a contract for at least five years, I'm not sure."

Gu Fang fluttered her eyelashes and nodded seriously, "I understand."

As he spoke, he lowered his head and fished out his phone, then reached into Lu Si's pocket to find his own phone. "Brother, think about it first. Don't rush to refuse. I'll talk to Manager Huo."

After Lu Si drove the car back to Shoumei's parking lot and got out, he leaned against the car door with one hand and looked in. He said calmly, "I'll take you back to the dorm tonight."

Gu Fang looked at the time and thought it wouldn’t be too late for Lu Si to go back later, so he nodded.

At this hour, the streets were nearly deserted. The moon hung quietly above the treetops, and in the distance, students returning from the library rode by on bicycles, their rustling voices making the wind.

They walked slowly over the fallen leaves on the ground, making a slight rustling sound under their feet.

Gu Fang saw some gravel piled along the grass. These gravel were not short, about half the height of a person's calf.

Gu Fang let Lu Si hold his hand and he jumped over the stones one by one.

Lu Si looked up at him with his eyebrows tilted to the side, his long and thin eyebrows still thin and sharp, but half of his face melted into the soft moonlight, his features rarely showed some softness, and there was a hint of indulgence in his eyes.

Gu Fang then talked about the youth painting exhibition at the end of December.

Lu Si raised one eyebrow and asked, "Are you sure you can win the prize?"

Gu Fang pursed his lips slightly, "I don't think so. I'm just a freshman. It's too exaggerated for me to win the award."

Lu Si thought this didn't make sense. "Art shouldn't be divided into freshman and graduate, right?"

Gu Fang glanced at him helplessly, "Brother, you have a lot of confidence in me."

Lu Si raised his lips slightly and asked calmly, "If I don't have confidence in you, do I have confidence in the other contestants?"

"Lu Si." He suddenly stopped and turned around, suddenly calling his name. Because he was standing on stones, his figure was obviously much taller than him.

"What's wrong?" Lu Si turned around and thought he was going to come down, so he opened his arms towards him.

Gu Fang pursed his lips. He had no intention of getting down, but no one could refuse this hug.

So he simply jumped off the stone and into Lu Si's minty arms, taking a deep breath. She wrapped her arms around his waist, tilted her head, and gazed at him with a smile from her overly beautiful eyes.

"If I win the prize," Gu Fang said, "will you agree to live with me?"

Lu Si raised his eyebrows, his eyes showing obvious surprise.

Originally, Gu Fang had planned to wait until he was at least a junior before discussing this, but tonight's atmosphere made him feel like it was a good time to say something like that. Besides, whether or not he could win the award wasn't certain, was it?

Lu Si looked into his eyes, and soon a faint smile appeared in his eyes. He nodded and said, "Okay, I will pray for an electronic incense stick for you online tonight, and I must win the prize."

Gu Fang: “…”

Suddenly I don’t think so anymore.

When they reached the dormitory building, neither of them spoke, but their footsteps simultaneously stopped under a relatively secluded shade tree. Gu Fang glanced around like a thief—good, there wasn't even a ghost in sight at this hour.

Lu Si raised his eyebrows in amusement and watched his little movements.

Gu Fang turned his head and met the mischievous smile in his eyes. With a slight annoyance but familiarity, he moved closer and gave him a light farewell kiss on his lips.

Realizing that he was about to retreat, Lu Si narrowed his eyes slightly, stretched out his tongue and gently licked Gu Fang's lower lip.

Gu Fang's movements froze, his eyelashes drooped, his eyes dimmed, and the hand on Lu Si's waist changed from a hug to a pinch, and he called out in a low and hoarse voice: "Lu Si..."

Lu Si's name was quickly crushed between his lips and teeth.

His breath brushed their cheeks like the soft wings of a butterfly, and this time Gu Fang kissed them deeply and fiercely. Lu Si was still able to actively provoke him at first, but then he was gradually sucked and kissed until his breath was thin, and the root of his tongue was numb and even painful.

He leaned against a tree, his eyelids drooping lazily, and his vision gradually blurred.

Then Gu Fang suddenly relaxed.

He then held Lu Si's waist to lend him some strength, allowing Lu Si to take a deep breath and stand firmly.

Then Gu Fang lowered his eyes and smiled, "Good night, brother."

He pecked the corner of his lips very quickly, took a few steps back, turned around and ran into the dormitory building at a rapid pace.

It seems like if you run too slowly, you will be eaten by the person behind you.

Lu Si rubbed his slightly bitten lower lip with his fingertips, looking at the dormitory door with helplessness and amusement, and then his gaze shifted to the second floor.

Gu Fang poked his head out from the second-floor stairwell, cautiously watching his reaction. Lu Si waved and mouthed, "Good night."

Gu Fang quickly retracted his head.

After taking a shower, Gu Fang lay in bed, looking at his phone. The little bear he won from the campus music competition sat next to his pillow. Lu Si sent him a message saying that he had arrived at the dormitory.

Gu put back an emoticon.

Log out and open the chat box with the note "Manager Huo".

Although he was nominally "added" tonight, the chat history between him and Manager Huo can be traced back to early September.

-I think the contract can be revised.

Manager Huo was working overtime late at night, and a big question mark appeared above his head when he saw the message.

This kind of unfair contract designed specifically for Party B actually needs to be changed?

Although he sincerely wanted to sign Lu Si, he had never seen such a good contract with such benefits for a newcomer. Only veterans with many years of experience and a high reputation and talent were qualified to sign such a contract.

Even though Manager Huo was cursing in his heart, it didn't stop him from replying to the message immediately.

-Change, change, change, everything can be changed.

-Is there anything else you are not satisfied with?

Manager Huo doesn't like working overtime, but there's nothing he can do about it, since he's the young master.

Back when Mr. Gu invested in the entertainment industry for Mr. Wen, his music publishing company was at best a sideline. After years of working alone, he finally built up some of the confidence of an established company, and suddenly the young boss came to him and said he wanted to recommend a newcomer.

Manager Huo naturally had no reason to refuse. He thought that he could just sign the newcomer and spend time training him well. If he really couldn't write any songs, he could just buy someone else's music and put his name on it.

Who would have thought that when Manager Huo heard the performance audio, he was immediately shocked.

Now he had to ask the young master who this person was.

But no matter how talented Lu Si is, he would not easily sign such a contract with anyone.

This is about the rules within the industry.

but……

The young master said that he could allocate more of Gu’s resources invested in the entertainment industry to them in the future.

Manager Huo: ...

He immediately said that rules are meant to be broken.

Gu Fang came back at this time.

-Don’t companies usually give new employees a period of training?

-I would like to include those training courses in the contract as well.

Manager Huo was silent.

-He asked for this?

-Hmm. What do you think?

Manager Huo made his judgment based on his expertise.

-Those basic courses are actually not suitable for him. The company can find some experienced teachers to teach him more complex courses.

-Yeah, that fee.

-Mr. Gu, you understand.

-It is not easy to hire a professional teacher with such a high reputation.

Stingy old Huo began to habitually play the victim.

-You also know that our company has been working diligently on a non-traffic path without receiving a lot of resources, and has made some progress with great difficulty.

-Although those professional bosses are willing to give us some face, they can't shortchange us on their hard work, right?

Gu Fang understood that he was talking about more than just the cost.

-The resources will be there. Starting next year, Gu's investment in the entertainment industry will increase significantly, by about 40% compared to last year. Your company's share will also increase.

Manager Huo was immediately stunned. What the hell was wrong with Gu's? Hadn't they never considered the entertainment industry as a development target? Why were they suddenly investing so much?

The bigger the cake becomes, the bigger the share their company gets!

Manager Huo swallowed excitedly and typed excitedly.

-Then...what is our company's share?

Manager Huo picked up the thermos cup and took a deep breath, not holding high expectations in his heart. After all, the music industry is not profitable these days, especially for non-traffic industries like theirs.

-About 30%?

Manager Huo spat out the water in his mouth.

Holy shit, where did this stupid son of a landlord come from?

Could it be that God has mercy on him and finally gave him a prodigal son, oh no, a financial sponsor, right?

Gu Fang paused.

-Are you dissatisfied?

-What about 35%?

Manager Huo knew the principle of quitting while he was ahead, so he hurried back.

-Enough, enough, enough! Too much will cause dissatisfaction among colleagues!

-Mr. Gu, you are truly the reborn parent of our company!

-Seeing how much you love music, I suddenly found my goal to strive for another 30 years!

Gu Fang paused suspiciously.

-Well...I love music.

Manager Huo immediately responded.

-The company's budget has increased significantly, so the teacher's fee is not worth mentioning. I will add it to the contract immediately and send it to him again.

Gu Fang was also very satisfied with his attitude.

-Then I'll have to trouble Manager Huo.

-If you're interested, it's no trouble at all!

Manager Huo was full of energy and was ready to work overtime to revise the contract. Halfway through, he suddenly felt something strange. Didn't he hear that Gu Shao studied art?

What kind of music does he love?

So... who is Lu Si to him?

Manager Huo's scalp tingled, and he gasped, then immediately stopped his gossiping thoughts. Years of experience in the workplace told him that it was best not to delve into such matters.

Anyway, their company has obtained both talents and resources. It is a sure-win deal, so why not do it?

Early the next morning, Lu Si received a new contract from Manager Huo.

While he was puzzled by the new terms in the contract, he also felt that something was very wrong.

Manager Huo seemed afraid he'd overthink things, so he hurriedly explained, "Uh, your... friend talked to me yesterday, and I think your concerns are reasonable. These courses are offered to every new employee at the company, so you don't need to feel overly burdened. Just come to class on time, and it won't interfere with your school schedule."

Manager Huo is indeed very sincere.

Lu Si naturally understood how advantageous such a contract was for a newcomer.

If he doesn't sign, it will seem like he is ungrateful.

"Okay, let's make an appointment. When are you free?" Lu Si asked politely on the other end of the phone.

Manager Huo, fearing he might change his mind, quickly agreed, "This weekend will do! I'll send you the company address, and you can stop by our recording studio to take a look and familiarize yourself with the environment."

"Well," Lu Si said with his eyes downcast, "I'll leave it to you to take care of me from now on."

Manager Huo was very polite. "No, no, take care of each other, take care of each other."

This deal will only benefit their company and not harm it.

After signing the contract and touring the company, it was the end of October, the day of Lu Qi’s surgery.

Gu Fang stayed with Lu Si throughout the operation.

The hospital has treated many cases similar to Lu Qi's, and Lu Qi's condition was not the most serious among them. The entire operation was very successful.

"Remember, the gauze should not be exposed to water during the recovery period, and the diet should be light."

The doctor came to the ward and told the patient's family, "Just keep changing the medicine for a while, and you'll basically be able to recover after you remove the gauze."

The doctor turned to Lu Qi and smiled, "If the recovery goes well, the little girl will be able to see again soon."

After Lu Si sent the doctors out, he came back and saw Lu Qi and Gu Fang chatting with Sister Xi and the others via video.

Sister Xi's carefree voice was easy to recognize. "Xiao Qi, please come back to see us during the winter break. I'll pack you a big bouquet of flowers. Congratulations on your recovery!"

"Thank you, Sister Xi." Lu Qi smiled with pursed lips.

Teacher Su looked at Gu Fang and asked with a smile, "Xiao Gu, are you adapting well in Shoumei?"

"Yeah," Gu Fang answered obediently, "I feel like I've realized a lot of my shortcomings and learned a lot."

Teacher Su nodded gently, "It's only when we recognize our shortcomings that we can make progress."

At this time, Lu Si walked into the camera.

Sister Xi immediately yelled, "Xiaolu! I told you so!"

Xiaolu raised his eyebrows casually and asked with a hint of interest, "What did you say?"

Teacher Su covered her mouth and laughed, "I was worried before. Your sister Xi advised me that you two would be together again in less than a month after arriving in the capital, and you would be inseparable."

Gu Fang's face immediately turned red.

Lu Si knew that he was shy, so he slightly turned sideways to block some of the camera for him, and said with a raised lip: "Sister Xi still understands us."

Sister Xi accepted his flattery and said, "I really have a keen eye."

After agreeing to go back during winter break, Xie Qinghe hung up the video and entered the ward carrying a lunch box and a bag of butterfly cakes in his other hand. Judging by the packaging, they were from the shop across from the hospital.

Lu Si realized something when he saw the bag of butterfly cookies and handed Lu Qi a green apple. Lu Qi blinked, receiving the hint from her brother, and asked, "Dad, what did you buy?"

"Something to eat." Xie Qinghe replied.

Xie Qinghe breathed a sigh of relief as he saw Lu Si go into the bathroom to rinse the fruit knife. He pushed the bag of snacks in front of Gu Fang and said softly, "Little Gu, you haven't had lunch yet, right? Have some of this to fill your stomach first. You should like it."

Gu Fang picked up a piece and looked up in confusion: "How do you know I like it?"

Xie Qinghe's lips curved slightly as he looked at Gu Fang gently, "I noticed it the first time you came here with Xiao Si. He doesn't like sweet things like this, and Xiao Qi can't eat it for the time being, so I can only buy it for you."

Gu Fang paused and put the crispy and sweet butterfly pastry into his mouth.

Then, with his cheeks puffed out, he arched his eyebrows at Xie Qinghe before he could swallow it: "It's really sweet, I like it very much."

Xie Qinghe bit his lip, feeling uncomfortable. Seeing Lu Si coming back, he lowered his head and helped Lu Qi open the lunch box. He said quickly, "As long as you like it."

After Lu Si came back, he acted as if he hadn't heard anything and slowly peeled an apple for Gu Fang.

Gu Fang sat next to him and fed him half a butterfly pastry.

Instead, Lu Qi was dissatisfied when he heard the voice. He showed the green apple in his hand that he had already taken a few bites of and complained: "Brother, you won't even peel the skin for me now?"

Lu Si lazily lifted his eyelids, took out a tissue and wiped the corners of her lips that were stained with juice, and said as a matter of course: "It's more nutritious to eat it with the skin on."

Lu Qi: “…”

The author has something to say:

Lu Si: Of course my partner is different from my sister.