"Band?"
"You guys are planning to form a band for the arts festival?"
Chen Mo had come over for dinner after work and happened to hear Ji Nian talking with Shen Qingtang. He couldn’t help but interject.
Ji Nian put the call on speaker and glanced at Chen Mo, who was handing the things he’d brought to the housekeeper.
"Yeah," she said with a grin. "Actually, one reason we’re doing this is because we have someone at home who can guide us—an expert in this field."
Chen Mo, who hadn’t changed much in the past three years aside from becoming more composed, let out a questioning hum.
"Who?"
Had Ji Tingzhou ever played in a band? It didn’t seem like him—if someone told him he played a wrong note, he’d probably smash the instrument over their head.
Or maybe Zhiliao? She was tall, had a cool look, and definitely gave off bassist vibes.
Wei Yang… never mind, that guy looked like he had zero musical talent.
Ji Nian and Shen Qingtang burst out laughing at the same time.
"Of course it’s you, Mo-Mo."
Hearing his name, Chen Mo froze for a second before chuckling.
"Ji Nian still remembers that I used to be in a band?"
Ji Nian nodded. "Of course."
Back when Chen Mo was still the adorable Algernon, Ji Nian would play videos for him. Once, when a famous band’s performance came on, the little rabbit’s ears perked right up.
It was unbearably cute.
She’d known ever since then—not to mention Chen Mo had mentioned it himself later, and she’d even seen photos.
Her gaze lingered on Chen Mo’s ears for a moment before she smiled innocently.
"I’ve even listened to your band’s songs."
Chen Mo felt a little embarrassed. It wasn’t like it was something shameful, but it still felt slightly cringey.
After all, he’d formed that band long before Ji Nian was even born.
"What instrument do you plan to play, Ji Nian? Have you found all your members yet?"
Hearing the two kids say they wanted his guidance, the passion he’d once been forced to abandon flickered back to life. A hobby he’d been willing to defy his parents for in his youth—how could he ever truly let it go?
His current status didn’t allow him to be as reckless as before, but he was more than happy to help Ji Nian out.
Ji Nian said she hadn’t quite decided yet since she’d never tried anything like this before, but luckily, the arts festival was still far off—plenty of time to cram.
Shen Qingtang chimed in, "I can play guitar, so I’ll be the guitarist."
"The Young Imperial Grandson plays piano—he’ll probably be the keyboardist," Ji Nian added.
Chen Mo shot her a look, thinking to himself that his Ji Nian really knew that little blondie well.
Well, not so little anymore—more like a big blondie now.
"Have you decided on your songs yet? Are you going to write your own or do covers?"
Chen Mo wasn’t treating this as child’s play. He knew that if Ji Nian set her mind to something, she’d do it well—no half-hearted efforts.
At this, Ji Nian paused to think.
Then, an idea struck her. "Mo-Mo, how about… we write the lyrics, and you help us with the composition?"
Shen Qingtang joined in the plea.
They could handle the lyrics themselves, but composing required a professional. Rather than paying someone else, why not ask someone they trusted?
Ji Nian had recommended Chen Mo’s music to Shen Qingtang before—she’d even listened to some of his old songs. Honestly, even by today’s standards, they held up well, easily outclassing most pop fluff.
Chen Mo didn’t mind at all. "Of course, if you don’t think I’m outdated."
And just like that, the composing arrangement was settled.
When Ji Tingzhou came out for dinner later and saw Chen Mo at his dining table, he didn’t even bat an eye. He even had someone serve him a bowl of pig heart soup.
Chen Mo, naturally suspicious of Ji Tingzhou’s goodwill, paused and looked over.
Ji Tingzhou leisurely remarked, "Could smell the old-man musk from a floor away. Have some soup—build up your strength."
Ji Nian turned to look at Chen Mo, whose youthful beauty was the furthest thing from "old man."
Chen Mo shot him a glance but couldn’t be bothered to respond. Just then, his phone rang. He lazily pulled it out and answered.
"Hello, Manager Huang?"
"Sorry, I’m busy lately."
"Yeah, the kid at home is performing at the arts festival and specifically asked for my help. Can’t get away."
Click. Ji Tingzhou set his chopsticks down on his plate and slowly lifted his gaze toward Ji Nian.
Ji Nian: "……"
Why’re you looking at me? Different skills for different jobs. Ji Tingzhou’s a craftsman, not a musician—of course I’d go to the expert.
Still…
She cleared her throat and, before her dad could sulk, quickly placated him. "I was going to ask you first, but you weren’t around earlier!"
"We’re forming a band for the arts festival, and we’d love your help with the stage design. Oh, and the promotional posters—if you have time, could you draw those too?"
Hearing her pile of requests, Ji Tingzhou lightly frowned. "Using your dad like a pack mule?"
But complaints aside, he agreed.
Ji Nian: Perfect. Saved a ton of budget.
Chen Mo, meanwhile, remained unbothered. His role was the real deal—why compete with backstage logistics?
"By the way, Ji Nian, didn’t Ms. Li say she was coming?"
Given Ms. Li’s push for Ji Nian to marry her nephew, Chen Mo was still on guard.
Ji Nian swallowed a mouthful of soup before explaining, "She was supposed to, but something came up last minute."
Chen Mo thought good riddance and shot a reproachful look at Ji Tingzhou, who was leisurely enjoying his dinner.
All his fault for inviting that trouble in the first place.
Still, while he was wary, he wasn’t overly worried.
Ji Tingzhou seemed to have a decent rapport with Ms. Li—almost like she was his elder. So far, the marriage talk was just a suggestion, not an ultimatum.
Come to think of it, Chen Mo found it odd. When Ji Nian was little, Ms. Li had merely looked out for her occasionally. But these past few years, it felt more like she was treating Ji Nian as her own.
Strange…
---
"Wei Junze, must you always make trouble for your aunt?"
The woman glared at her son, unable to hold back her scolding.
"You just got back to the country, and already you’re causing this kind of scene? What’s wrong with you?!"
Wei Junze, the target of her fury, leaned lazily against a large vase, his crimson lips curling in indifference. "Mom, it wasn’t me who threw the first punch. Is self-defense a crime now?"
The woman’s eyes burned with anger. "Since when does self-defense land someone in the ICU?!"
Wei Junze pulled out a cigarette but, catching the fury in her gaze, tucked it away again.
"So what?"
His tone was casual, but the arrogance was unmistakable.
"You’re only mad because I turned down Auntie’s proposal."
At this, the woman’s temper flared. "That’s Ji Tingzhou’s only daughter—the future heir of the Ji family! What exactly are you being picky about?"
He narrowed his eyes slightly, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"I’m not interested in high schoolers."
With that, he turned to leave but couldn’t resist adding with a smirk,
"I like them wild."
"In every way."
