Chapter 249 Scandal
The next day, news of Yun Shifei getting out of a luxury car sparked a wave of small-scale discussions among the students.
Ever since the semester started, Yun Shifei had gained a bit of popularity because of her good looks.
"I saw the belle of the Computer Science department, that Yun Shifei person, getting out of someone else’s car yesterday."
"Isn’t her family from the South City? Who was the person driving her back to school?"
"Who knows? Her family probably isn’t that wealthy. Look at how frugal she usually dresses, and she often eats at the cafeteria."
In the cafeteria, Yun Shifei had just finished serving herself food when she overheard a group of girls nearby whispering about her.
None of them outright accused Yun Shifei of anything, but their words clearly implied she had found herself a financial backer.
It wasn’t unheard of—some female students did pursue a life of luxury by taking such shortcuts.
"Wow, look at what you’re saying! If you’re bold, why not say it right to our faces?"
Yu Liantao couldn’t hold back. Her personality was such that she couldn’t tolerate even a speck of nonsense, and naturally, she wasn’t about to let others spread baseless rumors about her roommate.
Though Yun Shifei was discreet and dressed simply, her friends all knew her family was actually quite wealthy.
She didn’t use makeup, but her skincare products and clothing brands were all high-end.
And from her demeanor and behavior, there was no way she seemed like someone struggling financially.
Besides, her personality wasn’t the sort to cozy up to some rich patron.
The girls fell silent when they saw Yu Liantao step forward, quickly grabbing their friends and leaving.
"Shi Fei, don’t worry, we’re all on your side. If they spread rumors about you again, I’ll curse them out!" Tang Xiao and Fu Qingqing both chimed in, equally indignant.
Surrounded by their protection, Yun Shifei felt a warm sensation in her chest. Ever since starting university, she had noticed how kind the people around her were.
"Oh, by the way, Xu Yue Senior told me about a part-time gig this weekend and wanted to know if you’d be interested," Tang Xiao added.
A part-time job? Yun Shifei was intrigued. "What kind of job is it?"
"It’s for an event. Xu Yue Senior is acquainted with one of the hosts, who’s an alumnus from our school. She was asked to bring a few people along. It’s just playing the piano—it’s easy, and it’s one hundred bucks per session."
Yun Shifei’s eyes lit up. Earning a hundred bucks just by playing a bit of piano? That sounded like easy money.
Actually, after starting university, even though Yun Tiancheng sent her living expenses, she still wanted to try earning money on her own.
After all, she had more free time now, and there were countless opportunities in Beijing. Earning money through her own effort was incredibly satisfying.
"But, Shi Fei, how many piano pieces can you play?" Yu Liantao asked.
Last time, when they went to the welfare center, Yun Shifei played several children’s songs, which were quite good. However, at an event like this, it would typically require classical or renowned compositions.
Yun Shifei thought about it. She actually knew quite a few. In her previous life, she had put a lot of effort into learning piano. Her belief was that if she committed to learning something, she ought to master it; otherwise, it was a waste of time. So, she practiced diligently for a long time.
She figured she should remember them all.
But since it had been so long, she wasn’t entirely confident. Unable to resist, she asked Yu Liantao, "Is there a piano at our school that I could try out?"
"Yes!"
"Shi Fei, this is our music room." Xu Yue led Yun Shifei and Yu Liantao to the school’s music room.
Inside, there were all sorts of instruments, and in the corner stood a piano covered with a white cloth.
Xu Yue pulled off the cloth and looked at Yun Shifei. "Shi Fei, go ahead and try playing something."
Xu Yue had high hopes for Yun Shifei. After all, there weren’t many people in their music club, and even fewer who could actually play an instrument. Most had joined because they wanted to learn, which made Yun Shifei’s foundation especially valuable.
This time, the other party needed two players. The only one familiar with the piano was a male student, so they were short of one female pianist.
If it weren’t for the fact that Xu Yue played the traditional Chinese zither and didn’t know piano, she would’ve taken the job herself.
Yun Shifei sat down at the piano, glanced at Xu Yue and Yu Liantao, then lowered her head and placed her hands on the keys.
Although this piano wasn’t particularly high-quality, it was much better than the one at the welfare center.
Yun Shifei let her fingers get accustomed to the keys before she began playing.
She chose "Atalina by the Water," a world-renowned piano piece. It started very gently and slowly, then built into a stronger rhythm.
Xu Yue and Yu Liantao stood quietly nearby, listening intently with unblinking eyes.
Sunlight streamed through the window, casting light onto the piano and Yun Shifei’s face. Half her face was bathed in golden sunbeams, her skin so fair and smooth it resembled the delicate surface of a peeled egg. At that moment, she played the piano with serene beauty.
She looked like an angel.
Yu Liantao thought to herself, this was a real goddess.
On ordinary days, Yun Shifei was already beautiful, but in this moment, immersed in music, she seemed even more dazzling.
She felt unreachable, like something ethereal.
When the piece ended, Yun Shifei looked up at Xu Yue and Yu Liantao.
Seeing the two of them staring blankly at her, she felt uncertain. "Did I play badly?"
Actually, she had hit the wrong notes in two places but managed to correct herself afterward.
"No, no, no! Shi Fei, you’re amazing! You’re definitely the one for this gig! I believe you could even bring pride to our university!" Xu Yue stepped forward, excitedly patting Yun Shifei’s shoulder.
"I’ll let you know the pieces they want played. You should already know them—most of them are globally acclaimed piano compositions and lean toward a soft, gentle style. You’ll only need to play for the first half of the show, which will probably last less than an hour."
Yun Shifei nodded. This was great—earning one hundred bucks in such a short time.
"Work hard! If my senior needs piano performances in the future, he’ll definitely come to you."
"I will," Yun Shifei said with a faint smile.
Her calm, gentle smile appeared, her eyes curving, sparkling like tiny stars.
Sweet as honey, carrying an innocent yet radiant charm, Xu Yue felt even she, as a woman, was a little smitten.
That evening, Yun Shifei called Cheng Lie to share the news. "I’m getting a part-time job this Saturday night!"
"What kind of part-time job?" On the other end, with his lazy voice, Cheng Lie asked while typing away at the dense code on his computer.
He was delighted she had taken the initiative to call him.
"I joined a music club, and my senior recognized my musical talent and invited me to perform. I can earn a hundred bucks for just an hour!"
"Perform?"
"Yeah..." As she spoke, Yun Shifei suddenly recalled that during her time in South City, she had never learned piano. Cheng Lie, who had always been by her side, would definitely know...