Tan Linyuan sat in the main seat against the light. His facial features were cast in shadow, making his outline even more distinct.
His eyes were clear as he spoke slowly, "I have a niece. Due to health issues, she doesn't go out much. She's been interested in music since childhood, especially the piano."
The topic changed so quickly, shifting abruptly from business to family matters. Coupled with his cryptic words, Nan Yu couldn't figure out what Tan Linyuan was getting at for a moment.
She kept her head down all the time.
Tan Linyuan curled his lips slightly. A rare hint of regret mingled in his calm eyes. "But unfortunately, we haven't been able to find a suitable piano teacher, so this hobby has been put on hold."
By this point, his intention was quite obvious.
He wanted Nan Yu to be his niece's piano teacher.
Shen Suhai immediately understood. He coughed a few times in succession and then casually mentioned, "What a coincidence. Nan Yu has experience as a private piano tutor. Why not let her give it a try?"
"After hearing Miss Nan play just now, I had the same thought."
He nodded slightly, but his tone was nonchalant. "But it seems that Uncle Shen isn't too willing. I won't force the matter."
"After all, a forced melon isn't sweet." Tan Linyuan seemed to be implying something as he tapped on the contract on the round table. "I prefer willingness."
As soon as these words were spoken, Shen Suhai's old face visibly stiffened.
Tan Linyuan was not only the head of the Tan family but also the sole leader of the largest Jiangdu Chamber of Commerce in Jiangcheng.
All matters, big or small, in the chamber of commerce had to be reviewed and approved by Tan Linyuan.
The business they were discussing today ultimately required Tan Linyuan's approval to be implemented.
Even Shen Suhai, who held a high - stake in the chamber of commerce, had to bow his head in front of this junior.
Thinking that he, an old man, had to be constrained by a young man, Shen Suhai gritted his teeth in anger.
But he still forced a smile and squeezed out a kind - looking expression through gritted teeth. "Why wouldn't I be willing? Young people should be supported in doing what they like."
Tan Linyuan didn't say a word. He just glanced at Nan Yu.
Shen Suhai gritted his teeth and followed Tan Linyuan's gaze to look at Nan Yu. He had no choice but to retract his previous order. "Nan Yu, how many students are you teaching now? Are you usually busy?"
Nan Yu looked a bit unenthusiastic. "I don't have any students anymore."
Just now, she had received a message from Mrs. Song, saying that after careful consideration, they had decided that they no longer needed her to teach Wanwan piano lessons.
Nan Yu's mood plummeted.
Shen Suhai immediately breathed a sigh of relief and smiled broadly. "That's perfect. It gives you time to teach Linyuan's niece. Are you willing?"
Did Nan Yu have a choice?
She didn't.
If she refused, she might never have the chance to teach students to play the piano again, nor a legitimate reason to touch the piano.
Even if there was a chance, it would probably be like today, used to amuse others like a talent show.
She swallowed hard, maintained a smile, and said in a slightly trembling voice, "Of course I can."
After getting the answer, Tan Linyuan's hand on the table paused for a moment. Then he picked up the pen placed beside him and casually signed his name.
It seemed as if he didn't care about the content on the contract at all.
The three people in the room, except Nan Yu, all heaved a sigh of relief.
Shen Suhai's face looked a bit gloomy, but he quickly regained his composure and said with a smile, "Hurry up and eat. The food will get cold."
Everyone started to pick up their chopsticks, except the man in the main seat. He lowered his eyes to check the time. After finishing the tea in his cup, he said slowly,
"I wonder when Miss Nan will be available? I'd like to take you to meet my niece so that you two can get acquainted in advance."
His fingertips were pinching the Buddhist beads as he said in a flat tone, "If you don't get along well with the girl, there's no need to waste your time."
Nan Yu calmed herself down.
Based on her "tacit understanding" with Tan Linyuan and what her father had told her about experiences at wine parties, she could probably read a hint of boredom from his tone.
Obviously, he didn't want to continue this dinner, but he didn't want to say it himself. He insisted that she take the lead.
"I'm available now." She pursed her lips and replied obediently. Then she said politely, "Uncle Tan, you can just call me Yu Yu. The title 'Miss Nan' seems too formal."
She was deliberately trying to annoy him.
Given his disgust and dislike for her, asking him to call her "Yu Yu" affectionately would probably be more nauseating than asking him to eat a fly.
Sure enough, the man frowned, and his expression turned cold.
"Then let's go now."
His tone was as calm as before, but his eyes revealed the coldness and disgust he tried to hide.
The fox couldn't hide its tail for long. Nan Yu sneered at him secretly in her heart.
Tan Linyuan stood up from his seat. A faint smell of sandalwood incense wafted from him as he got up. Nan Yu quickly lowered her head.
Although it was a very sacred smell, it reminded her of countless charming nights. This smell always lingered around her lips, teeth, and nose.
It was hot, moist, scalding, and the pleasure that rushed to the peak.
An involuntary flush spread over her body.
Seeing that Tan Linyuan was about to leave, Shen Suhai felt a bit panicked. He quickly called Shen Yanche and flattered, "Yanche, go with Nan Yu."
Nan Yu's personality was hard to handle. If she said something inappropriate to Tan Linyuan again, it would be extremely harmful to the Shen family.
Shen Yanche immediately understood and quickly followed.
...
Tan Linyuan's decision to help Nan Yu was completely a spur - of - the - moment idea.
It was just a glance at her. He saw stubbornness written all over her face, but her eyes were as fragile as paper.
Although her self - esteem was already so weak that it was on the verge of collapse, she still had a strength that was no less than that of thousands of troops.
His Buddha - like heart couldn't withstand the judgment of such eyes.
She stood there alone, swaying as if she was about to fall at any moment, but still standing upright, as if maintaining her last principle.
Just for this, he couldn't just sit back and do nothing.
"You've got a strong backbone," Tan Linyuan said as he passed by her.
His voice was not loud, only audible to Nan Yu.
Just these four words made her nose suddenly feel extremely sour. A warm current welled up, and hot tears rolled down her eyes.
Shen Yanche came over to support her and asked softly with concern, "Yu Yu, are you feeling unwell?"
"I'm fine," Nan Yu lowered her eyes. She quickly wiped away the tears with her fingertips and placed her hand in Shen Yanche's palm. "I might have a bit of low blood sugar."
Only then did Shen Yanche remember that Nan Yu had rushed over in a hurry, gone through such a farce, and hadn't even had a bite to eat.
Even so, he didn't dare to ask Tan Linyuan to wait. He dragged her forward quickly. "I'll ask the driver to get you some sugar when we get in the car. Don't keep Uncle Tan waiting."
Nan Yu closed her eyes and nodded. When she opened them again, she happened to meet Tan Linyuan's gaze.
He must have heard her conversation with Shen Yanche.
Tan Linyuan's look flashed by, but she still read the ridicule in his eyes: Is this the man you plan to entrust your life to?