Chapter 28 I don’t know

The noon bell rang on time, and Su Feiyan closed his book, placing it neatly into his bag. The sunlight streaming through the window warmed his fingers slightly as it illuminated the desk. He rubbed his tired forehead and got up, ready to head to the cafeteria with his roommates. Recently, he had occasionally eaten with Lin Xi, but due to her shy personality, such invitations were rare. Most of the time, he still ate with his roommates.

"What's for lunch today?" Li Haowen asked while yawning. Another roommate, Zhang Tian, gave Su Feiyan a gentle push from behind. "Stop thinking, let's go! If we're late, there won't be any good seats left."

As the three of them reached the classroom door, hurried footsteps sounded from behind.

"Hey! You guys are going to eat, right? Mind if I join?" A familiar voice called out.

The group paused in surprise and turned around to see Song Ziheng rushing toward them, wiping sweat from his forehead.

"You want to eat with us?" Li Haowen asked, bewildered.

"Why not?" Song Ziheng replied with a grin.

"It's not that… it's just unexpected," Zhang Tian said, giving him a once-over. "Don't you usually eat with your music circle friends?"

Song Ziheng shrugged nonchalantly. "Can't I switch things up for a change?"

The group exchanged glances, still puzzled. Song Ziheng was a well-known "musical genius" in the class, proficient in drums, trumpet, saxophone, and guitar, and even an excellent singer. He was both admired and controversial, as his talent came with a touch of arrogance—he deeply respected true musicians but was notoriously blunt toward pretenders. His bold personality drew admiration from some and avoidance from others.

Yet today, he was proactively asking to join their lunch group, leaving everyone baffled.

"Let's go," Su Feiyan said with a faint smile, choosing not to question it further as he led the way to the cafeteria.

By lunchtime, the cafeteria was already bustling, filled with the aroma of food and the noise of the crowd. As they lined up for food, Song Ziheng barely paused for breath, his conversation entirely focused on Su Feiyan.

"The piece you played yesterday was incredible! Listening to it with my eyes closed, it felt like a master was performing!"

"How long have you been learning piano? Your fundamentals are so solid! The tone control was flawless—on par with recordings from piano competitions!"

Hearing this, Su Feiyan's ears burned. He lowered his head while scooping dishes onto his plate, sneaking a glance at his roommates, who were struggling to stifle their laughter. Feeling helpless, he muttered, "Can you lower your voice? Everyone's listening."

Unfazed, Song Ziheng continued enthusiastically, "What's there to be afraid of? I'm just telling the truth—everyone should know how talented you are!"

Finally, after they sat down with their trays, Song Ziheng shifted the topic to the real reason for his joining.

"Su Feiyan, I actually have a favor to ask you."

"A favor?" Su Feiyan looked up, puzzled.

Putting down his chopsticks, Song Ziheng leaned in and lowered his voice. "I want to participate in a piano competition—a team competition hosted by the Central Conservatory of Music. It requires a five-member band, and I'd like to invite you to join."

"A band?" Su Feiyan was even more confused. "But I play classical music. Are you sure about this?"

"Who says classical pianists can't play pop?" Song Ziheng grinned at him. "I heard your performance yesterday—you're fully capable of handling popular styles. Plus, this competition is special: winners get bonus points for the college entrance exam."

"Bonus points for the college entrance exam?" Su Feiyan asked incredulously. "How is that even possible?"

"It's true! The bonus points are valid nationwide and can be applied to any university," Song Ziheng said excitedly, lowering his voice further. "Opportunities like this are rare. I don't want to miss it."

"But we're in our final year of high school, and the academic pressure is already intense. Will we really have time for a competition?" Su Feiyan asked hesitantly.

Song Ziheng chuckled. "I was worried about that at first, too. But after hearing your piano skills, I know we have a solid chance. With you on board, we're bound to win!"

Su Feiyan stirred his food in silence for a few seconds, his mind racing. He had never imagined himself joining a band, let alone participating in such a competition. With academic stress already mounting, was it wise to take on something extra?

"Don't worry, we're not just casually forming a group to play around. The school will support us, and if we win, it'll bring them honor too," Song Ziheng added, sensing Su Feiyan's hesitation. "And hey, no pressure—I won't force you. Just think it over."

"Alright…" Su Feiyan finally nodded reluctantly.

At that moment, Song Ziheng suddenly stood up. "I'm off to find the other team members! Su Feiyan, you'd better not say no!" He patted Su Feiyan's shoulder with a grin before leaving.

Left behind, Li Haowen and Zhang Tian exchanged looks before turning their attention to Su Feiyan.

"Are you going to join?" Zhang Tian asked cautiously.

"I'm not sure…" Su Feiyan sighed, looking at them. "Do you think I can do it?"

"Of course, you can!" Li Haowen and Zhang Tian said in unison. "No matter what you decide, we'll support you!"