Chapter 30: Performing Arts Doesn't Equal Begging.

Chapter 30: Performing Arts Doesn't Equal Begging

The Power of Music

"How many mottled mosses will enter the wall.

How much rain does it take before you hold up a paper umbrella."

Xiao Cheng's fingers danced over the piano keys as his rich, soothing voice filled the villa. The lyrics, poetic and profound, wove a sense of nostalgia into the air. Shen Jiaoyue, who had been casually flipping through her phone, suddenly froze.

Her heart skipped a beat.

How beautiful, how artistic...

She lifted her gaze, watching Xiao Cheng with a complicated expression. The melody was not just pleasant—it was masterful. Each word seemed carefully placed, each note carrying a depth that only true artistry could achieve. She had always known that Xiao Cheng was talented, but this was on an entirely different level.

Her mind wandered.

A man who is versatile, who can compose such lyrics, who can cook, who has wealth beyond imagination… any woman would be tempted.

And yet, she didn't dare. The gap between them was too wide.

Apart from sharing a daughter, she had nothing to offer him. She wasn't sure if she even belonged in his world.

Unaware of Shen Jiaoyue's inner turmoil, Xiao Cheng continued to hum, lost in his own creative flow. Laughter echoed through the villa as Sisi ran around happily. The atmosphere was warm, filled with the sound of music and joy.

A New Opportunity

As Xiao Cheng finished his song, his phone vibrated. It was Xu Xiaoyan.

"The deal is done," she said over the phone. "I've acquired Wild A**, just like you wanted."

Xiao Cheng leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping against the table. Wild A** was once a leading music company but had fallen on hard times. Unlike the industry giant Goose Factory, which monopolized the market, Wild A** had refused to bow to corporate pressures. Now, they were barely surviving, forced to sell their copyrights to stay afloat.

Xu Xiaoyan continued, "It only cost a few hundred million yuan. Honestly, spending that kind of money on a sinking ship makes my heart ache."

Xiao Cheng chuckled. "A ship can still sail again if you repair it properly."

He wasn't concerned about the money. With Wild A**, he now had a platform to distribute Sisi's songs. If he played his cards right, this struggling company would become a powerhouse once again.

An Unexpected Invitation

After a long and eventful day, dinner was a lively affair. The food was delicious, the company was good, and for a moment, everything felt peaceful.

As they finished eating, Shen Jiaoyue glanced at her phone. "I should get going," she said reluctantly.

Before she could stand, Sisi grabbed her hand. "Ma Ma, the house is so big! Why don't you stay here tonight?"

Shen Jiaoyue hesitated. She instinctively looked at Xiao Cheng, as if seeking his approval.

Xiao Cheng met her gaze, then looked down at Sisi with a soft smile. "If Sisi is happy, then it's fine."

Sisi cheered, hugging her mother tightly. "Then sleep with me tonight, Ma Ma!"

Shen Jiaoyue forced a smile. Deep down, she knew that if not for Sisi, she would never have been invited to stay.

A Night of Music

That night, the villa was unusually quiet.

To help Sisi sleep, Xiao Cheng brought out a violin and played a soft, elegant melody. The notes floated through the air, lulling the little girl into a peaceful slumber.

Shen Jiaoyue, lying beside Sisi, listened with closed eyes. The sound of the violin seeped into her heart, bringing an unfamiliar sense of calm.

Music truly is magical, she thought before drifting off.

A New Day, A New Mission

The next morning, Shen Jiaoyue left early for her company. She had contracts to finalize, projects to oversee.

She was an independent woman—always had been. She didn't want to rely on anyone, not even Xiao Cheng. But what the future held… that was uncertain.

Sisi, meanwhile, had fully immersed herself in practicing her new songs. With Xiao Cheng's help, she was preparing for something big.

Knowing that the best recording equipment in the city wasn't enough, Xiao Cheng had ordered imported, world-class audio gear—equipment even top-tier superstars used. It would take time for everything to arrive, but he was patient.

Until then, Sisi practiced a cappella.

That evening, after dinner, Xiao Cheng decided to take her out for a walk.

A Lesson on Hard Work

The streets were quieter than usual, the night air crisp and fresh. Sisi, dressed in a warm coat, held Xiao Cheng's hand as they strolled through the city.

Suddenly, they noticed a crowd gathered ahead. Loud music echoed from the center of the gathering.

"Papa, I want to see!" Sisi said eagerly.

Xiao Cheng already had an idea of what they were approaching—a street performance by disabled artists.

A man sat in the center, singing his heart out. His voice was decent, but it lacked uniqueness. His sleeves were empty where his hands should have been, and his legs, too, were immobile. Yet he continued singing, trying his best to earn some money.

Sisi watched intently. After a while, she turned to Xiao Cheng and said, "Papa, he's not as good as me."

Xiao Cheng smiled, ruffling her hair. "That's true."

Despite the man's efforts, few people were giving him money. Some watched for a moment, then left without contributing. The man's expression darkened with disappointment, but he kept going.

Sisi tugged at Xiao Cheng's sleeve. "Papa, can I have some money? He's begging… it's so sad."

Xiao Cheng's expression grew serious. He knelt down to Sisi's level. "Baby, he's not begging. He's performing. He's working hard to earn money through his own talent. That's different from begging."

Sisi blinked, thinking carefully. After a moment, she nodded. "I understand now. We shouldn't wait for things to be given to us—we have to work for what we want. Even if we have difficulties, like this uncle, we should still try our best!"

Xiao Cheng beamed with pride. "That's my smart girl."

Sisi thought for a moment, then asked, "Papa, I want to help him. But if I give him money, it's just one person helping. How can we make everyone help him?"

Xiao Cheng's eyes twinkled. "You really want to help?"

Sisi nodded enthusiastically.

"Then stand here for a moment. I'll be right back," Xiao Cheng said.

He approached the man and crouched beside him. "Do you have a song with a strong rhythm? Something for dancing?"

The man looked confused. "I do… but I can't dance."

Xiao Cheng's lips curved into a small smile. "That's fine. Leave that part to me."