RSDH CH55

As soon as Duan Xingye opened his mouth, his suspended voice was clear, translucent, and high-pitched. Through the door panel, a wave of waiters and guests passing by heard it extremely clearly, stopping one after another to look sideways.

They heard that unparalleled voice, soft and bright, with round and smooth transitions, and sweet, crisp, full articulation. It wasn’t the falsetto squeezed out by tightening the throat as Qin Yaolian mentioned, but a pure and fluent Peking Opera singing style.

In the hallway, a guest asked a waiter curiously: “Did a leading famous Dan come here?”

The waiter smiled, indicating he didn’t know.

In the livestream, bullet comments swarmed.

Duan Xingye debuted three years ago. His song creation was rooted in Western popular music styles like Jazz and R&B. Some netizens questioned why he never engaged in Guofeng creation, wondering if he worshipped foreign things. In an interview, Duan Xingye only responded lightly: “The prerequisite for Chinese pop music to go global is accepting the world’s rules.”

Whether in creation or interviews, Duan Xingye had never shown talent in Peking Opera singing. Everyone assumed he hadn’t dabbled in opera. Who would have thought that as soon as Duan Xingye opened his voice, he would crush Qin Yaolian? Not only was the voice quality higher and clearer, the singing style was more delicate. Crucially, he wasn’t an industry insider. Too strong; both those who understood Peking Opera and those who didn’t were shocked.

Accompanied by the fast-paced Xipi Liushui beat, Duan Xingye sang:

“Laughable is he, talentless and learnedless, asking for boredom; A market ruffian pretending to be refined to bully people.”

“Thanks to me, the chief examiner, interviewing on site; That madman posturing, writing crooked poems…”

Qin Yaolian had learned art since childhood; how could he not distinguish the authenticity of Duan Xingye’s singing skills? This was already professional level. He was completely dumbfounded. Then understanding Duan Xingye sang a segment from “Poetry Meeting”, the lines placed in the present context pointed specifically, implying he was a market ruffian pretending to be refined, a half-baked level posturing in front of the audience.

Cursing people.

Qin Yaolian’s face suddenly felt hot and numb, as tragic as being slapped several times.

However, Duan Xingye’s dark and clear eyes still looked straight at Qin Yaolian, as if singing specifically for him alone: “…He fishes for fame and compliment, posing as elegant; Even if he is a son of gentry, swaggering and swindling, shameless to the extreme!”

Stared at by him until his head smoked, Qin Yaolian hurriedly dodged his gaze.

The reason he switched careers to enter the entertainment industry was that he couldn’t endure the hardship of the Peking Opera industry. Moreover, that circle was too competitive; there were plenty of people more talented and hardworking than him. But in the entertainment industry, it was different. Among a crowd of vases, he appeared particularly fresh and refined. Casually showing off a vocal trick would gain praise, hailing him as Boss Qin, inheritor of Guofeng, number one male Dan in domestic entertainment.

In this instant, he seemed completely seen through by Duan Xingye. His previously high-and-mighty self-esteem was crushed to dust.

Qin Yaolian was both resentful and ashamed, wishing to leave the venue right now. But the camera was set up right beside him; leaving now would undoubtedly make him a joke for the whole internet.

But what he didn’t know was that because his fans jumped too high and blew too full just now, he was already being mocked by the crowd.

“Playing with a big knife in front of Teacher Duan (showing off before an expert)? Weigh yourself first.”

“Ruthlessly satisfying! What a thing, daring to provoke opposition between pop music and traditional culture.”

“Compared to Teacher Duan, Qin Yaolian’s singing appears amateur. His fans are probably the ones who don’t understand Peking Opera, so easy to fool.”

Duan Xingye’s breath remained steady throughout, singing the last line with a high and soft bright voice: “Embroidered pillow stuffed with rotten cotton; Also like that crow wearing phoenix clothes.”

Song ended. Director Liang couldn’t speak except for applauding. He previously thought Duan Xingye meant singing one of his own songs, didn’t expect it to be a segment of Peking Opera.

Warm applause also came from outside the private room door. Turns out that wave of guests stayed put, listening until the end.

Bullet comments in the livestream surged again.

” ‘Holy shit’ isn’t enough to describe my mood!”

“First time listening to Peking Opera entranced. Teacher Duan’s voice sounds too good!”

“Except for having children, this man should know everything, right?”

“Can only say the superior and inferior are judged instantly. People with real talent and learning often don’t show off. Who exactly relies on Guofeng to gain traffic is clear at a glance.”

Cheng Duzhou poured a cup of tea in advance. Now cooled just right, he handed it to Duan Xingye.

Duan Xingye hadn’t practiced his voice for a long time, naturally incomparable to the state when studying with Cao Junbo before. But he was naturally gifted; crushing a fake like Qin Yaolian was still a piece of cake.

He drank a mouthful of tea to warm his throat, put down the lid, lifted his eyelids, looked at Qin Yaolian whose face turned purple, and said, “Won’t express opinions on amateur level to avoid being laughed at. As for how you sang, let the audience evaluate.”

These words maxed out mockery, making Qin Yaolian want to find a crack in the ground to crawl into even more.

Even an amateur could crush him. Who was laughing at whom was obvious; the audience wasn’t unable to distinguish good from bad.

Qin Yaolian was clumsy with words, not knowing how to extricate himself, looking at Director Liang for help.

But Director Liang had no mind to pay attention to him at this moment. His tone speaking to Duan Xingye added intimacy: “Xiao Duan, your singing skills are amazing; your figure and movement should be no problem either, right? My play needs someone like you who is photogenic and has a foundation too much. Want to come try a role? Not a cameo.”

Bullet comments cheered:

“Teacher Duan enter the film industry!”

“Capable people get olive branches wherever they go.”

Qin Yaolian’s face turned pale. His first reaction was Director Liang wanted to replace his role. Only then did he recall what Yang Wan said on WeChat: offend Duan Xingye and wait to be finished. His heart couldn’t help feeling cold. Although unwilling, he regretted too late.

But Yang Wan was wrong on one point. Duan Xingye didn’t need to rely on Cheng Duzhou at all to make someone finished. On the surface, he was arrogant and aloof, seemingly needing a man’s protection. In reality, everyone was deceived by that face; he was a ruthless character himself.

“You flatter me.” Duan Xingye replied to Director Liang at this time, insisting, “But I am an amateur and can’t endure hardship, so won’t consider participating.”

Qin Yaolian truly breathed a sigh of relief.

“No no no, your singing style reminds me of Teacher Cao; already very professional.” Director Liang sighed and said, “I originally thought the opera troupe formed was already decent. Comparing with you, it’s completely not the case. Actors who have to perform on stage really should be industry insiders.”

Qin Yaolian’s heart hung up again. The male Dan he played had to perform on stage. Whether Director Liang meant finding a professional to be his double or simply replacing him was unknown.

During the subsequent meal, Qin Yaolian spent it in fear and anxiety, barely eating a few bites.

Others chatted and laughed freely.

Near the end, Cheng Duzhou took the opportunity of going to the restroom to pay the bill at the front desk.

Although Director Liang proposed treating, Director Liang, like Li Lin, was someone who helped Cheng Duzhou in his acting career, a teacher to him. Letting an elder treat would be losing etiquette.

When Director Liang called the waiter and heard the bill was paid, he turned to scold Cheng Duzhou.

Cheng Duzhou just drank tea, not speaking.

Seeing he was impervious (stubborn), Director Liang turned to Duan Xingye and said, “This time doesn’t count. When back in Shanghai, I’ll treat you two separately again. Will definitely pay the bill right after ordering.”

Duan Xingye could only smile shallowly.

When leaving, Director Liang specially pulled Cheng Duzhou to walk behind, saying: “Duzhou, do me a favor.”

Cheng Duzhou didn’t understand: “Speak.”

Director Liang said, “I was thinking while eating just now, it would be great if Xiao Duan could sing the theme song for this movie of mine. Can you help me communicate?”

It could be seen Director Liang appreciated Duan Xingye very much. But because a previous invitation was rejected once, he dared not act rashly now, wanting Cheng Duzhou to help be a lobbyist.

Director Liang took it for granted that Li Lin being able to invite Duan Xingye for a cameo in the new play was largely due to Cheng Duzhou.

But actually, it was hard for Cheng Duzhou too. He and Duan Xingye had no business dealings, independent off the romance variety show. If Duan Xingye found it troublesome and unwilling to accept the theme song, he wouldn’t agree for his sake either.

Cheng Duzhou could only say first: “I will explain the situation for you, but if he is unwilling, I won’t persuade him.”

Selfishly speaking, he didn’t like seeing Duan Xingye do difficult things either.

“Okay.” Director Liang patted his shoulder, laughing. “You should have brought Xiao Duan to meet us earlier, hiding for so long.”

Cheng Duzhou lowered his eyes, saying nothing.

The special car of All the Way With You had been parked below the restaurant steps. The driver took the free time to stroll nearby and was now rushing back.

The couple stood side by side by the car waiting.

Cheng Duzhou glanced at Duan Xingye’s ankle and asked, “Still hurt?”

Sensing Cheng Duzhou’s gaze, Duan Xingye suddenly became very sensitive. shifting his toes slightly, looking straight ahead: “No feeling.”

“Tell me if it hurts.” Cheng Duzhou licked his lips, hesitated, and spoke, “Director Liang wants you to sing the theme song for his movie… is it convenient?”

Hands in jacket pockets, Duan Xingye glanced at Cheng Duzhou.

Cheng Duzhou looked at him too.

Duan Xingye withdrew his gaze immediately. In the cool night breeze, starting from inside his body, that strange heat rose again.

Seeing signs of tension on Duan Xingye’s small face, Cheng Duzhou thought if he was being a bit excessive, troubling Duan Xingye with his favors.

He lowered his head, rubbing the back of his neck with one hand, slowly saying: “I’m just asking for help…”

Because he dodged the gaze first, Duan Xingye was secretly annoyed with himself. He had never been cowardly, especially in front of Cheng Duzhou. So he turned around, walked two steps closer, forcing Cheng Duzhou back against the car door, lifting his chin high: “Why should I help you?”

Facing the bright and beautiful face delivered to his eyes, Cheng Duzhou’s Adam’s apple trembled, tightened, and stabilized.

He understood Duan Xingye disdained a movie theme song to increase popularity, and of course didn’t lack money. If he agreed, it was entirely for the sake of his friendship with Director Liang, so he could do Director Liang a favor.

With their relationship, indeed no reason to help him.

Cheng Duzhou said, “What I wanted to say is, it’s okay if you don’t help.”

Duan Xingye frowned, pursed his lips. Two seconds later, looking unconvinced, he reached out to poke Cheng Duzhou’s chest: “Is this your attitude asking for help!”

“…” Cheng Duzhou reacted a beat slow. Turns out Duan Xingye’s sentence just now wasn’t sarcasm; he was bargaining with him.

His heart heated up. Grabbing Duan Xingye’s hand poking him, raising his eyebrows lightly, his expression became vivid: “Then what do you want?”

Duan Xingye withdrew his hand: “Too late.”

Cheng Duzhou wanted to pull him again, but at this time, the driver and Old Xu walked over together, so he could only drop it.

Duan Xingye blocked Cheng Duzhou to the side, pulled open the car door, got in, and slammed the door.

Cheng Duzhou looked at Duan Xingye in the back seat through the dark window film.

If Duan Xingye cast a cold eye like before, refusing with an indifferent tone, Cheng Duzhou wouldn’t pester. But Duan Xingye said too late. Listening to that tsundere tone, it always felt not too late, seemingly wanting him to beg a bit more.

Cheng Duzhou was made itchily unbearable by Duan Xingye. Taking a deep breath, rubbing his face, feeling both uneasy and satisfied, with complex emotions, he went around to the other side to get in the car.

The driver and Old Xu were in the front. The livestream was closed, now taking them to the place to stay for the night.

Cheng Duzhou’s whole heart hung on Duan Xingye beside him, burning hot, pondering what kind of attitude Duan Xingye wanted.

Duan Xingye only cared about turning his face to look out the window, not sparing a look for the person beside him. But the tips of his soft white ears were red, hidden in the shadows where streetlights couldn’t reach.

The back seat fell into a mysterious restless atmosphere.

Cheng Duzhou glanced several times at Duan Xingye’s hand resting on the side. Dog-like sneaky, thief-like, just wanting to disregard everything and hold it first.

Ding—

A text message notification sounded in the car.

Not only Cheng Duzhou, Duan Xingye also felt the vibration of his phone.

Both took out phones to check simultaneously.

Cheng Duzhou opened the message column. Seeing the content, instantly like a basin of cold water poured over, heart stopped, person quieted.

[Mr. Cheng, hello. I am Zhao Heting from Dahua Law Firm. Two years ago, I accepted the entrustment of you and your spouse Mr. Duan to handle the marriage agreement. One clause stated the marriage term is two years. Currently, one month remains until your divorce. To not delay the divorce progress and cause unnecessary trouble later, suggest making an appointment in advance to discuss divorce matters in detail. Please reply upon receipt.]

Get lost.

Cheng Duzhou deleted the message, turning his head to look out the window on his side. Propping his cheek with one hand, he realized belatedly his fingertips were ice cold.

As if urged by the Grim Reaper.

Cheng Duzhou was quiet for a long time, suddenly realizing Duan Xingye’s phone also rang. Heart skipping a beat, he looked to the side.

Duan Xingye was still looking at his phone.

Cheng Duzhou asked somewhat weakly: “What happened?”

Duan Xingye blinked, saying lightly:

“Nothing.”

“10086 (China Mobile service number).”

…

In a brightly lit high-rise building in Shanghai, lawyer Zhao Heting was still waiting at his workstation. Half an hour later, he picked up his phone again.

“Hiss…”

He sent text messages to two clients, but neither replied until now.

Zhao Heting tilted his head in confusion, wondering whether to send again.

__

Author’s Note:

Lawyer Zhao: Are you two divorcing or not? I want to get off work.