Max Level Return—I'll Protect That Fragile One

Joy Ming Yue couldn’t be happier.

She pretended not to hear the phone ringing, took a sip of cold water to calm down, and then called Xie Qing back.

When the call connected, You Mingyue said, ”Sister Qing, I was just practicing the piano and didn’t hear your call. What’s up?”

Upon learning that You Mingyue was practicing piano at home, Xie Qing was pleased.

She asked You Mingyue, ”Have you checked Weibo? Heard about Xu Yue?”

You Mingyue hesitated before saying, ”I saw the artist group discussing it this morning. Is it serious?” She seemed to be worried about Xu Yue.

”He’s lost public support, and the company naturally can’t continue to endorse him.” Mentioning Xu Yue, Xie Qing spoke dismissively.

As a fellow woman, she particularly disliked vulgar men who boast.

To think she previously considered Xu Yue a promising talent.

You Mingyue regretfully said, ”Xu Yue’s singing is good, and he’s popular too, a bit of a shame. But you really can’t judge a book by its cover; who would have thought he was like that in private?”

Xie Qing vented a bit before changing the subject, ”Are you free? Come by the office at noon.”

You Mingyue laughed, ”I’m free, just practicing piano at home every day.”

”Then come over, there’s something to discuss.”

”Alright.”

Ending the call, You Mingyue excitedly jumped on her bed and said, ”What belongs to me will eventually come back to me.”

You Mingyue went to the office, and as soon as Xie Qing saw her, she led her to meet Qin Tai.

Qin Tai, seeing You Mingyue, gave a playful smile, ”Last time I teamed up with Mr. Chu for cards, he asked me to take care of you. But he also said everything is business-as-usual, no shortcuts for you.”

”Taking care of” meant not letting You Mingyue get involved in shady business, like attending banquets or seeking sponsors.

”No shortcuts” meant letting You Mingyue compete fairly with other artists based on talent.

He felt this was his recognition and respect for You Mingyue’s abilities.

You Mingyue feigned surprise, ”Director Qin knows Brother Chu?”

Nodding, Qin Tai said, ”Mr. Chu is very busy; we don’t meet often. Last time speaking was thanks to you.”

”You’re here today because I need to inform you about something.” Qin Tai told You Mingyue, ”I reviewed your previous assessment records. Yours and Xu Yue’s performances were great. With Xu Yue out, You Mingyue, do you want this opportunity?”

Qin Tai’s gaze at You Mingyue was deep and inscrutable.

You Mingyue thought for a moment and honestly said, ”Of course I want it; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I have no reason to turn it down.”

”Haha, you’re quite straightforward.” Qin Tai chatted with her briefly before letting her go.

After she left, Qin Tai squinted, recalling the call from last night.

The call was from the director of Bingfeng Entertainment.

People only knew that Zongheng Entertainment and Bingfeng Entertainment were rival companies, constantly undermining each other.

Few knew that the director of Bingfeng Entertainment was actually his lover.

Last night, his lover, while away on business, mentioned something in a call: ”Xu Yue’s scandal wasn’t uncovered by our staff; someone sold it to me. Care to guess who?”

Who could it be?

Xu Yue is a target for many; anyone might go after him.

But with Xu Yue fallen, the biggest beneficiary is You Mingyue, making her Qin Tai’s primary suspect.

Yet, You Mingyue seemed quite composed in her reaction.

Qin Tai wasn’t sure if You Mingyue was the mastermind behind this.

But even if it was her, he didn’t mind.

You Mingyue was Chu Zimu’s girlfriend. Whether she made money for the company or not, befriending Chu Zimu through her was beneficial.

If You Mingyue was involved, it was quite interesting.

Did Chu Zimu know that the seemingly innocent and pure You Mingyue was actually a ”black-hearted lotus”?

When You Mingyue emerged from Qin Tai’s office, she was called by Xie Qing waiting outside. ”Director Qin must have told you, you have the opportunity for an album.”

You Mingyue nodded, ”This surprise is rather sudden; I’m a bit overwhelmed.”

”Though sudden, you deserve these resources. Come, I’ll take you to meet Teacher Luo Muni.”

”Teacher Luo Muni is here?” You Mingyue was astonished.

”Yes, Xu Yue’s incident angered Teacher Luo Muni; he’s here for an explanation. I’ll take you to meet him; try to gain his approval to continue making your album.”

”Your singing isn’t as good as Xu Yue’s, but your piano skills surpass every artist in the industry. If you can impress Teacher Luo Muni, just wait for year-end awards and a bright future.”

Hearing this, You Mingyue steadied herself and hurried with Xie Qing to see Luo Muni.

Luo Muni had heard You Mingyue was a piano prodigy but hadn’t seen her play live.

Upon meeting her, the white-haired old man with a braid immediately said, ”Play a piece for me.”

Hearing this, You Mingyue wasted no time, sat at the piano, and played an original piece.

She wrote the piece last Christmas as a love song for Chu Zimu. That night, Chu Zimu confessed to her, marking the start of their relationship.

As You Mingyue played, even the lights favored her.

They bathed her, making her look like a fairy, enchanting and dreamlike.

Seeing Luo Muni’s initially impatient expression turning calm and finally into appreciation, Xie Qing knew Luo Muni had recognized You Mingyue’s talent.

”You got some real skills.” Luo Muni was genuinely smiling this time, commenting on You Mingyue, ”Your soul is vibrant when you play.”

You Mingyue humbly thanked him.

”For this album, there will be six songs. I’ll tailor four for you. The remaining two, I hope you can create yourself.”

You Mingyue was surprised, ”You want me to create them myself?”

Luo Muni nodded, ”Yes, I believe in your talent and strength. Your vocal skills aren’t up to Xu Yue’s, but your piano skills are superior. My music combined with your piano works would be even more breathtaking.”

”Don’t you want people’s approval?” Luo Muni deliberately provoked her.

Don’t want people’s approval?

How could that be!

Mrs. Chu’s eyes were always watching her, and if she could skyrocket with her own piano compositions, it would be more prestigious than performing Luo Muni’s works.

You Mingyue, without hesitation, said, ”I want to!”

Hearing this, Luo Muni finally showed a smile.