Chapter 17: No Vacancy Here

“But it really wasn’t me who damaged your violin.”

Though it was Qiao Weiwei who was injured, Lin Zhiyi looked wronged, as if Qiao Weiwei had led others in bullying her.

Some classmates were influenced by this and cast unfriendly glances her way.

But with Gu Zhiyuan backing her, they only dared to whisper quietly.

“So lively?”

A teasing female voice sounded, and a woman around forty years old approached.

Her hair was casually pinned up, she wore a neat blazer, exuding both allure and intellect.

Behind her came the school doctor, who immediately tended to Qiao Weiwei’s wound.

Everyone was stunned.

“Zhou Bing!”

“The diva of the music world, Zhou Bing!”

Someone exclaimed in surprise first.

“Zhou Bing actually came to watch the school anniversary performance? Oh my god, am I dreaming?”

“I’ve heard there was a heavyweight guest invited for the celebration, but I never imagined it would be Zhou Bing!”

“Idol! Goddess! Hold me up, I’m going to faint with happiness!”

Zhou Bing was used to such scenes and raised her index finger to her lips, signaling for silence.

The crowd quieted instantly.

She smiled softly. “If you want a photo or autograph, don’t rush. Please register with my assistant first.”

The students who had just been accusing Qiao Weiwei hurried out in a swarm.

Only Gu Zhiyuan, Lin Zhiyi, Qiao Weiwei, and a few others remained.

Zhou Bing walked over to Qiao Weiwei and Fang Xue, noticing Qiao Weiwei’s injured hand.

She looked up at Qiao Weiwei. “So determined? Aren’t you afraid of ruining your hand?”

“Afraid,” Qiao Weiwei replied gently. “But I’m more afraid of messing up this performance.”

“You’ve got spirit, I like that.”

There was genuine admiration in Zhou Bing’s eyes. “Interested in joining my studio? I’ll make sure you become the most famous violinist in Huaguo.”

This was an olive branch from the reigning queen of the music scene.

Almost no one could refuse.

Yet Qiao Weiwei shook her head. “Sorry, I only want to play the violin.”

Seeing her turn down such a golden opportunity, Fang Xue was frustrated, pinching her arm hard.

“Are you out of your mind? This is Zhou Bing!”

Qiao Weiwei said nothing.

If she were just a violinist, how could she hope to stand against Gu Zhiyuan?

Moreover, Zhou Bing was devoted to singing and composing, and her studio was run by her manager, Lin Chuan.

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Lin Chuan valued commercial success above all. Except for Zhou Bing, who had a say, other artists were squeezed dry for their commercial value, with little regard for their own wishes.

There were too many unpredictable factors.

“Alright, since you have your own ideas, I won’t force you,” Zhou Bing said, turning her gaze to Fang Xue. “I heard you wrote and composed ‘Like a Dream’ yourself?”

Caught off guard by the idol’s direct address, Fang Xue blinked dumbfounded and nodded.

Zhou Bing smiled. “Interested in becoming my apprentice?”

“Me…?” Fang Xue was stunned, pointing at herself. “Be your apprentice?”

She could hardly believe her ears.

This was her idol since childhood!

Qiao Weiwei was happy for her. “Of course it has to be you. If you hesitate, the queen might change her mind.”

“Master!”

Fang Xue, afraid Zhou Bing would retract her offer, quickly called her “Master.”

Zhou Bing was amused and said, “Remember to come to the company this weekend to sign the contract.”

Fang Xue was about to agree when Qiao Weiwei spoke first.

“Wait a moment.”

Fang Xue looked confused.

Recalling the troubles Zhou Bing’s studio had faced in the past life, Qiao Weiwei stepped forward and said softly, “I hope to oversee Fang Xue’s management contract to the greatest extent possible, to ensure her creative freedom and the rights to her works.”

Zhou Bing scrutinized her meaningfully, a trace of displeasure in her eyes. “Are you doubting me?”

“There have been many big-name singers in the industry who have stolen works from smaller artists, but I don’t think Zhou Bing would do such a thing.”

Her words carried obvious anger.

Everyone knew Zhou Bing’s famous pride in the entertainment circle. Once, when an online singer altered her song without permission, she took them to court immediately.

Years ago, when someone tried to blackmail her with allegations of plagiarism, she confronted them fiercely and even posted their conversation online.

When it came to anything involving music, Zhou Bing tolerated no nonsense.

Now, for Qiao Weiwei to say something like this was clearly questioning Zhou Bing’s professionalism.

Lin Zhiyi seized the moment to stir the pot. “Teacher Zhou, Qiao Weiwei wasn’t accusing you of stealing Fang Xue’s work—she’s just overthinking.”

She then glanced at Qiao Weiwei and added provocatively, “A chance to learn from Teacher Zhou is rare. Don’t be so cautious and ruin such a great opportunity for Fang Xue.”

This was a clear insinuation that Qiao Weiwei had ill intentions to sabotage Fang Xue’s apprenticeship.

Qiao Weiwei ignored her and explained to Fang Xue, “Trust me, I would never harm you.”

Fang Xue nodded.

“I know.”

Touched by Fang Xue’s unwavering trust, Qiao Weiwei felt warmth in her heart.

She said to Zhou Bing, “Since you’ve accepted Fang Xue as your student, it’s clear you recognize her unique talent.”

“Every singer has a unique soul. I just don’t want Fang Xue to lose hers.”

“That’s something I believe you and I both agree on.”

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Seeing Zhou Bing gradually persuaded, Qiao Weiwei continued, “As for the copyright, I only want to protect my friend, and I hope you understand.”

Her words were calm, reasonable, and respectful.

The anger on Zhou Bing’s face slowly faded.

She studied the girl before her carefully. Something about her manner of speaking and acting seemed familiar, but she couldn’t quite place it.

“Alright, this weekend you can come with Fang Xue to sign the contract. If any modifications are needed, we’ll discuss them.”

Such a rare talent must not be missed.

Relieved by Zhou Bing’s agreement, Qiao Weiwei finally exhaled softly.

Fortunately...

With Zhou Bing’s guidance and support, Fang Xue’s path as a singer would surely be much smoother than before.

Lin Zhiyi noticed Gu Zhiyuan gazing dreamily at Qiao Weiwei, grinding his back molars in frustration.

Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted a figure eavesdropping behind the curtain and started forming a plan.

...

After Zhou Bing left, Fang Xue covered her face, still unable to believe it.

“Weiwei, am I dreaming? Did Zhou Bing really accept me as her student?”

“That’s Zhou Bing, after all!”

“I heard that the popular singer Xu Tan once wanted to apprentice under her, but got scolded harshly.”

“Teacher Zhou actually accepted me!”

As she spoke, Fang Xue pinched Qiao Weiwei’s face hard.

“Ow!”

Qiao Weiwei brushed her hand away, rubbing her reddened cheek.

“It’s real!”

“It’s real!”

Obviously, Fang Xue was going crazy.

Qiao Weiwei sighed helplessly. Well, no use arguing.

After seeing Fang Xue onto the subway, she stopped by a car, opened its door, and slid into the back seat.

She wiped the smile from her face.

Rolling down the window, she fixed a cold glare on the man who had been following her.

“I’m going home with my uncle now. There’s no room in the car.”

The engine started.

Gu Zhiyuan said nothing, only staring intently at the man in the back seat.