On the night of the recording, Xie Yang finally got Tao Yang's response that he was waiting for.
Tao Yang didn't post on Weibo but spoke in a pre-interview about the cooperative catwalk show. Facing the reporter's inquiries, he showed a helpless and amused expression. "I have been busy with the catwalk show lately and haven't paid attention to things on the Internet. My agent mentioned it to me but I thought it was just a small group of people guessing. I didn't expect it to be so big."
He shook his head, went to the table to tidy up the clothes and spoke apologetically. "I sent that Weibo post back then because I was impulsive. I did have a bit of a misunderstanding at the time, in short, I wasn't good and caused trouble to Chairman Qiu and Vice-chairman Xie."
Tao Yang's tone was like he was chatting with friends and the reporter's tone became gentler. The reporter asked, "So you don't have an interest in Chairman Qiu...?"
"What?" Tao Yang glanced at the reporter, smiled and shook his head again. "How can that be? Chairman Qiu is indeed excellent but... let's put it this way. He might not be much older than me but he is indeed my elder from a seniority point of view."
"In addition..." He sorted out the clothes on the table again, acting carefully and with a gentle expression. His gaze was like he was looking at a lover. "There is a fundamental difference between my partner selection criteria and Vice-chairman Xie's partner selection criteria."
The reporter hurriedly asked, "What is the difference?"
Tao Yang smiled without answering. He just touched the clothes on the platform and asked the reporter, "Does this dress look good?"
The interview ended here. Xie Yang turned off the video clip of the interview that had just been posted by the Tao fans and checked the comments below. The comments could be roughly divided into three types. There were those who didn't believe, those who believed and those wondering about the difference in Tao Yang's partner selection.
Qin Cheng asked, "Do you want to post the video now?"
"Wait." Xie Yang turned away from the replies of netizens under the hot comments about Tao Yang's partner selection criteria and put away his phone. "His clarification isn't finished."
Qin Cheng was confused. "It isn't finished?"
***
That evening, Xie Yang practiced the piano and arranged music as usual. He washed and went to bed regularly. Then he woke up the next day, grabbed his phone and immediately checked Weibo.
On the hot search, the topic #Tao Yang's inclination# was hanging up high. Xie Yang clicked it, the page refreshed and a Weibo posted by a marketing account appeared at the top of the page.
Entertainment Almighty: The designer's romance! It turns out that Tao Yang's show is for someone. Look at this. Tao Yang mentioned the source of his design inspiration in an interview two months ago. He said he ran into an angel on campus so he had to show the 'Angel' series. Then I investigated and found that Tao Yang always carried angel related things on his body. Sometimes it is a tie, sometimes a ring and sometimes a handkerchief. In addition, the dress in the interview video yesterday was pure white with the skirt like wings. Isn't it similar to an angel? Did Tao Yang prepare this dress for the woman he likes? So this is where he is different from Xie Yang? His sexual orientation is heterosexual!
The sentence that the sexual orientation was heterosexual immediately overturned all previous speculations.
In the comments area, there were many Tao fans' relieved comments. Many people were scolding the person who first revealed that Tao Yang had thoughts about Qiu Xing, saying they wanted to cause chaos. There were even people who involved Xie Yang and Qiu Xing, saying if they came out to speak for Tao Yang then these things wouldn't have happened. As a result, Xie Yang and Qiu Xing kept pretending to be dead. This was too much.
Sure enough.
Xie Yang closed the comments area.
Tao Yang's actions to organize the clothes in the interview video should be deliberate. It was a same-sex scandal where he was the third party involved. A clarification could easily become unreasonable so this type of clarification method was relatively more effective. By doing so, Tao Yang could also publicize his designs for free.
Xie Yang saw the details of various items with the angel elements that the marketing account sent out and admired Tao Yang. The source of the design inspiration had been revealed as early as two months ago. It turned out that Tao Yang had already expected to be exposed and prepared this. However, something happened that made this preparation useless and it was dragged out until now.
Still, no matter why Tao Yang dragged it out to the present, he wouldn't be able prevent it from ending as Xie Yang desired.
Xie Yang thought about it and didn't ask Qin Cheng to send the video. Instead, he switched to his main Weibo account, uploaded Xie Xiu's phone recording that was edited in advance and typed something.
[Xie Yang: I want to know the identity of the person who called to harass my father. Aren't you tired after several calls?]
Then he sent a message to Qin Cheng, asking Qin Cheng to temporarily suppress the video and to not send it out. First, guide the rhythm of the recording he just uploaded, to let the netizens discover that the person who tried to buy Xie Xiu in the recording was actually the same voice as the person who bought Bei Cheng in the previous recording.
Qin Cheng hadn't known about Xie Xiu's recording. He received the information and sent a message asking for the details. Xie Yang explained it to him.
Qin Cheng: When will Wu Shui's video be released?
Xie Yang got out of bed and walked to the bathroom. He found Qiu Xing washing his face and asked, "How is Feng Chun's situation now?"
"The Feng family is with him. If it is good then he can last a week. If it is bad, he has two or three days at most." Qiu Xing watched Xie Yang. "Why are you asking this?"
Xie Yang didn't answer and instead lowered his head to reply to Qin Cheng.
Xie Yang: Wait a bit.
***
More than an hour later, Xie Yang's post climbed the popular list.
The netizens were eating the melon that was Tao Yang's clarification. Suddenly, Xie Yang made a post that became popular. They thought it was Xie Yang responding to the gossip and flooded in. Then they were shocked listening to the recording and all the melons in their hands dropped.
The recording wasn't long but the amount of information was very large.
The recording started with a male voice tempting Xie Xiu. "Xie Yang has stiff wings now. Do you really think he will take good care of you in the future? His money belongs to him, not you. You didn't treat him well previously and he will retaliate against you sooner or later. As long as you help me, I can give you... Chairman Xie, please think about it."
Then there was the sound of Xie Xiu's high-pitched voice, still as fast as a machine g*n. "You are annoying! Don't bother me! Stop calling me or I will call the police! Yang Yang is very filial so don't make false accusations! I don't need his money. In the future, even my money will be his!"
The male voice continued. "Chairman Xie, I know that you are afraid of Qiu Xing. Don't worry about this. You just have to tell the facts and I promise-"
"What is there to say? There is nothing! It is a fact that Yang Yang and Qiu Xing are in a serious relationship. They want to get married and it isn't a nurturing relationship or selling himself! You actually want to give me money to discredit my son, has your conscience been eaten by a dog? Why did you go to my wife's family to ask questions? Get lost!"
"Chairman Xie, don't hesitate only to be forced to do something you don't want."
"Let me see how you will punish me. Don't call me again! If you call me again then I'll call the police to arrest you!"
The recording ended and the netizens couldn't return to their senses for a long time. So this recording meant that someone wanted to spend money to buy Xie Yang's father and have him discredit Xie Yang and Qiu Xing's relationship? Fu*k! Who was so poisonous? Netizens flocked to the comments area to express their shock. Then they were even more shocked by the hot comment.
Setting Sail: Wait! Why does the male voice in this recording sound exactly the same as the person who bought Bei Cheng? Is it the same person?
What? It was the same person?
A netizen with quick hands ran to find the audio of the male voice from the two recordings. Then they were shocked to confirm it was indeed the same person. In other words, the person who bought Bei Cheng now tried to buy Xie Yang's father? The netizens who came to this conclusion felt cold. What was more terrifying than someone hiding in the darkness and trying to secretly kill you?
Who the hell was this person? Why did he keep staring at Xie Yang?
The topic #Who wants to harm Xie Yang# quickly rose on the hot search. The melon eating netizens kept analyzing it and unknowingly suppressed Tao Yang's clarification.
***
Two days before the start of the cooperative catwalk show, Xie Yang finally completed and adapted all the designated tracks. He sent the adapted tracks to the assistants of the designers and waited for their responses.
In the next two hours, the designers other than Tao Yang called back one after another. Five of them said they were satisfied with the adaptation of the song and didn't need to modify it. Two designers suggested minor amendments. Xie Yang took a few hours to revise the songs based on their opinions and completely finalized it.
In the end, only Tao Yang's side didn't respond. Xie Yang didn't care about Tao Yang and called Verden directly. 30 minutes later, Tao Yang took the initiative to contact Xie Yang.
"The adaptation is great but I'd like to revise it again."
Xie Yang replied simply and neatly, "I refuse. I have already talked to Verden. If you aren't satisfied with this version of my adaptation then I will quit your show. Verden knows many violinists who can perform 'Rainy Night Delusions' perfectly. He can help invite one for you."
Tao Yang was quiet.
Xie Yang asked, "Do you still want to modify it?"
"Xie Yang." Tao Yang's voice became much weaker. "Xie Yang, you have won. For the sake of the Tao family, I can disappear from in front of you and Chairman Qiu. Can you let us go?"
Xie Yang found it interesting. "Are you seeking reconciliation?"
"Yes. There is no deep hatred between you and me except for that Weibo post. I have never done anything bad to you. I can apologize for all the offensive language I previously used so can we stop here?"
Was this trying to hide back in the darkness again?"
Xie Yang confirmed it. "You really didn't do anything excessive to me except verbally offend me?"
"No." Tao Yang replied with certainty. "No matter what you suspect, I can tell you no. In order to show my sincerity in seeking peace, I can provide you with some information. The Feng family has serious internal disturbances. Last time, you humiliated Feng Dian at the birthday party. He was very angry and always wanted to find an opportunity to clean you up. You should let Qiu Xing pay more attention to him."
This guy was really good at shifting the blame. It was a crafty escape plan.
Xie Yang laughed. "Thank you for the reminder. I'll think about your words."
***
The day before the catwalk show began, everyone gathered at the museum for a rehearsal. Xie Yang and Tao Yang had dominated the hot search lately so they immediately attracted the attention of most people.
Tao Yang took the initiative to approach Xie Yang and gave a friendly message. "I will take back the thoughts I shouldn't have. I wish you and Qiu Xing well."
"Thank you." Xie Yang sorted out his ear piece and smiled meaningfully at Tao Yang. "The rehearsal is about to begin. Jiayou."
***
The cooperative catwalk show was a series of eight shows with each show separated by a short brand introduction. The total time was close to an hour. It wasn't long but it also wasn't short.
During this hour, Xie Yang needed to repeatedly perform the actions of performing-changing clothes-performing-changing clothes. This tested his physical strength.
Verden had prepared a total of ten sorts of clothing for Xie Yang's opening and closing performances and his eight performances on the catwalk. The styles were very rich and included minimalist, gorgeous, punk, dark, divine... in short, the mainstream styles that most designers liked. Verden prepared them all for Xie Yang.
There were three rehearsals. The first two rehearsals were to get familiar with the process. The last one would be the official catwalk show apart from the fact that they weren't in makeup. In other words, Xie Yang needed to sing for three hours.
Verden was worried about Xie Yang's voice and suggested that he shouldn't sing during the first two rehearsals. Xie Yang declined Verden's suggestion with a smile and promised that nothing would happen to his voice.
Soon, the first rehearsal began.
The moment the prelude to 'Golden Age' played in the venue, everyone couldn't help stopping their work to look toward the stage.
Dressed in a simple t-shirt and jeans, Xie Yang walked onto the stage with the microphone. He stood at the position designated by the lighting engineer, bowed his head to listen intently and raised the microphone once the prelude reached the most gorgeous part.
The mellow male voice was like the first ray of sunlight piercing the early morning fog. It gently and powerfully cut through the atmosphere created by the music, opening a dazzling scene of prosperity for all listeners.
"Wow."
The designer who appeared first was sorting out the clothes for the models backstage but couldn't help looking at the front with surprise. She was upset about the loss of an accessory but at this moment, she couldn't help relaxing along with the singing.
"Fantastic music and sound." She was surprised and looked at another designer who had a good relationship with her. "I don't think my designs are suitable for appearing with his singing."
It was also the first time the other designer had heard Xie Yang's voice and he replied, "Of course not. Later, your designs can be seen in his music."
The first designer was stunned. Then she laughed and shook her head along with Xie Yang's singing. "You are right. I am suddenly looking forward to his adaptation that will show off designs."
Tao Yang was standing not far from the two of them and heard their conversation. He glanced sideways at the front stage, stood there for a few seconds and turned to leave.
The first rehearsal went smoothly. There was the first show, the second show... then the fifth show came. This show belonged to Tao Yang. Xie Yang and Tao Yang met backstage. Xie Yang held his violin and prepared to play. Tao Yang spoke as he was passing by. "Your music is very good."
Xie Yang stopped and looked at Tao Yang. "I hope your designs can match my music."
***
Xie Yang took to the stage and stood at the designated location. The moment the countdown in his ear piece finished, he lightly stroked the bow of the violin and started playing.
The original version of 'Rainy Night Delusions' had a very fast rhythm, strong jumps and a warm and intense style. It gave a sense of smoothness and no restraint. It didn't match Tao Yang's elegant design style.
In the adaptation, Xie Yang used the rhythm dislocation method. He retained the enthusiasm and tension of 'Rainy Night Delusions' while slowing down the rhythm. He lifted the notes that seemed to be smashed in the original so they were high and light. Then he weaved them in with the rhythm to become light and smooth.
If the original version of 'Rainy Night Delusions' was a roar and catharsis of a person's mood in a heavy, rainy night with thunder, this adapted version was the happy dance of a cloud in the process of transforming in the rain.
The first moment the violin sound was heard, the atmosphere in the venue was firmly controlled. Tao Yang listened to the violin backstage and clenched his fingers. Then he gestured to the first model. "Go out."
The sound of the violin was like the clouds before they went away. The first drop of rain fell smoothly from the violin and the model wearing a white-grey gradient dress walked out from backstage like a raindrop falling to the earth.
Verden saw this scene and shook his head with amazement. "It can be controlled like this... perfect, Xie is more professional than I thought."
Xie Yang had always been serious and professional in his work. He didn't work slowly or deliberately behave badly because he was working with Tao Yang. In fact, the music he adapted perfectly blended with Tao Yang's design style. It turned Tao Yang's design into raindrops from the clouds. It was a gorgeous dance on a rainy night of delusions.
At the end of the song, the rain broke and the clouds disappeared. The last model returned backstage. Xie Yang put down his violin, smiled at Verden and the others in the audience and turned around to prepare for the next show.
Backstage, Tao Yang was helping a model adjust the loose belt. He saw Xie Yang returning and took the initiative to say, "Very good."
Xie Yang glanced over and replied, "You are also very good."
***
On the way home from rehearsals, Xie Yang opened Weibo. Not surprisingly, he saw that today's rehearsals were on the hot list. In the photo, he and Tao Yang had a 'very good chat'. They 'cooperated' with each other and 'appreciated' each other. They seemed to have a very good relationship.
The person who posted the set of photos also mentioned the blogger who had revealed that Tao Yang was interested in Qiu Xing and mocked: Yes? Aren't you going to come out and explain the so-called Tao Yang has ideas about Xie Yang's boyfriend? If Tao Yang was really interested in Qiu Xing, could Xie Yang still chat and smile with Tao Yang like this? It is really just a rumor. Be careful not to be struck by lightning when speaking nonsense.
Here it came. Creating the illusion of a good relationship for the sake of white washing.
Xie Yang switched to WeChat and sent a message to Qin Cheng.
Xie Yang: Go and release the news that Xu Chen was trying to buy Bei Cheng and my father.
Qin Cheng: Okay.
30 minutes later, Qin Cheng called him. "I didn't release it. Xu Chen came out on his own."
Xie Yang asked, "What do you mean?"
"My side had just made an account to release the news when Chenyao Media, the place Xu Chen holds shares in, issued an announcement. In the announcement, Chenyao Media said they recognized Xu Chen's voice as the one making the harassing phone call to Xie Xiu and asked Xu Chen for an explanation. They finally got a confirmation and are very sad about this. After the board of directors discussed it, they decided to remove Xu Chen from his position in Chenyao Media. This announcement has become popular due to the mention of your name and the topic #Xu Chen harming Xie Yang# is rising on the hot search."
He took the initiative to confess and was removed from his position. Was this because he was afraid he would be checked sooner or later and wanted to start first, getting rid of his relationship with the company? It was pretty fast.
Xie Yang asked again, "Did Xu Chen say anything?"
"Not before I called you."
"Watch Xu Chen."
Not long after, Xu Chen finally spoke out. He issued a statement through his lawyer saying that he had been paid to do this. The person who really wanted to harm Xie Yang was Feng Dian. The reason why Feng Dian was targeting Xie Yang was because they had old grievances.
This matter suddenly involved the grievances of the rich. The netizens who had been passionately insulting Xu Chen and wondering why he wanted to harm Xie Yang were shocked by this information.
Xie Yang closed Weibo and called Feng Qinglin. "Does Feng Dian know about the news on the Internet?"
"He knows but Tao Yi misled him into thinking Xu Chen's actions were done by others in the Feng family fighting for power. Now the Feng family is about to go through a battle to seize power and Feng Dian doesn't want to care about this at the critical moment when the Feng family needs to stay low-key and hide from Qiu Xing. Feng Dian is about to go to the hospital to find Elder Feng."
"Isn't Elder Feng going to die. How can he see Elder Feng?"
Feng Qinglin's voice was cold. "It is for the rest of the Feng family and the shareholders of Fenghua. Tao Yi is currently hoping that Feng Dian will make trouble, fight and pull everyone into the water. Feng Dian is obediently doing so."
Xie Yang was very satisfied with the development of the matter. "Wait for Feng Dian to go over. Then arrange for Bei Cheng to appear on the Internet and have him confess to his original deal with Tao Yi."
"Okay."
***
It was 9 o'clock in the evening. Just as most netizens accepted that Xu Chen and Feng Dian were the ones who wanted to harm Xie Yang, the disappeared Bei Cheng suddenly applied for a new account and posted a video.
In the video, Bei Cheng spoke angrily. "It isn't Feng Dian at all. The person who wants to harm Xie Yang isn't Feng Dian! So far, I had nothing to say. Xu Chen and the real boss behind him took the initiative to contact me. They said that as long as I made things difficult for Xie Yang on the show, they would help pay off my gambling debts and send me abroad. They also had me slander Xie Yang and Shen Yan afterwards in order to disturb the relationship between Xie Yang and Qiu Xing. I just didn't expect Xu Chen to go back on his word. The money was given but they didn't send me abroad at all! After the recording of the transaction was leaked, they pretended not to know me!"
The more Bei Cheng spoke, the more hateful his tone became. "They were afraid of being recorded when they talked about the deal and insisted on a face-to-face meeting. Yet the recording still came out! They treated me as a fool! I have been looking for that recording during this period and I didn't expect to find it. Let me tell you who really wants to harm Xie Yang."
He picked up a mobile phone, turned to a recording file inside and pressed play.
Xu Chen's voice came from the phone. "In case you are discovered by Xie Yang, tell him that Feng Dian paid you."
Then Bei Cheng's voice was heard. "Feng Dian? It is the Feng family... no, no, I don't dare. I won't do this business. I can't afford to go against the Feng family."
Xu Chen tried to persuade Bei Cheng who adamantly refused to cooperate. Xu Chen probably felt helpless and finally told Bei Cheng, "Don't be afraid... forget it, I will introduce someone to you."
There was a long murmur and then a female voice was heard. "Hello, I am Feng Dian's wife Tao Yi."
At the end of the recording, Bei Cheng put down his mobile phone and sneered. "It is true that there really are a lot of quarrels between the rich. Isn't it a good show for a wife to do bad things and then push the blame onto her husband? In the beginning, Tao Yi repeatedly told me that if I was discovered by Xie Yang, I shouldn't mention her name or the Tao family. I should say Feng Dian did it! By the way, there is something else you should all be interested in. When Xu Cheng and I finished discussing business and were about to leave, I saw Tao Yi entering the car driven by Tao Yang. Yes, you heard me correctly. It is that designer Tao Yang who said he had no ideas regarding the Chairman of Rongding and only considered him an elder. He and Tao Yi are aunt and nephew!"
***