Chapter 123: The Shrewd Gu Yun

After returning home for a brief rest, it was already time for their evening visit. Gu Yun’s residence was on the same street within the Phoenix City community; without any gifts, the two could stroll there in just over ten minutes.

They had come alone, but Xú Dānní, the introducer, was indispensable. According to Liu Huan’s plan, he would arrive early in the afternoon, and how he chose to present the recording sample of Jin Xishan’s song was his own concern.

Xú Dānní knocked on the door, and sure enough, Liu Huan was there. They had arranged to come at eight o’clock specifically to avoid interrupting the family’s dinner time.

Gu Yun was already silver-haired, but his refined artistic aura remained intact. Even in casual home wear, his elegance was unmistakable.

His son, Qiu Ai, and his wife, Wang Mansa, were both involved in music education. They had a seven-year-old daughter named Linlin.

Xú Dānní could speak with this family because she was friends with Wang Mansa.

Liu Qingshan presented the gift. At first, the elderly Gu Yun was somewhat displeased, but upon seeing the beautiful Kashmiri shawl, his demeanor softened.

Liu Huan quickly explained that the gift was not specially prepared by Liu Qingshan but was one of many brought back from a filming trip to Tianzhu, which brought a smile to Gu Yun’s face.

“My mother has always been strict with her students; it’s rare to see her look so gentle,” Wang Mansa whispered discreetly to Jin Xishan.

Jin Xishan was no longer just the Queen of Han Country; she had gained considerable fame in China, especially after her debut on the national television.

“Xishan, how are you adapting to our country? And what is this—are you with Liu Qingshan...” Gu Yun’s kindly smile betrayed a slight touch of the female penchant for gossip.

“In response to Teacher Gu, the environment is manageable, though learning Mandarin is quite difficult. Luckily, Shanzi can correct my pronunciation anytime,” she replied tactfully, resolving Gu Yun’s queries in just a few words.

“That young man—I know him. He’s got grit and strength. Being new here, he can certainly protect you. For us women, isn’t it about having a safe harbor? Someone reliable when we’re tired and weary!” Qiu Ai and Wang Mansa exchanged puzzled glances, but perceptive Gu Yun caught the subtlety immediately.

“What are you two whispering about? Can’t you just say it openly?” Qiu Ai smiled broadly as he explained, “Mom, since when have you become so talkative? Huan has been here most of the day, and I haven’t seen you show him much warmth!”

Feigning anger, Gu Yun frowned and retorted, “Do I need your permission for anything?”

Then his expression changed, and he turned toward Jin Xishan with a smile. “For some reason, seeing this child brings me joy at once. And just by looking at Xishan’s face, one can see kindness, a gentle temperament—a person who will be virtuous and manage a household well in the future!”

The guests suddenly understood: the elder had taken a liking to Jin Xishan, a delightful surprise indeed.

Observing further, one could see she was unexpectedly well-liked; at that moment, she was engaged in conversation with seven-year-old Linlin.

The gifts for Linlin tonight were also from Tianzhu—an entire set of handcrafted folk items: silver bracelets and anklets, a gem-studded jewelry box set in silver and gold, exquisite sheepskin dolls, and several sets of small clothes made from Varanasi silk fabric, interchangeable for the dolls.

These were gifts from noble women of the Kram family—not only exquisitely crafted with carefully selected materials but also astonishingly expensive.

Though the little girl didn’t understand their value, she could sense their quality and uniqueness.

Linlin was utterly enchanted by the gifts, eagerly asking Jin Xishan to explain each one.

Hearing herself mentioned, Jin Xishan looked up and met Gu Yun’s kindly gaze.

“I feel especially close to Teacher Gu as well; my grandmother who raised me had the same loving eyes,” she said.

Liu Qingshan clenched his fist quietly. It seemed the matter was halfway settled, and he might not need to rely on the scheme Liu Huan had designed.

Liu Huan also breathed a sigh of relief. It was impossible not to be concerned—after all, deceiving a revered teacher was never his intention.

At this moment, Gu Yun fixed her eyes on Jin Xishan and suddenly said, “Dānnī, when you mentioned Xishan coming over, I suspected it was to seek advice on vocal music, right? Do you have the hard drive? Play a segment for me to hear!”

Liu Qingshan hurriedly rose to fetch his bag. He dared not rely on Liu Huan’s copy lest the elder have other thoughts.

The recording made in Hengdian was of good quality, and as for singing skills, it was about the same—after just a few days of practice, there was little room for improvement.

Being from a musical family, the living room’s sound system was highly professional.

When the song “Courage” started playing, Gu Yun’s expression immediately grew serious.

During the brief pause after the first chorus, she turned to Liu Huan. “Is your song ‘Night’ also composed by this young man?”

Receiving an affirmative, she then looked at Liu Qingshan. “How many songs are there? Are they all your compositions?”

“Five songs in total, all tailor-made for Sister Xishan.”

“Hm, having you to help Xishan is indeed her fortune! But there is one thing I don’t quite understand—how can you write such stylistically diverse songs? I’ve heard ‘Night’—though it’s just a draft, the grandeur and majesty are already evident!”

“Teacher Gu, actually, I was a bit lucky. I happened to know Huan a little and had read an interview with him before, so I experimented with this piece. But Huan and Erbao’s understanding of music is far deeper than my own shallow perception. They elevated my work because some of the philosophical depth is beyond my comprehension!”

Gu Yun nodded and suddenly turned to Liu Huan with a sharp look. “You intend to use ‘Night’ as a stepping stone to push your brother Qingshan forward. If I’m right, you must have another recording of Xishan singing, don’t you?”

Liu Huan immediately appeared anxious and restless. Just as he was about to explain, Gu Yun waved him off.

“Let’s listen to the songs first. Once I confirm Xishan’s vocal capabilities, we’ll discuss everything else.”

The second song, “The Pain That Breathes,” played. Liu Qingshan’s mind was not so much on the music as he became aware of the sweat dampening his back.

He hadn’t expected Gu Yun to be so astute, her insight razor-sharp rather than befuddled by age.

Still, he resolved to be open and talk freely; it might offer more opportunities since Jin Xishan had made an excellent impression on the elder.

He guessed Liu Huan’s anxiety must be even greater than his own, knowing how strict and meticulous his teacher was, yet still choosing to assist. He resolved to repay this kindness in the future.

As for Jin Xishan, just looking at her expression now brought a faint, inexplicable smile.

She could feel the deep care emanating from Gu Yun. A woman’s intuition is often extraordinary, even if she could not yet understand its origin.

Thus, she had become somewhat indifferent toward her vocal studies. Far from home in a foreign land, having an elder like Liu Qingshan to rely on was a blessing beyond measure.