Chapter 108: Lord Qiu Truly Is a Good Man After All

No matter how persistently they questioned, Qiu Dayuan always wore a cheerful expression and deftly steered the conversation elsewhere, refusing to reveal the slightest information. The guests, realizing he was uncooperative, reluctantly gave up for the time being.

Finally freed from the crowd’s inquiries, Qiu Dayuan wiped the cold sweat from his brow. It wasn’t that he was particularly tight-lipped, but this time he needed a favor. Before gaining consent, it was better not to act rashly—what if a young lady stubbornly refused his request?

Although the Chinese Pavilion was a restaurant rather than a music venue, over the years its theme songs had become a signature feature. Many wealthy patrons frequented the place not only for the cuisine but also to enjoy the music; it had become a habit. Thus, the matter of theme songs was no trivial concern.

Soon, guided by a waiter, Qiu Dayuan arrived at the dining table where Luo Chen and the others sat. He glanced at the more than a dozen exquisite dishes arrayed before them and twitched at the corner of his eye—this was all money.

“Rest assured, Pavilion Master Qiu, this time we’re not here to mooch a meal,” Luo Chen said with a smile, looking at Qiu Dayuan’s pained expression. For the owner of the Chinese Pavilion to fret over such a small sum seemed beneath his status.

“Mooche or not, it’s just the cost of a meal or two. Whether I pay or not doesn’t matter,” Qiu Dayuan waved his hand with a commanding air, indicating he wasn’t concerned about the money.

Given Qiu Dayuan’s wealth, even if Luo Chen’s table dined for free or the entire venue was waived happily, there would be no cause for worry—it was an issue of principle. He never minded spending money, but being taken advantage of without cause, even for small sums, would pain him deeply.

“Uncle Qiu, but you promised, next time when we come here, you can’t charge us, okay?” Le Zhengling teased, seeing Qiu Dayuan’s generous demeanor.

“Ah Ling? You’re here too?” After hearing Le Zhengling speak, Qiu Dayuan noticed a familiar face. But after hearing her words, he shook his head in resignation—it seemed this young lady was trying to trick him.

Feigning distress, he replied, “Uncle Qiu has to make a living too. I can’t support all your mouths at once.”

“But I’ll treat you to this meal,” he added.

Since he had met acquaintances and needed their help, Qiu Dayuan decided to waive the bill for this table. Having made the first friendly gesture, it would be impolite for them to refuse his request outright.

“Thanks so much, Pavilion Master Qiu,” Luo Chen said, exchanging a grateful glance with Le Zhengling before agreeing. Over these two visits, they had already enjoyed many dishes at the Chinese Pavilion without paying a cent—Pavilion Master Qiu truly was a good man.

Le Zhengling, catching Luo Chen’s look, brightened instantly.

Hmph... now you see the benefit of bringing me along.

Qiu Dayuan gave a strange look at the young man and woman exchanging looks before him. Was public flirtation really appropriate? After pondering, he decided not to interfere—young folks should resolve their own affairs.

Turning, he smiled at Luo Tianyi, who was finishing the last piece of braised pork, and asked, “Master Luo, do you have any new works ready for release lately?”

“Hm? New songs? Well... not really. I haven’t even started thinking about them yet,” Luo Tianyi responded after some thought. She realized she’d been rather idle lately, having done almost nothing over the past half-month.

“Not even started thinking?” Qiu Dayuan’s smile nearly faltered. Did she not realize thousands of fans were eagerly awaiting updates? To not have even begun to consider new works—

Those fans would be heartbroken.

Qiu Dayuan had assumed that after this time, even if Luo Tianyi hadn’t completed new songs, she’d be close. Who would have thought otherwise? His plan might be ruined. Who knew how long the next song would take?

“That’s Luo Chen’s responsibility. You should ask him,” Luo Tianyi said, observing the slightly troubled expression on Qiu Dayuan’s face. She felt something was amiss and decided to pass the troublesome matter to Luo Chen. After all, wasn’t her brother the one meant for this kind of thing?

Besides, Luo Chen had said he could compose songs—might as well leave it all to him.

Upon hearing this, Qiu Dayuan barely recovered. Of course—several million fans were waiting. How could anyone not care? It turned out the real Master Luo was someone else.

“Luo, young friend, I didn’t expect you to compose songs as well. Really impressive... not only a prankster but also a live streamer. Could it be true what netizens say—that you’re truly versatile?” Qiu Dayuan looked back at Luo Chen in amazement. He kept up with the news and had visited streaming platforms several times, so he was well aware of Luo Chen’s exploits. Most people wouldn’t dare approach to confirm, but Qiu Dayuan was different. With identical looks and voice, who else could it be?

This was why Qiu Dayuan’s attitude towards Luo Chen had grown increasingly friendly. If his initial address of “young friend” was polite, now it was genuine. Who wouldn’t like such a capable, grounded young man?

“The fans exaggerate. Compared to Pavilion Master Qiu, I’m merely a junior still striving,” Luo Chen replied modestly.

Qiu Dayuan’s leisure and connections that allowed him to run the Chinese Pavilion suggested he’d shifted from a public figure to a backstage power—either a retired official or someone controlling vast wealth behind the scenes.

“Haha... Luo, young friend, you’re too modest. When I was your age, I wasn’t nearly as capable,” Qiu Dayuan nodded at Luo Chen’s calm gaze. Being adored by millions at a young age and yet remaining humble was far superior to his own youth.

The only downside was Luo Chen’s low profile. With millions of fans, if he leveraged them properly, the benefits could be enormous.

But young people these days had their own ways. Qiu Dayuan wouldn’t interfere or offer unsolicited advice. Those who’ve come this far were elites. Perhaps he himself was the one out of touch.

Shaking off these thoughts, Qiu Dayuan asked, “Young friend Luo, about the matter of the traditional-style song...”

[End of excerpt.]