Chapter 69 Part 2

“Good nutrition makes it grow fast.” Zhou Chiyu prepared to hum a tune for him. “Bro, listen to my voice. Sound good?”

Gu Yuan arched a brow lightly. “My pleasure.”

“Two tigers, two tigers, run so fast!”

Zhou Chiyu beamed with laughter, singing the nursery rhyme with full enthusiasm.

Gu Yuan held back a laugh and clapped softly. “Sounds good.”

“Is my vocal talent decent?” Zhou Chiyu’s confidence soared. “I’m planning to hire a teacher for guidance. Who knows, I might break out of the department and reach the finals.”

Gu Yuan’s gaze softened. “Picked a song yet?”

Zhou Chiyu shook his head. “I’m letting the tutor pick one that suits my voice.”

“Good luck.” Gu Yuan chuckled lightly. “My Little Sweetheart will surely nail it.”

Through a friend’s introduction, Gu Yuan hired a Music Academy teacher for Zhou Chiyu and took him to the first lesson that evening.

He was actually quite curious about why Zhou Chiyu wanted to join the Top 10 Singers contest. From what he knew, Zhou Chiyu had never been passionate about music as a kid.

Along the way, Zhou Chiyu hummed childhood nursery rhymes nonstop. Gu Yuan curved his lips and teased that his voice rivaled the car’s Berlin Philharmonic sound system.

The professor in charge of the lessons was named Lin, thirty-eight years old, and a judge in multiple national vocal competitions.

Professor Lin wore a navy cardigan sweater. Behind his gold-rimmed glasses, his gentle, elegant eyes carried the charm of accumulated years.

Seeing the two brothers’ exceptionally handsome faces, he had the housekeeper bring out prepared snacks and teased warmly, “In my opinion, Little Fish could win the Campus Top 10 Singer Contest on looks alone.”

He had learned a bit about Zhou Chiyu beforehand but had not expected him to be so striking in person—like a mixed-race doll, pure and beautiful.

“Thanks for the praise, Professor Lin. Though I am handsome, I want to win on talent.”

Everyone knew that the initial selections for Qing University’s Top 10 Singers factored in audience votes, so the campaigning was fierce every year. Good looks naturally boosted popularity.

Zhou Chiyu was hungry and sampled the delicate pastries. “Your desserts are delicious.”

“If you like them, take some home.” Professor Lin’s gaze shifted to Gu Yuan, his mild eyes revealing perceptive wisdom. “This must be Little Young Master Gu.”

“Just call me Gu Yuan.”

Gu Yuan nodded, noting how impeccably clean and tidy Professor Lin’s home was. Every item was perfectly placed, minimalist to the point it hardly seemed lived-in.

“Little Fish, full yet?” Professor Lin adjusted his glasses. “Ready for the lesson?”

“Yes!” Zhou Chiyu nodded hastily, cheeks puffed with snacks. Professor Lin smiled. “Eat slower, have some water.”

Professor Lin had a dedicated soundproof practice room. Before entering, Zhou Chiyu glanced back at Gu Yuan. “Brother, wait here for me.”

Gu Yuan had planned to join him and asked curiously, “What’s up?”

Vocal lessons involved embarrassing sounds and exercises. Zhou Chiyu worried about messing up in front of Gu Yuan and ruining his perfect image, so he said, “It’s more relaxing for you on the sofa. My singing would be too noisy.”

Gu Yuan guessed the kid cared about his image and nodded. “Alright.”

The heavy soundproof door closed. Professor Lin kindly poured Zhou Chiyu a glass of water. “Little Fish, sit here.”

“Thanks, Professor.”

Zhou Chiyu realized his worries were unnecessary.

Professor Lin was mild-mannered and refined, clearly a good-tempered teacher who would not be harsh.

The high stool was tricky to climb. Zhou Chiyu held his cup and wobbled up. Professor Lin steadied his shoulder gently. “Little Fish, what music style do you like?”

Zhou Chiyu thanked him. A faint sandalwood scent lingered around Professor Lin. Glancing sideways, he noted the professor’s handsome features.

“Pop songs, R&B?”

Professor Lin’s lips curved. “Then I’ll pick a song for you.”

In the living room, Gu Yuan worked on his after-class assignments. The project team had issues needing his input, and his professor had just messaged hoping he could return to school.

After a moment’s hesitation, he told the professor he had urgent matters.

Leaving Zhou Chiyu alone weighed on him; he could not relax.

“What do you usually enjoy?” After an hour of practice, Professor Lin signaled a break and demonstrated diaphragmatic breathing. “I bet young people’s hobbies are diverse these days.”

Zhou Chiyu’s cheeks ached a bit as he massaged them. “No particular hobbies. I like anything fun.”

“My friends invited me to a concert this weekend. Want to join?” Professor Lin smiled. “Danish national performance—tickets are scarce.”

“Thanks, Teacher.” Zhou Chiyu was tired from breathing exercises and munched more snacks. “I’ve never been to a concert.”

“I’ll pick you up Saturday morning.” Professor Lin stood, leaning lightly against the piano, drawing a bit closer to Zhou Chiyu. “Is Gu Yuan your blood-related brother?”

“No, I’ve been living with my brother since I was little.” Zhou Chiyu nibbled snacks and peeked through the door crack at Gu Yuan.

As if by telepathy, Gu Yuan looked up just then. Their eyes met, and Zhou Chiyu grinned foolishly, throwing a clumsy wink.

Gu Yuan’s pen paused, his heart itching from the wink.

Zhou Chiyu was just too adorable.

At ten that evening, the lesson ended. Gu Yuan handed Professor Lin the fee via check, but Professor Lin declined. “You’re a friend’s recommendation. How could I charge?”

Gu Yuan and Zhou Chiyu did not want to take advantage, but Professor Lin was firm, and the check stayed with them.

On the way home, Zhou Chiyu brought up going to the concert with Professor Lin and raved about the professor’s professionalism.