NOVEL NEXT Chapter 32
Chapter 32: How Did He Show Off Again?:
“Sigh, I said I didn’t want to perform, but they insisted. It’s so tough.” Li Xuan sighed like a lazy fish, showing no enthusiasm.
Qin Luo laughed, “Just go for it. Didn’t you love music in middle and high school? Now you have the chance to perform on stage, and you’re getting cold feet?”
Li Xuan shrugged, “I did like it back then, but now I just see it as a hobby. It’s not something I can rely on to make a living, so I’m not that passionate about it anymore.”
Han Yiqun patted him on the shoulder, “You’ve got decent singing skills. Performing on stage shouldn’t be a problem. Just practice a few more times before the performance.”
Wang Chen joined in, “Aren’t you always afraid of getting too nervous on stage? Treat us as your audience first. Perform in front of us.”
Li Xuan thought for a moment, “Alright then.”
He fetched a black guitar, tuning it while reminiscing, “This guitar was a gift from my parents when I got into university. They said it was to support my love for music.”
“But by then, I wasn’t that into music anymore. Otherwise, I would’ve gone to a music university instead of a finance one because I understood something important then.
“I can keep music as a hobby, but I can’t rely on it to make a living. That’s why I chose finance, to learn about the financial industry and make good money in the future.”
Li Xuan spoke with heartfelt emotion, making the atmosphere in the dorm gloomy.
Then Qin Luo, looking doubtful, said, “Didn’t you say you chose the finance university because it had many pretty girls?”
Han Yiqun chimed in, “Yes, you said you saw a video from a senior at the finance university and decided to follow her.”
Wang Chen nodded, “But she was a senior about to graduate when you got here. You even cried secretly at night because of it.”
“Hey, don’t expose people’s shortcomings! I was just building up my mood!”
Li Xuan’s moment was ruined. He cursed at the three guys and then strummed his guitar, singing a popular song.
Since he had professional training in middle and high school, his singing and playing were decent, above average.
However, compared to others who had also studied music, he wasn’t exceptional—neither here nor there.
In short, he lacked the natural talent and had accepted this early on, so he didn’t obsess over music.
After he finished, his friends applauded and gave him honest feedback and praise.
“Not bad at all. I saw a street performer at the subway station, and you’re better than him.”
“Your technique and singing are solid. Just perform naturally, and you’ll be fine.”
“The key is your mindset. Just relax and don’t be nervous.”
Li Xuan listened absent-mindedly, nodding and softly plucking the guitar strings, lost in thought.
Suddenly, Qin Luo said, “Li Xuan, can I borrow your guitar?”
The others looked over, curious.
“You can play the guitar?”
“Kind of. I learned a bit before.”
“That’s surprising. You’ve never mentioned it.”
“What’s so surprising? Should I have told you when I learned to dunk?”
“Jeez, you’re showing off again.”
Ignoring their skeptical looks, Qin Luo took the guitar from Li Xuan and strummed a few times, adjusting the tuning.
Li Xuan hesitated because he had already tuned it well but assumed Qin Luo was just a novice, so he didn’t comment, letting him play around.
But when Qin Luo strummed again, the sound surprised Li Xuan.
“Huh?” Li Xuan widened his eyes, staring at the guitar.
Han Yiqun glanced at him, “What’s wrong?”
“Shh, listen,” Li Xuan focused on the sound.
After Qin Luo’s tuning, the guitar sounded smoother and clearer.
Li Xuan looked at Qin Luo with a mix of shock and admiration, “I’ve used this guitar for so long and never noticed this. You’re pretty good, silently showing off again.”
Qin Luo smiled calmly, “Just basic skills. Watch and learn.”
Han Yiqun and Wang Chen were puzzled.
“What happened? How did Brother Qin show off again?”
“Is Brother Qin really an expert? How does he compare to you?”
Li Xuan hesitated, “Hard to say. We need to hear him play and sing, but he’s definitely not a novice.”
To clear his roommates’ doubts, Qin Luo’s fingers moved, playing a gentle, lively melody.
For some reason, he suddenly remembered Ji Yan’s smile on the basketball court.
Though he didn’t want to admit it, she truly looked beautiful at that moment.
“I always casually tell you my wishes
And give you countless words in my gaze
Some people are busy searching for treasures in this world
But miss the splendor of life and all its wonders…”
As the cheerful melody flowed, Qin Luo’s soulful singing captivated his friends, who watched him in amazement.
It was the second time today that they were astonished by him. The first was when they saw his dunk on the basketball court, making them see him in a new light.
Now, that feeling returned.
The melody, the singing, even the lyrics were unexpectedly beautiful.
After nearly two years as roommates, this was the first time they knew Qin Luo had this talent!
Han Yiqun instinctively wanted to cheer, and Wang Chen wanted to ask the song’s name, but Li Xuan stopped them, signaling to quietly enjoy the performance.
As they listened, they noticed the dorm door had been opened at some point.
Several heads were peeking in from the hallway, ears tilted toward the room, nodding occasionally, clearly impressed by the song.