Chapter 83: Better Now Than Later

“Cai Lanlan is actually so popular overseas!” Yu Zhile was somewhat impressed. Originally, “Nocturne” had only become popular domestically, but after Cai Lanlan performed all five pieces at her Centennial Piano Concert, they shot up onto music charts across Europe and America overnight!

The reason was that the Centennial Piano Concert was streamed live on both domestic and international platforms. While the domestic viewership was mediocre, the concert was a sensation abroad.

Qin Haiyu commented, “She is, after all, known as the Queen of the Piano! Although pianists in our country don’t achieve the same level of fame as pop singers or celebrities, in Europe and America, they’re especially well-regarded. That’s why she has such a huge influence and fan base there.”

Yu Zhile asked curiously, “Then why did she come back to develop her career at home?”

Qin Haiyu guessed, “Maybe she’s just longing for her roots? After being abroad for so long, she probably got tired of it and wanted to come back.”

“Enough about her!” Yu Zhile closed the video of Cai Lanlan’s piano performance from last night. He had to admit, her playing was excellent and she wasn’t bad-looking either. But in his opinion, the title of “Queen of the Piano” didn’t quite fit her—she should be called the “Piano Princess” instead.

After all, with her rather flat figure, she was the living embodiment of the “Princess Ping,” as the men jokingly called her.

A week later.

Yu Zhile received images and videos from his editor, Zhang Xue. After confirming that the character designs for the children’s literature works were all satisfactory, the production team officially got to work.

The Spring Festival was fast approaching.

So this weekend, his mother wouldn’t be coming over to look after her granddaughter—after all, with the winter break coming up, teachers were always busy.

But to Yu Zhile and his wife’s surprise, his father made a rare appearance!

When Yu Zhile opened the door, he asked in puzzlement, “Dad, did the sun rise in the west today?”

Old Yu glared and said, “Can’t I come over to see my granddaughter?”

Yu Zhile teased, “Normally, at this time, wouldn’t you be in the chess club?”

Old Yu waved him off, “No one’s playing chess today. Old Liu has been a bit down lately, so his family went traveling over the weekend to cheer him up.”

Yu Zhile asked awkwardly, “Uh… did you show off too much and hit a sore spot?”

Old Yu replied with exasperation, “I wasn’t showing off! It’s just that reality hit him in the face. He’s always bragging about his son’s cushy job in a state-owned enterprise. Now he suddenly realizes that our family’s situation is a hundred times better than his. His pride has taken a real hit and he’s been feeling a bit depressed these days.”

“Well, that’s complicated,” Yu Zhile could only shake his head.

Qin Haiyu came out holding the baby, coaxing, “Baby, Grandpa is here! Say hi to Grandpa!”

The baby waved her little hands. Although she couldn’t say “Grandpa” yet, she babbled excitedly in baby talk, as if recognizing her grandfather and feeling thrilled.

Old Yu came over, scooped up his granddaughter, and gently brushed his stubbly chin against her cheek, making the little one giggle uncontrollably.

After playing with his granddaughter for a while, Old Yu suddenly asked, “When is the next chess tournament sponsored by Mengniu Yogurt scheduled?”

Yu Zhile answered, “Not sure. They said it’s once a year, but this last tournament got a huge response and attracted a lot of media attention. So besides our hometown, they’ve sponsored similar tournaments in several cities across the country.”

“Once a year—that’s a long wait!” Old Yu said suddenly, “I want to rent a place and set up a chess club. Want to sponsor me?”

Yu Zhile laughed, “Dad, your fox tail is showing! No wonder Mom didn’t come, and you suddenly showed up! So you’re not here to see your granddaughter, but to ask for sponsorship.”

Qin Haiyu chimed in supportively, “Dad, if you want to do it, go ahead. It won’t cost much anyway.”

Old Yu said, “Then you’ll have to help me convince your mother! She only gives me eight hundred yuan a month now! I can’t live like this!”

Yu Zhile sympathized deeply.

Compared to that, my wife is much better! She hands all the money to me, and I can spend it however I want.

He said mischievously, “Dad, just tell me how much you need. I’ll transfer it directly. Once the deal is done, you won’t even have to discuss it with Mom!”

“Good point!” Old Yu agreed. “Then how about you give me one hundred thousand?”

Yu Zhile countered, “What can you do with a hundred thousand? Renting a decent-sized shop costs more than that per year, not to mention renovations and everything else.”

Old Yu asked, “Then how much will you give me?”

Yu Zhile answered generously, “How about a hundred and ten thousand?”

Old Yu almost coughed up blood!

You made it sound so grand, and in the end, you only added ten thousand?

Qin Haiyu nearly burst out laughing at her husband’s antics. She slapped his shoulder and scolded, “You’re asking for it!”

Yu Zhile laughed heartily, “Alright, I won’t mess with you, Dad! A hundred thousand really isn’t enough. I’ll give you a million! Make the place bigger and more impressive. With your and Old Liu’s skills, you could even take on a few students and earn some tuition. That way, Mom can’t accuse you of being idle.”

Old Yu was tempted, “That’s a good idea, but a million is too much, no need to waste it. Just ten or twenty thousand will do.”

At this point, Qin Haiyu suggested, “Honey, we can ask Lingling to help. Her gym is being renovated right now, so she’s experienced with this sort of thing. That way, Dad won’t have to handle it all himself.”

“Sounds good.”

…

The next day.

Back in their hometown, Old Yu took Xu Ling, the chubby girl, to inspect the site he had in mind, and she negotiated and secured the place on the spot.

If renovations started right away, the chess club might even open in time for the Spring Festival.

Three days later, editor Zhang Xue sent word that “Two Tigers,” “Pulling Up the Turnip,” “Counting Ducks,” and “Little Bunny, Be Good”—these children’s songs had all been produced according to Yu Zhile’s specifications.

Yu Zhile opened the videos, listening to little girls singing the songs, watching the specially designed animation, and replied in satisfaction, “Not bad. Are we planning to release these right now?”

Zhang Xue replied, “Yes. The editor-in-chief thinks that although you’re very popular in the novel world and your publishing record is excellent, you’re still a newcomer in children’s literature. It’s important to release a few works first to prove yourself, which will help draw attention to the books when they’re published.”

Yu Zhile asked, “So when do we start? Where will these songs be released?”

Zhang Xue replied, “As soon as you’re satisfied, we can release them whenever you like. Our publishing house’s website and app will feature these four songs prominently in the children’s literature section, and the children’s channel on internet TV will launch them simultaneously.”

Yu Zhile said expectantly, “Alright then, no time like the present—let’s put them up tonight!”