The change in her mindset instantly made her attitude much warmer.
"Dean Jiang, please forgive Yuehua's poor judgment; I didn't realize you were also a master of music theory." After saying this, she bowed respectfully.
Jiang Yunzhou saw her reaction and secretly rejoiced: This move wasn't in vain!
"Pavilion Master Tang, you flatter me."
She shook her head and sighed, "Yuehua is not joking. I wonder who composed this piece? Could I possibly borrow the sheet music for a look?"
Jiang Yunzhou said, without a blush or a racing heart, "This piece was composed in my dreams. If Pavilion Master Tang is interested, I'll transcribe a copy for you right away."
His generous response greatly increased Tang Yuehua's good impression of him.
Now she was even more convinced that Jiang Yunzhou was an upright person; otherwise, he couldn't have composed such a piece. He truly was a great talent!
She suddenly felt as if she had found a kindred spirit.
First impressions are very important, and impressions with a contrast are even more unforgettable.
This piece indeed added a lot of points to Jiang Yunzhou's favor.
Tang Yuehua, who hadn't disliked him much to begin with, now had an even higher opinion of him.
She even wondered if she should act as an intermediary to reconcile his relationship with her brother.
If she had known that Tang Hao had his leg cut off by Jiang Yunzhou, and that even the Clear Sky Sect's inherited Spirit Bone had been taken by Jiang Yunzhou, would she still have thought about mediating?
She heard the deep meaning in the music and couldn't help but wonder: Is this young man, only eighteen years old, truly so lonely?
Did he come here to find a kindred spirit?
They had never met before, yet he specifically asked to see her. Was he here for her?
It must be. He must have come to exchange musical insights with her.
"Then, thank you, Dean Jiang."
Jiang Yunzhou smiled and nodded, then picked up his brush and calmly wrote down the sheet music for "High Mountains and Flowing Water" on paper.
He knew clearly that good wine needed to be savored. It was unlikely to make someone shed their clothes—ah, no, shed their defenses—in one go.
Showing up every few days, whether it's a big deal or a small one, just showing whatever he had, would always pique her interest.
He still had a few other pieces in his mind. Although not many, they should be enough. He didn't believe this fish wouldn't take the bait.
He couldn't touch the young ones, but these mature ones, like peaches, he had no psychological burden.
He had figured it out. He wanted to experience the beauty of this World, to fulfill the dreams of certain people... He handed the completed sheet music to Tang Yuehua, his tone calm: "This piece is a gift for Pavilion Master Tang. I have other matters to attend to, so I won't disturb you further. I hope to have the honor of hearing you play it next time I visit."
With that, he smiled politely, walked past Tang Yuehua, and exited the Moon Pavilion directly, without a hint of lingering.
On the way back, Jiang Yunzhou couldn't help but ponder: How could a woman like Tang Yuehua fall for his own brother?
Playing with incest? What a pity, what a true pity... The more he thought about it, the more absurd it seemed. There wasn't just one such example; there was also a little evil dragon.
Damn it, this World was truly messed up.
Passing by the imperial palace, he had a thought: Should he sneak in and tease Qian Renxue?
But then he reconsidered. She was guarded by two Titled Douluo.
If it led to a misunderstanding and a big commotion, it would be hard to resolve. Besides, he wasn't familiar with the palace layout, so he decided to save it for next time.
So he changed direction and returned to the Supreme Academy.
He didn't expect that as soon as he snuck back into the Academy, he would see someone sitting formally in the reception hall.
'Why is this woman here again?'
Well, he had just been hesitating whether to sneak into the palace to meet the beauty, and now she had come to him.
Jiang Yunzhou composed himself, strode into the hall, cupped his hands, and smiled, "Brother Qinghe, why didn't you give a heads-up before coming? I apologize for the oversight."
Xue Qinghe responded with a half-smile, "No matter. Dean Jiang, have you just returned from handling business outside?"
"Haha, I had nothing to do, just strolling around."
"Oh? When I came out, I happened to see someone enter the Moon Pavilion, and their figure was very similar to Dean Jiang's. I must have been mistaken, then."
Jiang Yunzhou's mouth twitched slightly. Was there no privacy left in this World? Was the intelligence network that advanced?
How was it that no matter where he went, people knew his every move?
He chuckled dryly, "Hahaha, I just went to discuss music theory with Pavilion Master Tang..."
"I see. I thought Dean Jiang was going to seek a kindred spirit."
Jiang Yunzhou seriously suspected he was being monitored. Her words were so blunt, clearly indicating she knew what he had been up to. This was infuriating.
This was too passive. Not only was he being monitored, but her words were also sarcastic. Could he tolerate this?
His tone became a little colder: "Crown Prince, you certainly know a lot."
Xue Qinghe paused slightly at his words. The change in address made her heart tighten inexplicably. Had she not controlled her emotions well?
She pondered for a moment and realized that her tone of voice did seem to carry a hint of sarcasm.
No wonder Jiang Yunzhou suddenly reacted this way.
She suppressed that indescribable little emotion and softened her voice: "My apologies, I was presumptuous."
"I brought two pots of fine wine this time. I heard Dean Jiang is also quite skilled in culinary arts. I wonder if I might be fortunate enough to taste some?"
She changed the subject at the right time, afraid that if she continued, she would truly displease Jiang Yunzhou and he wouldn't want to interact with her anymore!
How could that be? That wasn't her purpose in coming here.
She had deliberately come out alone this time, without anyone accompanying her, just to have a couple of drinks, chat about her thoughts, and relax.
Jiang Yunzhou was indeed a little annoyed. Who wouldn't be happy being monitored?
They were all intelligent people; a hint was enough. Those who understood, understood.
However, he had a momentary illusion just now: Why did this woman seem to be jealous?
Since she had apologized, he couldn't very well hold a grudge.
"Of course, Brother Qinghe, I would be honored if you would grace me with your presence."
"Please wait a moment. I'll go prepare. We can have dinner together."
Seeing his tone soften, Xue Qinghe secretly sighed in relief: "Then I'll trouble Dean Jiang."
Jiang Yunzhou saw that she seemed much more reserved, so he smiled and said, "I call you Brother Qinghe, but you keep calling me Dean. It makes me seem unappreciative."
Xue Qinghe quickly corrected herself: "Dean Jiang... Alright, Yunzhou, is that alright for me to call you?"
Jiang Yunzhou laughed heartily: "That's much better; it sounds a lot more intimate. Brother Qinghe, please wait a moment; I'll be right back."
It had indeed been a while since he cooked. Cooking a meal occasionally wouldn't hurt.
He guessed that Xue Qinghe had probably heard about his cooking skills from Ning Fengzhi; otherwise, how would she know?
He rolled up his sleeves and busied himself in the kitchen.
About half an hour later, several fragrant and delicious dishes were successively brought to the table.
Now that the Academy had ten assistants, the efficiency was indeed much higher.
Xue Qinghe was invited to sit, and Ning Rongrong and the other two girls also came, drawn by the aroma.
With their teacher cooking, how could they miss it?
"Wow, Teacher, you've finally shown off your skills again! Do you need me to wipe you down?" Ning Rongrong was so happy.