CHAPTER 365: 153 EXPOSED! WHO IS THE REAL WINNER OF THE PIANO COMPETITION?

Qi Baotan walked out of the convenience store, unable to resist turning back to steal a glance.

Afraid he might notice her spying and feel troubled, Qi Baotan quickly withdrew her gaze.

She lowered her head and sent a message to Shen You’an.

"I’m pretty sure he’s Rong Xianning. Who would’ve thought he lives in the same neighborhood as me? Isn’t that such a coincidence?"

After some thought, Qi Baotan sent another message: "I just noticed Rong Xianning staring at the lollipops for quite a while. Does he want to eat one? Turns out he’s still just a kid."

Earlier, when browsing the shelves, Qi Baotan had already spotted Rong Xianning.

He stood before one shelf for a long time, staring at something on it, seeming hesitant to pick it up.

That frail silhouette, viewed from behind, seemed a little pitiful.

After he walked away, Qi Baotan went to check what he was looking at—it was a jar of lollipops.

Qi Baotan thought to herself, no matter how mature he comes across on screen, he’s still just a little boy who wants candy.

She actually wanted to buy the entire jar of lollipops for Brother Rong, but figured it would probably scare the poor guy.

Realizing the time, Qi Baotan exclaimed, "Oh no, I’m going to miss the bus...."

A black business sedan stopped in front of Qi Baotan.

The car door opened, revealing a young man with a cold yet refined face.

"Get in, I’ll drive you to school."

"Jiang... Brother Jiang."

The man inside the car, exuding elegance, was none other than Jiang Han.

After signing with Other Shore Entertainment, Jiang Han’s living arrangements, transportation, and security were all handled by the company, complete with a driver and assistant accompanying him at all times.

For the past few months, he had been busy producing his new album, and despite living in the same building as Qi Baotan, she seldom encountered him.

"Brother Jiang, I can hail a taxi; don’t let me delay your plans..."

His deep, magnetic voice responded, "It’s on the way. Don’t worry."

Qi Baotan didn’t argue further and bent down to step into the car.

His assistant, Xiao Ding, turned and moved to the back seat, making space for Qi Baotan.

Then, grinning, Xiao Ding greeted her, "Miss Qi, good morning."

Qi Baotan smiled and nodded in response.

Sitting down, she turned to glance at Jiang Han, hesitated, and softly asked, "Brother Jiang, when will your new album be released?"

Wearing a Bluetooth headset over his ear, Jiang Han had a tablet resting on his knees, his long, slender fingers gripping an electronic stylus as he sketched and wrote on the screen.

Qi Baotan couldn’t figure out what he was working on—perhaps it was a musical score?

Upon hearing her question, Jiang Han paused mid-stroke.

From the back seat, Xiao Ding chimed in cheerily, "Miss Qi, Brother Han’s new album is set to release on the twelfth of this month."

Qi Baotan nodded and smiled brightly, "Wishing Brother Jiang’s new album great success."

The man gave an understated nod and said, "Thanks."

Qi Baotan then fell silent.

Jiang Han had changed so much since the first time she met him. Now, he was dressed in fine clothing, carrying an aura of distant elegance, his every move exuding a subtle sense of detachment that invited admiration but kept people at arm’s length.

Once, while visiting the company, she overheard gossip from the receptionist. Apparently, Jiang Han’s new album was being produced by David Lin Dawei, one of the most elite music producers in the industry. All ten main tracks on the album were entirely composed, written, and performed by Jiang Han himself. After listening to them, Lin Dawei reportedly declared Jiang Han a once-in-a-lifetime genius in the music realm, predicting that the album’s release would not only shake up the music industry but redefine its landscape altogether.

No one doubted Lin Dawei’s words.

Before December twelfth, Jiang Han had merely been an obscure musician.

After December twelfth, the name Jiang Han was destined to become a legend in the entertainment world.

Sitting in Jiang Han’s car now, as he offered to drive her to school, Qi Baotan felt an overwhelming sense of privilege and disbelief.

Although, with the two of them now signed to the same company, technically, they were colleagues...

"Brother Jiang... can I have your autograph?"

Jiang Han turned to glance at the notebook and pen she had handed out, momentarily caught off guard.

Feeling a little shy, Qi Baotan explained, "Once you become a major star, it’ll be much harder for me to ask for your autograph."

Jiang Han chuckled, shook his head, and accepted the notebook and pen. He opened to the first page and signed his name.

Although he hadn’t deliberately practiced his signature, his strokes carried a dragon-like vitality, each character bold and precise. His name, Jiang Han, seemed to emanate a chill that matched his personality.

Qi Baotan’s eyes sparkled. "Brother Jiang, if you’re not too busy, can you sign a few more for me?"

The perk of being colleagues was definitely the proximity—it was easier to seize such opportunities.

Without saying a word, Jiang Han quickly signed ten autographs in succession.

"Is that enough?"

Qi Baotan happily hugged the notebook to her chest like a treasured prize.

"Thank you, Brother Jiang."

Jiang Han gave her a sidelong glance, seemingly wanting to say something but stopping short. Completely absorbed in her joy, Qi Baotan didn’t notice.