Ji Mo was genuinely hungry, and equally unimpressed by Man Yin’s performance.
While her zither skills were decent and her voice pleasant, there was a distinct lack of soul.
“It’s too perfunctory,” Ji Mo commented.
In his eyes, her performance was dismissive, extremely so.
This was a grave disrespect to the audience, and thus he felt no need to reciprocate respect. He continued to eat and drink as he pleased.
Perfunctory?
Li Qiufeng mused, and upon reflection, realized it was indeed so.
She had always felt that Man Yin’s singing and zither playing, though beautiful, seemed to be missing something. Now, hearing Ji Mo’s words, she understood it was a lack of genuine emotion.
Her bright eyes sparkled with a newfound brilliance. She found Ji Mo increasingly profound and cultured. The more she interacted with him, the more pleasant surprises she encountered.
Could this be the legendary treasure boy?
“Most of these boorish men here are mere hangers-on, pretentious gluttons who are not worth Miss Man Yin’s emotional investment in her performance. Moreover, even if she poured her heart into it, these people would be like pearls before swine, unable to appreciate its true worth.”
Hong Xing defended Man Yin.
She felt that Man Yin had done nothing wrong and there was no need to genuinely please a bunch of uncouth men.
“That’s where you’re wrong. Music is emotion! True musicians convey meaning through lyrics and express feelings through melody. Without emotional investment, how can good music be created? Even if it’s just a means of livelihood, if you’re selling your art, you should at least honor your audience and not be so careless.”
Ji Mo retorted. Setting aside the expected demeanor of a musician, he argued for the professional ethics of anyone in a service industry.
Customers are kings, and such a deceptive performance was simply unacceptable.
“Hmph, spouting all these grand principles. If you’re so capable, why don’t you do it yourself? Don’t spout nonsense if you don’t understand.”
Hong Xing continued to argue.
Ji Mo stopped speaking and resumed his meal, too lazy to bicker with Hong Xing.
“Hong Xing, be silent. Young Master Ji is correct. One should indeed conduct oneself in this manner in all aspects of life. Only by remaining true to one’s original intentions and being wholehearted can one achieve anything.”
Li Qiufeng spoke, strongly agreeing with Ji Mo’s viewpoint.
Few people in the world held such ideas. She hadn’t expected to encounter someone like this, feeling as though she had met a kindred spirit.
Hong Xing stared in disbelief, not because Li Qiufeng had scolded her, but because she suddenly noticed her mistress’s eyes were shining as she looked at this scoundrel.
It’s over, has my mistress’s heart been stirred?
“I’m perfunctory? I’m selling my art?”
Man Yin, a cultivator with the spiritual king realm, had heard Ji Mo’s words clearly.
Her lungs nearly exploded with anger.
She could admit to being perfunctory, but how could she be called someone who was selling her art?
Her temper flared, and she wanted this scoundrel to know what true skill was!
And so.
Man Yin became serious and began to play the zither strings once more.
Ding…
The zither music began again, and indeed, it was several notches higher than before.
“Miss Man Yin has gotten serious.”
Li Qiufeng was stunned. She could immediately discern the difference.
Compared to before, the music was far richer in emotion and more captivating.
“Ah, today’s a great gain! This piece is ‘Sigh of the Beautiful Woman’.”
“Miss Man Yin wrote the lyrics, and Master Li Xiao composed the music. It is said that the Ninth Prince once offered a hefty sum to hear it, but was refused.”
The men around them all became excited.
They also wondered what reason could have prompted Miss Man Yin to unleash her hidden talents.
“Young Master Ji, you have nothing to say now, do you?”
Hong Xing pouted.
Ji Mo shook his head and picked up a chicken drumstick to gnaw on.
Since the other party was now playing and singing with genuine effort, he saw no need to say more.
The music was good, but the lyrics, well, they lacked a certain something.
After all, having been influenced by the poetry of the Tang and Song dynasties, Ji Mo’s standards were indeed exceptionally high.
After the song concluded.
Applause and cheers erupted, and the sound of rewards cascaded in an unbroken stream.
The maids carrying the trays could barely support the weight. Piles of gold and silver jewelry rose like small mountains.
Indeed, no matter how stingy a man might be.
In establishments of pleasure, they became so generous.
“Now, do you know how formidable I am?”
Man Yin, seeing the frenzied crowd, couldn’t help but show a proud expression. But when she turned to look at Ji Mo,
her triumphant look froze.
The man was still eating, showing no reaction whatsoever.
This was too much, utterly too much.
She was simply too indignant. She parted the beaded curtain and walked out.
Instantly.
The men around them tidied their appearances, becoming refined and polite, all eager to leave a good impression on Man Yin.
However, she paid them no mind.
She walked directly to Ji Mo’s private seating area, wanting to ask what was wrong with her.
Upon seeing Man Yin approach, Li Qiufeng quickly rose to greet her.
But the other only nodded, displaying immense arrogance.
However, Ji Mo, the glutton, was even more arrogant, oblivious, eating his chicken drumstick, his mouth greasy.
All eyes in the vicinity immediately converged.
Many men cast murderous glares.
Who was that bumpkin who showed no reaction even when Miss Man Yin approached?
Hong Xing felt embarrassed and secretly nudged Ji Mo with her foot.
“Hong Xing, if you want a chicken drumstick, just take it,” Ji Mo mumbled indistinctly.
“Cough, cough…”
Man Yin deliberately coughed a few times.
She felt Ji Mo was being too affected.
Wasn’t he doing this just to get my attention? Now that I’m here, please stop pretending.
If you continue to act like this, don’t blame me for losing my temper.
Ji Mo raised his eyelids slightly, glanced over, and said, “Bring another plate of chicken drumsticks.”
Man Yin was immediately choked with anger.
Was she being treated as a mere attendant?
“Young Master Ji, this is Miss Man Yin.”
Li Qiufeng quickly introduced them.
At the same time, she couldn’t help but feel curious about Ji Mo.
With such a beautiful young woman before him, he didn’t even glance at her. Could this Young Master Ji not be interested in women?
Thinking back to how Ji Mo had taken liberties when he thought she was a man, she began to overthink.
Any man would not remain indifferent when encountering Man Yin.
Either he wasn’t a man, or he liked men.
“Who is Man Yin?”
Ji Mo asked, then felt a chill down his spine. He saw a beautiful girl staring intently at him with wide eyes, her gaze terrifying.
“I am Man Yin. I was the one performing just now. I wonder what this young master thinks?”
Man Yin said through gritted teeth.
“Hmm, not bad, not bad.”
Ji Mo replied perfunctorily.
Seeing Ji Mo’s perfunctory expression, Man Yin was furious and pressed him, “Then, what’s not bad? Please, young master, offer your guidance.”
Seeing her aggressive posture, Ji Mo seemed to misunderstand. He patted his pocket and reluctantly took out his last few copper coins, offering them.
He thought she had come to ask for a reward.
“Are you insulting me?” Man Yin was furious.
“How about a chicken drumstick?”
Ji Mo looked very apologetic, but he truly had no money. This was all his worldly possessions, so he politely offered the chicken drumstick in his hand.
Everyone was stunned. Someone was actually humiliating Miss Man Yin like this. This was a major issue.