114: 114. Save the show

The Student Union members had never witnessed such a negotiation scene, with its sharp exchanges that left them breathless, yet also filled with the excitement of being part of it.

"This is the demeanor of a truly important person, absolutely incredible," Zhang Zhanpeng couldn't help but tell his companion, his eyes full of admiration and longing.

He suddenly thought of the freshman who had challenged him in the auditorium, who also liked to put on a calm and composed act, but compared to this big shot in front of him, it was like Dongshi imitating Xishi.

Utterly ridiculous.

After the major guidelines were settled, the atmosphere became exceptionally cordial and harmonious.

Both sides had revealed their bottom lines, and now it was about striving for more benefits for themselves within those boundaries.

Qin Tian remained silent for most of the time, looking down at his old briefcase, only answering briefly and professionally when asked about technical details.

He seemed out of place with the entire business negotiation atmosphere, but he was very happy because this was exactly what he needed, and also what had been promised in that phone call.

"Your battlefield is the laboratory; I'll fight the business battle!"

Lin Shaohui then joined the discussion to finalize more detailed consultations, and the meeting almost went from morning until evening before a consensus was reached.

Although no formal contract had been signed yet, Principal Zhou was already impatient, inviting the school's publicity department and local media reporters, fearing that the duck would fly away before it could be eaten.

Under the camera's lens, Principal Zhou and Yu Tianxiong solemnly signed the preliminary cooperation agreement at the main table, then stood up to shake hands and pose for photos, with thunderous applause filling the venue.

Principal Zhou’s smile was incredibly sincere, with 200 million yuan secured and his political achievements in hand, while Yu Tianxiong’s smile was one of calm assurance, as if everything was under his control.

After the signing, the school hosted a banquet in a private room in the cafeteria to entertain everyone.

Amidst the clinking of glasses, the principal and several leaders continuously toasted, and even Qin Tian felt a bit tipsy from the drinks.

Yu Tianxiong asked Lin Shaohui to keep an eye on Qin Tian, while he himself got up and went outside the private room to call Lu Feng.

"Sir, things have basically been settled... Yes, the school has been very cooperative, there were no obstacles, and the laboratory can begin preparations for construction in a few days... Do you have any further instructions?" Yu Tianxiong reported respectfully, lowering his voice.

At the corner of the private room, the Student Union presidium members were about to leave when they happened to overhear some fragmented words.

They immediately stopped, exchanged glances, and their eyes were filled with shock!

Liu Yuxi secretly clicked his tongue and whispered, "My goodness... someone as formidable as President Yu... actually has someone backing him? His tone on the phone... so respectful!"

Zhang Zhanpeng was also greatly shaken, but he still feigned composure and said, "Of course, there's always someone better, and many things are beyond our level of understanding. Without a doubt, the other party must be a reclusive, high-ranking old man with a white beard."

The few of them could only sigh before hurrying off, as the freshman welcome party was about to begin, and they still had tasks.

Yu Tianxiong returned to the private room, where Dean Zhao had already stood up and said with a smile, "President Yu, Professor Qin, today happens to be our school's freshman welcome party. I hear the quality of the performances is quite good. Would you all like to move over and watch, and also experience the youthful vitality of our school?"

The principal also chimed in, "Yes, yes, yes, relax a bit, President Yu, please come support our students!"

Yu Tianxiong thought for a moment and said, "Alright, then I'll follow the host's lead."

He also wanted to experience the environment and atmosphere where the gentleman was.

The principal immediately arranged the best VIP seats in the auditorium, and then the group headed to the party venue.

Yu Tianxiong, Qin Tian, and Lin Shaohui sat in the first row, while Tian Peng quietly sat behind them, maintaining vigilance.

The atmosphere of the party was lively, with energetic students singing and dancing on stage, and performances progressing one after another.

Yu Tianxiong maintained a business smile, occasionally nodding to the principal beside him and saying, "The performances are very good."

But his mind had already flown back to the business plan, and Qin Tian was equally distracted, his brain still calculating formulas.

It wasn't until the host announced, "Next, please enjoy a poetry recitation, 'Ode to Beautiful Youth,' presented by the Psychology Department. Reciter: Jiao Lu, Piano Accompaniment: Lu Feng."

Upon hearing the name Lu Feng, Yu Tianxiong and Tian Peng suddenly looked up, thinking they had misheard.

It wasn't until they saw Lu Feng actually walk onto the stage that their pupils dilated, and their bodies instantly straightened.

Yu Tianxiong’s business smile froze on his face, his mind filled with disbelief: "Sir, why is he on stage? And accompanying students in a performance?"

Tian Peng’s mouth twitched, feeling it was somewhat abstract.

Lin Shaohui, next to him, secretly glanced at Yu Tianxiong, feigning surprise and saying, "I didn't expect to encounter Student Lu here."

The school leaders chuckled, saying, "These are all our freshmen this year, very talented. Please excuse their humble performances."

On stage, Lu Feng's mood was very calm.

He had already caught a glimpse of Yu Tianxiong and the others in the first row from the corner of his eye, and he subtly nodded towards them as a greeting.

Then he saw Yu Tianxiong and the others all nodding back in response, their movements as uniform as if they were cast from the same mold.

Lu Feng chuckled inwardly, composed himself, and placed his hands on the piano keys.

A melodious sound emerged, and Jiao Lu began to recite in a hurry.

The performance itself wasn't particularly outstanding, even a bit rigid, and the audience's reaction was relatively subdued.

Lu Feng played methodically, only hoping these five minutes would pass quickly.

However, an accident occurred.

The poetry recitation was only halfway through when Jiao Lu's voice suddenly stopped!

Lu Feng looked up and saw that her body was trembling slightly, clearly overly nervous, her mind a blank.

She had forgotten her lines.

Jiao Lu was on the verge of tears, her face flushed and sweating profusely as she stood frozen on stage.

What to do, what to do? What's the next line?

The more anxious she became, the less she could remember.

The scene grew a bit awkward, and some whispers and commotion began to emerge from the audience, while the school leaders frowned slightly in embarrassment.

Zhang Zhanpeng sneered at Liu Yuxi, saying, "See! What did I tell you! There's a problem now, isn't there? Before, he dared to talk back to me, with an improper attitude! After this is over, I definitely have to 'educate' him properly!"

Lin Wanqiu, who was also helping backstage, watched anxiously but was powerless.

The five or six seconds of silence felt as long as a century.

Just when everyone thought the performance was completely ruined... Lu Feng looked up at the girl on stage who was about to cry and sighed softly.

His fingers suddenly pressed down quickly on the piano keys, and the next moment, the gentle and steady "Für Elise" abruptly transformed into a highly infectious variation!

This high-level impromptu melody cleverly filled the awkward silence, creating a different atmosphere on stage.

"Wow...!" A low gasp of admiration arose from the audience.

The entire stage's focus instantly converged on Lu Feng at the back.

Jiao Lu looked back at Lu Feng, and seeing his encouraging gaze, she felt grateful and completely relaxed.

Good music can inspire people, and Jiao Lu also remembered the words in her mind, opening her mouth to recite the poem with even fuller emotion, following the rhythm of the music.

"That save was beautiful! Who is that guy, he's so handsome."

"I was so embarrassed just now, my toes were curling, but I didn't expect such a turnaround."

"He's amazing, is he a freshman? I'm in love!"

Zhang Wenfa whistled in the crowd and shouted, "Old Lu is awesome!"

Even the supervising teacher backstage was a bit surprised: "His impromptu composition and playing ability are very professional. This young man is truly a hidden talent."

Lu Feng played the last note, then silently bowed with Jiao Lu.

Immediately, applause much more enthusiastic than before erupted from the audience!

Yu Tianxiong was not surprised, revealing a look of admiration as he applauded and said, "The students of your esteemed university are truly hidden dragons and crouching tigers."

Although the principal was also surprised, he was even happier about the successful performance, and quickly responded with a smile.

After the performance, Lu Feng and Jiao Lu came out from backstage, both sighing in unison.

The task was finally done, especially Jiao Lu, who said with immense gratitude, "Student Lu, thank you so much, I was completely terrified up there just now. How about I treat you to a meal, as a thank you for your help."

Lu Feng smiled and said, "You're welcome, Student Jiao. It was just a small favor. I have something else to do, so I'll be leaving first."

Watching his retreating figure, a hint of disappointment flashed in Jiao Lu's eyes, and she sighed softly... "Where are Lu Feng and Jiao Lu?"

Backstage, Zhang Zhanpeng and Liu Yuxi walked in, intending to lecture the two, but found the place empty. Not seeing Lu Feng, they immediately frowned.

"They left right after their performance," a backstage staff member replied.

"Hmph, they almost messed up the performance just now, and now they just leave without even saying goodbye? As expected, no sense of collective responsibility, just lazy and perfunctory!" Zhang Zhanpeng's face was displeased.

"Let's go, they probably haven't been gone long, let's find them!"

He wanted to seize this opportunity to properly humiliate Lu Feng and re-establish his own authority.