School Flower and School Tyrant - Chapter 11

After winning the city-level piano competition, Ouyang Qianxue was being driven back to Sakura Academy by the music club advisor. 

“Amazing, Ouyang! Simply incredible!” the teacher exclaimed while navigating the car. 

“I’ve coached so many students in the music club, but I’ve never seen anyone score as high as you did!” 

Just earlier, the judges had been so impressed that they awarded scores of 9.6, 9.5, and 9.7, propelling Qianxue to first place in the next round of the competition. As the event progressed, Qianxue’s nerves eased, and he performed better with each round, ultimately winning the championship with an unprecedented score of 9.76, a new record for the city-level competition. 

“Really? This was my first time participating in such a big competition,” Qianxue said modestly. 

“What?!” The teacher slammed on the brakes in shock, turning to stare at him. 

“Are you serious? This was your first competition?” 

“Y-Yes…” 

“Incredible! Most people freeze up their first time on stage, but you won first place! Do you have any idea how much potential you have, Ouyang? Both your technique and composure are unmatched among all the students I’ve taught!” 

“You flatter me, teacher. Oh, I’ll get off here.” 

“Here? But we’re not back at Sakura yet.” 

“Ah, I have an appointment with someone nearby.” 

“Alright then, take care. I’ll head back.” 

After the teacher’s car drove off, Qianxue made a quick phone call, then surveyed his surroundings before entering a quiet, tucked-away café. 

“Three, private room number three, as usual. Two cappuccinos and a dessert, please,” he told the owner before heading to the room. 

Soon after, a thirteen-year-old girl with long black hair walked into the café and went straight to room number three. She knocked lightly on the door. 

Hearing the knock, Qianxue opened the door, and the girl immediately leapt into his arms. 

“Big brother! It’s been a whole year since I last saw you! I missed you so much,” she cried, tears glistening in her eyes. 

“Yue’er, I missed you too. Look at you, you’ve grown taller and prettier. Your big brother is so proud,” Qianxue said, patting her gently on the back. 

Blushing slightly at the compliment, Yue’er snuggled closer to Qianxue’s chest like a kitten. 

“Haha, you’re too old to be clinging to your brother like this. Come in, it’s not convenient to talk here.” 

The two entered the private room and sat down. 

“Big brother, Mom and I watched you on TV today!” Yue’er said excitedly as soon as they were seated. 

“You were amazing! I couldn’t even see your fingers moving on the keys, it was like the invisible hand technique from martial arts dramas!” 

“Practice makes perfect,” Qianxue said with a chuckle, pushing the dessert toward her. “Now, eat up. I know you must’ve been holding back at home, saving money whenever you could.” 

“But this dessert was bought with your hard-earned money…” Yue’er hesitated, glancing at the treat. 

“Don’t worry about that. I won a generous prize for the competition, so I’m treating you to something special.” 

“Really? Then I’ll dig in!” Yue’er quickly took a bite of the dessert, her face lighting up with happiness. 

“Big brother, aren’t you eating?” she asked after finishing two pieces. 

“I don’t like sweets. You can have it all,” Qianxue said, watching her with a warm smile. 

“Liar!” Yue’er pouted. “I remember you fighting me for birthday cake when we were kids! If you don’t eat, I won’t either.” 

Under Yue’er’s insistence, Qianxue reluctantly took a small bite of the dessert. 

“How’s Mom doing?” Qianxue asked, wiping his mouth. 

“Mom’s condition is stable,” Yue’er replied. “The doctor said she’s almost ready for the next phase of surgery.” 

“And her mood?” 

Yue’er hesitated before answering. 

“Mom… she’s happy. Especially after seeing you win the competition, she couldn’t stop praising you.” 

“Yue’er, tell me the truth.” 

Under Qianxue’s firm gaze, Yue’er couldn’t hold back. 

“Mom cried a lot after watching your performance. She said it’s all her fault for making you shoulder the family’s burdens at such a young age. She even… even said she wished she could die to stop being a burden on you!” 

“I see.” Qianxue pulled Yue’er into a comforting hug, stroking her hair. 

“Big brother…” Yue’er began to sob. “It’s not Mom’s fault. It’s mine! I can’t do anything to help. I can’t earn money like you can. That’s why everything falls on you…” 

“Shh,” Qianxue said gently, placing a finger on her lips. “Don’t say that. You and Mom are my everything. As long as you’re alive and well, I have the strength to keep going. Tell Mom she’s my reason to live and to keep fighting. For my sake, she must stay strong.” 

Yue’er nodded, her tears slowly drying. 

“Here.” Qianxue handed Yue’er an envelope. 

“It’s a check for 100,000 yuan, plus some cash. This is my prize money from the competition. You mentioned Mom’s surgery, and I know the last amount I sent is probably running out. Also, congratulations on getting into a public middle school, I’m so proud of you! Use this money for school and Mom’s expenses.” 

“But if you give us all your money, what about you?” 

“Don’t worry, I kept enough for myself.” 

“Really?” 

“Of course,” Qianxue said, smiling reassuringly. “It’s getting late, and your dorm will close soon. Go back and send me a message when you’re safely there.” 

“Okay,” Yue’er said, reluctantly leaving. At the door, she turned to give Qianxue one last look before stepping out. 

After Yue’er left, Qianxue went to the counter to settle the bill. Once he paid, his wallet held only 500 yuan, barely enough to cover a month’s expenses at Sakura, where the standard student meal cost 20 yuan a day.