Chapter 298

Chapter 298 – Do Not Betray Yuan Yuan

Peng Xue’s words left Xia Yuan stunned for a moment before she regained her senses. Holding the bag of money in her hand, she angrily confronted Peng Xue:

“What are you saying, Xiao Xue? Why stop studying? If there’s a conflict with your family, communication can resolve it!”

“It’s not just about family issues; there are many reasons… too complicated to explain.”

Peng Xue thought for a moment, “The most important thing is that I can now support myself, and I don’t want to be controlled anymore.”

“There’s still more than a year until the college entrance exam. Just hold on a little longer.”

“It’s not just about the exam. Afterward, you still have to go to university, which is also tough… Didn’t I tell you before? I don’t like staying in one place. I prefer a free and easy life.”

Xia Yuan, hearing this, felt very agitated, “You’re still so young. What if something happens to you outside? And if you want to pursue your dream of music, you still have a lot to learn and grow… shouldn’t you attend an art school to further your education?”

“Don’t worry, I’m prepared. My cousin’s band’s guitarist went home to take the civil service exam. My cousin plans to switch to playing guitar, leaving me to play bass. I plan to live with my cousin. As for the art exams…”

Peng Xue smiled and shook her head, “Apart from playing bass, I know nothing about music theory. My academic performance is poor, so I have no intention of taking those exams.”

“Then what about our promise to form a band? I finally convinced Xiaoyu to be my keyboardist during the New Year. Now you’re abandoning me to join another team.”

“Considering your popularity online, many people would be willing to form a band with you. My skills are average and wouldn’t match up to performing with you—so—”

“But we agreed that the bassist position was reserved for you! Didn’t you learn to play bass to form a band with me?”

Previously, Peng Xue and Xia Yuan had been talking in a friendly manner, but as Xia Yuan’s tone grew more intense, her emotions visibly changed:

“I never said anything like that! I learned bass because I liked it. Don’t get carried away.”

Peng Xue let go of Xia Yuan’s hand, slung her bass over her shoulder, and prepared to leave. Xia Yuan clung tightly to her hand, refusing to let go.

“Why won’t you stay here? What’s wrong at home? You have friends around, and your parents take care of you… Our company has grown so much. Meifang promised to help us release records. If you need money, I can lend it to you. Why do you have to leave us?”

“Yuan Yuan, let go.”

Peng Xue was clearly displeased. Although Meifang had promised not to interrupt, he stepped in when the situation seemed to spiral out of control, “Yuan Yuan, let go. Don’t keep holding onto Peng Xue…”

“Let go!”

Peng Xue tried to pull away, but Xia Yuan refused to release her grip.

“I won’t let go!”

Xia Yuan angrily continued, “These aren’t real reasons, Xiao Xue! This is too underhanded! We’ve known each other for so long, and I always share my feelings with you. But you barely talk to me. Do you even consider me a friend?”

Peng Xue forcefully pulled Xia Yuan’s hand away. When Xia Yuan tried to grab it again, Peng Xue pushed her hand away, visibly angry.

“I just want to see the world! Ultimately, what I do and where I go is my own freedom. Why do you meddle in my affairs!”

This was almost the first time Peng Xue had spoken so harshly to Xia Yuan, who was clearly taken aback and didn’t know how to respond.

Peng Xue rubbed her red arm, paused for a moment, then said,

“We’ve known each other for so long, but there are things I’ve kept hidden. Today might be a chance to vent—

“I hope you… I truly hope you remember, not everyone has everything they want, or is spoiled like you. Some people face hardships alone, not everyone gets to run away with someone by their side. Is this some sci-fi movie?”

“Understand this: most people walk their own path alone. The three of you are the exception! We are good friends, and I am grateful for your care, but that doesn’t mean I should bend to your every whim. Do you understand?”

Xia Yuan was deeply hurt by Peng Xue’s actions, leaning against Meifang, lowering her head, trembling, unable to speak. Seeing this, Peng Xue felt terrible, scratching her head and stomping on the ground.

“If only I had just transferred money online to Boss Mei… I knew it would end like this. It’s not like we’ll never meet again. This is unsatisfactory for everyone.”

Meifang, while comforting Xia Yuan, addressed Peng Xue, “I don’t intend to persuade you. You’re already 18 and have the right to make your own choices, bearing responsibility for them.”

“But I sincerely hope you’re ready to face the world. We’ve discussed music, and you know it’s hard to succeed. At 18, this is a precious age. If you choose the wrong path and lack knowledge and credentials, it will be difficult to catch up later.”

“Indeed, chatting with Boss Mei is always refreshing.”

Peng Xue nodded, “I’ve considered this for a long time. Since high school, I’ve prepared myself by singing on the streets in Bai Mei County to test my abilities and explored various band development routes. I may make mistakes, but I won’t regret it.”

She placed her hands on her hips and smiled, “If I hadn’t pursued my dreams at 18, I’d regret it for a lifetime.”

Xia Yuan’s mood had calmed slightly. She clung to Meifang’s chest and asked shakily, “How long will you be gone? When will we meet again?”

“This year will be tough. I plan to go to Jin Cheng with my cousin to develop. Actually, this is the last year for her band. So everyone will be busy, and it might be hard to call back. But… look at this.”

Peng Xue walked to Xia Yuan, rolled up her sleeve, revealing a small tattoo of the word “Yuan” on her arm.

“You’re my best friend for life. No matter where I go, I’ll remember your name, silently wishing you well. I hope you and Boss Mei are always happy together. I came to Jiangcheng to transfer trains, and after much hesitation, I decided to see you.”

Peng Xue’s eyes reddened, “In short… I won’t forget you, ever. We’ll have many opportunities to meet again. Once I establish myself elsewhere, I hope to perform on stage with you… wait for me.”

Xia Yuan wiped her eyes and hugged Peng Xue tightly. Meifang, watching the scene, felt a mix of emotions, but his words were mundane, “It’s not like we’re parting ways forever. Peng Xue, you’re really dramatic, influencing Yuan Yuan.”

“Boss Mei, mind your own business!”

After hugging, Peng Xue punched Meifang.

“Don’t betray Yuan Yuan. Understand?”

“Relax… never.”

Meifang rubbed his chest, about to say more, but Peng Xue unexpectedly hugged him again.

She held both Xia Yuan and Meifang, rubbing her cheek against his.

“Meeting you two is great—by the way, tell You Xi this next time you eat her food.”

“Okay…”

Neither Meifang nor Xia Yuan attempted to stop Peng Xue. She was a girl who couldn’t be held back.

But Meifang was worried about her safety. He wasn’t going to completely let her go but planned to keep an eye on the band.

They saw Peng Xue off. Before the car started, she rolled down the window to bid farewell.

“I’ll miss you guys!”

“Stay in touch!”

Xia Yuan called out.

“By the way, I’ll tell you another secret before you go, Yuan Yuan!”

“What secret?”

The taxi started, carrying Peng Xue’s fading voice.

“I actually—really—had a crush—on your family’s—Boss Mei!”

“Huh?!”

Peng Xue’s last words left Meifang and Xia Yuan confused for a moment, but they soon laughed at each other.

The chapter ends here.