Everyday Romance After Becoming a Billionaire

Chapter 26: Chapter 20: Su Ran Will Be the Youth of Many Girls

Aina, Xiao Wanqing, Liu Jinyu, and Xie Yiren. The four of them had become the public enemy of every girl in school and the goddess of every boy.

They weren’t just pretty faces; they had real talent.

Their main focus was dance, but their musical attainments were also far beyond ordinary, which was how they’d secured their thrones as the "Four Young Actresses."

At that moment, they stood up from their seats. Through the sea of people in the bar, they watched Su Ran on stage, headphones on, his hands flying across the electronic music equipment, reveling in the entire experience.

The track Su Ran had chosen was the ultimate electronic piece, "PDD’s Primordial Power."

Legend had it that when the famous streamer Teacher Piao was in the United States, he heard this song and thought it was unbelievably good. Upon returning to China, he started playing it on his streams to get the party started. Many of his fans, the "little piggies," loved it and asked for the title. The streamer explained that a fan had uploaded it to NetEase Music under the name "Primordial Power." They later contacted the original artist, who said they were free to use it. But Teacher Piao still spent a seven-figure sum to buy the rights, making it free for everyone to listen to. From then on, it was renamed "PDD’s Primordial Power."

Su Ran’s skill level was incredibly high. The group of girlfriends were not only excited but also completely astonished, even breaking out in goosebumps.

You have to understand, the contrast of a seemingly quiet, "good kid" like Su Ran instantly transforming into a free-spirited electronic music genius who could rock the entire venue was the most intense kind. It was the kind that hit a girl right in the heart.

"This is insane! Unbelievable! Jinyu, I feel like your annoying little brother must have tons of girls chasing him. You better step up your game~"

Aina jumped up and down excitedly, her figure swaying with the music.

"Step up what game? My annoying little brother is this amazing! I’m so proud! Su Ran, your big sis loves you~"

Liu Jinyu was full of energy. At a moment like this, there was no need to think. You just had to follow the rhythm and get wild.

Zhao Yang wrapped his arm around Gao Lu’s shoulder, his eyes filled with envy, jealousy, and hate. Who wouldn’t be jealous of a guy like Su Ran? He was handsome, tall, polite, down-to-earth, sensible, and a smooth talker. And the most infuriating part? He was insanely good at music.

After all, a handsome guy was already popular enough with girls.

But add musical talent to the mix? Entering college with that combination was like having a license to score with anyone you wanted.

Zhao Yang looked at Su Ran on stage. ’Years from now,’ he thought, ’Su Ran will definitely be the one that got away for countless girls, a lingering regret of their youth.’

If there was one person in the entire bar who was the most thrilled, it had to be Gao Lu. This performance of "PDD’s Primordial Power" was a gift from her new friend, Su Ran. The entire crowd was also shouting birthday wishes for her.

Everyone in the bar was going wild. The only exception was Liu Hao, whose heart felt like it had been plunged into ice water. He glanced down at the 300,000 yuan Divine Dragon Set on the table, a complex mix of emotions churning inside him.

’I spent 300,000, and I can’t even compete with a single EDM track?’

This was probably the fastest the "Divine Dragon Set" buff had ever worn off since TAXX Bar opened. It had held the spotlight for a mere one minute and nine seconds before Su Ran stole the show.

A moment ago, a 500,000 yuan watch had stolen the thunder from his 1.2 million yuan Patek Philippe.

And now, what was even more infuriating was that this guy hadn’t spent a single penny. He just went on stage, moved his hands a bit, and completely K.O.’d his 300,000 yuan Divine Dragon Set.

’This kid doesn’t play by the rules! He’s just bullying me because I don’t know music.’

Liu Hao wasn’t afraid to compete with money, but when it came to talent, he was truly outmatched. ’What’s the point of competing anymore? Just look at these girls, so excited they can barely keep their legs together.’

’But still...’ Liu Hao had to admit the song was actually pretty good.

’Electronic music might not have lyrics, but that’s the beauty of it. There are so many melodies and beats that just pull you in. Maybe this is the charm of EDM...’

Su Ran loved "PDD’s Primordial Power" and was thoroughly enjoying this chance to perform on stage. He was one of those people who seemed to completely transform when they stepped into the spotlight.

Besides, Su Ran had performed in places like bars before. He was the core member and the face of the SJ Band, with a wealth of experience in commanding a stage.

Tonight, he had delivered a genuine audio-visual feast for the entire crowd. And with the buff from his "Finger Technique Fragrance," he also gave the DJ next to him a solid lesson in how electronic music should be played.

As the track reached its end, the music gradually slowed down. Su Ran raised the microphone with one hand and cupped his other hand to his ear. "Gods and goddesses of TAXX Bar, let’s hear you scream ’Happy Birthday, Gao Lu’—"

"Happy birthday, Gao Lu! WOOOHOOO~"

BOOM!

Pyrotechnics erupted at the front of the stage, pushing the atmosphere to its absolute peak.

Gao Lu covered her mouth, her eyes shimmering with tears of joy. At the beautiful age of nineteen, she had received the most meaningful gift imaginable—one she would never forget for the rest of her life.

Zhao Yang: ...

’Where am I? Who am I? Am I even her boyfriend anymore?’

The five-minute track ended, leaving the crowd wanting more. Su Ran took off his headphones, bowed, and walked off the stage. The DJ gave him a thumbs-up. Su Ran said a quick "thank you" and headed back to their booth under the watchful eyes of the crowd, politely turning down countless girls who wanted to add him on WeChat before finally sitting down.

"Su Ran, that was an insane performance! Your gift was just too perfect. Thankies," Gao Lu said, unable to hide her excitement.

"Su Ran, how do you know how to DJ?" Liu Jinyu asked.

"I forgot to tell you, I’ve been into music since I was a kid. I used to be in a band," Su Ran replied with a smile. The contrast was so stark it made you wonder if the person on stage was really him.

"You annoying Ranran, you’re too amazing! I have to have a drink with you."

"Why drink alone? Let’s all toast Su Ran together! Come on, drinks up!"

"Cheers."

Just then, a dejected Liu Hao saw Manager Li of TAXX Bar walking toward him. He knew Manager Li and was about to stand up and greet him, but to his surprise, the manager walked right past him and headed straight for Su Ran.

"Su Ran! Hahaha... It really is you! I had a feeling that handsome guy on stage was you. You rascal, coming all the way to Shanghai without a word."

Su Ran quickly put down his glass and shook his hand.

"Boss Li, what are you doing here? I was just thinking that after I went back to Ninghai, I should have you come to Shanghai to check out the bars here."

Everyone: ???

Liu Hao was even more dumbfounded. ’He even knows the manager of TAXX Bar?’

Manager Li clapped Su Ran on the shoulder. "Business at the bar back home wasn’t good, so I closed it down a long time ago. I’m the manager at TAXX now. Didn’t you hear from Lin Che and the others?"

Su Ran scratched his head in embarrassment. "You know how it is. I was busy prepping for the college entrance exams all last semester, so I didn’t pay much attention to other things."

Manager Li: "Right, right, the exams are important. I heard you got into Ning University. What was your score?"

Su Ran: "I lost a few dozen points in English and Liberal Arts, so I only got a 688."

PFFT—

Everyone almost spat out a mouthful of Ace of Spades.

A 688?

’He’s a top student, too?’

’Are you even going to let the rest of us live?’

Liu Jinyu looked at her annoying Ranran with an adoring expression. She really wanted to go up and give him a squeeze. He was just too amazing.

As for Liu Hao, he was completely irrelevant. Besides his title as a rich second-generation heir, he couldn’t compare in any way. Right now, he just wanted to go home.

Manager Li nodded in satisfaction. "Well done. You’ve brought honor to the Ninghai music scene. Are these your friends?"

Su Ran nodded. "It’s Sister Gao Lu’s birthday today, so we’re celebrating at your place."

Manager Li: "Say no more. I’ll give you a 50% discount on your entire bill tonight. Consider it my gift for you getting into Ning University. Don’t you dare refuse. If it weren’t for you, my daughter might have... Ugh, anyway. That’s settled. Fifty percent off."

Once, after a performance at Boss Li’s old bar, Boss Li had invited him out for a late-night snack. His wife and child were there. The little kid was playing, and her ball rolled into the middle of the road. She ran to get it and was almost hit by a car, but Su Ran had leaped forward to save her. The consequences would have been unimaginable otherwise.

Su Ran: "Alright, then I won’t be polite."

"Hah, what’s there to be polite about? You all have fun. Just call me if you need anything. Enjoy yourselves, handsome guys and beautiful ladies." Manager Li said his goodbyes and left.

Liu Hao was utterly defeated. Not only had the guy not spent a dime, but the manager had personally come over to offer a 50% discount. Not even Wang Siming himself would command that kind of respect.

Everyone’s admiration for Su Ran was now mixed with a deep sense of awe.

This guy was the ultimate ace. From start to finish, he was operating on a completely different level than everyone else. What’s more, he had no idea Liu Hao was secretly competing with him. Without even knowing it, he had already delivered a total knockout.

The birthday was celebrated, the Divine Dragon Set was drunk, "Primordial Power" was heard, and the 50% discount was given. The night was complete. Gao Lu was also drunk.

And so, the birthday party came to an end.

Outside the bar, Su Ran was chatting with Manager Li.

"Boss Li, my friends are waiting for me. I’ll come find you next time."

"What’s this ’Boss Li’ stuff? Just call me Old Li."

"Okay, Boss Li."

"You kid, haha. Go on, come by when you have time."

"Okay, I’m heading out."

Su Ran walked to the side of the road.

A Mercedes-Benz S600 pulled up in front of them. The front passenger window rolled down, and Liu Hao leaned out, telling Zhao Yang and the others to get in.

Zhao Yang helped Gao Lu into the car, then turned to Su Ran and the girls. "Liu Hao got a designated driver. Me, Lulu, Liu Hao, Wang Bin, and the driver make a full car. We’re on the same route. How are you guys getting back?"

Su Ran: "Sister Wanqing drank, so she can’t drive. My ride is here too. You guys go ahead, Brother Zhao Yang."

"Su Ran, where’s your car?" Liu Hao leaned out and asked. He wanted to see what kind of car Su Ran drove, hoping to find some small measure of balance at the very end of the night.

"It’s here." Su Ran waved at two approaching vehicles.

Everyone looked in the direction Su Ran was pointing. Two Rolls-Royce Phantoms, their hazard lights flashing, pulled over and stopped behind the Mercedes.

This was one of the basic privileges afforded to guests of the presidential suite.

As the Phantoms appeared, passersby all turned to look, whispering among themselves.

When Liu Hao saw the Rolls-Royces, he was defeated. Truly and utterly defeated. Without another word, he told Zhao Yang to get in the car, and they left.

Zhao Yang said with envy, "Take care, Su Ran. Lulu’s drunk, so I’m gonna go."

"You too."

Su Ran politely watched Zhao Yang get in the car and drive away before walking over to the group of girlfriends. He noticed a certain glint in their eyes.

Su Ran: "What’s with that look?"

Aina: "Su Ran, do you have to be like this? After your whole performance tonight, I was already starting to have feelings for you. And now you’re having Rolls-Royce Phantoms take us back to school? Is that really okay? You’re going to make me fall in love with you, you know that?"

"You little vixen, don’t start getting ideas just because you see a Phantom. If you keep hitting on Su Ran, just watch. When we get back to the dorm, Liu Jinyu will sew you shut."

Xiao Wanqing shoved Aina into the Rolls-Royce, gave Su Ran a quick wave, and then got into the car one after another with Xie Yiren, intentionally leaving a brief moment for him and Jinyu to be alone...

In front of TAXX Bar, next to the Rolls-Royce Phantom, the girl named Liu Jinyu tucked her hair behind her ear. This was the only moment she and Su Ran had alone together today.

Over the course of the day, she had learned so much about Su Ran.

No matter how rich he was, how talented, how full of surprises, the one thing that hadn’t changed was the clarity in his eyes, as clear as Jiuxi Lake.

The evening breeze was cool, making the hem of Liu Jinyu’s white dress sway. The strands of hair she had just tucked behind her ear were blown loose again.

Su Ran walked up and reached out, brushing her hair back behind her ear. Liu Jinyu felt a slight tickle by her ear, and a blush crept onto her face. She wanted to say something but didn’t know what to say, feeling completely flustered.

Su Ran smiled faintly. Seeing her shy expression, he said gently, "Jinyu, did you wash the shirt I lent you?"