Genius Club

Chapter 155: The Battlefield

Lin Xian was at a loss for words.

What was going on?

Previously, both Chu An Qing and Tang Xin had given him tickets to the same concert, which was already a delicate situation…

Since they were both performers, he just had to sit in the audience, so there wasn’t much conflict, and he could handle it.

He figured he could bring Gao Yang along, using both tickets, which seemed reasonable enough.

“Since I had an extra ticket, I brought a friend.”

Why not?

But now, things were becoming more complicated…

Zhao Ying Jun had also given him a ticket, and clearly, she wanted to attend the concert with him!

Moreover, rejecting her wasn’t an option because he had already agreed to go with Chu An Qing and Tang Xin. If Zhao Ying Jun saw him there, it would be incredibly awkward.

Ugh.

What a mess.

Lin Xian felt unjustly burdened.

He hadn’t done anything to deserve this, so why was he caught up in such problems?

But…

“Sure, I have nothing planned for tomorrow night.” Lin Xian took the ticket from Zhao Ying Jun’s hand.

As expected, it was a special seat, seemingly designed to complicate his life even further.

He decided to accept it for now and figure out a plan later.

Zhao Ying Jun smiled with satisfaction. “See you tomorrow night then.”

…

“Hahahahahahahaha!!!”

In the small fried rice restaurant, Gao Yang laughed uncontrollably, showing no sympathy.

“This is a battlefield! I want to see chaos!”

He slammed his hands on the table, as thrilled as a baboon might be after a victorious fight.

“Getting three tickets at once is just too absurd! Being popular isn’t always great!”

Lin Xian looked at the three tickets lined up on the table, feeling the irony of the situation.

“So what’s your plan? Where are you going to sit?” Gao Yang asked, eagerly anticipating the drama.

“There are three tickets, but only one me. I can only sit in one place.”

“That’s why I need your help.”

“Huh?”

Gao Yang suddenly stopped laughing, his expression turning serious as he caught on to Lin Xian’s plan.

“I get it. You want me to use two of the tickets.”

“Yes.” Lin Xian nodded.

“It would be best if you could bring someone else too. Since I promised Zhao Ying Jun, I have to sit next to her.”

“And since Zhao Ying Jun and Chu An Qing know each other, I don’t need to lie. I’ll just be honest. If I run into Chu An Qing, I’ll tell her the company gave me a ticket, so I passed my original one to a friend—you.”

“As for Tang Xin’s ticket… that’s a bit tricky. Among the three, Tang Xin probably had the hardest time securing a special seat since she’s not as well-connected. But fortunately, she doesn’t know Chu An Qing or Zhao Ying Jun, so you can bring any friend or colleague to take her seat. If she asks, I’ll figure out how to explain.”

…

“Impressive.” Gao Yang gave a thumbs up, admiring Lin Xian’s strategic thinking.

“You’re a real schemer—thoughtful, well-planned, covering all bases.”

“Schemer, really?” Lin Xian touched his forehead and sighed.

“There’s no better option. Otherwise, I’d find an excuse to skip tomorrow night.”

“But honestly, I don’t feel guilty. I’m not in a relationship with any of them. Why should I feel like I’m hiding something?”

“That just shows you’re conflicted,” Gao Yang pointed out, turning philosophical.

“If those three had given me tickets, I’d sit wherever I wanted, worry-free. That’s true peace of mind! Since you’re worried, it means you feel something.”

Gao Yang took on the role of a life coach.

“They say those involved can’t see clearly, while outsiders have a better view. From my perspective… other than being honest with Chu An Qing, your feelings towards Zhao Ying Jun and Tang Xin aren’t straightforward.”

“Maybe you don’t realize it, but that’s why I say outsiders have clarity… People aren’t machines. It’s clear these two like you. They’re both attractive. What man wouldn’t feel something? You’re not a monk; there’s no need to reject natural feelings.”

“You’re right…”

Lin Xian stared at the hot and spicy chicken just served by the waiter, the steam rising.

You’re right.

But in his current situation, he was too preoccupied to dwell on these thoughts.

He was possibly being targeted by an unknown killer or the elusive “cat” shadowing him.

Remembering Xu Yun, who died tragically in the street, and his precious daughter, who perished with Big Cat Face in his initial dream…

Lin Xian didn’t want to repeat that tragedy, pulling others into danger with him.

That’s why he hadn’t told Gao Yang about recent events or his troubling dreams—to keep his friends safe.

“Regardless, you should be clear with Tang Xin.”

Gao Yang picked up peanuts with his chopsticks, popping them into his mouth one by one.

“We’re adults now. Playing dumb isn’t appropriate. At our age, we can handle anything. Even if you tell Tang Xin you don’t have feelings for her, she won’t break down… Knowing her, she’d probably just smile and move on.”

“Actually, Lin Xian, sometimes I don’t understand your hesitation. Tang Xin is fantastic in every way. It’s just dating, not a commitment to marriage. Why so cautious? You’re old classmates; give it a try, what’s the risk?”

“Mm,” Lin Xian murmured in agreement.

Indeed, he needed to directly address Tang Xin’s feelings just as Gao Yang suggested.

Avoiding a clear response was indeed rude.

At that moment, for the first time, Lin Xian put aside his theories about the universal constant 42, his caution around the Genius Club, his fears about the cat-and-mouse chase with the unknown killer, his curiosity about the CCVV safe and New Donghai City from his dreams…

He focused solely on considering his feelings for Tang Xin.

Did he dislike her?

Absolutely not; there was nothing about her that he disliked.

Did he have feelings for her?

Lin Xian wasn’t sure.

Although popular in high school and college, the thrill of his dreams had always been more appealing. Thus, he had never dated and was unclear about his romantic feelings.

“You’re right.” Lin Xian looked up at Gao Yang.

“It’s time to give Tang Xin an answer.”

…

The next day, evening.

The concert was set to start at 8:30 PM.

But Lin Xian arrived early, around 7 PM. The vast venue was still mostly empty, with just a few people scattered around.

He checked the special seating area… and realized his worry was unnecessary.

Although labeled as special seats, the first 20 rows were all designated as such, providing a wide range. It took Lin Xian quite a while to locate his seat.

“I’m being overly cautious. Chu An Qing and Tang Xin might not even know where their tickets place me.”

That’s why Lin Xian arrived early, knowing Tang Xin had to rehearse and do her makeup in the afternoon. He planned to meet her backstage.

Led by Tang Xin, Lin Xian smoothly made his way to the performers’ backstage area.

Today, Tang Xin was dressed in a black evening gown, her makeup refined, perfectly complementing her role as a violinist.

“Our piece is the ninth one, relatively early in the program.”

Tang Xin greeted Lin Xian with an unwavering smile.

Lin Xian nodded. “I saw the program. Your performance is the longest, quite prominent.”

“Hehe, I hope I do well tonight.”

“You will.” Lin Xian reassured her.

“You joined the orchestra and became the lead violinist. That speaks volumes about your talent.”

“Actually, it’s strange to me.” Tang Xin chuckled softly.

“I don’t know why everything has gone so smoothly, from the auditions to the rehearsals, joining the official team, and becoming the lead violinist. Even I can’t believe it.”

“Maybe you’re just lucky.” Lin Xian joked.

“Anyway, things going well is always a good thing.”

“Lin Xian… Could you wait for me at the theater entrance after the performance tonight?” Tang Xin’s voice softened, a hint of shyness as she scratched her cheek.

“I have something to give you.”

“Okay.” Lin Xian agreed without hesitation. He had something to discuss with her as well.

“It might take a while.” Tang Xin smiled apologetically.

“After the curtain call, I need to pack up, remove my makeup, and change clothes… It could take some time.”

“No problem, I’ll wait at the theater entrance.”

“Lin Xian senior!” An unexpected voice interrupted their conversation.

Lin Xian turned his head, looking past Tang Xin…

Sure enough, it was Chu An Qing, her voice light and pleasant.

“Aren’t you performing today?” Lin Xian inquired.

“My solo piece was rehearsed yesterday.” Chu An Qing chuckled.

“Today’s rehearsal is for group performances, and wearing the ballet costume too early would wrinkle it.”

“I see.” Lin Xian nodded.

Tang Xin glanced between them, then back at Lin Xian, curious.

“Lin Xian, who is she?”

“Ah, let me introduce you.”

Lin Xian gestured toward Chu An Qing, then turned to Tang Xin.

“This is my junior at Donghai University, Chu An Qing.”

Then he pointed at Tang Xin, addressing Chu An Qing.

“And An Qing, this is Tang Xin, a violinist in the Donghai Symphony Orchestra and my… high school classmate.”

This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation