"I didn't bully her."
"Really, it's not like I could beat her up again, right? We're all artists, artists!"
While Giselle wailed her heart out, Huai Shi scratched his head and explained to Ai Qing, "We just had a friendly exchange. I even pointed out quite a few flaws in her abilities. She ought to thank me."
"Oh?"
Ai Qing looked at Giselle. "That expression of hers doesn't look like she wants to thank you."
"Good medicine tastes bitter, and honest advice grates on the ear."
Huai Shi declared righteously, "I even taught her how to sing! She can already sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star."
"Really?"
Francisco, who was comforting his companion, lit up with delight. Didn't that mean he could communicate with Giselle through music from now on?
Could there really be such a good thing?
He said, "Thanks!"
"See?"
Huai Shi spread his hands innocently at Ai Qing. I told you so.
After looking at him with an indescribable expression for a long while, Ai Qing nodded in understanding. "I don't know what happened, but coming from you... it does sound normal."
Then why were you looking at him as if he were something filthy?!
Huai Shi covered his face.
It seemed impossible to explain this clearly.
Ai Qing examined Huai Shi as he was now and saw no signs of haggardness or exhaustion. "You're all right?"
"Mm, I'm in top form."
Huai Shi nodded and looked toward Francisco. "So, what next? A showdown between musicians? Just so you know, I can't play the accordion."
"No need. I can't play the cello either."
After comforting Giselle, Francisco could not help shaking his head. "Mr. Paganini told me that, purely in terms of cello performance, you are already qualified to serve as the principal bass of the association."
"I've