Chapter 44: Animal Carnival

Chapter 44: *The Carnival of the Animals*

Naturally, the incident at Shengken Academy didn't escape Wen Zhaofu. Before long, his phone rang.

The first call Wen Zhaofu made was to Wen Haochen. Unlike some parents who would scold their child without question upon hearing about a school conflict, he simply sounded tired as he asked Wen Haochen if he was hurt.

“Glad you’re okay. Get some rest,” Wen Zhaofu sighed softly. “I’ll have someone take care of things. Focus on your studies—you must graduate.”

Wen Haochen was startled; it seemed Yun Fan had already reported his academic performance back home. But today, he didn’t feel stressed about it. With one credit and one demerit, he could manage.

“Big brother, Butler Yun had a heart-to-heart with me today. He said so much, and I think he’s really great,” Wen Haochen said slowly. “Also, when Caviar and the others tried to hit me, Butler Yun stepped up to protect me. I was both touched and concerned for him.”

“Hmm, later I’ll tell Cheng Yu and Brother Xing to put in a good word for Butler Yun at home,” Wen Haochen continued, thinking aloud. “Big brother, you should give Butler Yun a raise.”

On the other end of the line, unseen by Wen Haochen, Wen Zhaofu closed his eyes, the muscles along his jaw tightening as he gritted his teeth.

The prolonged silence gradually pulled Wen Haochen out of his triumphant mood. He realized his Big brother had gone quiet, and even through the phone, he could feel Wen Zhaofu’s intense pressure.

Strange—ever since Wen Haochen could remember, Wen Zhaofu had been in a wheelchair, yet he had never dared to provoke his Big brother.

Once, as a child, a friend suggested they sneak up and tip Wen Zhaofu’s wheelchair when he wasn’t looking. Wen Haochen had screamed and had his friend thrown out immediately.

He didn’t want to die—he still wanted to travel the world.

Oh no, Wen Haochen screamed internally. His Big brother was angry! But he couldn’t figure out what he had done to upset Wen Zhaofu this time. Anxious and uneasy, he hung up and sat on the sofa, wringing his hands.

On the other side, Wen Zhaofu leaned against the headboard, collecting himself for a long time. He checked the time and decided not to call Yun Fan. His jealousy was his own issue; he shouldn’t—and couldn’t—take it out on Yun Fan.

Yun Fan was just doing his job—it had to be that way, Wen Zhaofu repeated to himself.

An assistant sent a message. Annoyed, Wen Zhaofu opened it, and his eyes widened. His business trip to London was canceled; he didn’t have to catch an early flight.

Perfect. Then tomorrow, he would go to Shengken Academy in person to bring Yun Fan back.

Yun Fan, sound asleep, murmured “fried fish tastes awful,” his lips barely moving, completely unaware of the quiet tension between the two brothers because of him.

And it wasn’t just the brothers—Cheng Yu and Liu Erxing, set off remotely by Wen Haochen, also had a sleepless night.

Early the next morning, Cheng Yu, preparing to fly to Hong Kong, looked furious. His assistant, following him, strongly considered calling Cloud Consultant. His boss didn’t look like he was returning home for a visit—more like heading into a confrontation.

Liu Erxing was more direct. Already upset that Yun Fan hadn’t replied to his messages, Wen Haochen’s provocation pushed him over the edge. Early in the morning, he boarded the shuttle at Wen Yanlan’s residence and brazenly called Wen Haochen.

Soon, all the Wen family elders, out for their morning exercise, learned about Wen Haochen’s school fight…

*

Yun Fan woke up and cheerfully went to find Wen Haochen. He had received word from Wen Zhaofu that the London trip was canceled and that Uncle Cheng would prepare Sichuan cuisine for dinner that evening.

How could he not be happy with good food? Just thinking about Mapo Tofu and Fish-Flavored Shredded Pork made Yun Fan salivate unconsciously. He let out a few contented “ah”s to himself.

As soon as he saw Wen Haochen, the young master urgently grabbed his arm. “It’s bad, really bad. Something big happened.”

“What? Did Caviar counterattack?” Yun Fan blinked.

“No, no.” Wen Haochen pointed into the distance. Yun Fan followed his gaze.

Over there, Zhuo Yan and Zhu Zhiqian were talking with a teacher while accompanying Zhuo Ning, who was crying. Zhuo Yan looked displeased and, ignoring Zhuo Ning’s injury, pinched his arm.

“When Zhuo Ning hit Patek, he used too much force and injured his finger. He went to the hospital for treatment, but it hasn’t healed. The performance is tonight, and there’s no time to find a replacement. It’s so stressful.”

“What piece was he playing?” Yun Fan asked curiously.

“An excerpt from *The Carnival of the Animals*,” Wen Haochen replied. “A two-piano performance.”

Yun Fan smiled. “You chose the piece?”

“How did you know?!” Wen Haochen’s eyes widened.

“All those rowdy animals—it suits you perfectly,” Yun Fan said leisurely. “So what are you doing here?”

“Well, this is an orchestra matter. As a member, I should show concern,” Wen Haochen explained seriously.

Yun Fan glanced around and noticed that, apart from Wen Haochen, no other orchestra members seemed concerned.

Understood—Wen Haochen, the eager beaver alumnus.

As they walked, the annoying Zhu Zhiqian appeared before Yun Fan. He glanced at Yun Fan and smirked. “Butler Yun sure sticks his nose in a lot, even inquiring about orchestra affairs.”

“I’m looking out for our young master—I’m paid for it. But you, poking your nose everywhere—who pays you?” Yun Fan didn’t hold back.

That hit a nerve. Zhu Zhiqian was seen at all sorts of events in Hong Kong, but he was never invited—he paid his own way.

“Zhiqian, Butler Yun is a golden boy of the Wen family. You should be more polite. Otherwise, if he says something in front of the Wen gentlemen, how would that make Uncle Cheng feel?” Zhuo Yan said, then smiled at Yun Fan.

Wow, one speaks harshly, and the other adds sarcasm. Yun Fan was amazed—these two were truly a match made in heaven.

Yun Fan almost felt like applauding. They pointed fingers right in front of him, and instead of taking it to heart, he decided to show them exactly what they accused him of.

“Master Hao Chen,” Yun Fan called lazily.

Wen Haochen grinned and leaned in. Yun Fan pointed at the two men. “They’re bad-mouthing me. Did you catch that?”

“I did!” Wen Haochen’s expression darkened as he glared at Zhu Zhiqian. “I’ve never heard Butler Yun snitch to my Big brother about anyone. Don’t make things up!”

“I’ll sue you for defamation. You have the right to remain silent, but anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.”

Finally, a topic Wen Haochen knew well. He grew more excited as he spoke, thrilled to stand up for Yun Fan. His raised chin and smiling lips showed the young master’s confidence and mood.

“Hmph!” Wen Haochen added for emphasis.

Yun Fan nearly laughed aloud. He shrugged at Zhu Zhiqian and Zhuo Yan. If they called him a golden boy, he’d show them what that meant.

The two men were clearly shocked. They had always seen the little butler as a stepping stone, but now he dared to fight back—and even tattle to the Wen young master right in front of them!

Who gave Yun Fan the courage!

Zhuo Ning, his eyes red, watched the two older men. Already anxious about missing the performance, he grew even more flustered by their argument. He had just taken a step closer to Wen Haochen yesterday, and now his brother and his brother’s boyfriend were pushing him away. He felt like throwing a piano at them.

“Big brother, stop…” Zhuo Ning tugged weakly at Zhuo Yan’s sleeve.

Zhuo Yan snapped back to reality. He was indeed impatient—Zhuo Ning missing this spotlight made him resentful. At the same time, he realized he’d been spending too much time with Zhu Zhiqian; he was becoming irrational.

“Butler Yun…” Zhuo Yan began, trying to make amends, but a teacher who had been observing quietly interrupted him.

“Student Hao Chen, does the gentleman beside you play the piano?” The teacher widened his keen eyes.

Wen Haochen looked at Yun Fan in surprise. Could this little butler have hidden skills?

“I’m no expert…” Yun Fan started, but the teacher grabbed his hand.

“Skilled? You’re very skilled!” the teacher affirmed, nodding. “Just the feel of your fingers—they’re strong yet agile. Clearly, you’ve practiced for a long time.”

"Heh, as if he could," Zhu Zhiqian couldn't stand it anymore, thinking the teacher had no backbone, even trying to flatter a butler from the Wen family. "Hey, teacher, all he usually does is pick flowers and trim plants!"

"Hey! Who do you think you're looking down on!" Yun Fan suddenly felt provoked. "Teacher, I may not be much, but I have piano Level 10!"

"Level 10! Hear that, Le—" Wen Haochen repeated mechanically, then gasped. "Level 10? When did you take the test? How come I didn’t know!"

Yun Fan glanced at Wen Haochen and pursed his lips. He thought to himself, *How do I even begin to explain my life to you, Young Master? Better not say anything.*

*The Carnival of the Animals* was something Yun Fan had indeed practiced before. Back in college, he was pushed into a duet piano performance with a classmate. So for a moment, he felt transported, as if two worlds had overlapped, and he was reliving the past.

In that daze, Yun Fan nodded and agreed.

Wen Haochen was startled and pulled the teacher aside. "Shouldn’t we ask other students? Maybe someone else—"

"Ask what? You think I don’t know your level?" The teacher grew impatient, grabbing Yun Fan’s hand. "Let’s start rehearsing!"

The wind blew, leaving Zhu Yan, Zhu Ning, and Zhu Zhiqian standing in disarray by the fountain in the broad plaza. The moment in the spotlight they had envisioned for Zhu Ning—how had it been handed over to someone else just like that? And to the Wen family’s little butler, no less.

Zhu Yan turned around and glared at his younger brother. "There’ll be many important people in the audience today. You’re really... so useless!"

Afraid Zhu Yan might hit Zhu Ning, Zhu Zhiqian quickly pulled the trembling, cowering Zhu Ning behind him and said soothingly, "Let that little butler make a fool of himself. Butlers should stay in their place and stay home. Him putting himself forward like this will definitely upset the Wen family."

"You’re right, I was too impatient," Zhu Yan nodded, apologizing to his brother.

*

At the rehearsal, Yun Fan listened to the teacher’s brief explanation, scanned the sheet music a couple of times, and started practicing.

As soon as he began playing, Wen Haochen, holding the triangle instrument, stood frozen in place.

As the music flowed, everyone’s eyes turned to Yun Fan. The orchestra members looked from Yun Fan to Wen Haochen.

As more and more eyes gathered, Wen Haochen’s chest swelled with more and more pride.

*Impressive, right? I brought him!*

Wen Haochen was bursting with pride and then some, and an overwhelming affection for Yun Fan that he couldn’t express.

Today, though not yet in formal attire, Yun Fan was already the piano prince in everyone’s hearts.

Though Yun Fan was just beginning to play and occasionally hesitated, it was clear he had practiced this piece many times. His basic piano skills were also very solid.

Indeed, Yun Fan had been playing piano since childhood—his mother was a piano teacher. After his parents were gone, the piano became his connection to them. Every note he played told a story filled with longing.

In Yun Fan’s music, Wen Haochen forgot to play his triangle several times. His part wasn't complicated to begin with, yet he still managed to miss it. Every time the rehearsal paused, the teacher called him out.

"Haochen, should I just replace you with a robot?"

"No, no! I want to be on stage!" Wen Haochen said anxiously.

He rarely had opportunities like this. Today, he absolutely had to stand close to Yun Fan and perform this piece, which was sure to go down in Shengken Academy’s history!

But soon, after his phone buzzed incessantly, Wen Haochen’s shoulders slumped.

Wen Zhaofu had been invited by the principal to attend tonight’s performance. His eldest brother had invested heavily in the school, and there was no stopping him.

Somehow, Cheng Yu had also heard about it and informed Wen Haochen that he would be coming to watch too.

Wen Haochen was furious. What’s there to see? Couldn’t they just watch a video?

Within seconds, Liu Erxing called, his voice as lazy and drawling as ever. "Little Er, I heard from Butler Cheng’s son that Yun Fan’s playing piano tonight."

"Well, I have to be there then. Quick, send me the address."

"I’ll drive the convertible. I’ll take Yun Fan home after the show—wouldn't that be cool? Hahahaha!"

Wen Haochen stood frozen, gritting his teeth.

*Are you kidding me?!*

*These people are so annoying!!!*