Rebirth: I have Monopoly System

Chapter 138: Chapter 138: Li Yuantao’s Little Trick

Just then, Zhao Yuqing walked over with an embarrassed look. "Wu Yun, I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize there’d be a line to audition. I just checked—you’re up after the next two acts!"

Wu Yun was annoyed, but he put on an unconcerned expression. "It’s fine, Class President. I just got to watch a free show for over an hour."

"You should get ready. The line is over there," Zhao Yuqing said, pointing to two people standing beside the stage.

Wu Yun patted the hand Wen Meng had looped through his arm and said with a smile, "Wen Meng, watch me perform!"

Soon, it was Wu Yun’s turn.

The stage spotlight was so bright that it illuminated the darkened seating area, making it easy for the performer to see the audience’s expressions.

Wu Yun had originally picked a Chinese song, but after unexpectedly acquiring Mastery of Four Languages, he had cockily given Zhao Yuqing the name of a classic English song when she asked: "As Long As You Love Me."

The song’s classic intro began to play. Wu Yun’s flawless English diction flowed with the music; his Singing Mastery put him on par with the original artist.

Although his voice was different enough for the audience to immediately recognize he wasn’t the original singer, they were all shocked by the quality. Some people exchanged glances, nodding in confirmation.

Even Li Yuantao was surprised, though the expression vanished in an instant. It was replaced by a faint sneer, which Wu Yun, who had been watching him the whole time, saw clearly.

The song, only three or four minutes long, ended quickly. As the last of the backing track faded, Wu Yun stood on stage and watched the "judges" in the front row raise their placards, each marked with a check.

Seeing he had secured a spot in the university’s orientation gala, Wu Yun gave a nod to the audience and turned to leave the stage.

"Wait a minute, student!" Li Yuantao called out as he stood up. His voice echoed clearly through the spacious hall.

Wu Yun stopped and looked at Li Yuantao. ’What is this guy up to?’ he wondered. Feigning ignorance, he asked, "Is there something you need, senior?"

Li Yuantao beamed at Wu Yun, giving off an impression of pure goodwill.

"Junior, allow me to introduce myself. I’m Li Yuantao, president of the student council. I’m the one organizing this year’s orientation gala."

"You’ll also be performing at the School of Economics and Management’s own welcome party, I presume?"

Wu Yun nodded but said nothing.

Li Yuantao continued with a smile, "We’ve discussed it with the student council presidents from every school, and we’ve decided that for singing acts, it’s best to prepare two songs—one for your school’s party, and one for the main university gala."

"However, after seeing your performance, I feel it’s absolutely professional grade. It gave me an idea. I’d like you to prepare three songs, with the third as a backup. In exchange, you’ll be the finale for the university’s orientation gala."

Li Yuantao glanced around at the other student council presidents in attendance.

"No objections here!"

"I agree! His performance was fantastic."

...

The presidents, men and women alike, voiced their support. The female president from the School of Economics and Management was particularly enthusiastic, raising both hands in approval.

Li Yuantao’s smile was incredibly warm, as if he genuinely wanted to give Wu Yun this chance to shine. "So, junior? What do you say to performing the finale? Any issues with that?"

Wu Yun was completely baffled. For the life of him, he couldn’t figure out what Li Yuantao was planning.

’According to the standard love-rival playbook, shouldn’t he be trying to make my life difficult right now?’

Looking at the beaming Li Yuantao, Wu Yun nodded. "No problem, senior. I’ll send you the backing tracks once they’re ready."

’He’s a smiling tiger, for sure,’ Wu Yun thought, mentally tagging Li Yuantao.

He didn’t know the specifics of the plan, but Wu Yun was certain Li Yuantao was setting a trap for him.

Wu Yun handed the microphone to a student council member helping out and finally stepped off the stage, heading toward where Wen Meng was waiting.

Zhao Yuqing came over as well, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Eldest Young Master Wu, I had no idea you were so talented! I’m seriously impressed! The finale! They’re setting up the stage on the main field—the whole university will be watching you!"

Zhao Yuqing’s words were like the sun breaking through the clouds, instantly clearing the confusion in Wu Yun’s mind. He finally understood Li Yuantao’s petty little scheme.

"Well, Your Majesty, the Class President, I didn’t embarrass our class today, did I? Since I worked so hard on my performance, don’t you think you should organize a cheering squad for me?" Wu Yun said with a cheeky grin, fishing for praise.

Zhao Yuqing rolled her eyes, then gave him a mischievous smirk. "Sure. As long as Eldest Young Master Wu treats all the girls in our class to a feast, I guarantee they’ll cheer until their voices are hoarse."

"No problem! After military training is over, I’ll treat the whole class! We can make it a class party," Wu Yun said, patting Zhao Yuqing’s shoulder. "You’re in charge of organizing it, Class President! I’ll just handle the bill. Order whatever you want; money is no object!"

Zhao Yuqing was stunned. She hadn’t expected him to agree, let alone suggest a party for the entire class.

She knew he was rich, of course. His reputation as the "tall, rich, and handsome" guy who drove a Lamborghini to school had already spread far and wide.

Almost every day, girls from other classes would flock to their class formation, hoping to catch a glimpse of his handsome face.

If Wu Yun hadn’t been on leave, he would have been swarmed by them, despite already having the "department belle" for a girlfriend.

Wu Yun laughed. "I’m not kidding, Class President. How about a seafood buffet? They have a bit of everything, so it should satisfy all tastes. And just like that, it’s decided. I’ll book the tables in advance."

’If I let them vote on it,’ Wu Yun thought, ’they’ll argue all day and get nowhere. It’s better if I just decide for them.’

Zhao Yuqing thought for a moment and agreed. "Okay, I’ll post it in the group chat when I get back so we can set a date. What’s the name of the place?"

"Shangyan Seafood Buffet! And remember to invite our counselor, too!"

Zhao Yuqing smiled as she typed the name into her phone. "Alright, I won’t be a third wheel any longer. I’m outta here!"

Wen Meng, who had been quiet until now, waited for Zhao Yuqing to leave before standing up with a smile. She took Wu Yun’s arm, and the two of them slowly strolled back toward the entrance.

"Wen Meng, what’s Li Yuantao usually like? Do you know his style?" Wu Yun asked, wanting to get her take on it.

Wen Meng shook her head, looking puzzled. "I don’t really pay attention to him; I’ve barely interacted with him. Why? Did something seem off just now? He seemed pretty friendly to you. Besides, he knows you’re wealthy. Unless he’s a complete idiot, he wouldn’t dare go out of his way to offend you."

Wu Yun’s expression grew pensive. "I just get the feeling he’s a smiling tiger. Making me the finale... he’s definitely up to no good. And what Zhao Yuqing said made me realize his plan is probably to kill me with praise and paint a target on my back."

"Kill you with praise? Paint a target on your back?"

Thinking it over, she realized it did make a certain kind of sense. After all, while Wu Yun’s singing was professional quality, considering all the potential acts, there were probably others even more suitable for the grand finale.