Curtain Call (1/2)

The interior had purple leather seats, with different ornaments, and instruments hanging from the wall. There were multiple rooms besides that one this was just the music hall where there waiting for him was Zhou Shin and a thin old man who was a moderately well known servant according to his sources in the family.

Before Shen Yue could get a word in, the old man straightened his posture and began to read from the thick but beautifully made scroll he had in his hands. The atmosphere felt solemn as the old servant opened the scroll and read out loud the contents in an old but rich voice.

"Second Young master Shen Yue, on behalf of the current, and future Patriarch of the sacred family the elders of the council has investigated the wrongs First master Shen Fei has done during your gathering in support of talents, and outstanding figures that support and work with the family in many ways.

Shen Fei has wronged the second young master by embarrassing the court by directing his brutish servants into the event uninvited. But brought further dishonor to the family by having them attack guests and the second young master almost shaming the entire family with their rude words and immoral behavior.

Your father Lord Patriarch, has heard of the matter and gave his instructions to recertify the issue. After the second investigation is finished you will not only be rewarded for the great contribution to the family, but also be paid reparations for the unfortunate things that happened at the banquet.

But after seeing the results of your training so far, it was decided for you younger siblings to be taught as well starting next year with your current teacher having permanent positions." Said the Servant.

`This worked out better than I thought, it looks like If I play my cards right I can become the heir of the Sacred family raising my status and giving an advantage when it comes to dealing with Nie Lie it's from there that I will make changes.` Shen Yue although rolling with joy in the inside he did not let his impassive mask slip besides a small smile to show he was satisfied.

"One last thing. Second young master, your father said he will attend your next birthday party."

'Shit' Thought Shen Yue

Meanwhile in Shen Fei's place .

"As a result of your failure to manage your temper, bringing shame to the family and almost costing the family to lose a big deal. 20% of your total assets not including servants and maids shall be given to Shen Yue, Second young master family as reparations for the damage you caused.

Another investigation will be launched on the situation so until this is completely cleared you will be confined to your section of the manor not including the 20% removed from your assets." Spoke the old maid watching as Shen Fei nearly broke the armrest he was sitting there while still holding a poker face.

"One last thing, Your father the Patriarch told me to tell you that he and you will be attending your younger brother's birthday celebration." Said the old woman with a fake smile.

`Shit.` Thought Shen Fei.

There were reasons why he was afraid of Shen Hong and having to attend what was obviously going to be a stressful party with his father watching, and attending made him feel extremely uncomfortable. Shen Fei would have to think hard about what he should do while he still had time.

Meanwhile back in Zhou Shin's classroom Shen Yue was thinking rapidly about the changes this might bring.

`The most important thing is to try to keep calm. My birthday is many months away, and currently it seems like Shen Hong favors me more after all, Shen Fei did majorly fuck up.

It will be hard to set the pace to my take over any further so I can't mess this up` Thought Shen Yue as he nodded to the old servant hiding a dangerous glint in his eyes.

Zhou Shin just smiled, seemingly above worldly affairs. But Shen Yue knew better than to trust that smile of his, after all it's Zhou shin teaching him how to do that sort of stuff it came with etiquette.

For all the skill Shen Yue had which was enough to half full his Aunt Xue it was extremely tough for him to deceive Zhou shin with his years of experience dealing with false smiles, pleasant words and the shadow of meaning underneath them.

Thankfully Shen Yue was only dealing with children his own age he would hate to see how Nie Lie would crack his current mask. That reminded him he needed to start putting more effort into changing his appearance. Zhou shin would be of great help with that, Shen Yue would have hated it if he was thrusted in the world in his teenage days.

Shen Yue shuddered at the thought and Zhou shin addressed him when the servant left.

"So?" Asked Zhou shin.

"So?" Asked Shen Yue back despite knowing he loses every time.

"You were too stiff, if you were truly happy you would be excited instead as firm as a piece of wood." Replied back Zhou shin lamenting that he had no tea to drink currently.

"I am as stiff as a piece of cloth. " Asked Shen Yue, still avoiding the topic to his teacher's annoyance but it's what the teacher expected from him nevertheless it still caused Zhou Shin to sigh.

"It's too obvious!" Zhou shin said in a firm and reprimanding voice.

" Ever single move you make is bright as day, only naïve children or idiotic adults would believe the bullshit that going on here. It's so easy that I didn't even need to leave my spot.

I could just piece together the clues with some information from the servants." Zhou Shin said, then walking up to him at a speed incomprehensible to the current Shen Yue, and whispering quietly in Shen Yue's ear.

"If you are going to play this game then at least be do small things, and not parade around with your poor attempts at being clever pulling big stunts like this.

Anyone with good observational skills could notice you making moves and if we didn't help in the background then your plan would have failed.

You should know why we helped you are more mature than other children but still not there yet." Whispered Zhou Shin as Shen Yue struggled to keep his mask on.

Shen Yue was angered by the way Zhou shin talked to him; he almost couldn't tolerate it.

It was one of the first times in his years that he was close to cracking his mask.

Nerveless he kept almost all of it together besides the cracked ground underneath him thanks to the wave of cool energy passing by his head.

`Keep calm , you already knew there was a high chance of being found out and you specifically hired someone of his caliber who could perfectly fool his opponents so you could get better at this political game. Right now you need to do two things: one figure out why your temper is lower than it should be.

Another is to learn from Zhou Shin the proper way to do this. It's not like Shen Hong is going to teach you about subtly ensuring your opponents fall in a mortal time frame. Breath in and out calm your mind completely before responding.` Thought Shen Yue in his mind slowing down his breathing and calming down before facing Zhou Shin.

"So how did you suggest I did it instead?" Asked Shen Yue still having a bit of rage from his wounded pride but still willing to learn.

"That will come after the music lesson, now after you cleared your mind enough to pick up an instrument." Zhou shin replied out loud walking away as if nothing could happen.