Chapter 117 Compromise
Doing a collaborative show now feels like a bad call. If I keep going, am I just making things worse?
But I really gave it my all. Deep down, I want the performance to succeed.
'Should I quit or push for perfection?' These thoughts are constantly at war in my head, like a scale that can't tip either way.
I often feel like an old-timer, stuck in my ways, always holding myself to these moral standards. Turned out, others saw it as me just complicating things for myself.
I needed a solid reason to help me decide.
Honestly, I already had some hopes for the outcome.
Seeing me quiet, Daniel lowered his lashes, a small smile forming, and a gentle light in his eyes. "Jane, one performance for cutting ties, it's worth it, right?"
Yeah, it was worth it.
That reason worked for me, so I agreed.
"Okay, Daniel, I'm in." Just as I said that, we heard a rustling from the bushes nearby.
We both jumped at the sound.
I instinctively thought someone was hiding there, maybe Zoe.
Daniel, tall and quick, changed his stance.
He must've recognized who it was, stopped, and looked back at me thoughtfully.
When I rushed over, I only saw a corner of black pants disappearing.
Black pants are too common; half the school wears them. No way to tell who it was.
Since I couldn't figure it out, I let it go. We were just talking about the performance, nothing personal. Whoever wanted to listen could; I had nothing to hide.
Convinced by Daniel, I took the guitar from his shoulder and slung it over mine, heading to the rehearsal hall with him.
After practicing for so long, it would be a shame to quit now.
But I had to clear one thing with Daniel. "Daniel, I checked, and this guitar costs around $18,000. Let's be clear, I'll pay for my own guitar. If you want me in the performance, you have to accept the money I send you for it, or I'm out."
Daniel shot back, "It's just over $10,000, why make it a big deal? We've been friends for over twenty years; isn't that worth more than a guitar? It's my gift to you, no charge."
When money's involved between a guy and a girl, it's hard to believe there's nothing more to it.
At least, I wouldn't believe it.
That's over $10,000, more than a month's income for an average family. Daniel giving it to me just because we've been neighbors for twenty years felt like a weak reason.
I believed he genuinely wanted to give it without thinking about the money. I appreciated it, but I couldn't accept it without a good reason.
This was my principle and my bottom line.
I said firmly, "I have to give you the money. If you don't accept it, then..."
If Daniel didn't take it, I wouldn't take the guitar or join tomorrow's performance.
That was the unspoken part.
It's not that I didn't appreciate his kindness, but I couldn't use someone's kindness against them.
Daniel knew how stubborn I could be. He pinched his forehead, eyebrows raised in frustration. "You're always so stubborn. Do you really have to do this?"
"Yes." I met his gaze, standing firm.
Daniel's deep eyes locked with mine.
After a silent standoff for two minutes, he gave in and agreed to let me pay for the guitar.
"Give me your bank account number, and I'll transfer it now," I said.
"Why the rush? It's not like I'm broke," Daniel replied.
I explained, "It's just that my memory isn't great. I'm worried I'll forget later, and then you'll be out a lot of money."
I took out my phone, insisting with my eyes that if he didn't accept the money, I wouldn't cooperate.
Daniel reluctantly pulled out his phone, found his bank account number, and showed it to me, still saying there was no need to be so clear about it, that he genuinely wanted to give it to me.
I believed him.
Whether he gave me the guitar because I liked it or to make up for past actions, I knew he didn't think about the money when he chose it.
But I had to pay for it to keep things clear between us.
I had over a million in savings, and Daniel, always exceptional, had been earning well at National Capital University. $18,000 was small for both of us.
But between us, who paid for the guitar mattered.
Anyway, the guitar suited me perfectly, and I was grateful.
Only after Daniel confirmed the receipt did I feel relieved, heading to the rehearsal hall with him for the final practice.
To conserve energy, we ended early that day.
Surprisingly, Rachel didn't insist on going out with Daniel but left earlier, saying she needed to confirm a few things for tomorrow's rehearsal.
When we left the hall, only seven or eight people, including Daniel and me, were left.
After the others said goodbye and left, it was just Daniel and me on the quiet path.
"It's late, I'll walk you back," Daniel said, reaching for my guitar, but I dodged.
I refused, "No need, it's safe here at school. I can manage. Thanks, see you tomorrow."
I turned to leave, but Daniel grabbed my arm, his tone urgent and angry, "You want to draw a line with me, but don't joke about your safety. I'll walk you, no refusal."
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