Chapter 81: Love Deepens

Jin Jianyi had no particular talent, except for playing a bit of guitar, and even then, only simple tunes. Seeing the audience laughing so happily, he felt cheerful himself. In competitions like this, rankings are sometimes not that important; as long as you’re happy and I’m happy, that’s enough.

Beside him, Jian Anan felt rather embarrassed. She sensed that those laughing loudly were mocking her, ridiculing her for having such a childish partner. When Jin Jianyi finished his song, the crowd erupted into enthusiastic applause, simply because he was so entertaining.

“I think a person is at their most charming when they’re not obsessed with romance.”
“I feel the same way. He wasn’t doing so well before, but now he’s much better.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Don’t blame Anan. Jin Jianyi’s issues are his own; leave Anan out of it.”

The livestream chat, which had been peaceful, suddenly turned into a quarrel. Some tried to make peace, some formed factions, others argued their own points—the chaos was overwhelming. Jian Anan’s fans, rabid as wild dogs, attacked anyone they could find, and soon no one dared speak up. That group reveled in their dominance. In the end, Li Weiwei couldn’t stand it anymore and had those disrupting the livestream kicked out.

Next on stage were Nan Yan and Yun Ze, the pair most anticipated by the audience.

“They’re here!”
“Nan Yan looks stunning today! That purple, sparkling mermaid dress suits her perfectly!”
“And they’re wearing couple’s outfits, ah~”
“Yun Ze in a purple suit is so handsome!”
“I’m already excited and they haven’t even started!”
“I can hardly wait!”

When Li Weiwei announced the song, the venue fell silent. Nan Yan stood center stage in her dazzling attire, like a noble swan. Yun Ze’s fingers moved lightly over the piano strings, releasing crisp, melodious notes. Nan Yan parted her lips and began to sing:

“In my dreams;
I feel your light;
I feel love is born again;
Fireflies;
...
Take my hand now;
Stay close to me;
Be my lover;”

Nan Yan’s voice was clear, her English fluent and precise; though not a professional singer, she sang with genuine emotion. Everyone present was enthralled by her performance. In that moment, Nan Yan was radiant and confident, and even Yun Ze’s piano became mere accompaniment to her brilliance.

“I never expected Nan Yan to sing so beautifully.”
“Her English is so smooth—I’m envious!”

Yun Ze watched her, eyes filled with admiration and unconcealed affection. Perhaps his approach was right; pursuing Nan Yan needed patience. This version of her—confident, beautiful, and pure—was his idea of perfection.

When Nan Yan finished her song, she turned back, beaming at Yun Ze, like a child eager for praise after performing well. Yun Ze, usually stubborn, stepped forward, grasped her hand, and said, “You truly did it—and did it exceptionally well.”

Throughout the performance, Nan Yan had appeared composed, but in truth, she’d been nervous, nearly forgetting lyrics several times. During their afternoon rehearsal, her anxiety had made her stumble repeatedly. Yet Yun Ze never showed dissatisfaction; he patiently replayed the music and comforted her, urging her not to worry.

For the first time, Nan Yan wondered if she’d been too harsh with him before. Their relationship wasn’t deep, but she was, after all, Yun Ze’s fiancée in name. His attentiveness and desire to know her affairs seemed perfectly normal.

Perhaps she should let go of her resentment towards the family-arranged marriage and truly see the person before her. Still, the thought lasted only a moment before she tucked it away again. She felt that their peaceful coexistence was fine for now.

Yun Ze, however, saw things differently. Nan Yan had met his gaze for so long, and agreed to hold his hand—didn’t that mean they could move closer? He clasped her hand tightly and, without letting go, escorted her off the stage.

Because Nan Yan wore a mermaid dress and heels, descending the stairs was awkward. Yun Ze supported her, adjusting her skirt and steadying her as she walked. The livestream audience delighted in their sweet interaction, declaring it utterly addictive.

Next to perform were Song Waning and Wen Jingxing, the duo with the highest expectations. As soon as they stepped onto the stage, the audience erupted, “Young Master Wen! Young Master Wen!”

Song Waning, witnessing the power of Wen Jingxing’s fans for the first time, raised her eyebrows. This man, who rarely surfed the internet, had so many admirers.

The livestream chat joined the chorus.
“Young Master Wen! He’s wearing couple’s outfits with Song Waning today!”
“Ancient style—matching clothes and even matching instruments!”

Sharp-eyed viewers noticed the details. Song Waning wore a pale green traditional outfit, with fur around the collar, wide sleeves edged with gold embroidery, and a long skirt with subtle patterns. What seemed simple at first glance was rich with detail upon closer inspection.

Many commented on her attire.
“Song Waning is so interesting—she’s the only one in ancient style while everyone else is modern.”
“She looks great in these clothes. She really suits traditional styles.”
“She’s holding a pipa—is she really going to play it?”

Soon, the conversation shifted to the main topic, which was what everyone truly cared about.

“I’ve heard Young Master Wen studied music from a young age. If he says he’ll play the flute, he certainly can. But Song Waning... well, that’s harder to say.”
“Yes, the pipa is difficult. I tried for months and never mastered it.”
“Don’t be so pessimistic, okay?”
“Right—this isn’t a formal competition. Isn’t it enough to have fun?”
“Like Jin Jianyi—what did he play? ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star!’ It’s all about enjoying yourself. No one complained then, so why now?”
“I’m just worried Song Waning won’t play well and will drag Young Master Wen down—is that so wrong?”

(End of chapter)