Graceful Spirit

The trembling notes of the pipa faded away under her slender fingers, inch by inch. The song, "The Ten Commandments Poem," with its verses sung and spoken, its imagery and emotion, was like a delicate ink painting unfolding quietly in the hearts of the audience.

If her erhu performance had made her seem like a graceful and talented girl—subtly charming and drawing people in with understated brilliance—

Then her xiao performance had stunned them like a celestial revelation, as if the Jade Wave Fairy herself had reappeared to bestow the world with the most beautiful music.

But when she picked up the pipa, that alluring charm of a girl half-hidden behind the instrument, a thousand emotions swirled on the face of a not-quite-girl. It mesmerized every listener, leaving an unforgettable impression.

It wasn't that they had never seen someone master multiple instruments before. But those others always made it feel like music was just a tool—a performance trick. Chu Lian, on the other hand, integrated music into her soul, allowing her audience to feel the emotions woven into her heart.

That was the allure born from a pure love of music, a genuine fondness for instruments, and a deep pursuit of beautiful songs.

"Maybe she really is the Jade Wave Fairy reborn… only this time, she's staying in the mortal world for a long while…" A devoted fan of Chu Yan couldn't help but think this after hearing Chu Lian's complete repertoire.

She shared the same surname. Her veiled face was equally beautiful. Though she had yet to fully mature, her elegance was already extraordinary. Dressed in a flowing white quju hanfu, she looked ethereal, like a smaller version of the Jade Wave Fairy from years ago.

Setting down the pipa, Chu Lian bit her lip lightly, gave a slight bow, and asked, "How was Lian'er's performance? Is there still anyone who doubts Lian'er's ability?"

Her eyes, misty and gentle like autumn water, swept across the crowd. No one dared to meet her gaze—especially those who had come with ill intentions.

She let out a soft sigh, walked to the microphone, paused for a moment, then spoke:

"Lian'er has always worked hard, simply wanting to bring beautiful music to everyone. Yet over the past few days, Lian'er has faced countless doubts—lip-syncing, being fake, pretentious—so many criticisms, all sounding so sure."

A faint, sorrowful smile curved her lips. "Originally, Lian'er thought such things were unavoidable and didn't mind too much. But some people have been too aggressive, insisting that Lian'er give them an explanation."

"Lian'er is no saint. She doesn't have the kind of magnanimity to endure malicious attacks in silence. Lian'er has no great power either—she can't arrest all those who slander her. All Lian'er has are two hands, a voice, and a few instruments."

"After reflecting these past days, maybe it really is because Lian'er's talent is lacking, which is why so many are dissatisfied. So, Lian'er has come to a decision: after today's performance, perhaps Lian'er will no longer perform in public."

"That way, everyone should be satisfied. And Lian'er can finally rest..." Her smile was bitter, like someone bullied by the world, burdened by sorrow they could never voice.

Even before she finished speaking, an uproar had broken out. People in the audience stood up, shouting—

"Chu Lian, don't care about what others say! You're amazing!"

"Don't let those voices drown out the love and support we have for you! We've always believed in you…"

"After today's performance, I don't know how I'll cope without your voice. Chu Lian, I like you—your songs, your spirit, and your adorable self! Please don't leave like this…"

Yet she seemed completely unaffected by their cries, continuing to speak. Her voice wasn't loud, but amplified by "Lacus Clyne's Microphone," it cut clearly through the noise, every word audible to all.

"This is something Lian'er discussed with Sister Ayase. It may disappoint those who support me, and delight those who've attacked me with malice. But Lian'er is really... tired."

Her words made some people feel a little ashamed, while others secretly felt pleased. If she withdrew now, no matter how much of a sensation she had caused, they would count it as a win.

But what she said next instantly chilled them—because they understood the deeper meaning behind her words.

"When one is tired, rest is necessary, right? These recent days have been so chaotic. Lian'er is still young and doesn't understand all this—only that many people dislike her. Lian'er never expected everyone to treat her kindly, so there's no point in blaming them."

"When Lian'er said she wouldn't perform publicly anymore, it wasn't about giving up—just about not letting this learning period be filled with too many distractions."

"But Lian'er won't give up music. I'll still upload my songs from time to time. I'll post the locations on Weibo. If you really enjoy Lian'er's music, you can go find it there."

As she spoke, her fingers plucked the strings of her pipa, softly playing a segment of "Moonlit Ripples on the Jade Lake," bringing a hush of awe to the crowd.

"After all, Lian'er is a student, and the focus should be on studies. Whether it's music or anything else, it's too much pressure at this age. Besides, over the next few years, Lian'er will focus more on writing—because that's what I truly love."

"It's quiet there. No one scolds me. No one points fingers. No one jumps out to question my work without reason..." Her tone was half-serious, half-playful, leaving people unsure of her true thoughts.

Perhaps she was just fragile—giving up over a few haters. Or perhaps she was being impulsive, ignoring others' feelings for her own decisions. But if anyone truly understood Chu Lian's real goals, they'd know that this approach was exactly the right move.

She made a splash, gained a surge of attention, then used various works to stabilize her popularity. Afterward, she would appear in public less frequently—avoiding unnecessary trouble while quietly building her fanbase.

And once she gained enough power to strike back, those hidden vipers would learn what true reckoning meant.

Those who had just speculated that she might be retreating to bide her time were now unsure again. Her innocent face and genuine expression made their doubts fade. After all, she was only thirteen—how deep could her thoughts really go?

Or so they believed. No one could know that beneath that small body was the soul of a weathered twenty-something adult.

With the life experience of two lives, her natural acting skills, and the advantages of her young age, Chu Lian had crafted a flawless lie that concealed her true intentions. By the time anyone saw through it, it would be far too late.

"After saying all that, Lian'er's real wish is simple: to study well, write well, learn well, and do what I love. Sometimes I'll sing, sometimes I'll show up, sometimes I'll play the xiao or erhu, or pluck the pipa or guzheng. I just don't want too many interruptions. I don't want to be overwhelmed. I just want peace for the next few years. So I hope everyone will understand..."

"Alright, with that said, let's enjoy the final instrument in Lian'er's performance—the guzheng."

She turned, walked gracefully to the instrument cases, put away the pipa, and opened another case. From it, she took out the guzheng and placed it on the guzheng table that had been brought onstage while she was speaking.

After positioning it properly, she let out a small breath, then asked playfully, "Before I begin playing, let me ask—who do you think my dance partner will be? Or rather, who do you wish would appear?"

The previously hushed crowd began whispering, and soon someone called out, "The Red-Clad Fairy! It has to be the Red-Clad Fairy! Only she is the perfect dance partner for Chu Lian! Isn't that right? Isn't it?!"

His shout seemed to trigger a wave. Those who recognized the name "Red-Clad Fairy" began chanting it.

Chu Lian's eyes curved with joy as she spoke into the mic, "As you wish—please welcome our Red-Clad Fairy, Sister Ayase, to perform a dance with Lian'er!"

As her words fell, a fiery red figure appeared behind her.

She descended gracefully from a nearby tree.

And once again, the crowd erupted.

The stage was set. The second act—was about to begin...