Chapter 9 - Papa Doesn't Need To Be A Star

Chapter 9 - Papa Doesn't Need To Be A Star

Sisi drew the second number, meaning she and Xiao Cheng had to wait for their turn.

The first pair of children and their parents performed using a simple harmonica. Their performance was decent—not particularly outstanding, but enough to pass.

"Next, we invite Sisi and her father to the stage!" Teacher Chu announced.

"Baba, it's our turn!" Sisi clutched Xiao Cheng's hand nervously.

"Don't be nervous," Xiao Cheng reassured her. "You're amazing, Sisi. Just sing like you always do." He led her confidently onto the stage.

The piano had already been set up for Xiao Cheng, and he took his seat in front of it. Sisi stood beside the piano, still looking a little anxious.

"Sisi, don't look at me. Look at the audience," Xiao Cheng said gently.

At a time like this, confidence was key. Facing the audience would help her perform even better.

"O-okay, Papa," Sisi whispered, biting her lip. She took a deep breath, turned around, and looked at the audience.

Then, Xiao Cheng placed his fingers on the piano and began to play.

A Performance That Stunned the Audience

The first few notes drifted through the air, and the entire hall fell silent.

Xiao Cheng's piano playing was mesmerizing. The melody flowed effortlessly, each note crisp and clear, weaving together a beautiful harmony that captivated everyone in the room.

Many parents and children were stunned.

Can a piano sound this magical?

Those who had some knowledge of music were even more shocked.

Although Xiao Cheng had only just started playing, his technique was flawless. Even without showcasing his full ability, it was clear—this was world-class piano mastery.

Then, Sisi began to sing.

"The dark sky hangs low,

The bright stars follow...

Fireflies fly, fireflies fly,

Who are you missing?"

Her soft, sweet voice blended perfectly with the piano, creating an enchanting moment.

No one dared to make a sound—not even a whisper. Some held their breath, afraid to break the spell.

One of the professional judges, deeply impressed, quickly began taking notes.

The performance continued.

"A pair after another, so beautiful,

Not afraid of the dark, only afraid of heartbreak..."

The nursery rhyme was short, and before long, the final notes echoed through the room.

Xiao Cheng lifted his hands from the piano, and Sisi finished her last lyric.

But the audience remained frozen, still immersed in the performance.

Sisi blinked in confusion. "Papa, why is everyone so quiet?"

Xiao Cheng chuckled and motioned for her to stay silent. Then, he gracefully stood up, took Sisi's hand, and they both bowed to the audience.

That was when the applause erupted.

A thunderous wave of claps filled the room.

Words like heavenly, elegant, and perfect filled the minds of those watching.

Some parents whispered to each other, amazed.

"This… this was on another level."

"That wasn't just any piano playing… that was the work of a master!"

Meanwhile, Sisi still looked puzzled.

"Papa, why are they clapping?" she asked.

Xiao Cheng playfully tapped her nose. "Because Sisi sang so beautifully. They're all applauding for you."

"Really?" Her face turned red. "But it was Papa who played so well!"

Xiao Cheng smiled but didn't argue. He led Sisi back to their seats, politely declining conversations with those who wanted to approach them.

A Well-Deserved Victory

Soon, it was time to announce the results.

"The first-place winner, as I'm sure many of you expected, is Shen Sisi and her father!"

The crowd erupted in cheers.

Sisi had not only won first place but had also secured her admission into Blue Moon Primary School—a prestigious institution that many parents had fought hard to get their children into.

An Unexpected Viral Sensation

That evening, after Xiao Cheng brought Sisi home, he realized he had vastly underestimated the impact of their performance.

Someone had recorded the video of him playing the piano while Sisi sang and uploaded it online.

The clip exploded in popularity overnight.

Social media and streaming platforms were filled with comments:

"I didn't know a children's song could sound this beautiful!"

"Wait, this isn't a professional pianist? This man's piano skills are world-class!"

"Mom, I want to learn this song too!"

That night, in countless homes, children drifted off to sleep listening to Xiao Cheng's piano and Sisi's soft singing.

"Papa, Why Don't You Become a Star?"

Sisi excitedly rushed to Xiao Cheng, holding up her phone.

"Papa, look! The video has already reached over a million views!" she exclaimed.

Xiao Cheng, who was washing the dishes, barely glanced over. "I see. That's nice, Sisi."

Sisi pouted. "Papa, why aren't you excited? You play the piano so well and sing so beautifully! Why don't you become a star?"

Xiao Cheng chuckled. "A star?" He shook his head. "No, I don't need to."

"Why not?"

"Being a celebrity comes with too many restrictions," he said simply. "It's not something I'm interested in."

Sisi frowned in thought. "But don't celebrities make a lot of money and get a lot of respect?"

Xiao Cheng laughed. "Silly girl. Papa doesn't need to be a star to earn more money and respect than any celebrity."

"Huh?" Sisi blinked, confused.

"You'll understand when you grow up," he said, ruffling her hair. "Now, it's bedtime."

Though still curious, Sisi trusted her father completely.

As he tucked her into bed and told her a bedtime story, her confusion faded.

Papa can do anything, she thought drowsily before drifting off into a peaceful sleep.

A New Investment Opportunity

The next morning, after dropping Sisi off at school, Xiao Cheng received a phone call.

By noon, he was sitting in a hotel lounge, meeting with a businessman.

"Hello, Mr. Xiao," the man greeted eagerly. "I represent a wine company, and I'd like to introduce you to our business. We may not have been doing well in recent years, but we have huge potential for growth. Please take a look at our proposal—"

Xiao Cheng raised a hand, cutting him off.

"Did you bring the investment contract?" he asked directly.

The man was taken aback. "Oh, uh… Yes, I did! But… Mr. Xiao, you haven't even heard about our company yet?"

Xiao Cheng smiled faintly. "I don't need to. Show me the contract."

Though confused, the man quickly handed over the contract.

Just as Xiao Cheng began reading, a familiar system notification rang in his mind.

Ding! Congratulations, Host!

You have read your first investment contract!

Rewards: Legal Knowledge +999! Investment Knowledge +999!

Within seconds, Xiao Cheng absorbed a wealth of financial and legal expertise.

After scanning the contract, he nodded.

"It's good. I'll invest."

The man stared in shock.

Who invests money this easily?!

But Xiao Cheng simply smiled.

He had already seen the future—this was just the beginning.