Hey everyone, and welcome to my new Patreon!
First of all, thank you—from the bottom of my heart—for considering supporting me here. It truly means the world. Your support helps me keep writing, translating, and bringing these stories to life the way they deserve to be experienced.
I want to be completely honest with you: right now, there isn't much content uploaded. But I'm working hard behind the scenes. Within the next two weeks, I'll have all the chapters caught up and ready for early access. After that, give me one more week, and I'll begin adding exclusive bonus content just for Patrons—extra chapters, side stories, and more.
If you're joining now, you're getting in early—and I can't thank you enough for your trust and support. Big things are on the way, and I can't wait to share them with you.
Join here: patreon.com/Eden_Translation
With gratitude,
Eden Translation
*****
{Chapter: 170 Yu Shanshan: "Can she take away the little sister position from me?"}
Even though Lin Yuan was standing silently among the crowd, his demeanor gave off an unmistakable air of superiority. The way he carried himself, with his calm expression and piercing gaze, felt less like that of an audience member and more like a teacher coldly pointing out the mistakes of his pupils.
It was subtle, but the condescending aura he gave off rubbed many people the wrong way.
Uncomfortable murmurs spread like wildfire through the room. One whisper led to another, and soon, pockets of conversation filled with criticism and resentment sprang up all around him.
"Ugh, this Lin Yuan really thinks too highly of himself. Can't he just sit there and enjoy the performance like everyone else? Why does he have to nitpick everything?"
"Exactly! He's just being pretentious. Even if his critiques sound logical, I still think Ye Feng played beautifully. There's no way Lin Yuan could do better!"
"He sounds like one of those keyboard warriors on the internet—always criticizing the rich and the government without ever showing what they can do themselves. Maybe he's just jealous of Ye Feng's popularity and piano talent."
"Is this really the kind of behavior expected from the young master of the Lin family? Arrogant, aloof, and quick to tear others down? If he's really that great, let's see him go up there and play! I bet he can't even manage a simple melody."
"Yeah! He's hiding behind his family name. It's easy to act superior when you've got power and status to fall back on. Let's see what he's really made of when he's the one under pressure."
Had it been Lin Jianjun or Meng Yuelan standing in his place, no one would have dared to speak so freely. Their presence alone demanded respect.
But Lin Yuan was different.
Despite being the young master of an influential family, he was still young—just a junior in the eyes of many. And in a room filled with social climbers, sycophants, and onlookers hungry for drama, youth was often equated with arrogance.
To some, Lin Yuan was just another spoiled, entitled young man who thought he could get away with anything simply because of his background.
The most vocal critics were, unsurprisingly, the ones with personal stakes.
Some middle-aged women who had been utterly captivated by Ye Feng's refined appearance and romantic piano performance saw Lin Yuan as a threat to their daydreams.
Meanwhile, a number of younger men, who secretly harbored jealousy over Lin Yuan's relationship with the stunning Yan Ruyue, took this opportunity to slander him under their breath.
The gossip was relentless.
"Shanshan, your brother's really over the top," one of the girls nearby said in a syrupy voice that barely hid her spite. "Sure, he's good-looking, but that doesn't mean he can treat people like this. I think Ye Feng was amazing. Just because your brother doesn't like him doesn't mean he gets to trample on his performance."
"Bullshit!" Yu Shanshan snapped, eyes flaring with anger. "My brother plays the piano better than him—way better! He didn't humiliate him at all! He was just pointing out the truth!"
Unable to tolerate the criticism being hurled at her brother, Yu Shanshan turned toward Lin Yuan, her eyes bright with encouragement. "Brother! Go up there and play a song! Let them see how incredible you really are!"
She knew the truth of Lin Yuan's talent. The memory of him playing the piano that day still lingered in her mind—his graceful fingers, the flawless transitions, the raw emotion he poured into every note. It was unforgettable.
Gui Qingtong chimed in, her voice filled with righteous frustration. "Brother Lin Yuan, you have to play something. That Ye Feng guy insulted our family again and again. He keeps blaming the piano! I'm furious!"
Having already been annoyed by Ye Feng's earlier antics, both Gui Qingtong and Mei Yuxian were visibly upset.
But after hearing Lin Yuan's articulate critique, they felt somewhat vindicated.
Still, they wanted more. They wanted proof.
Mei Yuxian looked at Lin Yuan, her elegant face full of expectation. She didn't say a word—but the look in her eyes was clear. Show them.
Even Yan Ruyue, usually reserved and indifferent in social settings, spoke up in support of Lin Yuan.
"Yes, Lin Yuan," she said softly but with conviction. "You definitely play better than him."
That simple sentence startled Mei Yuxian.
It was one thing for Gui Qingtong and Yu Shanshan to speak highly of Lin Yuan—after all, they were practically family. But Yan Ruyue? The ever-distant, icy goddess of the social scene? For her to openly cheer for Lin Yuan meant something more.
Could Lin Yuan's piano skills truly be on another level?
Even Qiao Siying, who had been observing silently from the side, couldn't help but reevaluate him.
She was still processing the boldness of Lin Yuan's earlier statements. While she was well aware of his audacious personality, to openly declare that Ye Feng's performance didn't even meet the minimum passing standard—that was a move that took serious guts.
Compared to meeting the famous pianist of Blue and White Porcelain, Qiao Siying found her curiosity shifting. Rather than getting excited about the celebrity, she was now far more intrigued by the idea of watching Lin Yuan play the piano.
She already had a preconceived image in her head—one that wasn't exactly flattering.
In her mind, Lin Yuan's playing would probably sound like a ghost wailing in the night or wolves howling in the forest. A complete disaster. Just the thought of that ridiculous imagery nearly made her burst into laughter.
Meanwhile, on the second floor, Lin Jianjun and Meng Yuelan had just arrived.
They hadn't been there long when they overheard the buzzing murmurs of gossip below—whispers mocking Lin Yuan, questioning his arrogance, and doubting his talent.
Meng Yuelan's temper instantly flared. As a mother, hearing others insult her son lit a fire in her heart. Her expression turned cold, and she looked ready to lash out.
But before she could storm off to confront the critics, Lin Jianjun gently grabbed her wrist and said in a calm tone, "Look at your son. He's not flustered at all. He's composed and confident. You have to trust him."
Lin Jianjun had always believed in Lin Yuan. No matter the challenge, no matter the setting, he had full confidence that his son would never disappoint him.
Meng Yuelan took a deep breath and turned her eyes toward Lin Yuan. What she saw eased her slightly. Lin Yuan stood quietly, his face calm and unmoved by the noise around him, as if he were completely above it all.
She nodded slowly. "Alright... I believe in Yuan'er."
But after a moment's pause, she frowned slightly and asked, "Wait… when did he even learn how to play the piano?"
Lin Jianjun fell silent.
"..."
The question hit him just as hard. Now that she mentioned it, he realized he didn't know either.
When did the boy learn piano? He didn't recall seeing him take any lessons.
Meng Yuelan narrowed her eyes, prepared for the worst. If Lin Yuan really went on stage and embarrassed himself, she would have to tear apart anyone who dared to mock her son—even if he did sound like howling wolves.
At that moment, all eyes in the room were on Lin Yuan.
But under the intense pressure, under the scrutiny of dozens of judgmental gazes, Lin Yuan didn't flinch. His expression remained as tranquil as still water. Not even the tiniest flicker of anxiety could be seen on his face.
Just when the crowd began to believe he would chicken out—just when the silence was at its thickest—Lin Yuan suddenly opened his mouth to speak.
"If that's the case," he said, with a faint smile tugging at his lips, "then allow me to give you all a demonstration. Let me show you how it's really done."
The room instantly erupted into murmurs of disbelief and excitement.
He was actually going to play?!
Ye Feng had only sarcastically suggested Lin Yuan go up and show off if he was so confident. No one thought Lin Yuan would actually take that suggestion seriously.
But here he was, stepping forward.
"Wait… does he actually know how to play the piano?" someone whispered, genuinely confused.
"Heh. Young Master Lin? Don't make me laugh. He's just pretending to be confident."
"Right? Ye Feng's piano skills are basically professional. Lin Yuan claims he's a beginner—so why is he even trying?"
"Using a 'demonstration' as an excuse to go up there… what a shameless move."
"Seriously, he should've just apologized and sat back down. But now? He's going to make a fool of himself. Honestly, I'm embarrassed for him. The entire Lin family will be humiliated."
The criticism only grew louder, but Lin Yuan ignored it all.
With a relaxed pace, he began walking toward the stage. Each step was calm, unhurried—like a man without fear.
And as he walked, voices of support cut through the noise.
"Go, Brother Lin Yuan!" Gui Qingtong called out, her eyes sparkling with admiration.
"Brother, you can do it!" Yu Shanshan cheered as well. Then she glanced sideways at Gui Qingtong, her mood suddenly shifting.
'Why is this girl cuter than me? But even if she is cuter, can she take away the little sister position from me?'
Yu Shanshan narrowed her eyes, a spark of rivalry flaring.
"Lin Yuan, good luck!" Yan Ruyue added her voice with a sincerity that surprised even herself.
Mei Yuxian didn't speak, but when Lin Yuan passed by, she offered him a small, elegant smile—one that radiated encouragement more than any words ever could.
Lin Yuan saw the look in her eyes, and in that single glance, he could feel her silent support.
Surrounded by cheers from some of the most beautiful women in the room, Lin Yuan seemed to walk with an invisible aura around him.
Onstage, Ye Feng's expression stiffened slightly.
He tried to hide it, but a flicker of jealousy betrayed him. Those women cheering for Lin Yuan were the very ones Ye Feng hoped would be impressed by his performance. Instead, they were rallying behind the person who had criticized him.
Let him embarrass himself, Ye Feng thought bitterly. Once he plays, they'll see what a joke he really is.
Just as Lin Yuan turned to face the audience and prepared to sit at the piano, a sudden voice called out—
"Wait!"
Lin Yuan paused mid-step.
At first, he assumed it was another girl cheering him on. But when he turned around to look, he was met with the unexpected sight of a middle-aged uncle.
Lin Yuan's body chilled all over.
'What is happening?'
*****
Hey everyone, and welcome to my new Patreon!
First of all, thank you—from the bottom of my heart—for considering supporting me here. It truly means the world. Your support helps me keep writing, translating, and bringing these stories to life the way they deserve to be experienced.
I want to be completely honest with you: right now, there isn't much content uploaded. But I'm working hard behind the scenes. Within the next two weeks, I'll have all the chapters caught up and ready for early access. After that, give me one more week, and I'll begin adding exclusive bonus content just for Patrons—extra chapters, side stories, and more.
If you're joining now, you're getting in early—and I can't thank you enough for your trust and support. Big things are on the way, and I can't wait to share them with you.
Join here: patreon.com/Eden_Translation
With gratitude,
Eden Translation