{Chapter: 318 In perfect harmony, tacit understanding!}
The elegant sound of the piano echoed throughout the empty classroom, merging perfectly with the soft rays of the morning sun pouring through the tall windows. The atmosphere was so tranquil and enchanting, it felt like stepping into a hidden glade within a serene forest—untouched by the world, peaceful and pure.
And at the center of it all, like a fairy-tale princess or a divine spirit of nature, sat a girl whose very presence seemed to breathe life into the quiet around her.
She wore a delicate light-blue dress, the fabric fluttering gently against the side of the piano bench as if stirred by an invisible breeze. From the side, her figure exuded both grace and dignity—an image straight out of a dream. Her posture was upright, poised, and composed, reflecting both her discipline and the serenity she carried with her.
The half-profile of her face, visible from the hallway through the slightly ajar door, was so flawless it was almost surreal. Her expression held a calm focus as her slender, snow-white fingers danced effortlessly across the piano keys, conjuring a melody that wrapped around everyone like a soft, silken veil.
The girl playing the piano was none other than Chi Qian.
In the entire Jiangbei Conservatory of Music—a place known for its talented and beautiful students—there was no one who could match her presence, her charm, or her mastery of the piano.
Even Yu Shanshan and her three companions, who had guided Lin Yuan here, were caught off guard. They stood frozen in awe at the doorway, their eyes locked on the mesmerizing scene before them. Time seemed to stretch, and even the air felt like it dared not move for fear of disturbing the moment.
Lin Yuan, too, stood still, captivated by the harmony of sight and sound. The room was filled with light and music, and at the heart of it, Chi Qian played as if she belonged to another world.
Then, an unexpected sound broke the moment.
Thud.
One of Yu Shanshan's wives had accidentally dropped her handbag to the floor. Though the sound was faint, it seemed loud and out of place in the silence.
Yu Shanshan quickly brought her index finger to her lips and whispered, "Shh! It's basic etiquette to be silent when someone is performing."
She shot her wives a look, and they immediately stilled, as if afraid to even breathe too loudly. No one wanted to be the one to ruin such a magical moment.
But just then, something unexpected happened.
Under Yu Shanshan's astonished gaze, Lin Yuan began to move.
With careful, quiet steps, he walked past them and into the piano room. Every footstep was soft, but to those at the door, it felt like a small rebellion against the sacred silence.
Yu Shanshan's eyes widened. What is he doing? she wondered in alarm. Is he not worried about disturbing Chi Qian's performance?
To their amazement, Lin Yuan didn't just stand quietly to watch—he stepped toward the corner of the room and picked up a violin that was resting nearby.
Yu Shanshan's heart skipped a beat.
What? He's going to play? Right now? While she's still performing?
The idea seemed absurd. She couldn't believe he would be so bold—or so reckless. Even if he were a skilled musician, interrupting someone else's solo performance was a serious breach of etiquette.
Isn't he the one who was supposed to play the piano while Chi Qian played the violin? Why is the whole situation reversed now? Yu Shanshan thought in confusion.
But before anyone could say a word, Lin Yuan raised the violin to his shoulder. He lifted the bow and gently placed it against the strings.
Then—he played.
A light, melodious tone drifted into the air. The sound of the violin blended with the piano like two lovers meeting under moonlight. His timing was impeccable. His tone, graceful. The notes from the violin didn't clash with the piano at all—in fact, they danced around it, enhancing it, elevating it to something even more beautiful.
The room was no longer filled with just a solo performance. It had become an exquisite duet.
Chi Qian did not falter. She did not glance up in surprise. It was as if she had known Lin Yuan would join her all along. Their music flowed in perfect harmony, like a conversation between old friends—or perhaps something deeper.
Yu Shanshan's eyes were wide with wonder. She recognized the piece: Salut d'Amour, or Love's Greeting.
It was a delicate, emotionally rich composition. For someone to enter mid-performance and accompany without a single mistake—without even a cue—was nearly impossible.
Yet Lin Yuan had done it.
To match another musician's tempo, phrasing, and emotion in real time required not only extraordinary skill, but also a profound understanding of the music and the other performer. And more than that—it required a shared emotional resonance.
It was not something that could be faked.
Yu Shanshan looked at her cousin in astonishment. 'Why is Brother Lin Yuan so good at the violin?' she wondered.
She felt a strange mix of admiration and disbelief rise in her chest. Just how many surprises did her cousin have up his sleeve?
The entire room had fallen silent, save for the sound of their instruments weaving in and out of each other. And in that moment, there was only music, light, and the quiet understanding between two people who didn't need words to speak.
As the sudden, rich timbre of the violin joined in, Chi Qian's expression remained calm and composed. Her fingers danced gracefully over the piano keys, not faltering even for a moment. The music did not break—it soared. The seamless blend of their instruments filled the entire room with a transcendent harmony that felt like it belonged to another world entirely.
Although Chi Qian didn't stop playing, she couldn't help but glance sideways at Lin Yuan now and then. Her eyes, clear as spring water, were like those of a forest goddess momentarily enchanted by something just as divine.
The moment they shared felt eternal—something outside of time, captured in the perfect resonance of piano and violin.
Lin Yuan also looked at her, his gaze gentle and focused. A faint smile played on his lips. In that instant, they shared a silent understanding. Without exchanging a single word, they both smiled—an unspoken bond reflected in their synchronized movements.
Their music intertwined, weaving a delicate and intimate tapestry of sound. The notes they played seemed to speak the language of the heart, creating the most evocative expression of affection, as if bringing the meaning of Salut d'Amour—"Love's Greeting"—to life.
Yu Shanshan and her wives stood in quiet awe. Every second of the performance drew them deeper into a dreamlike trance. The harmony between Lin Yuan and Chi Qian was otherworldly, filled with mutual understanding, technical brilliance, and emotion. It was as if the two of them had been performing together their whole lives.
And just like that, the final note echoed through the room.
The music faded, and time returned.
Chi Qian slowly lifted her hands from the piano, her slender fingers resting gracefully on her lap. She turned to Lin Yuan with a warm, radiant smile.
"Brother Lin Yuan," she said gently, "I didn't expect you to be so skilled with the violin. Honestly… it sounded even better than mine."
Lin Yuan smiled modestly and replied, "I just know a bit. I'd say we're about the same level."
Then, with a hint of playful confidence, he added, "Let's try another piece. This time, you accompany me."
Chi Qian nodded without hesitation, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Lin Yuan lifted his violin once more, this time intending to perform The Devil's Trill—the same piece he had attempted earlier. He hadn't been fully satisfied with it at that time, partly due to the accompaniment. But now, with Chi Qian's exceptional piano skills and their incredible synergy, he saw the perfect chance to try again.
As soon as Lin Yuan drew the bow across the strings, a fierce and strange sound sliced through the air, twisting through the room like an ominous wind.
The atmosphere shifted instantly.
The delicate dreamscape built by Salut d'Amour was shattered, replaced by the wild and haunting energy of the devil's melody. It was fierce. Chaotic. Brilliant.
Yu Shanshan and her wives felt chills run down their spines. The music now was sharp and thrilling, and they could hardly believe it was being played live, right in front of them. Their knees trembled, overwhelmed by the power of the performance, yet none of them dared move or speak. Despite the eerie, almost haunting nature of the music, they remained rooted to the spot, enchanted.
Even Chi Qian, who rarely showed signs of surprise, was slightly taken aback. She recognized the piece at once. The Devil's Trill was known not only for its technical difficulty but also for the emotional control and intensity it demanded. It was a piece many trained violinists dared not even attempt. And Lin Yuan wasn't just playing it—he was mastering it.
Without missing a beat, Chi Qian began accompanying him on the piano. Her playing was clean, controlled, and perfectly in sync with Lin Yuan's turbulent lead. Together, they formed an exhilarating and seamless musical storm.
This time, Lin Yuan felt a deep sense of satisfaction.