By the time Bai Zhiqi and Xiao Lin returned to the car, her second performance had already begun circulating across social media. Han Su, seated beside the driver, was typing rapidly on his tablet, monitoring the buzz in real-time.
#VeiledVirtuoso trended within an hour.
##"Day TWO?! She's not just a street performer, she's a whole goddess in disguise."#
#"Same spot as yesterday. The hanfu… the mystery… who *is* she?"#
# "She doesn't even need a name. That music hits harder than my breakup last year."#
#"People are speculating she's connected to the upcoming gala. Some say she's challenging someone?"#
# "I'm just here praying she performs again tomorrow. I'll bring snacks and my broken heart."#
Comment after comment, video after video—some shaky, some edited with dramatic transitions—poured in. Bloggers started writing theories. Music critics reposted the clips, offering analysis. One particular theory gained traction: that this mysterious musician wasn't just performing, but sending a message.
And within minutes, someone matched the guzheng style to the infamous prodigy who'd disappeared years ago.
# "Anyone remember Bai Zhiqi? The piano genius who vanished after that scandal five years ago?"#
#"No way this is her… or is it? The posture, the finger movement, the control…"#
But without a face to match, it remained speculation.
Back in the condominium, Bai Zhiqi stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows in her room, fingers resting against the glass as she watched the city lights blink alive. Her veil had been removed, her hanfu exchanged for a simple robe, but her mind was still on the performance.
A knock came at the door, light but distinct.
"Come in," she said without turning.
It was Xiao Lin, holding a tablet. Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
"You're viral again," she said, walking over. "Over two million views in just a few hours. People are already calling you the 'Ghost of the Guzheng' and—oh!—someone wrote a poem about your sleeves."
Bai Zhiqi gave a soft exhale. "That fast?"
"You didn't just play music," Xiao Lin said, lowering the tablet. "You told a story. You demanded their attention… and now you have it. It was beautiful."
She hesitated before adding, "Even I forgot you were doing this for revenge. You looked so free. Like you belonged there."
Bai Zhiqi turned her head slightly, eyes thoughtful. "It's been a long time since I've felt like I belonged anywhere."
Another knock sounded.
This time it was Han Su.
He gave a respectful nod to them both before saying, "President Ji is in the study. He asked to see you."
She exchanged a glance with Xiao Lin and nodded. "I'll go."
***
In the study, the atmosphere was calm, scented with faint sandalwood. Ji Yanluo was seated at the edge of the table, a file in front of him, but he wasn't reading. He looked up the moment she entered.
"You've caused quite a stir," he said coolly, eyes meeting hers. "Congratulations."
She tilted her head. "You approve?"
"I never give praise lightly," he said. "But your performance was exactly what was needed. Poised. Calculated. Yet emotional enough to captivate."
He stood, walking over to her. "Bai Lanyue will hear of you soon, if she hasn't already. Your name may be hidden, but your presence…" He looked at her meaningfully. "...is unforgettable."
There was a silence that stretched between them for a beat too long.
Then he added, "You've taken the first step well. The rest… depends on how steady you remain."
"I won't falter," she said, voice even. "Not until I've made them see."
Ji Yanluo studied her for a moment longer before nodding. "Then we prepare for tomorrow."
As she turned to leave, he said quietly, "You're more than what they took from you, Bai Zhiqi. Don't ever forget that."
***
Back in her room, Xiao Lin was scrolling through more reactions, visibly thrilled.
"Some people are actually drawing fan art now," she grinned, showing Bai Zhiqi a sketch of a veiled woman sitting under a tree, guzheng in front of her. "This is insane. You're literally becoming a legend."
Bai Zhiqi smiled faintly.
A legend. Or a ghost from the past.
Either way, Bai Lanyue would come looking.
And she would be ready.