Time Through Time We Remain Untamed.

CHAPTER 51: I'M BAAACK!

      The next few days were taken up by a series of preparations and various activities. A huge event was coming up and the main focus now was on Madam Liu Feng as it was soon going to be her birthday. She would be celebrating 50 years and it was a huge occasion for the whole family. The two older brothers had planned a grand ceremony before hand for her and now they were busy with making it all come together for the special day. A lot was going to happen.

       The awaited day eventually rolled up and invited guests turned up to the Charity Foundation Centre that Madam Feng owned where it was being held. About 300 people were going to attend from close family and friends, known colleagues, associates, partners and acquaintances. The theme had been traditional thus people showed up their best sown Hanfus and ornaments, regal headdresses and customised accessories. Madam Feng was all decked out in a rich, royal purple Hanfu with shades of light purple and lilac and paired it with silver and ruby accessories. She exuded elegance as she had always done, passing for a 30 year old much less her 50 years of age. Many brought gifts from far and wide to honor her as she was an impeccable woman who had done much in society and for the people. She was well respected and admired.

      The celebrations officially started at 8 with a line up of various presentations, dances and entertainment. It was a little exciting for the young ones present (Sizhui, Jingyi and Jin Ling) and many were throughly satisfied by the glamour and luxury the party held. What else was expected of Madam Feng's parties?

      It was towards the end of the performances that Xichen interjected for one more stage. He shared a coded glance with Lan Zhan who blinked in acknowledgement before calling out the last performer. Excitement and nervous anticipation hooded the area as all the lights got dimmed and a single spotlight shone onto the stage. Miss Feng chuckled at the sight, thoroughly enjoying the night as she turned her joyful gaze onto the stage.

     A moment of silence was observed as the guests hushed and Lan Zhan took a delicate sip of his juice. He was worried a bit given it had been a last minute addition but he trusted Wuxian and he definitely needed to go through with this tonight. It was all part of the plan. He turned his face to the stage and relaxed as the show began.

    The crowd had honestly not known what to expect but when the shrill sound of a flute pierced through, all were taken aback. The sound was nothing they heard before, the notes switching between dramatic, harsh minor keys and unfinished major chords. They tuned their ears to the eeriness and sharp call as they all gazed their eyes at the one who was playing. It took a moment before a man emerged from the shadows, holding a beautiful, obsidian black flute to his mouth. He was dressed in an elegant black and red Hanfu that highly suggested that it had been imported. He was tall and slender, a figure with a snatched waist that even women would be envious of. His face was hidden behind a large, iron-cast mask making him seem like a madman of sorts. His hair was held up in a half -ponytail style, the back reaching his shoulders. He was a mysterious presence, his aura felt foreign and almost invasive for the whole audience.

     They watched with bated breaths as he played like a Pied Piper, entrancing them in a hypnotic tune. He was beyond skilled in the instrument, easily modulating keys and bewitching the crowd. The song he played was an unknown one almost as if he was creating it on the spot and moved lightly across the floor. He embodied every moment of it, completely unmoved by the hundreds of eyes on him. Who was he? He stood totally in his own world and Lan Zhan couldn't help but look closely, eyeing every step as his blood grew hot. All was going well.

   
       Soon the performance came to a end as the man let out a long, lasting heart gripping note that left them speechless. A thunderous applause filled the hall as they all acknowledged the brilliance that had just been displayed and the man took a grateful bow. The lights came back on and everyone took a minute to adjust their eyes. Next, Xichen got on stage as he was the main host and was well versed in directing the party. He grabbed the nearest mic, standing next to the man who had yet to leave.