Rose in No-Man's Land

39 First Dance

Xia Xingmian initially thought that during her days in Naples, she could rely on her faux relationship with Tao Ye to dote on her and fill her barren heart with some sugar. But then she remembered that she had agreed to attend a concert.

So starting the next day, she was picked up by Lu Qiurui to go to the venue for rehearsals.

Inevitably, she became busy.

However, it was also smooth for her to meet many internationally renowned piano masters, who all praised her talent.

Every profession values talent, and in the field of piano, Xia Xingmian undeniably stands out as a typical genius. With an innate musical sense and perfectly long fingers, she is the kind of genius that peers envy and elders favor.

Especially when they noticed her injury on her right ear, their eyes practically sparkled.

Perhaps in the eyes of artists, a young pianist with such a flaw is even more impressive than an ordinarily excellent performer. This principle is probably akin to why the Venus de Milo is so highly revered despite its missing arms.

Lu Qiurui didn't lie to her, that meal she treated her to wasn't in vain.

A middle-aged pianist named Charlie laughed for a long time, stroking his sideburns after listening to her play. At the end of the session, he found her and gave her a business card, saying in English that he wanted to keep in touch.

Later, several young performers gathered around her and asked if she knew who Charlie was.

Of course, Xia Xingmian did.

Charlie is the most famous international pianist in this concert, having won every prestigious award worth mentioning. In his home country, Poland, he is almost a national treasure of a master.

Those people envied her, saying that Master Charlie rarely hands out business cards on his own. If nothing unexpected happens and everything proceeds smoothly, he likely wants to take her as a student.

Lu Qiurui watched the whole thing with a faint smile, like an ordinary friend accompanying Xia Xingmian.

After the first rehearsal, Lu Qiurui took Xia Xingmian to the rooftop of the venue to rest. By the railing, the sky was already dark, and the clouds rolled across the horizon, painted in hues of evening red.

She handed her a bottle of water. "Looks like our great pianist Xia has a bright future ahead. So, how does it feel to be able to pursue your beloved piano career? Aren't you happy?"

Xia Xingmian took a sip of water, paused for a moment, and asked, "Why are you helping me like this?"

Lu Qiurui leaned her arms against the railing with a sigh. "To be honest, I still really hate you. I wish I could see you suffer." Her tone was heavy, carrying a hint of sincerity.

"But don't forget, I also play the piano. Unfortunately, I don't have hope for my piano career in this lifetime. I know you love the piano, so seeing you do what I cannot makes me quite happy."

Xia Xingmian didn't know how to respond and could only say, "Thank you..." She knew she didn't need to say thank you. Lu Qiurui had suppressed her for so many years, and just because of this one thing, expressing gratitude was unnecessary.

But that thank you seemed to convey more than just gratitude for her elevation. It thanked her for being willing to let her go, even if just this once.

"You don't have to thank me. Your being recognized mainly depends on your level. Besides... my assistance to you is also... equal to helping myself." Lu Qiurui faced the wind, her eyes narrowing slightly.