CHAPTER 253 - The Future Starry Songstress

Modeemore led Li Lin and Kai'Sa through their workshop and into a smaller living room.

Li Lin glanced around. The room, though modest, was well-appointed.

A slightly worn but clean sofa surrounded a small transparent coffee table. On the whitewashed walls hung a painting by an unknown artist, depicting a sunset over Piltover's Grand Canyon, likely from the perspective of the Zaun dance corridor.

Klarana served tea, placing the tray on the table before sitting beside her husband. Li Lin took a seat opposite the couple, while Seraphine and Kai'Sa sat on another sofa.

"I'm Modeemore, and this is my wife Klarana. As you can see, we repair Hextech sound systems," Modeemore introduced them quickly. "Our home is quite humble; I hope you don't mind."

"Not at all. A year ago, when I was working as a repair shop assistant, my living conditions were nowhere near as good as this," Li Lin said casually.

"You worked as an assistant?" Modeemore, who seldom read newspapers or followed the news, was surprised by this revelation.

"Last week, Mrs. Anita from the neighboring clothing shop mentioned that Mr. Li Lin had said at the Progress Day conference that he had spent the past few years in the upper city, working odd jobs and studying mechanical knowledge simultaneously," Klarana added. "And the owner of the clock repair shop where he worked was recruited by a family as a technician."

Mrs. Anita, known for her love of gossip, often provided accurate information. Hearing this, Modeemore's impression of Li Lin improved significantly.

"Indeed, it took me four years to qualify for an interview with the Kiramman family," Li Lin said modestly.

"That's no small feat! The Kiramman family must have found a treasure," Modeemore exclaimed.

"Yes, your inventions have greatly improved our lives," Klarana added. "Especially with the introduction of electricity, we no longer need Hextech batteries, saving us a lot of money and improving our living conditions."

"I'm glad my inventions have been helpful to you," Li Lin responded with a polite smile.

After some more casual conversation, Li Lin noticed that it was nearing 5:30, as indicated by the clock in the corner of the room. Deciding to get to the point, he began, "Actually, the main reason for my visit today is Seraphine."

The atmosphere grew tense. Modeemore and Klarana exchanged a glance, and even Seraphine and Kai'Sa felt the weight of the moment.

Seraphine clutched the pendant on her chest, recalling the moment she had told her parents about meeting Li Lin. They had been skeptical, dismissing it as a too-good-to-be-true situation.

She wanted to defend Li Lin, but she knew her parents were only looking out for her. Given their hard work, she didn't want to burden them with her problems, so she kept her worries to herself.

For the past two weeks, she hadn't heard from Li Lin and began to think he had been joking. But Mrs. Anita's news about a big project at Piltover University, with Li Lin as the lead designer, rekindled her hope.

Now, with Li Lin and Kai'Sa visiting her home, Seraphine felt relieved. However, her parents' distrust annoyed her slightly. Out of respect and upbringing, she remained silent.

Modeemore cautiously broke the silence, "May I ask, what is your business with our daughter?"

Seraphine pouted slightly, feeling a bit frustrated. She knew her parents were aware of Li Lin's intentions but were testing him nonetheless. If only she could share her ability to hear people's true feelings through music, she could prove that Li Lin was sincere.

"Forgive my bluntness, but there's no need to be so wary of me," Li Lin said, meeting the eyes of Seraphine's parents. "I know about Seraphine's abilities. It's a magical talent."

Modeemore and Klarana's faces changed slightly, their expressions growing more serious.

"I've traveled to Shurima, journeyed with celestial warriors, and fought desert monsters... and I'm also from Ionia," Li Lin continued. "While I may not be a magician, I understand magic well. Seraphine's talent is strong and will only grow stronger with age."

"If she doesn't learn to control her magic, this 'gift' could become a curse, causing her significant harm. I assume you've already encountered some of these issues."

"But Fannie hasn't been affected by those issues for nearly a month..." Mordmor began, but Seraphine interrupted to defend Li Lin.

"Dad, Li Lin gave me a magical pendant that helps suppress my magical abilities."

"A magical pendant?" Mordmor glanced at his bewildered wife Klarana. "Why didn't you tell us about this?"

"I did tell you the day I got it," Seraphine said, feeling wronged. "You were busy and didn't pay attention to me."

She added sadly, "Without Li Lin's pendant, the discordant melodies and secrets I hear would have overwhelmed me. I wouldn't be able to leave the house in a few months."

Kai'Sa squeezed Seraphine's hand in comfort.

Mordmor was silent, and Klarana looked worried. "But... isn't the pendant enough?"

As parents, they wished Seraphine didn't have this "gift" and could live a normal life. 

Li Lin sighed. "With Seraphine's talent, the pendant will only suppress her magic for a few years. It's a temporary solution, not a permanent one."

Klarana wanted to ask if there was a better solution, but she knew that even if Li Lin had something more effective, he wouldn't sell it. 

Mordmor, after a long silence, finally asked, "What's your proposal?"

"Since Seraphine loves singing, I will sponsor her to study at Piltover University's Magic Academy. There, she can learn to control her abilities and develop as a songstress.

"Her ability to hear the songs of people's hearts can make her a singer who truly resonates with the citizens of both Piltover and Zaun, surpassing even Zaun's 'Sincere Serpent' rock band."

Li Lin's gaze shifted to Seraphine. 

"In other words, you are the future songstress of the twin cities."

The Sincere Serpent was Zaun's most popular rock band, and their songs were beloved by many in Piltover, even among the nobility.

Seraphine's heart raced as she stared at Li Lin, her eyes shining. Mordmor and Klarana were moved by the prospect of such a bright future for their daughter. 

"But... what is the cost?" Mordmor asked, his expression serious.

"Cost?" Li Lin raised an eyebrow. "I need Seraphine's help."

"Forgive our rudeness... could you be more specific?" Klarana asked.

"For the past year, I've been helping with Zaun's infrastructure. If you don't believe me, feel free to visit Zaun and ask around."

Mordmor and Klarana were surprised by this revelation, having known little about it.

"Despite my efforts, there's still significant conflict between the people of the twin cities. This isn't the outcome I desire.

"You might have heard that Piltover and Zaun are like sisters, more intertwined than opposed. The people should support each other, not be divided.

"When Seraphine matures, her magic and songs can bridge this gap, helping the citizens reconcile and unite.

"Only then can the twin cities rise to prominence in a world full of dangers."

Mordmor and Klarana were stunned by Li Lin's grand vision. It was beyond anything they could have imagined.

They believed Li Lin had the ability to achieve it. 

Mordmor swallowed hard and stammered, "This is something we can't decide alone. It depends on Fannie's wishes..."

Before he finished, Seraphine exclaimed excitedly, "I agree! Mom, Dad, I want to accept Li Lin's sponsorship!"

(End of Chapter)