The Chimes

The wooden frame was approximately one meter in length, adorned with stone clocks of varying sizes etched with ancient and intricate patterns.

They were meticulously arranged on the wooden frame, exuding an indescribable sense of antiquity.

What kind of instrument is this?

Without waiting for the viewers in the live stream room to voice their questions, Tang Qiao swiftly positioned the chime bells. She then reappeared in the live stream room, accompanied by the sound of something heavy being dragged.

After a while, the wooden frame was fully revealed, displaying stone pieces of various lengths and thicknesses, arranged neatly in two rows and suspended from the frame.

Finally, someone in the public chat ventured to ask, "What kind of instrument is this? It looks incredibly ancient!"

"This... if I'm not mistaken, is it the chime bell from history books?"

Tang Qiao cast a glance at the public chat and nodded in confirmation. "Yes, it's a set of chime bells and stone chime." With that, she picked up a wooden mallet placed nearby and announced, "Let's begin."

All of a sudden, the public chat became less active, and everyone watched Tang Qiao's actions with intrigue. Tang Qiao brought the microphone closer and seated herself cross-legged. She held the mallet and gently struck one of the chime bells. Instantly, a deep and resonant tone filled the live stream room.

The wooden mallet danced upon the chime bells, producing sounds both light and heavy. These mysterious notes carried a rhythm reminiscent of tranquil mountain sounds, slowly enveloping the listeners' ears.

Initially, the public chat displayed just one or two comments. As time went on, it became completely silent, devoid of any remarks. The ambiance seemed to hush, leaving only the gentle, sleep-inducing melodies that gradually entranced the viewers.

Ten minutes later, there was not a single comment left in the public chat of the live stream room.

Tang Qiao stopped her rhythmic strikes and softly uttered, "See you next Saturday." With that, she ended the live stream.

Xu Guangyi, who had been watching on his phone, suddenly snapped awake. He shook his head to dispel the drowsiness and checked the phone screen. It was 9:30 PM. It was only nine o'clock, and he was already feeling sleepy.

Xu Guangyi has been consumed by a hectic schedule lately. Sometimes, he worked until three or four in the morning, making it challenging to fall asleep before midnight. Yet, somehow, he had found himself dozing off just now. Had Tang Qiao not mentioned seeing them again next Saturday, he might have fallen asleep already!

Meanwhile, other viewers in the live stream room were equally surprised. What just happened?

Weren't they here to witness the host's failure and debunk her supposed scam? Why had they suddenly felt on the verge of sleep?

Their disbelief evaporated, replaced by a rush of curiosity. Could it be that what this streamer claimed was accurate? Could lullabies genuinely have the power to alleviate insomnia?

The skeptical viewers promptly clicked on the live stream replay and fast-forwarded to the last ten minutes. The lullaby commenced its soothing and enigmatic melody encouraging restful slumber.

The audience collectively scratched their heads, wondering what had just transpired. Why were they suddenly feeling drowsy?

Xu Guangyi promptly had someone extract the lullaby and save it on his phone. After shutting down his computer, he briskly exited the office.

His colleagues exchanged glances and inquired, "Director Xu, are you leaving work already?" Xu Guangyi was renowned for his workaholic tendencies within the company.

"Yes," Xu Guangyi confirmed, clutching his phone tightly, and made a swift exit from the office. His mother grappled with insomnia nightly, and perhaps... The mere thought of it filled him with excitement, quickening his footsteps.

In a serene villa, Xu Guangyi arrived home and immediately inquired, "Has Mother fallen asleep?"

The nanny, Aunt Zhang, assisted Xu Guangyi in removing his coat and shook her head. "No, it's only ten o'clock." Madam Dong's insomnia was severe, causing her to remain awake until the late hours of the night. She spent every night tossing and turning, leading to a noticeable decline in her once-plump figure.

"I'll check on her." Xu Guangyi changed his shoes, ascended the stairs, and lightly knocked on the door.

"Come in." Dong Meiling reclined on the bed, partially covered with a light blanket. Her silver hair was neatly coiled at the back of her head, and she sported delicate gold-rimmed glasses.

She seated and leaned against the headboard to read a book.

"Mom..." Xu Guangyi entered the room, a tinge of helplessness in his voice. "Why are you reading so late at night again?" His septuagenarian mother was not in the best of health, and reading late at night could strain her eyes and neck.

Dong Meiling closed her book and waved her hand dismissively. "I can't sleep anyway, so I'm passing the time with some reading."

Xu Guangyi furrowed his brow.

"What about you? Why did you return home so early today? Isn't the company quite busy lately?" Dong Meiling shifted the topic. 

Xu Guangyi retrieved his phone from his pocket.

"I stumbled upon a lullaby at work by accident. It seems to be quite effective..."