Lightness

The trembling notes of the pipa gradually faded away under her delicate fingers, as the "Ten Commandments Poem" she sang and recited painted a light ink wash painting in the hearts of the listeners.

If her erhu performance stirred the hearts of the audience like a modest beauty, making her talent evident and subtly captivating, her flute playing astonished them, as if witnessing the reappearance of the Celestial Maiden, bringing the most beautiful music to the world.

When she picked up the pipa, the charm of "hiding half of one's face behind a pipa" appeared on her youthful form, enchanting all who listened and making it unforgettable.

They had seen musicians who could master various instruments, but the feeling that Chu Lian gave was completely different. The former used music and instruments as means to attract attention, while Chu Lian integrated music into her heart, allowing listeners to feel her deep emotions.

That was the charm of someone who genuinely loved music, had a heartfelt fondness for instruments, and pursued beautiful melodies.

"Perhaps she is the Fairy Maiden incarnate, staying in the mortal world for a long time this time," thought a die-hard fan of Chu Yan after witnessing Chu Lian's performances.

With the same surname, the beautiful contours under the veil, though not fully grown, already showed outstanding elegance. Her white dress added a touch of ethereal beauty, reminiscent of the Fairy Maiden in a smaller form.

Putting down the pipa, Chu Lian bit her lip lightly, bowed slightly, and asked, "How was Lian'er's performance? Does anyone still doubt Lian'er's abilities?"

Her eyes, like a pool of autumn water, looked out at the audience. No one dared to meet her gaze, especially those with guilty conscience.

She sighed, walked to the microphone, and after a brief pause, said, "I've always worked hard to bring these beautiful pieces of music to everyone. However, in the past few days, I've faced many doubts. Accusations of lip-syncing, being pretentious, and faking it—there have been all kinds of criticisms."

She formed a slightly sorrowful smile, "These are unavoidable, and I don't mind too much. However, some people have been too aggressive, demanding an explanation from me."

"I'm not a saint, and I don't have the heart to endure such malicious attacks without responding. Nor do I have the power to hold all the slanderers accountable. All I have are a pair of hands, a voice, and a few musical instruments."

"After thinking it over these past few days, perhaps it's my lack of talent that has caused so much dissatisfaction. So, I've decided that after this performance, I may no longer perform in public."

"This way, everyone should be satisfied, and I can finally rest..." Her smile was bitter, like someone oppressed by the world, burdened with grievances but unable to speak out.

Before she finished speaking, a great uproar erupted among the audience, and people began to shout.

"Chu Lian, don't mind what others think, you're the best!"

"Don't let the opinions of a few blind you to the support from so many others! We've always been behind you..."

"I can't imagine how I'll get through my days without your voice after today's performance. Chu Lian, I love you, I love your voice, I love you as a person, and I love your adorable manner! Please don't do this..."

But she seemed to ignore these cries and continued speaking. Her voice was not loud, but through Lux's microphone, it was amplified and could be heard clearly amidst the commotion.

"This was decided by me and Sister Ayase. It may disappoint those who support me and please those who slander me. But I'm really tired."

Her words made some people feel ashamed while others couldn't help but feel happy. As long as she was discouraged, they would be the winners no matter how much of a sensation this performance caused.

However, her next words made those people feel a chill, for they understood the meaning behind them.

"If you're tired, you should rest, right? The turmoil of the past few days has been too complex. Lian'er is still too young to understand all of this, just knowing that many people don't like Lian'er. Lian'er never expected everyone to treat her kindly, so she doesn't blame them."

"When Lian'er said she would no longer perform in public, it was because she didn't want to be distracted by too many things at this age when she should be focusing on her studies."

"However, Lian'er will not give up on music. Lian'er will continue to upload her works periodically, and the location will be announced on Weibo. If you really like Lian'er's music, you can find it there."

At this point, she plucked the strings of her pipa and played a segment of "Moon Reflected on the Lake," astonishing the audience and bringing silence to the crowd.

"After all, Lian'er is a student, and her main focus should be on her studies. Whether it's music or anything else, it shouldn't be too much of a burden at Lian'er's age. Moreover, in the coming years, Lian'er's focus will be on writing, because that is what Lian'er loves most..."

"After all, writing is very quiet. No one will scold Lian'er, no one will point fingers at Lian'er, and no one will suddenly jump out to criticize Lian'er's works..." She said this half-seriously and half-jokingly, leaving people unsure of her true intentions.

Some might think she is very fragile, making such a hasty decision just because of those who criticize her. Others might see it as very willful, deciding without regard for others' opinions. However, those who understood Chu Lian's true purpose would realize that this approach was completely correct.

Make a sensational debut to gain massive popularity, then stabilize it with various works. By rarely appearing in public afterward, she could avoid unnecessary troubles and quietly develop her fan base.

When she finally has the strength to retaliate against all those who dared to attack her, those lurking serpents in the shadows will know what an apocalypse is.

Those who had just guessed that she was retracting her sharpness, upon seeing her innocent face and genuine expression, pressed down their doubts once more. After all, she was just a thirteen-year-old girl, how could she have such complex thoughts?

But that was merely how it seemed to them. No one could have known that within Chu Lian's seemingly young body was the soul of a seasoned young adult in his twenties.

The methods of someone who had lived two lives, combined with Chu Lian's natural acting skills and the advantage of her age, constructed a flawless lie that concealed her true intentions. By the time someone realized the truth, it would already be too late.

"After saying so much, what Lian'er ultimately wants to convey is this: to study well, to write well, to learn well, and to do the things she loves. Occasionally singing, occasionally appearing, occasionally playing the flute or erhu, occasionally plucking the pipa or guzheng. She doesn't want too many interruptions or too many troubles; she just wants to quietly live through these years. So, I hope everyone can understand..."

"Alright, having said all that, Lian'er has finished what she wanted to say. Now, let's enjoy the performance with the last instrument Lian'er will use today, the guzheng..."

She turned and walked gracefully to the instrument case, placed the pipa back, and closed it. Then, she opened another case, took out the guzheng, and placed it on the platform that had been set up while she was speaking.

After setting up the guzheng, she took a slight breath and, with a touch of mystery, asked, "Before playing the guzheng, let me introduce my dance partner. Can you guess who it is? Or rather, who do you most want to see?"

The previously quiet crowd suddenly buzzed with whispers, and soon someone shouted, "Red Fairy! It must be the Red Fairy! Only she can be Chu Lian's best dance partner! Isn't it? Isn't it! It must be!"

His words seemed to unlock the bewilderment in the hearts of those who knew who the "Red Fairy" was, and the next moment, cries of "Red Fairy" rang out.

Chu Lian's eyes curved into a smile as she spoke into the microphone, "Then, as you wish, please welcome our Red Fairy, Sister Ayase, to dance for Lian'er!"

As her words fell, a figure dressed in fiery red appeared behind Chu Lian.

She descended gracefully from a tree not far away.

Her appearance once again electrified the crowd.

With everyone present, the second half began...