Chapter Twelve Playing the Zither

The girl walked ahead, a young maid trailing behind her. On either side of the stone path stretched fragrant seas of flowers. She stood among them, letting the delicate aroma swirl around her, closing her eyes and emptying her mind.

In the shimmering, multicolored ocean of blossoms, it felt like a fairyland. Butterflies flitted busily, weaving between petals, joyful and free, everything brimming with intoxicating vitality. Amidst all this, the most striking was the touch of white—a young girl in a white dress, arms outstretched, eyes closed as she serenely enjoyed the caress of the breeze. An angelic smile bloomed on her youthful face, her untied black hair, glossy as silk, fell behind her. A mischievous gust lifted her soft locks, making them dance and brush gently against her neck, tickling her.

This was the sight Mu Zichen saw from the second-floor music room window. It made his heart itch with longing.

His heart suddenly beat faster.

He pressed his hand to his chest.

Was it illness, this rapid thumping?

…

Unable to understand, he stopped pondering and turned to the piano bench, sitting down.

He had intended to practice the piece he’d been learning lately, but the image of the girl standing with closed eyes in the garden flooded his mind, refusing to fade, as if carved deeply into his memory.

Usually so composed, for the first time he felt restless, his thoughts in disarray.

Gazing at the piano before him, he felt an urge to compose a piece for Jiujie.

And in fact, he did just that.

After a moment of tranquil emptiness, the girl went to play on the swing. Seated on the beautiful swing, the little maid gently pushed her, the girl's delicate legs swung leisurely, her white dress billowed in the breeze. From afar, she looked like a graceful white butterfly dancing in the air, elegant and light, even the sunlight seemed to snuggle gently against her.

The music room was very close to the small garden; simply drawing the curtains aside allowed a clear view. So when the girl looked up, she unexpectedly saw the boy in the second-floor room.

Zichen is… playing the piano!

So this is the music room.

The mention of the music room brought to mind how, in her previous life, Mu Zichen had played a piece for Lin Yuexin, which had caused a sensation in the entertainment world.

Suddenly, a pang of discomfort rose in her heart. Zichen had never played for me!

Hmph! She would seize his first time.

Without hesitation, she hurried back with the maid, then went alone to find Mu Zichen.

The windows were intricately carved, the music room spacious and luxurious, filled not just with a grand piano but many instruments—a place only the wealthy could possess.

The girl stood at the doorway, peering inside. Mu Zichen sat upright on the piano bench, eyes vacant, idly pressing a few keys, clearly distracted, lost in thought, unaware she had entered.

“Zichen, why are you daydreaming?”

Her sudden voice snapped Mu Zichen from his reverie.

He turned to her, beads of sweat dotting his forehead, his cheeks flushed pink—perhaps from having hurried over.

“Jiujie, come here,” he said, his voice even gentler than usual.

“Alright.” The girl, preoccupied with thoughts of Mu Zichen playing for Lin Yuexin in the future, didn’t notice the difference.

Mu Zichen took out a handkerchief and gently wiped her brow, careful as if tending to a priceless antique.

“Why did you rush? You’re sweating.”

The girl immediately expressed her thoughts. “I wanted to hear you play,” she said, her soft little hand clutching his as he wiped her sweat, her eyes shining like stars, full of expectant hope.

Enough wiping—play already!

He chuckled, lovingly flicking her petite nose with his finger. “You can hear me play anytime. Don’t rush, what if you take a spill?”

Whenever she wants to listen, I’ll play.

And only for me!

The girl smiled.

She covered her nose with her hand, feigning a pout. “Don’t flick it, Zichen. If it gets flattened, it won’t look good.”

Her coquettish charm made his heart melt.

He unconsciously licked his lips and quickly shifted the topic. “What do you want to hear? I’ll play it for you.”

“As long as you play, Jiujie loves it,” she replied, always ready to flatter.

She simply wanted to claim his first performance.

Zichen’s first audience must be her!

“Alright.”

Seeing Mu Zichen prepare to play, the girl picked the nearest chair, resting her chin in her hands as she watched him perform.

She eagerly consulted the system. “System, are you there?”

“I’ve always been here. What’s up?”

“How do you think he plays?”

“He’s the future king of the entertainment world. He’s still young, but it should sound lovely…”

“I think so too. It’s the first time he’s playing for me, I can’t help feeling excited.”

…

“Make him play for you every day.”

“Good idea.”

Mu Zichen sat at the piano, giving the girl a deep, lingering look before focusing and beginning to play.

Music flowed from his fingertips like a spring, gentle and melodious, the warmth of winter sunlight. At its climax, it carried a hint of dark night, captivating the soul, sound and silence entwined—a force barely contained, ready to burst forth.

The girl didn’t understand piano, but she felt the piece was brimming with emotion.

Unbeknownst to her, Mu Zichen had just composed this piece for her, its complex feelings a true reflection of his heart.

“Do you like it?” Mu Zichen asked tentatively.

“It’s beautiful!”

The girl turned her face, eyes radiant and sparkling, sunlight painting her fair cheeks with a rosy glow, sweet and soft, utterly disarming.

Mu Zichen gazed at his reflection in her eyes, smiling gently, as if bathed in spring breeze.

With her unique starry gaze, she was truly lovely!

He wished her eyes could hold only him.

His heart tightened.

Why did such a thought occur to him?

Was this what classmates called “sister complex”?

It must be! After all, the girl was adorable, gentle, and obedient—who wouldn’t love her?

He affectionately patted her head, a sudden idea occurring. “Jiujie, would you like to learn piano?”

The question caught her off guard. She only wanted to listen, and now he wanted to teach her?

Still, it meant more time with Mu Zichen!

“I’d love to! You play so well, will you teach me?” Her cat-like eyes brimmed with admiration and longing as she looked at him.

Just as Mu Zichen hoped. “Of course.”

He had her sit beside him, adjusted her posture, and began instructing her on finger independence and dexterity…

He taught earnestly, and she listened with equal diligence.

The sunshine child seemed reluctant to disturb them, gradually withdrawing from the room…