The crowd slowly ca back to their senses. Unlike before, they didn't glance at each other in confusion—every gaze was fixed on Dan Heng.
For the previous perforrs, even if their playing had flaws, they still received applause.
But when it ca to Dan Heng, whose performance was truly flawless and had completely imrsed them all, they found themselves unable to give praise as easily as before.
Because Dan Heng was truly perfect.
They felt as though their own presence and grace had been overshadowed, suffocated under his brilliance.
At an occasion like this, soone as outstanding as Dan Heng was bound to attract resentnt.
Everyone knew his performance was perfect.
Yet, not a single person stood up to applaud him.
—Except for Lady Lister.
Her eyes were bright, her hands clutching her chest as she gazed at Dan Heng, completely captivated.
Her breathing quickened, and she took step after step toward him.
So of the guests noticed her reaction and their expressions shifted.
This woman was known for her unrestrained nature—nothing she did would be surprising.
Her emotions had been stirred to the extre, just as expected from a woman who was notorious for being passionate and indulgent.
Tang Yuehua lightly bit her lip. As a master of musical instrunts herself, the creator of this very piano, she found herself unable to match Dan Heng's skill.
It was almost certainly an original piece.
Listening to it felt like encountering one's first love.
This—this was a song of love.
Ning Fengzhi finally snapped out of it, touching the corners of his eyes—there was a slight dampness. He had also been drawn into the world of the music.
It felt as if he had returned to the ti he had first t and fallen in love with his wife.
She was the love of his life. Though he had had many won later on, they had all been nothing more than fleeting distractions—none had ever truly touched his heart.
Then—
Clap. Clap. Clap.
Ning Fengzhi began clapping gently.
His applause woke the others, and slowly, scattered applause followed.
But everyone could hear the reluctance in it.
No one wanted to acknowledge Dan Heng's brilliance.
Because Dan Heng was truly superior to them.
At this mont, Lady Lister had already reached Dan Heng's side. Her flushed face was filled with admiration, her eyes dreamy as she gazed up at him.
"Oh, sir, my heart has been stolen by you. Take away with you..."
"I can give you all my wealth—I will make you my king."
Her voice was soft, laced with infatuation.
At this mont, her emotions were completely controlled by the music. Everything in the world seed insignificant compared to this man.
The guests were stunned.
Lady Lister—completely conquered by Dan Heng's music!
If Dan Heng rely nodded, he would instantly beco one of the wealthiest individuals on the continent.
And he would also gain an exceptional beauty like Lady Lister!
But Dan Heng barely spared her a glance before dismissing her outright.
"I'm not interested."
His voice was indifferent, rejecting her without the slightest hesitation or consideration.
Lady Lister's face, which had been so flushed with passion, instantly lost all color.
She stared at him, her expression pitiful and filled with sorrow.
"Is it because... I'm not pure?" she murmured.
Dan Heng did not answer.
Instead, he turned toward Tang Yuehua.
!!!
The entire room held its breath.
He had made such a spectacle—was it truly for Tang Yuehua all along?
The noble guests froze.
They all knew—Tang Yuehua was the woman whom Emperor Xue Ye had desired but failed to obtain.
If this matter spread, Dan Heng would definitely beco a target of the emperor's wrath.
Many guests even felt a hint of schadenfreude.
This fool—did he think a re musical talent was enough to win the lady's favor?
Let him wait for the emperor's punishnt!
Even Princess Xue Ke was stunned by this turn of events.
She stomped her foot in frustration.
No wonder Dan Heng hadn't given her the ti of day—his true goal had been her teacher all along!
!!!
Tang Yuehua's eyes widened slightly as she waited for Dan Heng's confession.
For the first ti in years, she felt nervous—yet also... expectant.
Dan Heng was, without a doubt, the most fitting man she had ever t in terms of temperant and presence.
If Dan Heng were to confess his feelings to her now...
Perhaps she would refuse.
Or perhaps... in a mont of impulse, she might say yes.
Dan Heng finally spoke.
Looking at Tang Yuehua's slender fingers, he asked, "My performance... is enough to win this piece of jewelry, correct?"
Tang Yuehua blinked.
This wasn't... a confession?
Was there so sort of ceremonial step he wanted to take first?
Her emotions cald instantly.
She was an intelligent woman, and she wouldn't make the sa mistake twice.
She handed over the jewelry box, having already made up her mind.
If Dan Heng dared to use this necklace as a confession gift—
She would reject him imdiately, without hesitation.
She had already dedicated her life to the Clear Sky Clan.
She could not afford to have her heart waver.
And more importantly... she no longer had the right to love freely.
Dan Heng opened the jewelry box, glanced at the necklace, and nodded slightly.
"Thank you."
"No, you—" Tang Yuehua began, wanting to persuade him of sothing.
But Dan Heng turned and left without looking at anyone.
There was no nostalgia, no hesitation.
It was as if he had co here solely to claim the jewelry—nothing more.
"???"
Tang Yuehua watched his retreating figure, her lips slightly parted in surprise.
The other guests were equally stunned.
So even began to wonder—
Was Dan Heng... an idiot?
Did he really co here just for a necklace?
This was nothing short of buying the box and discarding the treasure!
How utterly foolish!
Lady Lister wiped her eyes. Her previously heartbroken expression vanished in an instant.
Monts ago, she had been wallowing in self-pity, believing she had lost to Tang Yuehua.
But now—
She realized that Tang Yuehua had lost as well!
Dan Heng... hadn't chosen anyone.
Lady Lister let out a soft laugh.
"It seems that gentleman is a man of unwavering will, unaffected by beauty."
The guests gradually recovered and began heaping praise on Dan Heng's performance.
They called his music one of the rarest masterpieces in the world, worthy of the highest praise.
And yet—no one knew his real identity.
Thus, the banquet gained an exciting topic of discussion:
Who was Dan Heng?
And—what was the na of that srizing lody he had played?
Later, in Tang Yuehua's chamber...
She sat at her desk, carefully transcribing the notes of Dan Heng's music from mory.
Before long, the sheet music was completed.
But when it ca to naming the piece, she hesitated.
She did not know the title of the song.
Nor did she even know the na of the man who had played it.
"Who is he?" she murmured, biting her lip.
This was perhaps the most "humiliating" mont she had experienced in a decade.
She had utterly misunderstood.
Just like that fool Lady Lister, she had assud too much.
"He ignored , the 'craftsman,' but cherished my creation. Who are you, Dan Heng? And why do you care so much about a re necklace?"
Suddenly, an idea ca to her.
Her elder brother would be arriving soon.
Perhaps she could ask him to investigate.
(Chapter End)
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