TL: bluedreamsfairy

PR: Sam Jiejie

Yan Ziyuan suppressed the pain in her heart, sweeping her eyes over him.

Gu Ziyan expected that after he coughed, Yan Ziyuan would walk over to him and ask a few questions about his health. He stared at her waiting.

However, Yan Ziyuan simply inclined her head while staring at him. She then shifted her gaze and began intently listening to the current person playing the zither. Her face was pretty as always, and her pursed lips were small. Overall she was acting like a small and arrogant peacock.

“Big Brother Ziyan!” Rong Yan suddenly called out, making him lose enthusiasm. He waved his hand to both indicate that his illness wasn’t as serious and to let her return to her original seat.

After a short while, it was finally Yan Ziyuan’s turn. A child soon came to her with a zither in hand. Yan Ziyan frowned faintly, noticing that this zither was nothing like her previous one. In fact, the latter was made of charred horse’s tail, thus the chords were black. As for the new string instrument, the chords were gold, however, it matched her clothes perfectly.

Yan Ziyuan had never worn red clothes in front of Gu Ziyan, as she was aware that he disliked bright-colored clothes and preferred a plain style of dressing. She therefore always made sure she dressed to his taste, and when he did praise her, her eyes would shine brightly.

But now, Yan Ziyuan bid farewell to her past. It turned out that her character was in truth, flamboyant and ardent. In the past, she would behave like a little follower in order to please him, but now she was displaying a powerful and radiant aura!

Who knew how many male gazes were lingering on her, yet her eyes never loitered on him once!

He sipped the tea again which tasted even more bitter.

Concerning Yan Ziyuan’s skills, compared to the last time, they have improved. The notes flowed as smoothly as water coming down from the mountain, making it more soulful. But after two short pieces, she stopped playing.

The audience applauded, showing their appreciation for her performance. Perhaps due to Ning Xuemo’s teachings being different, Yan Ziyan’s playing had stirred their hearts, making them want to listen intently. As soon as it ended, most were left aching for more. Everyone present was convinced that she was the most talented of the competitors, and played the best so far.

Even the three judges evaluated her highly. As for Gu Ziyan, his only response was two words: “Very good”

Yan Ziyuan simply pursed her lips, while lowering her eyes. Although he was pretending to be civil, he shouldn’t be that unthinking!

It looked like he really disliked her.

She felt a tingling sensation in her eyes, but her tears were quickly suppressed after blinking several times. As with the rest of the examiners, she politely nodded her head at Gu Ziyan to express her thankfulness. Thereafter her sight shifted on to Ning Xuemo, wanting to hear her judgement as well.

Ning Xuemo pointed out some of her minor flaws and then concluded with a smile: “You were the best performer so far.”