Chapter 58: Acquiring Piano Skills

After a long while, they slowly parted.

“Come on, let’s go to the dressing room and try on the outfits. I picked a light-colored one for you—it’ll suit you very well.” Gu Yao handed her the gown.

“Okay.” Wen Jin smiled sweetly, her expression filled with joy.

At last, all three had settled on their formal wear, and they gathered at the café with Yan Xu before heading together in the afternoon to the wedding venue.

By the time they arrived, the indoor decorations were nearly complete. The entire hall was spacious and splendid; both sides of the aisle were filled with An Shiying’s favorite roses. The ornaments on the ceiling and the chandeliers were all designed in her favorite patterns, and the whole color scheme was her beloved royal blue.

The guest seating below was arranged simply and neatly, giving an air of comfort and elegance. Instead of a red carpet, the floor was crafted into a shimmering glass “water surface,” reflecting the blue beneath and lending the event an even more beautiful and sacred aura.

The most romantic moment was when all the lights went out—the entire hall transformed into a sea of stars, the sky above sparkling brilliantly.

“You’re here,” Gu Jue greeted them, putting down the schedule in his hand and coming over.

“Brother.” “Third Brother.” Gu Yao and Lin Xi both greeted him.

Gu Jue nodded at everyone, then bumped shoulders with Yan Xu in a friendly manner, as if arm-wrestling.

Yan Xu spoke gently and calmly: “Feng and I both wish you a happy marriage and a lifetime of harmony.”

Gu Jue smiled, “Thanks, brother!”

It was Wen Jin’s first time meeting Gu Jue, and she appeared somewhat nervous, greeting him properly, “Hello, President Gu!”

Gu Yao put his arm around her shoulders and brought her before Gu Jue. “This is my girlfriend, Wen Jin.”

Gu Jue smiled warmly, waving his hand dismissively, “No need to call me President Gu. Just call me Brother like Yao does. There’s no need to be so formal.”

Wen Jin was touched and nodded quickly.

“That’s right—soon we’ll all be family. Xiao Jin, don’t treat yourself as an outsider,” Lin Xi added with a gentle smile.

Wen Jin was moved, but she also knew not to overstep; one must be self-aware, and perhaps their kindness was just courtesy. As for the future, she couldn’t say, but for now, it was best to maintain proper boundaries.

Lin Xi surveyed the surroundings.

“Third Brother, your decorations are absolutely wonderful—Sister-in-law will definitely be moved to tears! Is there anything you need our help with?” Lin Xi asked, standing beside Lu Yuxiu.

“It’s just about done. We just need everyone to walk through the rehearsal,” Gu Jue replied.

At that, Lin Xi raised her brows at Gu Yao, who nodded lightly in response.

“Third Brother, I have something to show you. You can decide if you want to add it to the wedding program.” Lin Xi teased him, keeping it a secret, and subtly squeezed Lu Yuxiu’s hand, signaling him to pay attention.

Gu Yao and Lin Xi stepped onto the wedding stage, where a piano stood; Gu Yao somehow produced a violin as well.

Noting this, everyone realized they were about to perform a duet.

Lu Yuxiu was a bit surprised in his heart. He wasn’t shocked that the musically gifted Gu Yao could play instruments, but Lin Xi ascended the stage with equal ease, taking her seat at the piano.

She lifted the lid, tested the keys with a casual touch, and music poured out as smoothly and naturally as a flowing spring.

After playing a brief passage, Lin Xi smiled contentedly—this was a fine piano indeed.

“Are you ready?” Lin Xi pressed the pedal, looked up, and asked Gu Yao.

Gu Yao settled the violin on his shoulder, giving her a look.

Lin Xi lifted her head slightly, her profile radiant in the soft light. She raised her hand gently, unhurried, her eyes like crystal diamonds steeped in water—shimmering and bright.

Ting, ting...

Lovely and lively notes danced from her fingertips, like a babbling brook flowing through the heart—calm, gentle, beautiful, and serene, filling the entire hall.

As the music progressed, the gentle melody suddenly rose an octave. Lin Xi closed her eyes, lost in her music, her emotions pouring forth from her hands like a floodgate thrown open.

At that moment, Gu Yao’s violin joined in, melodious notes streaming from his long, elegant fingers. The two lines of music blended into one, a refined harmony wafting throughout the wedding venue, each graceful note weaving a tale of romance.

The stirring, expressive music even drew the staff to pause and listen.

The two of them dazzled with their duet; the melody seemed both distant and unattainable, yet so near, caressing the ear.

Gradually, the piano slowed, ending gently at a rest, and the violin followed, rounding off the piece.

From below, Lu Yuxiu watched his girl intently. She was so outstanding, so radiant, that he wanted to tuck her away in his pocket, to keep all her beauty to himself, hidden from the world.

Clap, clap, clap. As the music ended, those present broke into spontaneous applause.

Gu Yao and Lin Xi bowed graciously before stepping down.

“Excellent, excellent! This must be part of the wedding program!” Yan Xu gave them a hearty thumbs-up. “Xiao Xi, you’ve put your heart into it—even after returning to China, you haven’t slacked off a bit.”

“Of course!” Lin Xi lifted her chin with a touch of pride. “I would never let Vivian down!”

Though she’d lived and studied abroad, Lin Xi had kept up with her studies in China as well. Feng Mo had hired private tutors for her from a young age, so her efforts matched anyone’s.

Overseas, as the young lady of the Feng family, she had to master multiple languages, equestrianism, dance, music, golf, and more, as her social circles included nobility and even royalty.

Vivian was her music teacher, who taught her instruments.

At this moment, Lu Yuxiu stepped up and wrapped his arm around Lin Xi’s waist, leaning in to whisper in her ear, “Xiao Xi, how many surprises do you have that I don’t know about?”

Lin Xi’s smile deepened, a soft flush blooming on her fair cheeks. “You’ll have to discover them yourself—there are many more surprises to come,” she replied, not at all modest.

Lu Yuxiu chuckled indulgently, pinching her little nose.

Gu Yao, meanwhile, went to Wen Jin to show off. “Well, how about it? Isn’t your man impressive?” he exclaimed with the pride of a child handing lost money to a police officer.

Fortunately, Wen Jin loved this side of him. She nodded in admiration, playing along. “Amazing! The feeling in person is so much better than from a video!”

Her big, round eyes curved into a harmless, sweet smile, dimples forming on both cheeks—she looked like an adorable kitten.

Gu Yao was very pleased by her expression, love welling up inside him. He couldn’t resist giving her cheek a firm, affectionate pat. “From now on, I’ll play for you every day until you’ve had your fill!”

“In that case, you two should perform while Shiying makes her entrance. The background music will be your responsibility. Xiao Jin, you’ll accompany Shiying through the rehearsal,” Gu Jue suggested.

“Me… me?” Wen Jin was startled that Gu Jue would entrust her with such an important role.

Gu Jue’s expression was gentle, as if worried she’d decline. “Is that alright, Xiao Jin? Shiying needs someone familiar by her side.”

A warm current surged through Wen Jin, making it almost impossible for her to speak. “I… I can do it!”

“Haha, then this important task is in our Xiao Jin’s hands!” Lin Xi said brightly, looping her arm through Wen Jin’s.

Unseen by them, Gu Yao nodded at Gu Jue, who smiled—his younger brother was certainly more mature now that he was in love.

-------------------------------------

The group spent the afternoon busy with wedding preparations and rehearsals, only returning to the set at dinnertime.

During the meal break, Lin Xi dragged Wen Jin with her into Lu Jin’s lounge to ask him for leave.

“What’s this? What are you two little girls doing here?” Lu Jin asked, glancing up from his meal. “Sit down, don’t just stand there, or that guy will come complaining to me!”

Lin Xi laughed at his teasing—Lu Jin was always friendly to his juniors.

“We won’t sit,” Lin Xi said, stepping forward and handing him an invitation with both hands. “Director Lu, on behalf of my Third Brother, I invite you to his wedding! It’s set for the 14th of this month.”

Lu Jin raised his brows slightly, accepting the invitation edged with silver foil and flipping through it. “That’s just three days from now?”

“Yes, Director Lu. It’s Valentine’s Day,” Wen Jin added.

“So, you two little foxes just want me to go so the whole crew gets a day off, right?” Lu Jin saw straight through their scheme.

“Hehe.” Lin Xi knew she couldn’t fool Director Lu, so she just grinned foolishly. The crew was rushing to meet deadlines, and it wasn’t really the best time to ask for leave.

Wen Jin also smiled quietly at his side.

“You don’t need to say a word—how could I refuse Old Gu’s invitation? Alright, we’ll attend the wedding on the 14th. I’ll have the assistant director shoot other scenes in the meantime,” Lu Jin agreed.

“Wonderful!” Lin Xi and Wen Jin gave each other a little high five of excitement.

Afterward, they returned to their makeup rooms. Lin Xi had just sat down when her agent, Zhou Xin, called.

“Hello, Sister Zhou.” Lin Xi answered, balancing her meal box in one hand.

“Xiao Xi, I sent your upcoming schedule to Miya. Once you finish filming ‘Splendor’ at the end of March, you’ll go straight into the next project without a break. I looked over the contract—‘Polaris’ will shoot on location in Longcheng, not Hengdian, so you’ll stay at a villa instead of a hotel,” Zhou Xin rattled off her instructions.

“Got it,” Lin Xi replied, putting her phone on speaker as she ate.

“There’s more,” Zhou Xin continued. “I got you an endorsement—a very high-end luxury cosmetics brand. They value your image and specifically chose you as their spokesperson for China. Signing this contract will significantly boost your commercial value.”

“What?” Lin Xi was surprised, mumbling around her food. “Why did they pick me? I don’t even have a signature work yet!”

At that moment, Lu Yuxiu walked in, holding a bottle of White Rabbit milk. Lin Xi winked at him.

“My little lady, do you have any idea how many followers you have on Weibo? It’s nearly twenty million! You’re the first in the industry—before your work is even out, you’re already a sensation!” Zhou Xin’s tone was full of disbelief.

“Ha?” Lin Xi gave an awkward laugh, unsure what to say.

“They want to sign the contract with us tomorrow. I explained you’re filming, so they suggested meeting after you wrap for the day. Try to get Director Lu to let you finish a bit early, and I’ll pick you up.”

Lin Xi nodded with her cheeks puffed out, then remembered Zhou Xin couldn’t see her and quickly swallowed her bite. “Alright,” she replied after clearing her throat. They hung up.

Her first endorsement had arrived.