Chapter 073: Divine Refinement, Seventh Point [Selection of the Grand Finale]

Ocean Restaurant, Luxury Private Room No. 3.

After arranging stage effects and a group of officials, giving instructions to thousands of agents and elite soldiers, and obtaining information on eighty-seven platform owners, the two had come here for their second breakfast.

This was a Chinese restaurant, renowned for its exquisite flavors, enticing aromas, and generous portions. That was precisely why Le Xiaotian brought Chen Fang here.

Watching Le Xiaotian gnawing on a chicken drumstick, his head bobbing in rhythm, Chen Fang smiled with gentle reproach. “Xiaotian, you’re a man of status. Just now, you couldn’t sit still even while driving. Now you’re eating, and still so restless. Can’t you be a bit more restrained?”

Le Xiaotian took a long swig from a wooden barrel of beer with his left hand before replying, “Most people listen to music with headphones and become motionless as if paralyzed, or frenzied as if possessed. But I’m different. In my mind, there are always billions of melodies and endless notes. My methods and practice are unlike any ordinary musician.”

Chen Fang nodded thoughtfully, raising her glass. “I don’t quite understand, but can’t you stop?”

Picking up a braised duck foot, Le Xiaotian continued to twist and sway, as if he were deranged. “I can stop anytime. It’s just that right now, I’m pondering which piece to use for the grand finale.”

Curiosity brightened Chen Fang’s face as she put down her glass. “The finale? Didn’t you decide on ‘Victory’ for the battle performance?”

Le Xiaotian quickly spat out the bones and drained another barrel of beer.

After catching his breath, he explained, “There’s a type of traditional opera called Peking Opera, which originated from Anhui Opera. Much like opera or symphonic music, it tends to be lengthy—most people don’t make it through a full performance and leave midway. To retain the audience, Peking Opera relies on its climactic acts.”

“In simple terms, Peking Opera is generally divided into five acts. First, the opening; second, the early act; third, the middle act; fourth, the climax; and fifth, the grand finale. The climax isn’t just to keep the audience—it’s the most spectacular and pivotal part of the show. A performance unfolds like a painting, which is where the term ‘act’ comes from.”

“So, although I’ve chosen ‘Victory’ as the final performance, before that, I need a truly impactful act. Do you understand?”

Though Chen Fang’s taste was refined, traditional opera felt too esoteric for her. Moreover, because of Xiao Jiu, she never fully grasped the genre.

Therefore, she could only ask, “Oh, I see. So, have you decided?”

After drinking a bowl of pig’s trotter and pea soup, Le Xiaotian nodded with serious determination. “Though my talent makes choosing the right piece difficult, I’ve finally decided—the climax will feature a piece called ‘Immortal’ from the genre of Grand Water Music!”

Grand Water Music—the most powerful musical genre in the Hongkun Heavenly Realm. As the name suggests, this genre integrates diverse elements as fluidly as water.

Earth’s music—be it epic, symphonic, pop, or rock—was all categorized by Le Xiaotian in the Heavenly Realm as ‘Blue Star Music.’ Those with multiple fused elements, like epic music, he placed under Grand Water Music.

Hearing this, Chen Fang chuckled. “Indecision? You’re becoming more and more narcissistic.”

Le Xiaotian wiped his mouth and hands, lit a cigarette, and took a satisfying drag.

His voice slowed as he spoke, “Xiaofang, I’m not narcissistic—I’m confident, I’m proud. In the year 3328 of Man Nation, a few professors bored themselves with a study: an experiment on how facial expressions and gestures between men and women affect attraction.”

Chen Fang gazed into Le Xiaotian’s deep eyes. “The charisma index experiment—you know about that too?”

Le Xiaotian smiled carelessly. “Xiaofang, I’m a commander. Being a historian is just one facet of my versatility. But you—your expertise is weapons and stage props, so how do you know about this idle study? Did you read about it when you were dating?”

Caught off guard, Chen Fang blushed.

There is no true goddess untouched by mortal concerns. In her youth, during her first romance, Chen Fang was no exception.

Horoscopes, zodiac signs, tarot cards, fashion, makeup, psychology—she dabbled in them all.

But after developing feelings for Le Xiaotian, she truly changed and experienced the wonders of love.

Now, hearing her beloved mention her ex-boyfriend, she felt nervous, shy, even a little afraid.

A hint of embarrassment colored her speech, making it less fluent than before. “N-no, I just came across it by accident.”

Perceiving her hidden thoughts, Le Xiaotian didn’t expose her, but smiled slyly to himself.

As he exhaled smoke, he continued, “The experiment examined thirty thousand men and women, analyzing expressions like pride, confidence, smiles, nervousness, seriousness, solemnity, blank faces, and various body movements. The conclusion was that a woman’s smile is the most lethal expression for men. For women, it’s different—a smile isn’t first. Instead, pride, confidence, seriousness, and solemnity are most irresistibly attractive.”

Le Xiaotian arched his brows with a charming look. “In other words, when I unconsciously project pride, confidence, seriousness, or solemnity through my expressions or body language, my charisma skyrockets. Each expression has its own power. That’s why you’re infatuated with me. So, I have to be proud and confident!”

Her face burning, Chen Fang grabbed a pair of chopsticks and hurled them at Le Xiaotian in embarrassment and anger. “You rascal! Who—who’s infatuated with you?”

Le Xiaotian dodged easily and spoke frankly, voicing Chen Fang’s true feelings. “Flushed cheeks, hot skin, rapid breathing, slowed speech, an unsettled chest, a racing heart, taut skin, legs pressed together, dazed eyes. These are signs of nervousness, shyness, and longing. In summary, congratulations—you’ve fallen for me. Even if I devoured you now, you’d feel satisfied, not refuse.”

Chen Fang’s face was crimson as she protested, “You’re making things up.”

Le Xiaotian chuckled. “Lying isn’t good. I envy you for falling in love with a genius like me.”

Just as Chen Fang was about to lose her temper, Le Xiaotian’s demeanor changed.

He grew serious, solemn, his tone low and steady, exuding a powerful sense of reassurance. “Are you finished eating? If you’re ready, I’ll take you home for a dance.”

Relaxing, Chen Fang adjusted her mood. “I’m not hungry, let’s go. Time’s tight.”

Taking the car keys and the tablet with information on the eighty-seven platform owners, Le Xiaotian rose and led Chen Fang toward Blue Moon Grand Hotel.