Chapter 409: Insane

Zhao Lifei stood from the chair, bowed her head and then walked off the stage without a second glance towards the black piano. As much as she had despised her younger sister, she was never inclined to outshine her in terms of artistic abilities.

Nothing broke Zhao Linhua more than the realization that everything her life was built upon was fake. She was a prodigy, but how far could this title take her? She had always gloated and basked in her parent's affections. As the blinding gold or crystal trophies forged her throne in the music world, she forgot the real reason she played the piano —— because her parents wanted her to. They honed her skill, thinking it was the absolute best decision they have ever made in their life.

Yet, here she stood, numbed to the core from their choices. All the strings and titles attached to Zhao Linhua's identity were the piano. It was thrust into her arms at a young age and her opinions were unfavorably ignored.

A wave of remorse slammed her when she remembered the first time she was introduced to the piano. Running from her needy parents, she had found herself in front of a hauntingly large door. It was painted pearl white with swirling wood.

Curious and mesmerized by the beautiful sound resonating from the room, Zhao Linhua had curiously wandered inside. The sound of Zhao Lifei's fingers upon the piano was the most attractive thing to have ever graced Zhao Linhua's ears. Her entire world was transformed by the smallest minute or so of Zhao Lifei's unforced notes. She played the piano because she wanted to. She played the piano because it was her passion. There were no puppet strings attached to her hand, forcing her to play. It was all with the will of her heart.

Zhao Linhua didn't have the same luxury. Her parents invested too much love, care, and affection into her to realize the piano wasn't her passion.

"Lifei…" Zhao Linhua's pleading voice sounded foreign to her. "Jie-Jie…" For once, she meant it. Her eyes turned glassy with an unleashed river of tears. A knot formed in her throat, turning her tongue-tied. Her tiny shoulders trembled more than the horrific memories of her kidnapping. She sniffled as tiny needles jabbed at her heart. A heavy pressure weighted upon her chest.

Zhao Linhua could see Zhao Lifei approaching her. "Jie-Jie, I'm sorry—"

Zhao Lifei walked past Zhao Linhua as if she didn't see or hear a single thing. Not once did she blink or falter. Not once did she glance at Zhao Linhua.

Zhao Linhua swirled around, tears slipping from her quivering eyes. The small needles became knives, digging themselves deeper and deeper into her. Painfully, she collapsed onto her knees, hugging her body. She had lost the only person who genuinely cared for her, without strings attached.

- - - - -

Ge Yafan, like many people in the crowd, was emotionally affected by the piano piece. She was drawn to the mesmerizing notes and nothing could tear her eyes away from Zhao Lifei. It was a miracle that she was able to slip away for the briefest second when Zhao Lifei was walking down the stage. She had returned with a box at hand.

Yang Feng remained where he was standing. His hands were resting in his pockets. He was the only person here who didn't seem pained by the piece. Zhao Lifei was able to see past his emotionless facade. He was deeply touched by her playing.

When she was less than a meter away, his posture straightened for her. The people parted for her. Just the tiny stomp of her footsteps was enough to make everyone tremble in their shoes.

Yang Feng closed the distance between them faster than she could've done. When she was near him, he delicately wrapped his fingers around her wrist, careful to not hurt her. Maneuvering her body to him, his powerful arms came around her body. With her in his arms, he turned his back and shielded their position from the wandering eyes. "Looked enough?" He growled.

Everyone averted their gaze. The sky and ground looked particularly interesting today.

Zhao Lifei's arms embraced his body, hugging him with equal affection. She buried her small face into his chest and breathed in his scent. It clogged her senses but brought a euphoric calm over her. "Did you like it?"

"I loved it." He responded in a heartbeat. "Only an insane man wouldn't."

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"Does that mean you don't love it?" She teased, purposely calling him crazy. Her heart fluttered when his chest rumbled with his humorful chuckle.

"Cheeky fool." He moved a hand and pinched her face, earning a small squeal from her. Hiding her face in his body, she muffled her small laughter.

"But you love this cheeky fool."

"Trust me, my dear, my feelings for you are beyond that of love."

And before she could ask him more, Ge Yafan cleared her throat. It drew people's attention to her and Zhao Lifei was inclined to follow.

Zhao Lifei tapped upon Yang Feng's chest and he relented to her wishes. They broke apart from their embrace, but he still kept an arm securely on her hips. His fingers stroked her sides, drawing indistinguishable shapes.

A medium-sized velvet box rested on Ge Yafan's clasped fingers. "Darling child, in my absence, I was unable to bless you for this relationship..." She trailed off, careful to not reveal the hidden marriage between Zhao Lifei and Yang Feng. "For that, I deeply apologize."

Zhao Lifei's behavior and performance tonight were enough to change Ge Yafan's view upon her. Today was a test and Zhao Lifei had passed with flying colors.

"I am eternally grateful for the happiness you bring to my gloomy grandson." Her words earned a soft chatter of laughter that was quickly replaced with sharp intakes of air and gasps. She had opened the box to reveal the Yang family heirloom.

Zhao Lifei found herself staring at a jade bracelet. It was a pure forest-green, the colors saturated and brightly-toned. Even without showcase light, the bracelet shone beautifully. The shade of it matched the ring Yang Feng had given her. They seemed to be a matching set. The bangle was simple and alluring, even with the lack of decorations.

"Imperial emerald jade." Ge Yefan explained, "It has been polished and meticulously preserved throughout generations, stemming back to the eras of royalty. The Yangs have always been wealthy, regardless of what generation it was. But this was the only bracelet that mattered, for it was the first gift that an important Yang ancestor had given to his wife. She was wealthy enough to afford all the jewelry in the world, but this was the only bangle she had ever worn on her left hand."

Ge Yafan's eyes zeroed onto the concealed necklace hiding underneath the neckline of Zhao Lifei's dress. She found it highly intriguing that her grandson was able to get his hands on the intensely-colored emerald that was rumored to be lost and forgotten. Found deep in a mine, securely tucked into a forest, the emerald on Zhao Lifei's wedding ring was coincidentally a very similar shade to the jadeite bracelet.

Yang Feng's pampering was unmatched. That much was clear.

"Will you do me the honor of accepting this heirloom?" Her question was plain but very impactful. It indicated Zhao Lifei's importance in the Yang family. Receiving praises from the rigid and highly opinionated Ge Yafan was already a blessing. Bestowing her the heirloom right afterward was practically unheard of. None of the women in the Yang generation received this much honor.

"Of course." Zhao Lifei finally answered. She was originally struggling to find the proper response to Ge Yafan's heartfelt words. "I am beyond honored by this privilege. Thank you."

She noticed the slight hostility that Ge Yafan felt for her was beginning to disintegrate. Ge Yafan took out the jade bracelet and forced her grandson to hold the box in his other hand. She grabbed Zhao Lifei's hand and slipped it through her hand with a balance of ease and difficulty. The slight difficulty assured both women the bracelet would not slip off the wrist.

Once it was resting on Zhao Lifei's wrist, the bright jadeite bracelet became more appealing. Her pale skin, like the first fall of snow, was a lovely contrast to the forest-green. If she paired it with her emerald ring, nothing would shine more than her left hand.

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