Chapter 4: The Mask Part 2

The air was fresh after the rain, and the evening breeze rustled the treetops as low, elegant cello notes drifted in on the wind.

Today’s honored guest, Madam He, smiled and said, “Drinking tea in this environment is a real treat.”

Miao Ling: “I was afraid you’d laugh, but my daughter is practicing the cello.”

He Zizhou, the He family’s daughter, looked up toward the sound. From the tearoom, they could only see a corner of the terrace, occasionally catching a glimpse of a pale green ribbon fluttering on the performer in the breeze.

Miao Zhu was called downstairs before the dinner began. When Madam He saw her, she pulled Miao Ling aside sincerely. “Your daughter is truly outstanding.”

Miao Ling was adept at flattery. “Then I have to praise your daughter too—a PhD doing research! Smart is one thing, but she’s so refined and beautiful too. Your family’s genes are just too good.”

This praise went beyond just the daughter, and Madam He laughed heartily, charmed.

When they sat down, Miao Ling gave Miao Zhu a look and seated her directly across from He Zizhou.

Miao Zhu noticed the admiring gaze He Zizhou cast her way. She curved her lips slightly and nodded in greeting.

After the meal, they went to the tearoom for tea to settle their stomachs. Miao Zhu stayed in the living room to feed the fish.

Footsteps approached from behind, and He Zizhou’s silhouette appeared on the fish tank.

Miao Zhu turned around. The moment their eyes met, she set down the fish food. “Have a seat. Would you like something to drink?”

Miao Zhu’s black hair was lush and full, her skin rosy and glowing. The thin gauze layer of her long skirt enveloped her like mist and smoke; she looked like she had stepped out of a classical oil painting, her beauty captivating.

“Oh, no need, no need to trouble yourself.” He Zizhou sat on the sofa in two quick steps. She was twenty-eight this year, older than Miao Zhu, yet when alone with her, her palms grew sweaty with nerves.

“I heard from Aunt Miao that you’re the principal cellist of the Cloud City Symphony Orchestra. No work today?” He Zizhou cleared her throat, trying to find a topic.

“I was supposed to have some, but then something more important came up.” Miao Zhu wasn’t lying; her expression was just relaxed, making it seem like a joke.

He Zizhou knew she was telling the truth—they were that more important arrangement. The Miao family clearly valued tonight’s hospitality.

She just hadn’t expected Miao Zhu to be so straightforward, not even bothering with an excuse.

“I heard you playing upstairs before dinner. Do you not like this sort of thing?” He Zizhou asked, lowering her head and adjusting her glasses.

Miao Zhu saw her nervousness and sat across from her. “Why do you ask that?”

He Zizhou said sheepishly, “I actually passed grade ten piano. When guests came over when I was little, my mom always made me perform for them… Honestly, I didn’t like it much.”

Everyone knew it was just an excuse under the guise of “practice.”

He Zizhou’s words surprised Miao Zhu a little; she seemed to be considering her feelings.

Miao Zhu gazed at He Zizhou and said slowly, “Maybe it’s because I’ve grown up. For me, whether it’s a concert or somewhere else, it’s all the same. I enjoy the process of playing and don’t really care about the purpose.”

Miao Zhu’s voice was pleasant, gentle and measured as she finished the long sentence. He Zizhou’s fondness for her grew even more. “…Oh! I think I haven’t properly introduced myself yet. Hi, I’m He Zizhou.”

“Miao Zhu.”

He Zizhou: “That name suits you perfectly.”

He Zizhou didn’t hide her good impression. After their family left, Miao Ling asked Miao Zhu, “What do you think?”

As always, she was direct. “They all have a good impression of you. What about you? Do you prefer Xingran or He Zizhou?”

Miao Zhu: “…”

So He Zizhou was the “other option” Miao Ling had mentioned before. Sure enough, Cloud City wasn’t just home to the Sheng Family; perhaps Miao Ling had been planning this for a while.

Miao Ling didn’t need Miao Zhu’s answer; she answered herself. “Xingran is of course our best choice, but you haven’t managed to hold onto her all these years. He Zizhou is pretty good too—her family has real power, and there are plenty of ways they could help in the future.”

“Mm.” Miao Zhu agreed; her own thoughts had never mattered.

Miao Ling pondered. “Get to know her first and see. Don’t slack off with Xingran either.”

He Zizhou took the initiative to add Miao Zhu on WeChat, and they chatted sporadically for two days. Miao Zhu wasn’t very enthusiastic, which actually fit He Zizhou’s impression of her even better.

That evening, Miao Zhu finally finished the review she had promised Emma and posted it to her social account. Within minutes, Emma poked her: “You know I love you so much~ Mua~ Mua~”

At that moment, WeChat notified a new message. He Zizhou had shared a video of herself playing piano.

Miao Zhu didn’t open it or reply. Her phone screen lit up again. She glanced at it, and upon seeing the content, her expression gradually turned puzzled.

[Mu Shanyi: [Location]]

[Mu Shanyi: Come pick up the car]

After 9 p.m., and Mu Shanyi was sending her a location to pick up a car?

Miao Zhu wasn’t sure if it was a delay on her phone or something wrong on Mu Shanyi’s end, but she soon found out the reason.

Miao Ling burst into her room excitedly. “Longlong, did the young lady send you the address?”

Miao Zhu had a bad feeling. “She did.”

Miao Ling beamed. “Then go over there. I made some millet rice cakes for their family matriarch, kneaded with black leaf juice—good for the spleen and stomach, easy to digest. It’s almost Dragon Boat Festival, so I made some zongzi too, but only a little; just for tasting.”

Miao Zhu: “…”

What a social butterfly.

Author’s Note:

Whoa, things are getting messy~