Yun Zhiyi looked up at the three characters "Jiangxian Pavilion" above her, and reluctantly stepped up the stairs.
As soon as I entered the pavilion, a pretty woman came to greet me.
"Welcome, esteemed guest. Do you have an appointment or have you reserved a private room?"
Yun Zhiyi nodded. "I'm here to find a girl named Mo Yin."
"Mo Yin?" The woman paused, then suddenly realized something, and her gaze turned somewhat unfriendly.
Yun Zhiyi remained calm and pretended not to see it, but inwardly sighed helplessly.
The woman looked her up and down, her eyes full of suspicion. Although she was a little angry, she didn't show it. She just put on a stern face and led her upstairs.
She followed behind, glancing sideways at the situation inside the pavilion.
Jiangxiange is a music hall, and upon entering the main gate, there is an exquisite screen wall.
Turning past the screen wall, the first thing you see is a lotus-shaped stage in the center.
A red carpet extends from each of the six corners below the stage, with flowers placed on both sides.
About three meters from the stage, curtains were hung on both sides, with low tables and cushions placed inside for guests to eat, drink, and enjoy the music.
However, it was still daytime and early, so there weren't many guests in the building, and no dancers were performing on the stage. There were only a group of waiters tidying up and arranging things, making it seem a bit deserted.
As you ascend to the second floor and pass by some elegant pavilions, you can faintly hear melodious music.
The two walked along the corridor and stopped in front of an elegant pavilion.
Yun Zhiyi's gaze fell on the exquisite wooden plaque hanging on the side of the door, with three characters engraved in delicate small regular script: Seven Strings Pavilion.
The woman leading the way stepped forward and gently knocked on the door.
A short while later, a woman dressed in the same clothes came to open the door.
"Just let them know that a young lady surnamed Yun is looking for Miss Mo."
The girl who opened the door glanced at Yun Zhiyi with surprise. Before she could even look at her, her brows furrowed, as if she was somewhat dissatisfied with her. She gave her a critical look, but still nodded slightly and went back to report.
Yun Zhiyi then heard the melodious zither music from inside the house stop.
The girl returned quickly, followed by Mo Yin, who was still wearing a face mask.
"Ah Yun, you're here. Come in quickly. I've found someone who can play the piano just like you, but she doesn't play as well as you."
Upon hearing this, Yun Zhiyi's lips twitched.
The two girls next to him glared angrily.
The two people inside the room reacted differently.
Yun Zhiyi glanced at Mo Yin, 'What exactly do you want?'
Mo Yin winked at her and pulled her inside.
As soon as Yun Zhiyi entered the private room, she felt two obvious gazes.
One was more mild-mannered, while the other scrutinized with dissatisfaction.
Yun Zhiyi turned her head and looked down, her gaze first falling on the woman in blue sitting behind the zither behind the beaded curtain.
The woman also wore a veil, revealing only her delicate eyebrows and clear, autumn-like eyes, suggesting that her appearance hidden beneath the veil must be quite remarkable.
Her eyes held a gentle tenderness, and she did not show any anger despite being offended, as if she did not mind at all.
Her every gesture exudes elegance and grace, instantly winning people's favor.
Yun Zhiyi's eyebrows twitched slightly, as if she understood the reason why Mo Yin had made such a fuss.
The other person's natural affinity, which comes from within, bears obvious signs of being cultivated, yet it is so well-refined that it is not easily noticed.
This level of skill is clearly the result of rigorous training combined with natural talent.
Even for the sake of their careers, ordinary women in entertainment venues would not usually go to such lengths.
As she was pondering quietly, she heard a somewhat frivolous and dissolute voice from the side.
"Is this the friend you mentioned who can play the piano?"
Yun Zhiyi turned her head and looked at the person who was speaking.
The other person was casually leaning against the long couch, with a low table next to him, full of exquisite dishes, tea and wine.
The other person was quite handsome, wearing a golden crown, a long robe made of shimmering brocade, and holding a jade fan in his hand, giving him a somewhat noble air.
Unfortunately, he has too much of a spoiled rich kid vibe, giving off the impression of a nouveau riche landlord's son.
The other person was looking at Mo Yin when they spoke.
However, when she looked over, he also spared her a glance.
But his eyes were full of disdain.
He even scoffed when he saw her ordinary linen dress.
Her expression seemed to say, 'That's it? A nobody from the streets, an inconspicuous village girl. She doesn't look like someone who can play the piano.'
Mo Yin narrowed her eyes slightly, "Common people only know how to pretend to be cultured, but they don't know the essence. Letting someone like you listen to music is like a cow chewing on a peony, it's really a waste."
Upon hearing this, the young man immediately slammed his fist on the table in anger, "How dare you..."
He wanted to get angry, but when he met Mo Yin's affectionate, peach-blossom eyes, he couldn't muster any anger. He could only let his anger get stuck in his chest, making him feel suffocated.
Then she turned her gaze and took her anger out on Yun Zhiyi.
"Since you say her music is so good, then play a couple of pieces for me to hear. I want to see what kind of music can make you spout nonsense in front of Miss Yao."
Mo Yin scoffed, "My Ah Yun's music is only for those who are destined to hear it."
The young man scoffed.
"I think she doesn't dare to. She keeps saying that she plays better than Miss Yao, but she doesn't dare to compare. It's probably just empty talk. She should apologize to Miss Yao!"
At this moment, the woman behind the zither platform spoke. Her voice was soft and gentle, like a clear spring flowing through the air, making it pleasant to listen to.
"There are mountains beyond mountains, and people beyond people. Biyao has never dared to claim that her zither skills are unmatched. Young Master Hua, please do not put up a high platform for me, lest you only make a fool of yourself."
The young man surnamed Hua disagreed, saying, "Miss Yao's zither skills are the best I have ever heard of, truly the pinnacle. Unless I can hear a more exquisite melody with my own ears, Miss Yao's zither skills are unmatched in my eyes."
As he spoke, he gave Mo Yin a provocative look.
To his surprise, the other party didn't even bother to look at him, which immediately made him blush with anger.
Yun Zhiyi discreetly put away the character story card, met Bi Yao's gaze, nodded slightly, and said apologetically.
"My roommate has bothered you today and offended you, please forgive him."
Biyao smiled and said softly, "Miss Yun, you are too kind. Miss Mo is straightforward and has a deep understanding of music. Biyao and I hit it off immediately. I have heard that Miss Yun's zither skills are profound. I wonder if I would have the opportunity to hear her play?"
Yun Zhiyi smiled slightly, "Miss Biyao, there's no need to listen to her nonsense. Everyone has their own preferences. I only have a little knowledge of music."
"Miss Yun is too modest. I feel like we've known each other for a long time. Would you be so kind as to invite me to the garden to enjoy the scenery and have some tea?" Biyao showed no displeasure at being rejected, and her smile remained gentle and amiable.
Hua Chengyu, who was listening in, was quite dissatisfied.
"Miss Yao, there's no need to pay them any mind. They're probably just jealous of your talent and beauty, but they can't compare, so they spout such nonsense. It's truly shameful."
Biyao frowned and said unhappily, "Young Master Hua, please do not be rude to my guest."
Hua Chengyu was speechless. He hadn't expected Biyao to openly defend them and not give him any face at all.
His face flushed red with anger again, but he still didn't lose his temper, only complaining.
"Miss Yao, I'm speaking up for you!"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com