Falling into the rain

The unpleasantness of that day seemed to have been forgotten by the two of them.

Yu Tingyu chuckled and called out affectionately, as before, "Second Brother."

The somber look in Wen Huaixu's eyes softened considerably, and he asked casually, "Are you settling in alright?"

"That's good. I get to sleep much more each day, so I don't have to rush to school as much." Yu Tingyu looked up at him, her eyes as clear and pure as ever.

Wen Huaixu smiled slightly, wanting to raise his hand to touch Yu Tingyu's nose. His fingertips even moved, but for some reason he put his hand down again.

He narrowed his eyes and asked in a low voice, "Is nobody caring if you've been staying up all night again?"

Back home, with him in charge and Aunt Jing watching over her, Yu Tingyu's daily routine was always very regular.

Suddenly moving out on your own means you're bound to abandon all the rules.

Yu Tingyu lowered her head and remained silent, as if she had said everything.

Wen Huaixu raised an eyebrow, gave her a deep look, but didn't intend to discipline her right now. It was rare for her to be willing to communicate normally with him; he had to be careful not to overstep his bounds.

He tried to keep his tone casual and relaxed: "Going home tonight?"

Yu Tingyu's heart stirred slightly.

She hasn't been home for almost a week, and she has indeed calmed down a lot. She can't stay away from home forever.

She doesn't seem to be unable to accept interacting with him like before.

Just as she was about to answer, footsteps approached from the doorway, and a beautiful figure immediately appeared before them. It was Chen Xuning, who had been following Wen Huaixu earlier. She had brought a bouquet of flowers from somewhere and handed it to Yu Tingyu with a smile, saying gently, "Tingyu, I wish you a successful performance."

Yu Tingyu's smile froze slightly. Her gaze lowered and fell on Chen Xuning's skirt. They were wearing the same silver fishtail skirt, and anyone who didn't know better would think they were wearing matching outfits.

The words Wen Yun had spoken to her that day flashed through her mind unconsciously.

The flowers had already been handed to her, and she couldn't very well refuse, so she accepted them, saying, "Thank you, Miss Chen."

"Don't mention it." Chen Xuning smiled, pursing her lips.

Wen Huaixu's gaze never left Yu Tingyu's face as he continued, "I asked Aunt Jing to prepare your favorite dish for tonight—"

"No."

Yu Tingyu interrupted him before he could finish speaking, placing the bouquet on the table beside him with a graceful and dignified demeanor: "I'm not going back tonight. Sihe and the others are throwing a celebration party for me, and it's uncertain what time it will end."

Wen Huaixu immediately frowned. He had just noticed that Yu Tingyu's attitude had softened, but it had returned to its original state after Chen Xuning arrived.

He said he didn't dislike her, but that's clearly a lie.

"I'll come pick you up at any time," Wen Huaixu said, his voice leaving no room for argument.

Although Chen Xuning had just arrived, she understood what the two of them were talking about. She looked at Wen Huaixu and advised, "Yes, Tingyu, we can't stay outside forever. Huaixu will worry."

Yu Tingyu tugged at the corners of her lips, but it didn't look like a smile at all.

The two of them are now on the same side, making it seem as if I've truly become the outsider.

Chen Xuning said that, but if she really lived at home for the rest of her life, it's hard to say who would be anxious in the end.

"We'll see," Yu Tingyu said ambiguously.

Just then, there was a knock on the door, and the makeup artist walked in. Yu Tingyu immediately asked, "Brother, Miss Chen, we're about to get busy. Would you like to come out and sit for a while?"

She lifted her skirt, sat down in front of the dressing table, and looked at them in the mirror with her eyelashes lowered.

Wen Huaixu's dark eyes were fixed on her slender, smooth back. He finally understood that the problem lay with Chen Xuning.

Whenever she appears, Yu Tingyu's attitude will inevitably change completely, and she will distance herself from him, becoming incredibly distant.

Even Yu Tingyu herself probably didn't realize how unnatural her expression and attitude had become.

He's really still immature; all his emotions are written all over his face.

The room fell silent, with only the sound of a makeup brush gently brushing across Yu Tingyu's face.

Wen Huaixu watched as she closed her eyes, showing no intention of speaking. He knew that continuing to stand there would be somewhat awkward, so he didn't say anything more and simply walked out.

A few seconds later, the sound of the door closing reached Yu Tingyu's ears. Her eyelids trembled slightly, and her shoulders relaxed suddenly, finally feeling less tense.

She thought that after seeing Wen Huaixu and Chen Xuning standing together so often, she would gradually get used to it and become less concerned.

But she overestimated herself again.

Learning to get used to things may be a lifelong lesson for her.

-

Night falls, and the city lights begin to twinkle.

Yu Tingyu's last performance of the year arrived as scheduled. The Grand Theater was brightly lit, and the entrance was crowded with people. The curtain slowly opened, and beams of light lit up all around the stage.

She has been studying piano for over a decade and has performed hundreds of concerts, both large and small, winning the hearts of many fans. Many admirers travel from all over the world to attend her performances, which are always packed to capacity.

No matter how she feels, Yu Tingyu will always perform at her best.

Wen Huaixu's seat was naturally in the members' area with the best view, while Chen Xuning sat in Wen Yun's original seat, which was to his left.

"Huaixu, Tingyu looks so beautiful today."

As Chen Xuning spoke, she looked at the stage. The girl who was the center of attention slowly walked under the spotlight and bowed to the audience.

Yu Tingyu's movements were natural and elegant. Her long hair was tied up, revealing a delicate oval face. She wore high heels, and her pure white haute couture dress outlined her beautiful figure. Her waist was slender, and she looked frail, yet she subtly possessed strength.

Wen Huaixu did not agree, but instead fixed his eyes on Yu Tingyu, who was sitting in front of the piano.

The little fish is beautiful, but this beauty is not something that only blossoms today.

This flower, which he carefully nurtured, is one he watched grow from a bud into the beautiful bloom it is today.

He will not allow anyone to take it away.

While waiting backstage, Yu Tingyu saw Wen Huaixu sitting in the first row, along with Chen Xuning next to him, but once on stage, she deliberately avoided glancing at them.

When slender, fair hands rested on the piano keys and fingertips gently touched the keys, delicate and melodious tunes filled the vast concert hall.

All was silent except for the music from the piano.

Wen Huaixu's lingering gaze fell on Yu Tingyu as he listened to her play one piece after another.

An hour later, amidst enthusiastic applause from the audience, the performance finally came to an end.

Wen Huaixu watched as she lifted her skirt and bowed to the audience. The organizers then went on stage to present her with a bouquet of flowers.

Yu Tingyu accepted the microphone with both hands, and also took the microphone handed to her by the staff. She generously said to the audience, "Thank you for your support. See you again next year."

Thunderous applause erupted again from the audience, and many people, mostly boys, cheered her name.

Wen Huaixu raised her eyes and looked at the male fan holding up a sign and waving wildly at her.

His eyebrows were half-closed, and his eyes were calm and unfathomable.