Urban Villain: The Game of Wealth and Women

{Chapter: 52 There is only one encsemble I want!}

"Why is Master Lin Yuan not on the list?" one person exclaimed in confusion, voicing what many in the audience were wondering.

"Yes! What's going on here?!" another person added, clearly frustrated.

The host, flustered and sweating, quickly grabbed the microphone and attempted to clarify. "I apologize for the confusion, everyone! The voting options were prepared ahead of time, before the exhibition started. It only includes those who have performed before the Jiangbei Conservatory of Music," he explained hurriedly.

The audience wasn't having it, however. Some people were now yelling in frustration, especially the girls who had been captivated by Lin Yuan's performance. "What is this nonsense? How could Lin Yuan not be included?" one of them shouted angrily.

"Exactly! Without Lin Yuan, I won't be voting at all!" another person added, shaking their head in disbelief.

"And to think I came all the way here for this exhibition… without Master Lin Yuan, I couldn't care less!" Yet another voice chimed in, filled with resentment.

It was clear that Lin Yuan's performance had left a lasting impression on everyone in the hall. The audience couldn't stop thinking about it, still buzzing from the emotional intensity and virtuosity they had witnessed.

Meanwhile, Shan Shuwen, who had been eyeing the chance to perform with Chi Qian, looked around at the others, his eyes lighting up with hope. He had been one of the more enthusiastic participants, hoping to gain the attention of both Chi Qian and the audience.

As the voting results began to appear on the screen, there was a palpable tension in the air. With tens of thousands of people in the audience, it seemed that not many had voted—less than a hundred votes, in fact. Shan Shuwen had gathered 23 votes from his friends, which seemed to make him the top contender for the spot.

Seeing the results, Yu Shanshan quickly grabbed Lin Yuan's arm, her face a picture of concern. "Cousin! Why are you so calm? Don't you see? Chi Qian needs someone to play with her! Think of something, do something!" she said urgently.

Lin Yuan, however, remained perfectly composed. He smiled reassuringly at her, his tone calm as ever. "Don't worry, just trust Chi Qian. She knows what she's doing. Leave it to her."

As Lin Yuan spoke, his gaze lingered on Chi Qian, who had been standing on stage all this time. She had been smiling warmly throughout the entire ordeal, and her composure suggested that she had already made up her mind about what to do next.

Despite the results, which were clearly a bit awkward and embarrassing for the host, the show had to go on. The host took a deep breath and spoke into the microphone, trying to continue with the program. "The voting has concluded, and the person with the most votes is Shan Shuwen. Please come to the stage, Shan Shuwen!"

The moment was almost too much for Shan Shuwen to bear. He was about to step onto the stage, but then, something unexpected happened.

A soft, sweet voice suddenly filled the hall. "Everyone, please be quiet," Chi Qian's voice rang out, clear and calming, silencing the crowd in an instant.

A ripple of surprise passed through the audience. "When did Chi Qian grab the microphone?" someone whispered, astonished by her sudden presence.

There was something almost magical in her tone—calm yet commanding. The entire hall fell silent as they waited eagerly for what she would say next.

Chi Qian stood at the center of the stage, holding the microphone delicately. Her smile remained unchanged, as warm and gentle as ever. "I just wanted to say that, honestly, I did not concern myself with who would be voted to perform alongside me tonight," she began, her voice steady and firm. "But now, I feel it's time for me to assert my right to choose who I play with."

A murmur ran through the audience as they anticipated her next words. She paused for a moment, making sure every pair of eyes was on her. Then she continued with calm confidence: "Now, I will make my choice. There is only one person I want to perform with tonight."

The crowd leaned in, anticipation building as Chi Qian's words hung in the air. "That person is…"

She paused again, this time with a smile that seemed to shine even brighter. "Young Master Lin Yuan."

The hall erupted in cheers and applause.

The tension that had been mounting throughout the entire event seemed to evaporate in an instant. The audience was elated. "That's it! Of course, it has to be Master Lin Yuan!" one person shouted, clearly delighted with Chi Qian's choice.

"Yes! If it's not him, then I won't stay to watch the performance!" someone else declared loudly.

"That's right! The goddess Chi Qian has spoken! I came all this way to hear her play, and it must be with Young Master Lin Yuan!" another voice rang out.

The excitement was palpable. There was no longer any doubt in anyone's mind that Lin Yuan was the perfect choice to accompany Chi Qian. The entire audience seemed to rally behind her decision, their cheers growing louder by the second.

Meanwhile, Yan Ruyue, standing off to the side, was left stunned, staring at Chi Qian on stage with wide eyes. She hadn't expected Chi Qian to be so bold, so unflinchingly confident in making her choice.

Yu Shanshan, who had been watching Lin Yuan the entire time, was now gaping at him in disbelief. She looked at him with wide, astonished eyes and said, "Cousin… You really are something, aren't you? Silently stealing my wife away, huh? I see it now… I've definitely let a wolf into the den."

Lin Yuan, amused by her remark, chuckled softly before responding. "Who is your wife?" he asked, mirroring Chi Qian's earlier response. He reached out and gently tapped Yu Shanshan on the head.

"Ouch, that hurt! Brother, don't hit me! I was just joking!" Yu Shanshan complained, rubbing her head dramatically. Her eyes were filled with both shock and admiration.

The host, now sweating profusely, was under intense pressure from the crowd. It was clear that the people wanted to see Lin Yuan perform with Chi Qian, and nothing was going to change their minds.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of indecision, the host made a decision. "Since Chi Qian has made her choice clear, it seems there's no further discussion," he said, his voice quivering slightly with the weight of the moment. "The ensemble she has chosen will be the one to perform with her in the finale."

The audience cheered even louder.

Chi Qian, now beaming with happiness, turned to Lin Yuan and spoke with a smile that could melt even the coldest heart. "Young Master Lin," she said softly, "would you please join me on stage and play a piece with me?"

Lin Yuan smiled back, his heart racing as the crowd's cheers reached a fever pitch.

*****

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