Urban Villain: The Game of Wealth and Women

I sincerely apologize for disappearing so suddenly without informing you all. It wasn't my intention to vanish without a word, and I truly regret any confusion or inconvenience it may have caused.

Here's what happened—I received unexpected news that one of my closest friends, someone I've known since fifth grade, was getting married. I barely had a day's notice before I had to leave, so I rushed to do some last-minute shopping and headed straight to his place.

Indian weddings are not just a single-day event; they are grand, elaborate celebrations filled with countless traditions and ceremonies. I had to be there three days before the wedding to help with the pre-wedding rituals, and even after the wedding, the festivities continued for another three days. Every moment was packed with customs, family gatherings, and joyous celebrations, leaving me with almost no time to even check my phone.

I know I should have informed you all beforehand, and for that, I am truly sorry. I never intended to go silent for so long, and I deeply appreciate your patience and understanding.

But I'm back now, and I promise to make up for my absence. From today onward, we'll be sticking to our schedule without any further interruptions. Thank you for your support—I truly appreciate it!

*****

{Chapter 54: I wrote down all the scores!}

"Okay, what do you want to play this time?" Lin Yuan asked with a warm smile, his curiosity piqued.

"Sad or Happy," Chi Qian responded, her smile light yet enigmatic.

"Huh?" Lin Yuan blinked in surprise, caught off guard by her sudden request. "Is it too late for me to quickly write you a score?"

Chi Qian's grin widened. "No need," she replied casually. "Once you finish playing, I'll have already written down every single note."

Lin Yuan was momentarily stunned. Her claim was unbelievable. She could just listen to a piece once and transcribe the music as if it were second nature. He was familiar with her skillset, yet it never ceased to amaze him. He'd heard of "absolute pitch" before, but hearing it from Chi Qian, who could discern any sound and immediately identify its exact pitch without any reference tone, made it feel like a superpower.

Chi Qian's talent went beyond her external beauty. Her mind, like her sound sensitivity, was sharp and refined.

"Let's begin then," Chi Qian said, giving a subtle nod. At her cue, the music began.

Lin Yuan began playing, his fingers moving fluidly across the keys. Chi Qian mirrored his pace with ease, keeping in perfect harmony. There was no hesitation, no slowing down, only the delicate rise and fall of their music filling the room.

The performance that followed was nothing short of extraordinary—a melody that swung between sorrow and joy. The audience in the venue was swept up in the emotional rollercoaster of the piece. Some found themselves with tears in their eyes, while others couldn't help but laugh, as if the music itself dictated the fluctuations of their emotions.

In the midst of the performance, Yan Ruyue, who had been sitting quietly, found her emotions in turmoil. The music's emotional depth reached her in ways she hadn't expected.

"Miss, tissue," came the soft voice of her female bodyguard, handing her a small tissue.

Yan Ruyue blinked in confusion. "Huh?" she responded absentmindedly, turning her head.

But as soon as she did, her eyes softened. Moisture gathered, and before she knew it, tears began to fall. She hadn't realized until that moment that the music had affected her so deeply, stirring emotions that were beyond her control.

---

The "Sad or Happy" performance by the duo concluded to a roaring round of applause, leaving the audience in awe of their remarkable coordination. Lin Yuan and Chi Qian exchanged a brief glance, their smiles saying more than words ever could, before they made their way back to their seats.

As they sat down, Yu Shanshan bounced over, clearly curious. "Okay, tell me the truth. Have you two known each other for a long time? Because today, you two are just too well-coordinated! When you told me it was the first time you saw my cousin, were you lying?"

Yu Shanshan gave them a sideways glance, her hands perched on her hips in mock suspicion.

Lin Yuan and Chi Qian exchanged confused glances before responding in unison, "Huh?"

"Seriously, how could you two be so perfectly in sync today? My harem and I have never complemented each other that well," Yu Shanshan continued, a mischievous grin playing on her lips. "You both were practically like a couple up there!"

Chi Qian's face immediately shifted, her calm demeanor replaced with an amused yet slightly annoyed glint. Without a second's hesitation, she raised her hand and swiftly slashed it down toward Yu Shanshan's head in a playful yet threatening motion.

"Eh! Eh! Eh! Qian Qian, I was just joking! I'm sorry, I'm sorry! Please don't hit me!" Yu Shanshan yelped, dodging and wincing under Chi Qian's playful yet sharp slap. "Cousin, come on! Aren't you going to protect me from the cute cousin who's just teasing me?"

Yu Shanshan quickly surrendered to Chi Qian's playful attack, pleading for mercy as she ducked and weaved under the blows. Eventually, Chi Qian relented, withdrawing her hand. As soon as she released her, Yu Shanshan straightened up and rubbed the top of her head in exaggerated drama.

Chi Qian then turned toward Lin Yuan, her expression softening as she smiled. "That was honestly the most enjoyable performance I've had in a long time."

Her smile held an unusual warmth, and Lin Yuan couldn't help but feel touched by her words. Though Chi Qian came from an elite family and had trained with many accomplished musicians, none had ever been able to match the comfort and ease she felt when playing with Lin Yuan. Their chemistry was natural, something beyond rehearsals and practice.

Lin Yuan returned her smile, his voice sincere. "I agree. It felt... effortless."

Chi Qian's eyes sparkled with a touch of admiration. "Whether you're playing solo or in an ensemble, Young Master Lin, your skills are remarkable. When I played 'Love's Greeting' with you, my heart couldn't help but race at every note."

Her praise was accompanied by a smile so radiant that it made Lin Yuan's heart skip a beat. For a moment, he was taken aback, his mind a whirl of thoughts. The praise coming from someone as beautiful and talented as Chi Qian wasn't something to be taken lightly. Her words struck deep, and he felt the unmistakable warmth of admiration building between them.

But as Lin Yuan looked into Chi Qian's eyes, he noticed the playful glint in them, as if she were enjoying his reaction more than her own praise. That realization calmed him, helping him regain his composure.

It wasn't that Chi Qian wasn't sincere—he knew she was. But there was a layer of playfulness in her, a teasing nature that couldn't be ignored. It was clear that her words carried more weight than just a compliment.

Chi Qian's personality was a mix of warmth on the surface with an underlying reserve. She was approachable, yet emotionally distant, a defense mechanism forged from years of being surrounded by people who only saw her for her talent and beauty.

This was why she had to tease Lin Yuan. She wasn't used to letting people get too close, and yet, there was something about him that made her heart flutter. Despite herself, she was starting to feel something for him—a warmth that made her both uncomfortable and excited.

Chi Qian's personality is a bit warm on the outside but cold on the inside. She looks gentle and approachable, but she is distant from others, so she feels uncomfortable being teased.

This is a psychological defense mechanism.

Therefore, she also had to tease Lin Yuan.

After all, she had never been touched by anyone.

Lin Yuan, understanding the depth behind her words and gestures, smiled slightly to himself.

*****

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