C18 Embarrassed

It’s hard to say if she was just born to be used by others or if she’s naturally that arrogant. Either way, Chi Rongyan had no interest in competing with her—as long as Chen Ruoruo didn’t provoke her.

...

In the end, the nanny couldn’t resist Chi Meng’er and Chen Ruoruo’s insistence and had to follow Chi Rongyan toward the competition area. The young men were already tired of flower viewing and had started a poetry and painting contest nearby. The young women were a bit slower to arrive, and by the time they got there, the men’s competition was nearly over. However, among the women, knowing that the most talented girl in the city, Chen Ruoruo, was present, few dared to compete.

Finally, the only one who sat at the piano was Chen Ruoruo. She smiled smugly, glanced around, and finally fixed her gaze on Chi Rongyan.

“Most people here have competed with me in the past few years. Do you dare to challenge me?”

“If my playing won’t offend your ears, I’d be willing to give it a try,” Rongyan replied.

Chi Rongyan knew that no matter what she said, Chen Ruoruo would find a way to force her to compete. So, she figured she might as well agree from the start.

Chen Ruoruo hadn’t expected Chi Rongyan to agree so easily. It wasn’t until Rongyan sat across from her that she realized what had happened.

The young ladies around were all eagerly waiting for the spectacle to unfold.

Even though they already knew the outcome, they were inexplicably curious to see just how terrible the music from the girl who had returned from the countryside would be—after all, this girl was rumored to have a childhood engagement with the young master of the Chu family. Losing to a country girl was something they couldn't accept.

Feeling the eyes of those around her, Chen Ruoruo slowly became aware of the situation. She was certain she would win today, but... what good would it do her to defeat a country girl? It wasn't exactly something to boast about.

"Please, sister, go ahead," Chi Rongyan's words brought Chen Ruoruo back to the present.

Taking a deep breath, Chen Ruoruo felt a bit nervous for some reason. Her delicate fingers touched the strings, and a graceful melody began to flow, perfectly complementing the snow-covered plum blossoms surrounding them.

Just as everyone was marveling at the music, a jarring sound suddenly interrupted—

Bang—

Perhaps due to her distracted mind, unable to focus, one of Chen Ruoruo's strings snapped!

Everyone was stunned, and Chen Ruoruo was even more flustered. As she was contemplating how to recover, she saw Chi Rongyan in front of her reach out and snap one of her own strings as well.

Bang—

The sound of the string breaking was like tearing silk, and immediately, a completely different style of music began to flow.

The music flowed with varying intensity, the initial sharp notes adding a unique touch to the piece, captivating even those who had just finished their performances. The melody was passionate and stirring, evoking the feeling of being on a battlefield, with the plum blossoms and snow resembling drops of blood on the white ground—both shocking and poignant.

After an indeterminate time, the music gradually came to a halt. Chi Rongyan stood up and offered a slight bow to the astonished crowd. "I apologize for my humble performance," she said.

Lifting her dress slightly, she gracefully returned to her seat.

"Wasn't it said that the Third Miss was just a country bumpkin?"

"Yes, this is nothing like what Chi Meng'er described."

"Chen Ruoruo lost to someone she called a bumpkin from the countryside. Let's see how she keeps her airs now!"

Chi Rongyan sipped her tea, noticing Chen Ruoruo's tightly clenched fists, her fingers turning slightly pale, which brought a hint of amusement to her heart.