C19 Discovered

"I’m not feeling well today, so my fingers aren't cooperating. How about we reschedule our match?" Chen Ruoruo tried to stay calm as her maid helped her off the stage.

"Chen Ruoruo sure knows how to make excuses."

"She's supposed to be the most talented woman in the capital, and now she's lost to a nobody. No way she's going to accept that easily!"

"If Sister Ruoruo loses, it's embarrassing for all of us. Don't forget, everyone here has been defeated by her before!" Chi Meng'er was indignant, not expecting Chi Rongyan to have a hidden talent.

After hearing Chi Meng'er's words, the crowd turned their resentment toward Chi Rongyan, especially when they saw the young men praising her, which only fueled their jealousy.

From a distance, Xie Xuanmo listened to the music, tapping his finger lightly on the table, intrigued by such an interesting woman. Other young ladies were gentle and demure, their music soft and tender, but Chi Rongyan, though appearing delicate, played with strength and determination.

Xie Xuanmo smiled slightly, casting an approving glance at Chi Rongyan.

Chi Rongyan hadn’t anticipated such a strong reaction from the crowd, and some even approached to speak with her.

"Miss Chi, your musical skills are truly remarkable. Would you be interested in discussing music with me?"

"Miss Chi, I recently acquired a fine instrument. Would you care to join me in appreciating it?"

Chi Rongyan glanced briefly at the people before her and politely declined with a smile, "Thank you all for your kind offer, but I've just arrived in the city and am still learning the ropes. I wouldn't want to impose."

"Miss Chi, there's no need to worry about such things. We are all music enthusiasts here, not bound by mundane conventions."

Rongyan inwardly chuckled at the man's inability to take a hint. She had no time for these people; she was more interested in finding the snow lotus. She whispered to her nanny, who understood immediately and silently admired Rongyan for her thoughtfulness. Despite being the center of attention, she still remembered to bring the snow lotus back for the elderly lady. The nanny resolved to praise Rongyan to the elder when they returned.

Meanwhile, Chu Tianxiao quietly observed Rongyan, thinking to himself that the Third Miss's musical talent was truly remarkable. Her courteous and humble demeanor contradicted the rumors of her being common and uncultured. He decided to stride over and engage her in conversation.

"The Third Miss is so humble and polite; it seems the rumors are unfounded."

As soon as Chu Tianxiao spoke, the room fell silent. Rongyan turned to see a well-dressed man, noticing Chi Meng'er's surprised and eager expression. She guessed this must be Meng'er's sweetheart.

"Believe it if you will, dismiss it if you won't," Chi Rongyan said calmly, as if the rumors were about someone else entirely.

Chu Tianxiao was surprised by her response, not expecting someone so young to be so unfazed.

"Aren't you worried those rumors could ruin your reputation, Third Miss?"

"Material things are not worth forcing," Rongyan replied, her gaze drifting into the distance, her thoughts on the snow lotus.

The young men around nodded in agreement, admiring her fresh and unconventional perspective.

Chen Ruoruo couldn't stand Rongyan's demeanor. She believed that Rongyan had just bested her in front of everyone, earning their admiration and a good reputation, so of course, she'd say something dismissive to appear above it all. The more Ruoruo thought about it, the angrier she became. After pondering for a while, she suddenly had an idea.

Just wait until everyone turns against her—let's see if she can still smile then! With a cold smirk, Ruoruo slowly spoke up.

"Miss Chi, you certainly hold yourself in high regard, but where there's smoke, there's fire. Surely there's some truth to these rumors, or they wouldn't be spreading like wildfire!"