Chapter 251: Fat Water Should Not Flow to Outsiders

Just then, a plaintive bamboo flute melody slowly began. However, compared to the zither music, Qiu Honglei's flute playing seemed a bit unpracticed.

Xie Xiu was puzzled. "That's not right. By all accounts, Qiu Honglei is exceptional in both beauty and art. Her flute skills shouldn't be much inferior to her zither skills. Why is her playing so… so ordinary?"

His use of "ordinary" was actually quite polite. The overall performance was not smooth at all; there were even several sharp, jarring notes in the middle. Even he could hear them. If it were anyone else, they would have been driven off the stage long ago.

Xie Daoyun frowned, saying, "Perhaps she's not very familiar with the piece..." As she spoke, her voice involuntarily trailed off. For a master of this art, even with a completely new piece, it shouldn't be like this.

Another sharp, jarring note rang out. Qiu Honglei finally couldn't continue. She put down the flute, her face flushed crimson. It was truly too embarrassing; she couldn't even play it.

The others, however, didn't doubt her skill. Instead, they all began to make excuses for her:

"If even Miss Qiu, a master, can't play it, this piece must have been randomly composed."

"Exactly! If you can't play it yourself, don't drag Miss Qiu into it!"

...

However, there were many discerning people in the crowd. After all, Zu An's zither playing had been smooth and flowing; it didn't sound like something randomly composed.

Wang Yuanlong couldn't help but nudge Chu Yucheng next to him and exclaim, "I was misled by rumors before, thinking your brother-in-law was a good-for-nothing. I never expected him to be so capable. No wonder Miss Chu fell for him."

Chu Yucheng also had a strange expression. He poked Chu Hongcai, who was beside him. "Could you have imagined this scene before?"

Chu Hongcai shook his head, looking at Qiu Honglei and Zu An intimately close to each other. A hint of bitterness appeared on his face.

Chu Yucheng seemed to guess what he was thinking and quickly tried to console him: "Don't be too disheartened. They're just discussing music; it doesn't mean anything more. Even if something does happen later, it's better for it to be Zu than anyone else. Keep the good things in the family, you know."

Chu Hongcai: "..."

"Goddamn 'keep the good things in the family'! Thanks for the comfort, I guess!"

At this point, Zu An also stopped. He comforted Qiu Honglei, saying, "This piece is indeed a bit obscure. Some of the note transitions are too abrupt, with very large leaps. If you're not familiar with it, it's easy to lose your breath."

Qiu Honglei's face showed gratitude. Although she usually appeared enchanting and captivating, deep down she was still a young girl. She had never encountered such an embarrassing situation before, which had flustered her a bit.

As he spoke, he explained the most problematic parts of the piece and some points to note.

Qiu Honglei gradually calmed down. She slightly closed her eyes and went through the entire musical score from beginning to end. She finally understood where the problem had been.

"Let's try it again," Qiu Honglei said, her face full of anticipation. Firstly, her previous performance had been too embarrassing, and she wanted to save face. Secondly, the music score was so extraordinary that she was eager to hear what it would sound like when played perfectly.

"Alright!" Zu An smiled slightly. Seeing that she was ready, he gently strummed the zither.

Qiu Honglei's vermilion lips parted slightly. Her slender fingers rested on the flute, like dancing spirits.

The zither's tranquil and balanced notes, combined with the clear and ethereal bamboo flute, were even more captivating. The melodies of the zither and flute seemed to be in a dialogue, making all the men around them incredibly envious. "If only I could have a turn with Miss Qiu like that," they thought.

Xie Daoyun was already standing by the window, intently watching the two people playing the zither and flute downstairs. As she listened, she commented, "This piece works quite well together, but it doesn't have the striking effect he claimed earlier."

No sooner had she spoken than the zither's notes gradually rose in pitch, while the flute's melody slowly deepened. Yet, the flute's low notes were continuous, like a gossamer thread drifting with the wind, never ceasing, adding to the stirring and poignant feeling.

"This..." Xie Daoyun's beautiful face subtly changed. She murmured to herself, "So the zither and flute can be combined in such a way. It's simply flawless."

Just then, a sudden clanging sound came from the zither, seeming to convey a sense of battle, yet the flute's melody remained gentle and graceful.

After a while, the zither's sound also softened. The two instruments played sometimes high, sometimes low. Suddenly, the zither and flute melodies changed dramatically, as if seven or eight zithers and seven or eight bamboo flutes were playing simultaneously.

Although the zither and flute sounds were extremely complex and varied, each note was well-modulated, pleasing to the ear, and touching to the heart.

Xie Daoyun sighed inwardly, "No wonder even with Qiu Honglei's skill, she failed several times here. Just listening, one can feel its complexity, let alone playing it."

The people in the hall, who had initially looked disdainful, found their blood stirring as they listened. They couldn't help but want to stand up. At that moment, it was as if they were on a battlefield, fighting to save their families, their country, and the world.

After listening for a while longer, the zither and flute music transformed again. The flute became the main melody, while the ancient zither provided only a tinkling accompaniment. But the flute's sound grew higher and higher.

Everyone inexplicably felt a pang of sorrow, and tears unknowingly streamed down their faces.

Suddenly, with a sharp *zheng* sound, the zither music instantly stopped, and the flute music ceased immediately as well.

Instantly, the entire Divine Immortal Residence fell silent. For a long time, no one spoke.

Qiu Honglei was also in shock. She hadn't expected that the moving piece she had just heard was played by herself. She put down the bamboo flute, and looked with a complex expression at the man seated at the zither table.

Originally, she had intended to use her influence to ensure he advanced today. Who knew he would give her such a surprise?

"Young Master Zu, does this piece have a name?"

Zu An slowly stood up. "This piece is called 'Smiling, Proud Wanderer.' I give this piece to you, young lady. I hope you can release your inner burdens and, like this song, wander proudly through life from now on."

"You're really giving it to me?" Qiu Honglei looked surprised and delighted. One must know that in a courtesan house, a good piece of music or a good lyric could elevate an unknown girl to the position of a courtesan queen.

Although she was famous in Brightmoon City, looking across the world, there were countless courtesan queens of her caliber. But with this piece, she could very well become world-renowned.

"Of course, it's true," Zu An said with a smile. "It's just a song, why is she so moved?"

Upstairs, Pei Mianman snorted. She thought to herself, "When I get back, I'll have to talk to Chuyan and tell her to rein in her husband. He shouldn't be gallivanting around charming women all day."

"But I didn't expect this guy to have such a talent. Next time, I'll ask him to compose a piece for me too."

Xie Daoyun also murmured, "Given time, Zu An will surely become famous throughout the land."

Xie Xiu looked surprised. "Is it that exaggerated?"

Xie Daoyun gave him a sidelong glance. "You're somewhat knowledgeable about music; you should know what a groundbreaking work his 'Smiling, Proud Wanderer' is."

Xie Xiu couldn't help but say, "But after all, in today's world, cultivation strength is paramount. Deep musical accomplishment is just a minor skill."

Xie Daoyun said, slightly annoyed, "You're starting to sound more and more like father, you dullards!" After saying that, she huffily turned and left. Now that the winner had been decided and Xie Xiu could no longer be chosen, she naturally had no further chance to see Qiu Honglei.

However, hearing such a divine piece of music tonight made the trip worthwhile. She originally had some questions she wanted to ask Zu An, but the Divine Immortal Residence was too sensitive a place, and it was inconvenient for her to show her face. She would have to find another time to speak with Zu An in the future.

Seeing his sister leave, Xie Xiu hesitated for a moment, then followed her out. After all, there was no point in staying; the place was a mixed bag of people. If something happened to his sister later, he would never be able to atone for it.

At this moment, Qiu Honglei in the main hall said to everyone, "This humble one feels a bit tired. I shall take my leave first. Please enjoy yourselves." After speaking, she turned and slowly departed. No matter how the crowd lamented and tried to make her stay, only a faint fragrance lingered in the air.

Zu An was taken aback. "We were just talking so happily, how could she just leave like that? She just left?"

Rage points from Chu Hongcai +233!Rage points from Chu Yucheng +233!Rage points from Wang Yuanlong +233!...

Seeing a string of rage points in the background, Zu An was startled. "What's going on?" He looked up to see all the men staring at him with murderous intent.

Chu Yucheng walked over. "Congratulations, Brother Zu, hearty congratulations!"

"What's there to be happy about?" Zu An asked, looking bewildered.

"Are you truly clueless or just pretending? Miss Qiu just turned and left, which proves she has chosen someone. From her performance just now, who else could it be but you?"

Chu Hongcai's face next to them turned as black as coal. This guy got the benefit and was still acting smug; he looked infuriating no matter how you saw it.

Rage points from Chu Hongcai +345!

At that moment, he only felt regret. "Why did I bring him here today?" But then he thought, even if he hadn't brought him today, his own previous performance had already offended Miss Qiu. So it would definitely have been someone else's gain anyway.

"Sigh, third brother was right after all. At least now, the benefits are staying within the family."

"But why do I still feel like crying?"

"Chosen me?" Zu An was stunned for a moment. Then he immediately understood. "Haha, you should have said so earlier! I knew no woman could resist the charm of an excellent man like me!"

Chu Hongcai: "..."Chu Yucheng: "..."Wang Yuanlong: "..."

Just then, a delicate maid ran over and said, "Young Master Zu, my mistress requests your presence."

"Alright, I'll be right there." Zu An cupped his hands to the others at the table. "It's not that your brother is disloyal; it's just that a beautiful lady invited me, and I couldn't refuse. Please excuse me for now."

Chu Yucheng looked speechless and quickly waved his hand. "Since Miss Qiu has requested you, go quickly."

Chu Hongcai's face on the other side was practically black as coal.

Zu An walked a few steps with the maid, then suddenly ran back and whispered, "How much is a courtesan queen for one night? I have no experience and don't know the rates."

The few people at the table stared at him with bewildered expressions. "???"

Zu An gave an embarrassed smile. "Mainly, that Sister Hua promised me all my expenses at the Divine Immortal Residence would be free today. I wonder if that includes the courtesan queen? I didn't bring much money with me today."

"Get lost!"

The few men couldn't hold back any longer. This guy was simply shameless. Could Miss Qiu be measured by money? If one could get close to her by spending money, countless men in Brightmoon City would willingly go bankrupt.

"Are you guys sore losers?" Zu An pouted. But he also realized it was a bit embarrassing to try to fleece acquaintances.

So he followed the maid halfway up the stairs. He suddenly turned around and clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention. Only then did he say, "Is there anything you want to ask me to do?"

In the private room, Pei Mianman had already sat down and was leisurely sipping tea. Hearing his voice, a hint of confusion flickered across her brows. "What trick is this guy up to now?"

The others in the main hall looked even more bewildered. Someone grumbled, "What do we need to ask you for? It would be better if you just disappeared. You're an eyesore."

"Really nothing?" Zu An's face showed a mischievous grin. "Like asking me to go easy on your goddess later?"