The sound of the piano on the stage rose up, and only then did Shi Ning pull back her own mind.
She saw Rong Dai's playing on the stage was very smooth. Her slender fingers were nimble, dancing on the piano strings, just like frolicking elves.
She was playing "Ten Sides Ambush".
The acoustics of this club were very good. This song was her father's favorite song in her previous life.
When the song ended, the entire music hall was filled with lingering echoes, as if the melody was still swirling in her ears.
Rong Dai’s performance revealed her skills. Those madams and young ladies who had been looking at her appraisingly before now had to reassess her again.
After all, everyone present was knowledgeable and experienced. Rong Dai’s piano skills could be considered a master’s.
“This girl is amazing. Young Master Huo, you are very fortunate to marry her.”
As Shi Lao sat next to Huo ShaoJie, seeing Rong Dai walk down calmly from the stage, the approving look in his eyes grew even more.
Huo Shao Ting nodded slightly to indicate his response. His eyes had been looking at Rong Dai from beginning to end, full of tenderness.
"Phew—"
After sitting down, Rong Dai let out a long sigh of relief. A smile hung on her delicate cheeks, and her eyes were a little apprehensive as she looked at Huo Shao Ting.
"What do you think? I haven't played the piano for a long time, so I'm a little out of practice. I hope I don't mess up Mei Shu's music concert."
She was clear about her own skills. Proficient in the six arts, while others were still whining and crying in their parents' arms, she was already learning skills from masters.
When she had played in front of the emperor before, she had never been so nervous and apprehensive. But today she was particularly concerned about what Huo Shao Ting thought of her.
Huo Shao Ting held her hand, lifted it up and gently kissed the back of her hand. His deep eyes were full of tenderness as he looked at her, "My wife, you are very outstanding, don't underestimate your abilities."
Today, she gave him another surprise again.
She could embroider, cook, and now she could even play the piano.
He didn’t know what else these hands of hers could do that he didn’t know about.
With his affirmation, Rong Dai's heart settled down.
Throughout the concert, Huo Shao Ting held her hand with their fingers intertwined.
"Rong Dai, isn't it? Do you still remember me?"
When they came out of the music hall, Shi Lao immediately found her.
Rong Dai politely nodded, "Of course I still remember."
"Your embroidery skills are very good. If you are willing, Jin Xiu Fang welcomes you to come anytime."
Shi Lao smiled benevolently, looking at Rong Dai with approving eyes.
Beside her, Shi Ning could see it clearly. Her fingers holding her handbag inadvertently tightened.
"Thank you for thinking so highly of me, Shi Lao, but I'm afraid I can't accept the invitation for the time being."
Rong Dai politely declined. Although she liked Jin Xiu Fang, she never intended to join Jin Xiu Fang.
If she wanted to do it, she would make her own brand, rather than making money for others.
Besides, her new drama was about to start filming soon. She would also be leaving for Hangzhou soon, and she didn’t have much time left in Shengjing.
She had already stopped taking embroidery orders online and was focusing on finishing the ones on hand. Embroidery would probably have to be suspended for a while.
"It doesn't matter. Young people should try more things. Feel free to come to Jin Xiu Fang for tea when you have time."
Shi Lao didn't say much more, then left with Shi Ning and Ji Zheng.
After seeing off the guests one by one, Rong Dai finally had time to talk to Huo Mei Shu.
"Mei Shu, did you see Gu Chengyan?"
For this responsible little sister to abandon her work to see him, it was evident how important Gu Chengyan was to her.
Huo Mei Shu looked at her, hesitating over whether to speak. Her expression was a little tangled.
"If you need my help with anything, just say it."
Rong Dai could see clearly that she had something she wanted to discuss with her.
"Sister-in-law, can I go to Hangzhou with you? I want to... I want to give up the opportunity to study abroad."
Huo Mei Shu was fiddling with her skirt, her eyes resolute.
Rong Dai was surprised. Deep down, she didn't want the little sister to give up her studies.
The experiences of her previous life made her understand too clearly how cruel reality was for a woman.
But the little sister was so determined, she probably wouldn't listen even if she said those words.
"Does your eldest brother agree?"
Rong Dai asked.
Huo Mei Shu shook her head, "Studying abroad was my own decision. My brothers won't say anything."
Then she paused, looking at Rong Dai hesitantly, "But what I'm worried about is, even if I stay, there still might not be any outcome between us."
"Sister-in-law, then what should I do?"
Rong Dai knew the little sister's true nature, but this concerned her studies and love, so she didn't dare make a rash promise.
Huo Mei Shu could see her difficulty. She quickly smiled and said, "Sister-in-law, I just want someone to support me."
"I've liked him for many years, since high school, all the way through college. I'm afraid that if I confess, all my beautiful dreams will be shattered."
Rong Dai took a deep breath. She could fully understand the little sister's feelings.
But why did she want to follow her to Hangzhou?
"Then why do you want to go to Hangzhou with me? Shouldn't you stay in Shengjing?"
Huo Mei Shu's eyes instantly lit up, "Because he's also going to Hangzhou. Second brother hired him as the music director for the drama you're starring in."
Rong Dai was a little surprised. Although she hadn't been too involved with the new drama, the fact that Huo ShaoJie could discard the custom-made costumes and props and choose to use her manuscript as the original indicated that Huo ShaoJie was a perfectionist when it came to filming. So Gu Chengyan's musical accomplishments must be very high.
She was looking forward to meeting this Gu Chengyan more and more.
"Sister-in-law, don't worry, I guarantee I won't affect your work! You don't have a manager yet, right? How about I be your manager?"
Huo Mei Shu looked at her eagerly.
Rong Dai turned to Huo Shao Ting for help. He immediately walked over.
"I'm afraid we'll have to discuss this with your eldest brother, Mei Shu."
Rong Dai neither shook her head nor nodded.
This was a big matter for the little sister, and although her relationship with Shao Ting was good now, and her relationship with her mother-in-law had improved a lot, she still couldn't decide on the little sister's matters.
Huo Mei Shu was not angry, but looked at Huo Shao Ting who had walked over and began to analyze a bunch of seemingly reasonable explanations.
Huo Shao Ting gazed at her, "Are you sure my wife won't be waiting on you after she finishes filming and comes back?"
"Eldest brother! I'm serious! I can take good care of sister-in-law."
Huo Mei Shu became anxious in an instant. This was her only chance.
If she missed this opportunity, it would be a lifelong regret between her and Gu Chengyan.
"Besides, if it was someone else as sister-in-law's manager, would you feel at ease? Even if I don't know much, I at least know some rules of the entertainment industry. I won't let sister-in-law suffer losses."
