Xiao Sanhua’s grandfather wasn’t home today, leaving her alone in the yard. She didn’t recognize these cats, so she crouched behind the tires, nervously watching them.
“Who are you?”
“We’re the bodyguards of the Southern Cat Demon Lord. We’ve come to fetch Princess Sanhua.”
What princess? She had only heard her brother Sui Sui talk about princesses in stories. In real life, cats were just lying when they said such things. She couldn’t go with strangers.
Xiao Sanhua said warily, “But I don’t know you.”
“We have a token.”
The leading orange cat guard pulled out a ball of cat fur. Xiao Sanhua cautiously poked her head out. Even from a distance, she could smell her grandfather’s scent on it.
“You’re just a little kitten. If we were bad cats, we’d simply take you away. Why would we bother treating you politely?” the orange cat said. “Your grandfather should have told you.”
Xiao Sanhua tilted her head and thought for a moment. That must be it.
Still, she wanted to wait for Jian Xun to return so she could say her final goodbyes…
But before she could, several cats lifted her into a sedan chair and carried her out of the courtyard.
The cats transformed into humans, and the sedan chair turned into a car.
Only Sanhua, sitting in the back seat, remained in cat form, watching the unbelievable scene with wide, nervous eyes.
She suddenly regretted getting into the car with them.
Terrified, Sanhua called out frantically for Brother Sui Sui. “Help me!”
Jian Xun, lying back in his expensive suit pants, seemed to sense something. He opened his eyes and looked up.
A deep, pleasant male voice reached his ears.
“Awake?”
The two syllables were swallowed by the cheers of the audience.
Jian Xun lifted his gaze. Inside the theater, the stage blazed with lights. At its center stood a magnificent grand piano, flanked by a full symphony orchestra—violins, cellos, flutes, and more.
The night’s first act was the opening performance by a band invited by the organizers.
Passengers gradually took their seats. Dressed in elegant evening gowns, they smiled and chatted excitedly about the upcoming musical performances.
In the crowd, Jian Xun spotted Xu Rong, and beside her, Shang Yi.
Everything on the cruise ship was unfamiliar to Jian Xun. It was his first time on one, and the map showed restaurants, arcades, gyms, casinos, bars—everything you could imagine—a massive floating entertainment complex.
His round, cat-like pupils widened with curiosity.
Jian Xun tightened his grip around Shang Xuci’s neck.
He was a socially anxious cat.
Night fell, and the ship blazed with lights. Passengers wandered through various areas, but the two theaters—the concert hall and the opera house—drew the largest crowds.
…
Bar.
The lighting was dim, and a group of people gathered around the bartender, ordering drinks.
In an unassuming corner, Xu Rong smiled and chatted, holding a glass of fruit wine. Sitting across from her was none other than Fang Xiuyuan.
“Tomorrow is Xiao Yi’s home game, all day. Mr. Wade is very optimistic about him.”
Wade, a renowned international musician, was known for focusing solely on music rather than people. Yet, he was very interested in Shang Yi—something that left Xu Rong both surprised and excited.
Fang Xiuyuan’s expression darkened. “I just saw Shang Xuci.”
“He’s here too?” Xu Rong frowned, her tone displeased, and subconsciously touched her belly.
“Did you forget? Shen Xiu is also on the cruise. He’s celebrating his birthday with his family this time, so naturally he’d invite Shang Xuci.” She hadn’t expected Shang Xuci to actually come.
Fang Xiuyuan clenched his fists and shut his eyes. A face resembling Shen Tianlei flashed in his mind. He took a deep breath. He was determined to return both the pain of losing his son and the humiliation his grandfather had dealt him.
Xu Rong saw the pain on his face and secretly shook her head. She was still surprised that he valued the child she had aborted so much. For her, it would have been best if the child could help her claim Shang Yi’s fortune. If she couldn’t keep it, then it was simply fate.
Besides, Shang Wei had already discovered the affair. Aborting the child had been the best option—it was only the loss of a hope. Everything else was fine; they could start over.
Xu Rong maintained a positive attitude and recovered quickly. Unexpectedly, the one she couldn’t let go of most was Fang Xiuyuan.
Seeing the hatred and anger in the man’s eyes, she rolled her own, her lips curling slightly as she poured him a glass of wine. She brought it up—intentionally or not. “Did you see that cat that’s always following him around?”
Fang Xiuyuan looked up at her.
Xu Rong smiled. “That cat is clever. Shang Xuci likes it so much he takes it everywhere—even to work. It seems he cherishes it greatly.”
Fang Xiuyuan took a sip of wine, listening intently.
“I used to think Shang Xuci didn’t care about anyone except his grandmother. I didn’t expect he’d value that cat more than his own eyes.”
Fang Xiuyuan narrowed his eyes. He remembered seeing something in Shang Xuci’s arms earlier but hadn’t gotten a clear look. Now, a long-suppressed darkness began to rise within him.
He held his wine in one hand, the other slipping into his pocket to feel for the scalpel he always carried.
The last time he saw Gu Ming in the hospital, he had realized that Shang Xuci was beginning to suspect him. He had accepted the medicine from Shang as usual, but hadn’t taken it.
This was the perfect opportunity to make his move. He couldn’t wait to see the man’s heartbroken, pained expression.
He shifted from his proper sitting posture, spreading his legs and draining his wine in one long gulp.
A slow, sinister smile crept across Fang Xiuyuan’s face.
…
The sun rose above the sea, the sound of waves softened by the wind. Now and then, a seabird or two flew past, perched on the cruise ship’s railings, and chirped.
Some passengers woke early to watch the sunrise, while others still slept soundly in their cabins.
Shang Yi was backstage at the theater, preparing for a post-breakfast performance.
This sea concert would be livestreamed on various video streaming platforms. He had already teased it on his social media accounts, encouraging fans to tune in and support him.
Whether he could bridge the social divide depended on the success of this performance.
Nine o’clock.
The concert theater was packed.
After the host’s announcement, today’s star took the stage.
Shang Yi walked gracefully to the piano. The crystal chandelier overhead shone brilliantly, just as he did now—at the center of attention.
He leaned forward slightly, greeting the audience with a small gesture. Then he turned, sat on the piano stool, and with a smile, placed his fingertips on the keys, beginning to play a piece he had composed himself.
A gentle piano solo filled the hall, its melodious sound like a sea breeze drifting through a ship’s cabin, softly caressing everyone’s hearts…
Then the symphony orchestra joined in, the tempo quickening—a melody at once plaintive and passionate, sometimes subdued—resonating in the air.
The audience was mesmerized, unwilling to let the music end.
When the final note faded, applause thundered through the hall.
The livestream chat erupted in cheers.
During the intermission, Shang Yi was surrounded by admirers, all praising the young musical prodigy. It was rare for someone so young to compose original works of such quality.
“As expected of the Shang family’s youngest son—his musical talent is truly moving.”
“You have great potential! I haven’t heard such emotionally charged music in a long time. What kind of state of mind did you have when you composed it?”
…
Shang Xuci sat down, one leg crossed over the other.
Shen Xiu sighed. “I didn’t expect your stepmother’s child to be so impressive.”
“Really?” Shang Xuci smiled faintly. “You’ll find out later.”
The best part was yet to come.
Shang Yi performed throughout the day, while the other teenagers each had only one chance to take the stage.
His latest hit song was saved for the finale.
During the day, passengers passed their time enjoying the sea breeze, drinking, chatting, and playing cards in the recreation room. But at night, as darkness fell, they flocked to the theater. Tonight was the first day of the charity event, featuring a variety of musical performances. The crowds were huge, and every seat was taken.
Backstage at the theater.
The young performers were all getting ready in the dressing area. When Shang Yi appeared at the entrance, some came forward to introduce themselves and ask for advice.
Some were even his fans, professing their admiration with enthusiasm.
“Shang Yi, I really love your piece Empty Moon! My whole family does. I even learned a section…” The young man immediately hummed the melody.
“I knew you’d come to the concert at sea! So cool!”
“Yes, you’re amazing! Every time I listen to Empty Moon, I feel healed.”
Shang Yi basked in the young man’s sincere praise. Having just been surrounded and lauded on stage, he now felt completely flattered—as young people often do.
Little did he know, in the corner, a young man dressed in black with a hat watched the scene coldly, a flicker of disgust in his eyes.
“Keep going, everyone,” Shang Yi encouraged with a smile.
A new round of performances began.
The others lined up with their numbered tickets, not interested in sitting to wait.
The dressing room suddenly emptied. Shang Yi pulled out a chair and sat down, noticing someone seated not far away. He looked over, but the person was wearing a mask and a hat, making their face impossible to see.
The one who had tried to approach him earlier wasn’t this person.
Shang Yi glanced at him a few more times.
Never mind. He would find out who it was once they went on stage. He had already looked through the youth group’s roster, and no one on it seemed threatening at all.
Shang Yi withdrew his gaze and waited for the makeup artist to style his hair.
The music began to play in the theater. Shang Yi changed into his performance outfit and returned to the stands.
Ten o’clock in the evening.
The final piece.
Xu Rong, sitting next to Shang Yi, helped her son straighten his clothes and said with a smile, “Go ahead.”
Shang Yi replied proudly, “I won’t let you down.”
He sat on the piano stool and played the song that had recently brought him fame.
When the last note faded, thunderous applause erupted and lingered for a long time.
Suppressing his elation, Shang Yi stood to bow. He saw his mother’s face lit with excitement, Wade nodding at him, and cameras frantically filming.
He slowly smiled at the camera.
This was the perfect ending to the show.
Shang Yi politely turned and bowed to the symphony teachers behind him.
Having saved face, he left the stage. When he saw Wade motioning him over, Shang Yi felt a rush of excitement mixed with nervousness.
Rumor had it that Wade would soon select a young man from China to be his apprentice and personally train him. Every one of his students had achieved fame in the music industry, and his connections spanned the globe.
If Shang Yi’s musical sensibility had once been merely average, the discovery of his talent—and his parents’ support—had transformed it into a powerful tool for proving and showcasing his abilities.
The musicians’ eyes were on him, and Shang Yi felt a surge of fulfillment.
“Sit down. We’ll talk after the last song,” Wade said.
Shang Yi nodded without hesitation. “Okay.”
Wait—what did he mean by after the last song?
Wasn’t he the last song?
Bewildered, Shang Yi sat beside Wade, only to realize that another man was taking the stage.
The lights dimmed. Shang Yi frowned and instinctively glanced at Xu Rong, who was seated just behind him. Her expression changed drastically the moment she saw the young man at the piano.
Could someone please tell her why that man’s child was here?!!
A sense of foreboding gripped her. Her heart raced, her breathing grew unsteady.
The final performer was Tang Mu. Dressed in black, he sat before the piano, his fingers gently sliding over the keys.
The audience’s whispers faded, and the concert hall fell into silence.
Tang Mu took a deep breath, raised his hands, and with a barely perceptible motion, placed them on the keys.
The first note rang pure and crisp, like morning dewdrops falling into a tranquil lake. His fingers danced across the keyboard—sometimes softly, sometimes with force—telling a story both mysterious and elegant.
Melodies intertwined with harmonies, and Tang Mu’s face reflected both concentration and ecstasy. The audience was captivated by the beauty of his playing.
The cries of seagulls and the rolling of waves seemed to echo through the hall, blending with the music and adding a vibrant, natural energy.
Passengers closed their eyes, surrendering to the emotions the music stirred—a beauty tinged with mysterious power. They couldn’t help but sway gently to the rhythm.
The sea breeze, the music, and the subtle movements formed a moving scene, as if everyone had fallen into a dream.
When the song ended, the audience realized that this piece was exactly the same as the previous one—but played with greater technical mastery, richer emotion, and a deeper artistic vision.
Someone asked why he had chosen to perform this piece. Didn’t he know its style was similar to Shang Yi’s?
“Of course I know,” Tang Mu replied calmly, looking up. “Because I’m the original composer.”