NOVPUBAlthough Gu Zhi addressed her this way, Hua Zui appeared to be only in her late twenties or early thirties.
Hua Zui glanced at Gu Zhi. “It’s good that you are here.”
Shen Roujia didn’t pay much attention to what she said, her gaze drawn to the konghou in the room.
It was a phoenix-headed konghou, something she had only seen in museums.
Music for Shen Roujia was a form of spiritual cleansing, giving her a fresh perspective.
She had a deep, almost obsessive, affection for these things.
She gently reached out and stroked the perfect silk strings of the konghou, lightly plucking them.
The ethereal sound made Shen Roujia’s eyes light up.
“May I try it?”
Hua Zui, who normally wouldn’t let anyone touch it, looked eager for Shen Roujia to play.
“Go ahead, try it.”
Shen Roujia didn’t hesitate, resting her hands on the instrument and lightly plucking the strings.
At first, everyone was indifferent.
Until Hua Zui’s expression gradually turned to one of surprise.
“This…”
Shen Roujia was completely immersed in her world, and with a reverse pluck, she played the tune she had just heard.
Not only did she not make any mistakes, but she also improved a few awkward notes.
After trying it out, Shen Roujia frowned slightly. “What a pity…”
Gu Zhi, still in awe, asked, “What’s wrong?”
Shen Roujia stood up. “It’s a pity this score seems to be only half-complete.”
Hua Zui clapped her hands. “Yes, exactly! The other half was composed by my husband.”
Shen Roujia turned to face her. “Lady Miao Yin, this konghou is a rare and precious instrument.”
Hua Zui proudly responded, “My husband brought it back from overseas.”
Shen Roujia, hearing her mention her husband frequently, couldn’t help but ask, “It seems you had a deep bond with your husband.”
At this, Hua Zui looked momentarily despondent but quickly masked it.
“By the way, Jiao Jiao, why did you leave so early last time? I couldn’t find you afterward.”
Shen Roujia replied candidly, “I was afraid of being targeted by enemies.”
Hua Zui instantly became more alert. “Are you alright? Do you need my help?”
Shen Roujia immediately waved her hand. “Thank you, but no. I’m curious why Lady Miao Yin wanted to see me.”
Hua Zui hesitated before speaking. “Honestly, I’ve hit a significant bottleneck in my compositions recently.”
“From our first meeting, I felt we had a strong connection, and I wanted to take you under my wing.”
Shen Roujia chuckled, not holding back at all.
“Traditionally, a master teaches the apprentice, not the other way around.”
Hua Zui blushed deeply.
She was indeed struggling, but her reputation was well-established.
Jiao Jiao, on the other hand, was just an orphan with no support, albeit with great talent.
From her high position, Hua Zui naturally thought of her own interests, seeing no real benefit in the relationship.
Unaccustomed to such a situation, Hua Zui was momentarily speechless, unsure of what to say.
Shen Roujia lightly tapped the phoenix head of the konghou with her finger.
“If you want my help, it’s not impossible.”
Hua Zui’s expression shifted rapidly. “Tell me!”
Shen Roujia had no desire for trouble or further entanglements.
She threw out an impossible condition.
“It’s simple, really. Become my apprentice.”
