I Became an All-round Artist

"It’s him!"

In the adjacent practice room, Gu Xi, who had been listening attentively, was both excited and emotional.

Excited because…
Since the first time she had heard that melody, over four months ago, she had been waiting eagerly for the mysterious composer to return. Today, that day had finally come!

Emotional because…
For months, Gu Xi had been tirelessly waiting outside the practice room, spending nearly every spare moment there—even her lunch breaks and late evenings, just so she wouldn’t miss another opportunity to hear him play.

But it had been so long that she thought he might never return.

Now that he was here again, Gu Xi couldn’t help but feel relieved that she hadn’t given up.

Her heart pounded in her chest.

Gu Xi quickly moved to the hallway and peeked into the adjacent practice room. She was certain the music was coming from there.

Reaching out to open the door, she hesitated. Would she anger the composer by interrupting him?

Gu Xi grew nervous. Some composers were notorious for their bad tempers. If her first impression was terrible, she’d be doomed. First impressions are crucial!

“I’ll wait for the music to stop,” she thought. She was determined to guard the door, unwilling to leave, confident that the composer couldn’t just fly away.

Five minutes passed. The music stopped. Now was the perfect moment to go in.

Gu Xi knew this was her chance. She took a deep breath, smoothed her clothes and hair, making sure nothing was out of place, and gently knocked on the door. She was careful not to knock too loudly, tapping exactly three times.

Inside, Lin Yuan was surprised. He hadn’t expected anyone to visit the practice room. He even wondered briefly if the piano had already been claimed by someone else.

"Come in," he called out.

As the door opened, Lin Yuan saw who it was and frowned slightly.

Gu Xi?

He remembered her name—rumored to be the best pianist at the school, even mentioned by the piano teacher during class.

But Lin Yuan’s impression of her wasn’t great. Every time they’d crossed paths, it had been unpleasant.

While Lin Yuan frowned, Gu Xi’s heart was racing. Her eyes widened in shock, and her mind went blank.

"Do you need something?" Lin Yuan asked after a few seconds of silence.

“That song!” Gu Xi's voice came out hoarse. In a last glimmer of hope, she asked, "Was that song… yours?"

"Yes," Lin Yuan answered without hesitation. He was certain no similar composition existed in this world.

It’s over!

With that one word, Gu Xi’s last hope vanished. Seeing Lin Yuan’s unbothered frown, she wished she could slap herself.

He was the mysterious composer all along!

Gu Xi had imagined countless identities for the composer—a low-key teacher or professor, maybe even a passing professional musician. She had never considered that he might be another student, just like her!

She had messed up their first meeting so badly, and here she had been thinking of how to make the perfect first impression!

What on earth had she been doing before?
Was this some sort of daily exercise in self-sabotage?

Gu Xi didn’t doubt the truth in Lin Yuan’s words, nor did she let their similar ages deceive her into thinking he couldn’t have composed such an incredible piece.

There are prodigies in this world.

If she was a genius at performing, then Lin Yuan, whom she had repeatedly offended, was a terrifyingly talented composer.

Thinking back, every time she’d gone looking for the mysterious composer, they had narrowly missed each other. At the time, she hadn’t realized and had even thought he was deliberately appearing in her path to get her attention.

But now, in hindsight, every “coincidental” encounter at the practice rooms had been undeniable proof of his identity as the composer.

Is it too late to apologize now?

Whether or not it was too late, Gu Xi's survival instincts kicked in. Holding on to her pride would be foolish right now. She had to make things right!

Without hesitation, she bowed deeply. "I’m sorry. I was wrong before. Please forgive my ignorance and rudeness."

As she bowed, Gu Xi’s face turned red with embarrassment. She had been so full of herself, thinking Lin Yuan was like the others who were infatuated with her. This self-centered misunderstanding was beyond mortifying...

Lin Yuan was slightly taken aback.

Gu Xi had a change of heart?

Though he didn’t like her, his dislike wasn’t strong enough to hold a grudge. Since she was sincere in her apology, he saw no reason to stay upset.

He stood up to leave. As he passed her, he simply said, "It’s fine."

"Thank you!"

Gu Xi looked up nervously, watching Lin Yuan head toward the door, as if he wasn’t planning to stay any longer.

"..."

She opened her mouth to say something but swallowed the words back down.

She wasn’t sure if his forgiveness was out of politeness or if he truly didn’t mind her past offenses, but at least his attitude hadn’t worsened.

That meant there was still a chance!

Now she didn’t have to worry about the composer disappearing again. She knew his identity!

"Wait…"

Suddenly, Gu Xi smacked her forehead in frustration. She had forgotten to ask for his name! For a moment, she nearly chased after him.

But then she stopped.

Since he was a student here, finding out his name wouldn’t be difficult. If she chased him now, he might think she was being too clingy...

Though, to be honest, she did have a bit of a clingy plan in mind.

"I have to earn his approval!"

At his age, to compose something so extraordinary, Gu Xi could already imagine his future achievements. No pianist could remain indifferent to such an opportunity!

"What should I do?"

Gu Xi pondered for a moment. "I need a strategy."

The composer clearly had high standards for pianists. His piece was on a level that even better pianists than her could be easily chosen as collaborators.

"My advantage is that we’re the same age and classmates, which gives me the upper hand."

Reflecting on her past actions, Gu Xi felt a deep sense of regret. "If only I hadn’t offended him so much before, things would’ve been easier. I’ve been so foolish!"

Actions have consequences.

This was her karma.

Who’s at fault?

Sorry, but the composer is never wrong.

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