Chapter 544 - Reaching Crescendo

Although Shinichi's company specialized in the IT industry, he was still the heir of the Tanaka Group. He came as their representative, a figure who had the same status as Xiong Zhi.

Yet he was arranged to sit on the second row, perhaps because Xiong Zhi, the person whom the Tanaka Group had friendly associations with, was on this row as well. 

Xiong Zhi knew that Shinichi could have sat on the front, so she casually asked, "Why not ask for a seat over there, in front? I'm sure they'll give you enough face for that. You can freely have one of the best views."

Shinichi smiled. "How about you? Your status is more than enough too, why sit on this row?"

Xiong Zhi blinked her eyes. "As you can see, I am sharing a table with my boyfriend." 

She used the chance to shamelessly show off, ahem, introduce Linfeng to the Tanaka heir.

Xiong Zhi had been wanting to tell the world that Linfeng was hers, and that she belonged to Linfeng. She moistened her lips and tasted the word 'my boyfriend' again. 

'It felt good, ah'.

Linfeng was already getting used to Xiong Zhi's antics of parading him around. He nodded with a smile at the other person and offered a hand in greeting. "It's an honor to finally meet you. I have long heard of Samsang's great reputation."

Shinichi looked closely at Linfeng. He was initially shocked that his indifferent business partner would boldly introduce someone as her lover. This was a rare event! Unprecedented!

More importantly, the man in front of him looked familiar.

Linfeng finished his introduction. "My name is Zhou Linfeng. I am your fan."

Shinichi accepted his hand. Then it finally clicked in him. "Oh, you are the founder of ZD World?"

Linfeng nodded.

Gasp!

Shinichi became estatic. "It's a great honor! One of my purpose in coming here to Country C is to meet you. I have heard of ZD World, many of our employee, even myself, use it. I can say that I am very impressed. If it doesn't bother you, can we talk about it more?"

Shinichi was very interested in ZD World. Once he first heard of ZD Comprehensive Project, he knew that he must establish collaboration projects with them.

Linfeng knew that Shinichi was a great businessman to partner with. "Sure, I'd like that, too. The event has not yet started. Can we share the table and continue on?"

Shinichi and Xiong Mai naturally agreed.

The couple spent their time on Xiong Mai's table, discussing about economics and business.

On the third row, the taller man slightly chuckled. His attention was entirely on the second row, on a certain table beside the Abromich family.

"Lu Jin," the man called out. 

Lu Jin tore his eyes away from the couple, he too was observing them discreetly. He looked at his father.

"Both of your targets seem close to this Xiong heiress. I think it's a wrong decision to let her slip from Gunan's hands. How about you try to get close to her?"

Lu Ji stilled. He then calmly stated his objective opinion. "That is impossible. Based on my investigation, the current Xiong heiress is intimate with Zhou Linfeng. Going after her affection will be a waste of time and effort. Gunan knows that as well..."

Ming Zhi Yi raised his brow. "Zhou Linfeng is indeed a young man with high potential. He became the sixth king and created SC. But that's all. In terms of looks and talent, you are not bad at all. I think the Xiong heiress will see your charm."

Lu Jin was silent, obviously not agreeing.

Ming Zhi Yi frowned. "You can't do that?"

"I have plans to rope in the EU President and Tanaka's heir to our side. Father should be at ease."

Ming Zhi Yi looked at Lu Jin. When his eldest son said that he had plans, then he meant that would have it.

"Alright. I'll give you a second chance this time."

As soon as he said that, the lights dimmed and the host told everyone that the concert would be starting in a few minutes.

At this, the guests came back to their own table, one by one.

Xiong Zhi and Linfeng went back to their table as well.

However, when they came back, there was no Tang Xinyang. Instead, it was William who was drinking wine with a bitter expression.

Xiong Zhi sat on her seat. "How come you are here?" she asked and glanced at his black suit. Even in black, he still brought out the Casanova in him.

Too bad for the haute couture suit.

William greeted them with a bitter complaint. "I have seen too much and got involved too much. I am trying to be alone, reflecting about my life."

Xiong Zhi: "..."

Linfeng: "..."

Xiong Zhi ignored what nonsensical things he was saying and looked around. "Where's Tang Xinyang?"

William drank more after hearing her question. "Who knows? She might be crying somewhere. However, I am not the person who should look for her and comfort her. I am not the one whom she is looking for."

Xiong Zhi: "..."

Linfeng: "..."

Linfeng also ignored William's drama and asked, "Is she with Jang Shin?"

William gulped the wine in his cup and put the glass down on the table with a loud thud. "Who knows?! He might have come to look for her! He is the one in her heart, and I'll be forever alone."

Xiong Zhi could not help but look at William with disgusted eyes. "You should go back to your table." He was not even drunk yet, but he was already acting like one.

William opened his mouth and was about to say more when the lights turned even dimmer and a spotlight lit up on the stage.

As the spotlight became brighter, Tang Yin appeared like a fairy in the darkness.

She was already sitting in front of the grand piano. Her white long gown with broken crystals embroidered on it shimmered artistically as various spotlights began to appear, all focusing on her.

Silence.

After a heartbeat, the slim and slender fingers began to dance slowly on the keys.

A flutter of soft piano tones began to loom into existence, subliming into a wistful melody.

It started in a slow soft notes. 

All heads turned to the stage. Their chattering stopped as their attention was caught by those slender hands.

Only the sound of soft piano keys entered their ears.

It was very smooth and calming. It gives them an illusion where the soft wind carried the green leaves and cherry blossom's petals.

And when the harp started playing along with the pianos' soft beat, it became much more tranquil. It was like an angel was dancing within the hall.

In the dim-lit hall, the atmosphere was peaceful and harmonious.

But later on, the piano's pace increased. The harp's soft notes faded and it was replaced by violins. 

The guests perked up their ears. It was like the peaceful balloons they were having burst by the sudden increase of the beat.

Mistress Tang who was now staying at the front row's table beside Old Xiong's table glanced at Old Lu. Old Lu noticed her gaze and turned to her as well. Their eyes met. There was a short conversation hidden in that look. Only the two know what this private concert was truly for. 

The cellos, violas, and bassoons started to play at the peak of piano notes. The whole orchestra joined reaching towards the crescendo as the shadow of soft music disappeared and turned into something grand.

The guests could not take their eyes and attention on the stage. With the beat of the music, their tranquil hearts that was filled with complex emotions had been disturbed. With every note, it slowly unravels the feelings they had long kept in their hearts.

The music gave everyone a feeling that something in their chest was about to come out.

Xiong Zhi suddenly felt a warm hand took hers. She looked at Linfeng.

Linfeng was staring at her. His serious eyes contained with deep love. Xiong Zhi moved her fingers and fully hold his hand. In that grip, she told Linfeng that she too loves him so much.

The piano keys were continuously pressed fast. Allowing everyone to bit by bit show their hidden desire.

Lu Yin Ze tore his eyes away from Xiong Zhi's table and looked at the front. His bitter heart felt more bitter. He blamed the music.

The violins reached a crescendo. It played along with the piano's flying notes. The bassoons f-notes made it more exhilarating.

Was it anticipation?

Was it a passion or hunger?

Or was it something you truly covet and do everything it takes to get?

Some of these appeared in their mind as they listened to the music.

Ming Zhi Yi who was leaning on his chair silently gave a glance at the table in the front row.

Under the hidden mask were his eyes full of hatred as he looked on a certain old man.