CHAPTER 182: CHAPTER 182: IF YOU SAY YOU LIKE ME, I’LL BE SHY

"Don’t ask me like that. If I say no, it’ll be quite awkward. But if I say yes, I’ll be shy about it." Lu Xingzhi’s voice was gentle and pleasant, but the words she spoke were not so easy on the ears.

She looked up, her eyes full of emotion meeting Huo Jincheng’s. "I’m not quite sure yet. I’ll tell you when I’m aware and certain."

Huo Jincheng always thought she was a bundle of joy. Her words, although sometimes blunt, were genuinely straightforward and interesting.

This is truly an honest little darling.

"I’ve had a few outfits prepared for you. Pick the one you like to wear on stage tomorrow. It’s our dear Zhi Zhi’s first time on stage, so you must look spectacular, and there can’t be any regrets."

Although Huo Jincheng didn’t want others to notice her beauty, he wanted Lu Xingzhi to take the big stage even more because that’s where she truly shines.

She was born for it, and he could tell that Lu Xingzhi enjoyed playing the piano.

"I have so many dresses at home that I haven’t even worn yet!" Lu Xingzhi pouted, "But I admit, I’m quite happy when you buy me things. It’s just that I can’t wear everything, it’s too wasteful."

"You can wear them at home for fun." Huo Jincheng liked Lu Xingzhi and wanted to buy her things. Whenever he saw something suitable for her, he wanted to get it for her.

"Just how bored would I have to be to change into gowns at home?" Lu Xingzhi cast a playful glance at him, "Speaking of clothes, I have to go change. You’ve messed up my dress."

"Alright, let’s go together." Huo Jincheng took Lu Xingzhi by the hand and stood up, as he also needed a change of clothes.

He really needed a cold shower now.

Helplessly looking at Lu Xingzhi, realizing she was still so young, how could he make a move?

She wasn’t sure of her feelings, and he wouldn’t push it to that point either.

After changing her clothes in the room, Lu Xingzhi went downstairs and practiced today’s piece a few more times.

Until Huo Jincheng came down, "Zhi Zhi, stop for now. Aren’t your fingers sore? As long as you maintain your current form, there’s absolutely no problem for tomorrow."

He couldn’t bear to see Lu Xingzhi overwork herself.

"My fingers are fine. I practiced for long hours even when I was a child." Lu Xingzhi wasn’t someone who relied solely on her talent without dedication.

Besides talent, she had always been diligent in her practice since childhood.

She didn’t actually attend primary school. Well, she did, but she went for just two days and refused to return home. She didn’t want to go anymore.

The things the teacher was teaching, she already knew before starting school. Her excuse for not wanting to go to school was that she didn’t want to bully her classmates. It felt like taking advantage.

She learned from her grandparents and father since childhood, and apart from studying, all her other time was spent practicing the piano.

Of course, it wasn’t that she had no playtime.

It’s just that young Lu Xingzhi didn’t like playing with kids her age, thinking they were too childish.

"No more practice, it’s time for dinner." She didn’t care for herself, but he did.

"Alright! I’ll play one more time and then wash my hands." Lu Xingzhi’s fingers rested on the keys again, dancing like two butterflies.

A beautiful piece of piano music flowed from under her fingertips, offering both an auditory and visual treat.

Huo Jincheng leaned against the piano, looking at her with eyes so tender they seemed to melt her.

When she finished playing, Huo Jincheng applauded her.

"Wonderful!"