{Chapter: 312 Double happiness?}
Gui Qingtong wasn't particularly nervous as she stood backstage.
After all, she had studied music seriously for several years and had undergone rigorous training. Performing in front of an audience wasn't something new to her, and she had never experienced any embarrassing setbacks during her past performances. Music was something she had always been confident in.
However, today was different.
Lin Yuan was present in the audience.
Knowing that he was watching made her want to do even better than usual—she wanted to leave a good impression on him. His presence gave her both motivation and pressure.
Adding to that, she wasn't feeling her best. She had caught a cold earlier that morning, which left her with a sore throat and a mild fever. Despite the medication Lin Yuan had given her, she was still recovering.
But the moment Lin Yuan smiled at her and gave her a few words of encouragement, it was like a wave of warmth washed over her. Her nervousness melted away, replaced by a quiet determination.
With renewed energy, Gui Qingtong stepped forward and began her performance.
Instead of playing an instrument, she chose to sing. Her voice rang clearly throughout the room—crisp, melodious, and brimming with emotion. Each note was steady, her pitch perfect. The clarity and strength in her tone impressed the teachers sitting at the front row, including the vice-principal, who had been observing every detail.
Several of the instructors exchanged looks and nodded in appreciation.
"Student Gui Qingtong's vocal performance is excellent," one of the teachers commented. "However, could you also try performing with an instrument?"
He spoke with encouragement rather than criticism.
In formal music evaluations, it was standard to accompany a performance with an instrument. Compared to that, singing acapella—without any accompaniment—might come across as lacking variety, especially when most other students had showcased dual talents.
Gui Qingtong nodded politely and turned to walk off the stage. She approached Lin Yuan's seat, intending to retrieve her violin.
However, instead of immediately handing it over, Lin Yuan gently reached out and touched her forehead, then placed his palm softly against her cheek.
Her skin felt warm to the touch.
She was still slightly feverish.
Earlier, Lin Yuan had made sure she took her medicine. That had helped reduce the symptoms, but standing on stage and singing had clearly taken a toll on her body. It had drained her energy, and Lin Yuan could sense it.
Her throat hadn't completely recovered. Forcing another performance—even if she believed she could manage it—might make things worse.
"This performance is mainly ceremonial," Lin Yuan said gently, holding back the violin. "If you're not feeling well, there's no need to push yourself. It's really not worth it."
Gui Qingtong hesitated. "Well... I'm okay," she said softly, not quite meeting his eyes.
Technically, Lin Yuan was right. This final review wasn't anything major. It was mostly an introductory event and a way for students to familiarize themselves with one another. But still, Gui Qingtong couldn't help but care.
Everyone else had put in their best effort. Most had sung or played their instruments—and many had done both. If she stopped at only singing, it might feel like she didn't give her all.
"I understand," Lin Yuan said, reading her expression. "You want to show your full range, not fall behind the others."
He smiled warmly and added, "But I never said you had to play the violin."
"Huh?" Gui Qingtong looked at him in confusion.
Lin Yuan chuckled. "What I mean is, I've been teaching you the violin for quite some time, right? So if I perform in your place, it's almost like your music is being presented anyway. Your style, your learning—it's all in there. Would you be okay with that?"
Gui Qingtong blinked, surprised.
"Dad, you know how to play the violin?" she asked, eyes widening slightly.
He gave a small laugh. "Of course. I wouldn't be much of a teacher otherwise, would I?"
Although she still wanted to perform, Gui Qingtong could feel his genuine concern. Her body did feel weak. Forcing a second performance, especially one involving both playing and singing, might be more than she could handle right now.
After thinking it through for a few seconds, she nodded. "Alright, I'll rest for now."
Lin Yuan gently helped her back to her seat, then rose from his chair and walked confidently to the front.
He faced the teachers and the vice-principal, offering a respectful smile before speaking.
"Good afternoon, teachers. I'm Gui Qingtong's father. She hasn't been feeling well since this morning and is still recovering from a cold. Normally, she would have played the violin herself, but considering her condition today, I'd like to play in her place. I've been teaching her, and I believe she's more than capable—her level of play is just about equal to mine."
The teachers glanced at one another.
Then they looked at Gui Qingtong, who nodded in confirmation. Her pale cheeks were slightly flushed, not from embarrassment, but from the fever.
Seeing that she genuinely looked under the weather, the faculty members couldn't refuse.
They nodded in agreement, giving Lin Yuan the go-ahead to perform on her behalf.
There had been a parent-child performance earlier in the day, so the vice principal was open to the idea. After a moment's thought, he nodded with a smile and said, "Alright then. If she's not feeling well, we certainly can't force her to perform. Her father can take her place."
However, as the vice principal glanced toward Lin Yuan, a strange look flickered briefly across his face. Lin Yuan looked far too young to be anyone's father, let alone a high schooler's. Yet, his confident bearing and calm demeanor left no room for questioning his claim.
Lin Yuan, now playing the role of the 'parent', stepped onto the stage with Gui Qingtong's violin case slung casually over his back. The case was a light pink color, clearly chosen by Gui Qingtong herself. However, when Lin Yuan wore it, the contrast between the soft hue and his composed, refined appearance gave off a gentle yet striking aura. Far from appearing feminine, the pink case somehow made him look even more graceful and magnetic.
From the moment Lin Yuan rose from his seat, countless eyes in the auditorium were drawn to him. Whispers buzzed across the rows of students. His face, perfectly proportioned and framed with soft black hair, looked like it belonged on a magazine cover. Even the teachers couldn't help but glance twice. His posture was upright, movements smooth and composed—each step full of quiet confidence.
Lin Yuan walked up to the center of the stage and, under the audience's watchful gaze, slowly unzipped the pink violin case. He handled the instrument with delicate care, his fingers moving with practiced familiarity as he drew the violin out of its casing.
Then, lifting his head and addressing the audience, he said with a pleasant smile, "Before I begin, I'd like to ask if a student might be willing to accompany me. Would that be alright?"
The teachers glanced at one another, then nodded. It was, after all, a simple performance—not a formal competition—so they were open to a collaborative performance.
As soon as Lin Yuan finished his sentence, a visible ripple spread through the auditorium. Gui Qingtong's classmates, especially the girls, straightened in their seats, their eyes sparkling. A few even quietly adjusted their posture or smoothed their skirts in silent hope of being picked. The idea of standing on stage next to such a handsome and elegant man, even for just a few minutes, was thrilling.
Lin Yuan swept his gaze across the students seated in front and appeared to settle his attention on a girl in the first row—Xie Shixuan, who wore her hair in distinctive twin ponytails. "I noticed that Classmate Xie played the piano beautifully earlier. Would you be willing to accompany me for this performance?" he asked warmly.
"M-Me?!" Xie Shixuan exclaimed, momentarily stunned that she had been singled out. Her face flushed with excitement and disbelief.
"Yes, if that's okay with you," Lin Yuan said with a soft chuckle, his voice filled with encouragement.
"O-Of course!" she replied quickly, her eyes glowing.
Several girls sitting nearby looked on with obvious envy. Though Lin Yuan had introduced himself as Gui Qingtong's father, none of them really believed it. His youthful appearance and graceful temperament made him look more like a prince charming from a storybook than a parent.
In truth, many of the girls found themselves fascinated by Lin Yuan. He had an undeniable allure—one that came not only from his handsome face but also from the quiet maturity in his eyes, the steadiness in his tone, and the warmth of his demeanor. He wasn't just attractive. He felt...safe, capable, and magnetic.
Xie Shixuan, barely able to contain her excitement, quickly walked up to the grand piano positioned on stage. She adjusted her seat, took a deep breath, and tried to calm her racing heart.
Lin Yuan, meanwhile, quickly pulled out his phone and showed her the music sheet. "Student Xie, just follow this arrangement. I've simplified the accompaniment to match your performance style. You'll do great."
"Okay!" Xie Shixuan nodded enthusiastically, trying not to swoon under Lin Yuan's kind gaze.
Up close, he was even more charming. His features were flawless, his eyes focused, his voice smooth. Her heart thumped a little faster, and she couldn't help but think to herself: This man cannot be Gui Qingtong's father... could he really be her older brother?
The mystery gnawed at her, and she silently vowed to find out more from Gui Qingtong after the review was over.
Lin Yuan, of course, noticed the curious glances Xie Shixuan kept sneaking in his direction. But his attention was still primarily focused on helping Gui Qingtong. His decision to perform wasn't to impress or attract attention—it was to make sure Gui Qingtong wouldn't have to push herself and worsen her cold. Still, since he was already stepping in, he figured he might as well make the performance memorable.
Inwardly, Lin Yuan called upon Shen Lan, whispering mentally, Let's enhance my violin skill... push it all the way to the divine level.
He wanted to give the audience something worth remembering. Lin Yuan was someone who, once he committed to a task, would see it through with perfection.
He stood still for a moment, gently positioning the violin beneath his chin, and raised the bow over the strings.
Before beginning, he addressed the audience with a calm voice. "For today's performance, I will play a classical violin piece that some of you may know. It's technically challenging but emotionally powerful—'The Devil's Trill Sonata'. I hope you enjoy it."
The room fell completely silent. Even those who weren't familiar with classical music had heard the name of this legendary piece. Students sat upright, the teachers leaned forward with interest, and the vice principal watched with curiosity.