Someone screamed.
Another followed.
Then thousands more.
The standing ovation shook the walls.
"Boss, I love you!"
"She's unreal!"
"She's not human—she can't be!"
"I'll follow you for the rest of my life, boss!"
"My mighty slippers will fight only for you!"
"Boss!"
"Boss, please take me as your concubine! I want to bear your babies!"
"Hold me—I'm going to faint!"
And faint they did. One after another. Thankfully, extra security and first-aid responders were already on standby. The fainted were carried away, revived moments later, and immediately resumed cheering like nothing had happened.
Elena returned to the piano and treated them to several classic Mandarin songs, her touch playful yet precise. The crowd sang along, swayed, cried, and laughed.
And then, at last, she raised her hand.
The hall quieted instantly.
"This final song," she said softly, her voice carrying through the vast space, "is the most special one in this album."
