Chapter 131: I must escort my junior sister home, please excuse me.

“Young Master Qin is still so young and already at B level. Our violin division’s chairman says Qin’s talent surpasses even that!”
“What kind of status is B level? I’d be content just to reach D level someday…”
“Exactly, especially since it’s violin…”

The violin is an ungraded string instrument, demanding exceptionally precise pitch. The difficulty of even entering its ranks far exceeds that of fixed-pitch instruments.

As they spoke, they frequently glanced over at Qin Yunqi, their tones filled with admiration and awe.

So, when Gu Ziran emerged from the restroom, they hurriedly greeted her.

If not for the presence of Master Shen behind Gu Ziran, they would have approached earlier.

Though they couldn’t directly address someone of Qin Lao’s stature, speaking briefly with Qin Yunqi, who was around their age, was permissible.

Gu Ziran looked toward the tall, handsome young man nearby, determination gleaming in her eyes.

Then, with a slightly apologetic smile, she addressed the group, “Sorry to keep you waiting. Let’s go greet him.”

Hearing this, they felt relieved and linked arms with Gu Ziran as they approached Qin Yunqi and introduced themselves.

Qin Yunqi responded to each greeting in turn, maintaining an elegant gentlemanly demeanor, though his manner carried a subtle aloofness.

When the conversation drew to a close, Gu Ziran raised her head slightly, “Young Master Qin, I…”

Before she could finish, Qin Yunqi glanced at his phone, then raised a hand with a gentle apology, “Sorry, I have to escort my junior sister home. Please excuse me.”

Gu Ziran’s grip tightened, her face shifting between pale and flushed.

She had imagined many possible reactions from Young Master Qin when she asked for his guidance, but she hadn’t anticipated being cut off before she even spoke because he needed to escort his junior sister home!

Yet she quickly composed herself, concealing any trace of emotion.

With a natural, gracious smile and no hint of embarrassment, she said, “Then we won’t keep you any longer.” She then stepped back courteously.

Watching Qin Yunqi’s hurried retreat, the group gathered and exchanged a few more remarks.

“Young Master Qin truly dotes on that junior sister of his…”
“That’s enviable. You all didn’t see how satisfied Old Master Qin is with his little disciple.”
“I heard Old Master Qin even traveled specially from the capital to Songdu for this disciple.”
“Really? So the disciple is from Songdu? I wonder how strong his talent in conducting must be to earn such attention from Old Master Qin…”

“Yeah, he’s from Songdu. Pity we didn’t get to meet her; she left early.”

Gu Ziran’s brow furrowed as she confirmed that woman was indeed Old Master Qin’s disciple.

But… conducting requires solid foundational skills. Even with talent, how could one’s gift be apparent at such a young age?

Perhaps it was simply that she pleased Old Master Qin or came from an illustrious family?

Gu Ziran pondered quietly.

Is she in Songdu?

Then next time she visits the Qin Association, she might have a chance to form an acquaintance…

Gu Ci breathed a sigh of relief only after reaching outside the Imperial Banquet, removing the hat from her head.

Her phone buzzed again with a message from Old Master Qin.

[Qin Jing: How is it, Miss Gu? Did Yunqi manage to pick you up?]
[Qin Jing: You’re not allowed to go home alone. It’s too dangerous at night, understand?]

Gu Ci replied to each message in turn.

Soon, Qin Yunqi emerged from the banquet hall. Seeing Gu Ci waiting dutifully at the entrance rather than sneaking away, he too relaxed.

“Thanks for your trouble, Brother Yunqi.”

Qin Yunqi smiled, “Good thing you didn’t leave alone. If you had, the old man would skin me alive.”

Hearing “junior sister,” Gu Ci looked somewhat surprised.

Realizing he’d accidentally let the term slip, Qin Yunqi laughed it off, “You didn’t know? I studied conducting with the old man for a while, so… I’m sort of his half-disciple.”

In short, calling her “junior sister” just felt natural to him.

Gu Ci didn’t think much of it.

She didn’t question why Qin Yunqi hadn’t used that term earlier in front of Old Master Qin.

But when she looked back, Qin Yunqi was still staring at her eagerly.

A question mark slowly appeared over Gu Ci’s forehead, this scene feeling oddly familiar.

After a moment, she recalled her older cousin who made her call him “older brother,” and another who was “third brother.”

Suddenly inspired, she deadpanned, “Senior Brother, aren’t you leaving yet?”

“Eh! I’m leaving, I’m leaving!”

At those words, Qin Yunqi felt a wave of comfort and joy, laughing heartily as he led Gu Ci to his car, his mood soaring.

The driver who had brought them earlier had left due to an emergency, leaving the car behind with keys in Qin Yunqi’s hand.

Qin Yunqi didn’t have the habit of drinking, so driving was no problem.

He hadn’t been to Songdu many times and didn’t know the roads, so he followed Gu Ci’s directions all the way.

Silently, Qin Yunqi memorized the route and, upon arriving at Yushui Huating, he quietly noted Gu Ci’s gate code.

Surrounded by an extremely quiet environment and scarce foot traffic,

Qin Yunqi wondered why houses in such a prime location were still unsold and vacant.

Muttering to himself, he resolved to buy the villa opposite Gu Ci’s residence, planning to surprise Old Master Qin and his junior sister.

The car stopped at Gu Ci’s doorstep. She slowly unbuckled her seatbelt and glanced sideways, “Senior Brother, want to come in for some tea?”

“No, I have to go back and check on Old Master.”

“Be careful on the road.”

Gu Ci nodded knowingly, then returned inside and messaged Rong Ye to ask him to notify Huo Shuyue to come over.

Gu Ci and Huo Shuyue still hadn’t added each other on WeChat.

Gu Ci didn’t mind, but Huo Shuyue felt a bit awkward.

Shortly, Rong Ye replied that he was on his way. Gu Ci chose not to go upstairs, instead preparing a few cups of tea in the kitchen.

At that moment, the sofa suddenly moved. A disheveled man groggily sat up.

Upon seeing Gu Ci, he was momentarily stunned before breaking into a woeful cry.

“Sister Ci, you finally came back!”