Grace Gu glanced at Julian Bai, who had been following her closely, and sighed helplessly. "Aren't you busy? How come you have time to accompany me here today?"
Julian Bai looked at her, dressed in a long white gown, with her hair styled in an ancient, elegant updo. Her makeup was similar to the plum blossom makeup of ancient women, which made her appear like a celestial concubine, as if she had descended to the mortal world.
Thinking about how many pairs of eyes would be focused on her in a moment, Julian Bai's brows furrowed slightly, and an unhappy expression appeared on his face, which he didn't bother to hide from Grace.
Seeing his sulking expression, Grace smiled softly and kissed his cheek lightly, just as lovers would. "Only you get this treatment."
Caught off guard by her gesture, Julian Bai couldn't help but chuckle. Ever since that rainy night, this little girl seemed to have become more lively, no longer carrying the faintly old-fashioned air she used to have.
Her elegance and charm made him realize that after today, he probably wouldn't be able to hide her away as his exclusive treasure anymore.
Though he could admit he had the ability to do so, seeing her like this, he didn't want to destroy the beauty of the moment.
As long as he was in control, he didn't mind adding a few rare memories to her life.
"Don't smile at them," he commanded in a domineering tone.
Grace giggled in response, her laughter bright and clear, like the ringing of a bell. She looped her arms around his and teased, "Didn't you turn the guzheng into a guqin for me? Aren't you worried I'll embarrass myself?"
Julian Bai had sent someone to follow her, so he knew everything that had happened when she went to Hong Kong University, including the guzheng piece she played during her performance. He had saved copies of the music in his computer.
Seeing her play for the first time, he was undoubtedly surprised. She looked beautiful at that moment, but in a different way from her usual beauty. He couldn't explain it, but when he saw her sitting there, lost in her music, he felt his heart tremble.
Now, hearing her call her teacher so affectionately, Julian raised an eyebrow. "Weren't you unwilling to enter Mr. Chu's tutelage? Now he gives you a guqin, and you've become his disciple just like that."
"I just wanted to show him that having me as a disciple isn't something that happens every day. I didn't mean to take advantage of him—he practically forced it on me," Grace replied with a playful smirk.
Seeing her act so innocent after taking advantage, Julian couldn't help but chuckle. The ancient Chinese zither Mr. Chu had given her was worth millions. The girl didn't know the value of such things and probably saw it as a small bargain.
"Yes, we don't need to take advantage of him because I'm already your biggest supporter. You can take advantage of me instead," he teased, enjoying the playful banter.
"Don't you worry about me embarrassing myself?" Grace asked, though most people didn't know her identity, there were some who understood that she had been marked as Julian Bai's.
Julian Bai was about to ruffle her hair, but he didn't want to ruin the beauty of the moment. Instead, he said casually, "You can't ruin my reputation."
Ignoring the gazes around them, he leaned in and kissed her on the lips, a light peck. "After it's all over, could you wear this outfit for me again?"
Grace raised an eyebrow in surprise. Hadn't they already seen each other in this outfit? Plus, today, he had shamelessly asked Mr. Chu for a spot at Hong Kong University's stage.
Why did he want her to wear it again? Though curious, she couldn't figure out his intentions. Time was running short, and if they didn't head to Hong Kong University soon, she was sure Mr.
Chu would be calling.
It was as if Julian Bai knew her concerns. The distance from this place to Hong Kong University was considerable, but since he wanted to let her soar, he wouldn't stand in her way.
He suddenly hugged her tightly and whispered in her ear, "Don't forget what I just said."
Hong Kong University's anniversary celebration was an unprecedented event. Elites from all walks of life had gathered, and when they saw Julian Bai, no one dared to question him. Despite not being affiliated with the university, his presence alone was enough to make everyone pause.
Whether it was the status of the Bai family in China or Julian Bai himself, no one dared provoke him. He was a figure to be reckoned with. Recently, there had been rumors of an economic collapse in Hua City, and while the mastermind remained unknown, many suspected Julian Bai's involvement.
However, Julian Bai seemed unbothered as he sat beside Mr. Chu. Mr. Chu, in his sixties, looked well-preserved and healthy. He glanced at Julian Bai and joked, "Are you worried that the cat will steal your prize?"
Julian Bai chuckled, "Mr. Chu, as long as I haven't said 'let go,' not even the fiercest cat would dare take her.
" He looked at Grace with a sideways glance, then turned back to face Mr. Chu, speaking in all seriousness.
Mr. Chu didn't argue, well aware that during mating seasons, animals had no rationality. As long as Julian Bai had his eyes on Grace, no one would dare touch her. With his reputation, he could ensure her safety for a lifetime.
The celebration on stage had already begun. The lighting and special effects turned the auditorium into a colorful and lively scene. The opening speeches were routine, though everyone still listened attentively, knowing this was Hong Kong University's anniversary.
Most of the performers were students, and Hong Kong University had trained them exceptionally well. The talents on stage were extraordinary.
The university's president beamed with pride, feeling as though his heart had been bathed in honey, seeing so many successful people admiring his students.
Just then, Qi Yu, a standout performer, stepped onto the stage, pushing the celebration to its peak. Not only did he possess an outstanding appearance, but his gentle aura and mastery of the piano also captivated everyone around him.
Many of the guests turned their gaze to Mr. Chu, praising him for having such an exceptional disciple.
Mr. Chu, satisfied with Qi Yu, smiled gently and replied, "It's all due to his own efforts."
Amid the applause, the event continued, with performance after performance. Then, Emily Gu turned to Grace Gu, who looked like a celestial being, and said, "Grace, it's your turn."