Chapter 124: Yes, It Is a Promise

After Chu Fei walked over to the boy’s mother and chatted for a few moments, the woman beamed and called the brat over, instructing him to apologize to Chu Fei. The boy was unwilling at first, but after a scolding from his mother, he could only apologize to Chu Fei with red, watery eyes.

What happened next was even more absurd. Upon hearing the conversation between the two, the boy burst into tears. After receiving another round of discipline, he glared at Chu Fei with such resentment that it was as if Chu Fei were his father’s sworn enemy. As for the mother, her attitude remained impeccably polite throughout, and she thanked Chu Fei repeatedly even as she prepared to leave.

This scene left Zhou Mi wide-eyed. She couldn’t fathom how Chu Fei had achieved such an explosive result. Wen Nuan also blinked her large eyes, filled with curiosity.

Once the mother and son had left, Zhou Mi couldn't hold back any longer. "What on earth is going on? Did you catch her committing a murder or something?"

It was no wonder Zhou Mi felt this way; unless Chu Fei held some dirt on that woman, she couldn't understand why her attitude had shifted so drastically.

"Want to know? Then let's do it tonight," Chu Fei teased, seizing the opportunity. The memory of their last encounter left him constantly longing for more.

Zhou Mi recalled that thrilling scene in the car and instinctively bit her lip. "Fine. How about I call Ye Qingcheng and let her observe my exquisite technique as well?"

Chu Fei rolled his eyes. "That’s the only ambition you have."

"What did you say?"

"I said, oh my heaven, oh my earth, my Fourth Senior Sister is the most beautiful!"

Zhou Mi retorted using his own words: "That’s the only ambition you have."

Chu Fei curled his lip. Zhou Mi urged him to explain what had actually happened.

"I simply told the woman that I’m a talent scout specializing in discovering young prodigies," Chu Fei laughed. "I told her the boy has an incredible sense of rhythm and immense talent, a rare genius who would surely be the next Mo Yan."

"Isn't Mo Yan Mozart's younger brother?"

Chu Fei waved his hand. "Forget it, that’s not important. The point is, the woman believed me. I left her my number and told her that if the boy could pass his Grade 10 piano exam, she should contact me. I promised to introduce him to the National Theater for a performance, but only if he passed the exam before he reached adulthood—which would prove my judgment was correct. If he didn't, she shouldn't bother calling."

Facing Zhou Mi’s complex expression, Chu Fei sighed softly. "I reckon that kid will never have another weekend off in his life."

Zhou Mi finally understood why the woman had thanked Chu Fei, and why the boy had cried so bitterly. Passing a Grade 10 piano exam before adulthood meant that, let alone weekends, the child would probably be playing the piano even in his dreams!

"You really are a devil. How is this any different from giving a child ten sets of workbooks for their birthday?" As Zhou Mi complained, she couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"How can you say that?" Chu Fei said with a straight face. "He likes playing the piano, doesn't he? I’m just fulfilling his wish. He should thank me for the rest of his life!"

The child thought to himself: I’ve seen living Buddhas before, but this is my first time meeting a living King of Hell.

"You win," Zhou Mi gave him a thumbs-up. "Alright, no one is around now. Show me and little Wen Nuan what you’ve got!"

Expectant light flickered in Wen Nuan’s eyes once more.

Since they insisted on seeing him show off, he decided to indulge them just a little. As Chu Fei sat down at the piano, passersby began to whisper.

"Look, that guy is going to play the piano!"

"Tch, I bet it's just another influencer trying to grab attention."

"So pretentious. If he hurts my ears, I'm going to smash him and the piano together!"

Many watched with the intent of seeing a spectacle. In this day and age, influencer stunts often lacked any bottom line, so they instinctively assumed he was just performing for clout.

That was until Chu Fei began to play. The surrounding murmurs fell silent instantly. As the notes leapt from his fingertips, the music flowed like a gentle stream—tender, lingering, and brushing softly against the listeners' ears. It was beautiful, yet carried a faint sense of melancholy. That was the initial impression of everyone present.

Just as many were becoming immersed in this sorrow, the melody gradually grew intense, crashing against their souls like a violent storm. Every note was filled with power and passion, like a struggle between man and fate. No one in the audience had ever heard a piano piece with such a dramatic contrast. It felt as if a flower of hope had blossomed in the heart of a desperate man.

More and more people stopped to listen. Everyone, without exception, felt goosebumps rise on their skin. Zhou Mi, who was recording a short video, found her eyes welling up with tears. Others might not know, but having grown up with Chu Fei, how could she not understand? A child who had been told from birth he wouldn't live past twenty-five—what kind of immense mental strength had he possessed to endure those days when he felt like he had one foot in the grave?

The terror of death lies in the unknown, but isn't knowing the exact time of your death even more terrifying?

Just as Zhou Mi was lost in her heartache for Chu Fei, he finished his performance. Amidst the applause, he walked over to her.

"I won't die." He wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes. "So smile. My life is yours."

Zhou Mi finally revealed a smile that was uglier than her tears. Wen Nuan reached out her pinky finger toward Chu Fei.

"What's this?" Chu Fei asked, confused.

"Extend your finger, Chu Fei."

"My finger?"

"Yes, it's a promise."

Wen Nuan hooked her pinky with his. "You'll stay by my side forever, right?"

"Of course..." Chu Fei sealed the promise. "Because it's a pact. I’ll stay by your side forever too, little Wen Nuan!"

Zhou Mi’s emotions came and went quickly; she hugged Wen Nuan and rubbed her cheek against hers. Wen Nuan said with slight disdain, "That really wasn't necessary..."

Because all three were wearing masks, the onlookers didn't recognize that Zhou Mi was a major celebrity. It wasn't until after they left and Zhou Mi posted the video of Chu Fei playing the piano to Weibo that some realized the truth. The video went viral instantly, dominating all major search trends and headlines.

"Wuwuwu, I was there, I almost cried to death. This piece is so beautiful, I will definitely make my child work hard to pass Grade 10!"

"This must be original work, it’s streets ahead of those domestic musicians. Mr. Back-View is truly talented, he and Sister Mi are a perfect match!"

"Sister Mi, if you know how to flaunt your love, do it more! I’m carrying the flag for the 'Shen-Mi' CP, let's see who dares to oppose me!"

"First worship Guan Gong, then worship the gods. Shen-Mi, you are my gods!!!"

"Anyone want to see Lu Yunkun eat excrement? DM me!"

Weibo was as lively as a festival. However, Chu Fei faced a new problem. After stepping out of the mall, Wen Nuan looked at the nearby pink coin-operated kiddie ride and cast that same expectant gaze toward Chu Fei.

"Chu Fei, will you play this with me, please?"