Amid thunderous applause, Jiang Xun, dressed in a bespoke black three-piece suit, slowly walked to center stage. He bowed to the audience with composed elegance, then sat down at the grand piano.
Bright overhead lights fell upon him, his profile soft and delicate, his lowered lashes casting faint shadows beneath his eyes.
A soothing, flowing piano melody poured from his clean, beautiful hands, which looked like works of art.
The theater was silent. Everyone listened intently to the beautiful music, marveling at the performer's exceptional talent, as well as his outstanding looks and bearing.
Every movement Jiang Xun made was effortless and relaxed, as though this were his domain.
Sitting in the audience, Fu Yanli pressed his lips together slightly, his gaze fixed on the person onstage. Only he knew that Jiang Xun was nowhere near as relaxed as he appeared. He was forcing himself to keep going.
There were three pieces in total, and when the performance ended, Jiang Xun received thunderous applause from the audience.
He bowed with a smile to express his thanks, then walked backstage at an unhurried pace.
Fu Yanli rose at the same time and left the audience seating.
The night in a foreign country was no different, with a crescent moon hanging in the deep blue sky.
Inside a private car, Jiang Xun was still wearing the black suit from his performance, but his condition was nothing like it had been onstage.
His eyes were half-closed now, his body slumped to one side as he leaned weakly against Fu Yanli's shoulder, his lips pale.
Fu Yanli raised the back of his hand to Jiang Xun's forehead. It was slightly hot.
He unscrewed a bottle of mineral water and held it to Jiang Xun's lips, helping him drink a few mouthfuls. Gently stroking