Not a single person laughed!
Not a single guest frowned!
Maybe they're afraid...
Everyone, regardless of age or gender, and whatever they had been doing, sat up straight in unison.
With standard smiles on their faces, they intently "appreciated" Draco's performance, nodding frequently in sync with the completely off-key "rhythm," as if listening to a concert by a world-class piano master.
But at this moment, in their hearts...
A horrific self-hypnosis is underway...
"This is a masterful improvisation!"
"The performance was full of innovative spirit that broke with tradition!"
"We mere mortals can hardly reach such heights!"
" Mr. Malfoy wasn't just playing the piano; he was playing style! He was playing taste! He was playing a transcendent cry of the soul!"
"Hang in there! Smile! Nod!"
"This is a required course for high society!"
Even as their ears were being subjected to unprecedented torture, and their minds were frantically cursing what the hell was going on, they had to maintain a sublime expression of ecstasy and even deep emotion on their faces.
Anyone who dares to say anything unpleasant is openly questioning Young Master Malfoy's artistic talent and the captain's honored guest!
That means lacking understanding of art, having no taste, and being ungrateful, which could even affect one's future business or social standing.
This cost,
This is far worse than enduring a few minutes of ear-piercing noise!
Hermione, witnessing this absurd yet real scene, almost wanted to Apparition back to Hogwarts immediately.
But when she looked again at Draco, who was completely immersed in his own musical world at the piano...
A strange smile welled up inside me.
It's both funny and frustrating.
Awkward as it may be, silly as it may be
But what can you do when this guy is hers?
Never mind, let him be.
Anyway, we'll both lose face together.
Moreover, looking at the whole scene, it was a live version of "The Emperor's New Clothes."
It seems... kind of interesting?
As the music ended, Draco placed his hands in mid-air, striking what he considered a highly artistic and concluding pose.
After a two-second pause, he rose gracefully, turned and bowed, his movements as precise as if he had just performed at the Royal Concert Hall.
"Whoosh!"
The entire audience erupted in thunderous applause!
Cheers and praises erupted like a tsunami!
"That was amazing!"
"An unparalleled performance! Absolutely captivating!"
" Mr. Malfoy is truly a man of exceptional talent!"
This music should only exist in heaven; how often can it be heard on earth!
Praise poured out like it was free.
Each one was more exaggerated than the last, and each one was more sincere than the last.
Draco basked in the praise, then smugly returned to Hermione's side. "Well, wasn't that amazing? Aren't you completely impressed by my talent?"
Looking at his face, which was practically screaming "Praise me!", and then glancing around at the guests whose expressions were a jumble of emotions as they clapped insincerely, he finally couldn't help but burst out laughing.
She suppressed a laugh and commented:
"... Hmm, very unique."
Seemingly oblivious to the deeper meaning in Hermione's words, Draco only knew that Hermione smiled, which was the greatest recognition he could receive.
"Of course! Don't you even know who played it? When I do play, it's a masterpiece."
Hermione smiled and gently shook her head.
Tonight's art journey has come to a perfect end...
As for the trauma to his ears and mind... well, let him make it up to him in some other way when we get back.
Hermione pondered in her mind, her smile undiminished.
This rascal, there's just no way to deal with him.
The applause, which was tinged with relief and politeness, gradually subsided, and most people thought that the musical interlude was finally over. However, Draco did not leave the piano.
He tapped a few high-pitched keys lightly with his fingers again, producing a few crisp but ambiguous tinkling sounds.
"I was just kidding you guys, it was just a warm-up," Draco said casually.
These words were like a bomb, setting off the piano bar once again!
Those five minutes of ear-piercing noise just now, was it just a warm-up?!
Hermione was completely stunned on the spot.
Embarrassing yourself once is enough!
Only then did she manage to process the awkwardness and convince herself to accept the fact that her boyfriend was tone-deaf.
It turned out this guy told her it was all an act?
And does he mean he wants to do it a second time?!
" Draco, stop fooling around, that's enough." Hermione quickly moved closer to him and whispered a reminder of the facts.
However, Draco ignored her warning and instead asked, "What if I play well this time?"
"Impossible!" Hermione blurted out without thinking, "How could you possibly play well like that!"
The demonic sound was still vivid in her mind; she simply couldn't believe that this guy could transform into a piano master in just a few seconds.
It seemed like they were just waiting for her to say that.
"If I really do play well..." Draco said, offering the wager, "You'll stand right here, in front of everyone, and give me a kiss. Do you dare bet, my Miss Granger?"
The surrounding guests' eyes lit up.
Although they tried their best to maintain the composure of high society, they exchanged knowing glances, eager for a good show.
Everyone was eagerly waiting to see how Mrs. Malfoy would handle this; it was far more interesting than the previous performance of the demonic music!
Hermione's cheeks flushed instantly.
This guy definitely did it on purpose.
Reason told her that, given Draco's personality and his confident smile, his rambling just now was most likely intentional, a setup to trap him.
But fear still prevailed.
What if this is just another prank of his? What if he starts making a bunch of noise again? Wouldn't she be embarrassed again?
To gamble, or not to gamble?
Looking into Draco's confident and expectant eyes, I recalled his endless stream of surprises and how he always managed to accomplish the seemingly impossible.
Maybe... he really will?
"Okay." Hermione gritted her teeth and finally agreed, but she made a condition. "But if you play like that again, you're never allowed to touch the piano again."
"Deal!" Draco's eyes flashed with an even brighter light, the excitement of prey catching the trap.
He turned around deftly and sat back down on the piano bench.
This time, his posture was completely different from his previous affected pose; his face carried a calm strength.
The entire audience held their breath in rapt attention.
All eyes were fixed on the blond man's back, waiting for a miracle to happen. Even Hermione instinctively gripped her skirt, her heart pounding in her throat.
The next second, a miracle really happened.
This time it's not just noise and chaos.
The clear, water-like piano prelude flowed gently like ocean waves, and Draco began to hum softly as the music played.
The sound blended perfectly with the faint sound of waves in the background, carrying a power that penetrated the heart.