The grand hall of the Jade River Art Center still shimmered with the aftertaste of brilliance, though the veiled musician had long vanished into the folds of the night. Her haunting performance from the previous gala had left a lingering shadow—an echo in the minds of every guest who had witnessed it. And even though tonight was Bai Lanyue's official return to the stage, her name was no longer the loudest on the lips of the elite.
Bai Lanyue stood at the side of the stage, clad in a silver mermaid gown embroidered with pearl-like beads that shimmered under the chandeliers. She had spent the entire week preparing for this—rehearsing, polishing, convincing herself that one awe-struck performance couldn't erase a decade of legacy. She was still the Bai Lanyue. And tonight, she would prove it.
But as she waited for her name to be called, the murmurs among the guests grew louder. Not about her.
"Do you think the veiled musician will perform again tonight?"
"I've been refreshing her Weibo since this morning."
"She's the only reason I attended again…"
Lanyue's jaw clenched subtly. Each word scratched at her pride like sandpaper. She turned slightly and scanned the room, her eyes catching familiar faces: influencers, CEOs' wives, critics—people who once came to see *her*. Now they barely spared her a glance.
And then came the final insult—someone from the crowd asked the emcee directly:
"Will the veiled musician make an appearance tonight?"
The emcee stammered, glancing backstage for an answer he didn't have. Lanyue stepped forward, straightened her back, and forced a serene smile. She was a professional. She wouldn't falter.
As she walked onto the stage, light applause followed—more out of politeness than anticipation. She sat at the grand piano, positioned perfectly beneath the spotlight. Her fingers hovered above the keys as the crowd slowly hushed.
She began to play *"Moon's Reflection on Water"*—a challenging piece known for its depth and emotional complexity. Her fingers moved with the elegance of a seasoned musician. The notes flowed like silk, smooth and deliberate.
But the room… was quiet in the wrong way.
Not captivated silence—distant. Detached.
Somewhere in the back, she caught the flicker of a phone screen being checked. A few whispered conversations didn't bother to cease. One guest stifled a yawn.
Bai Lanyue kept playing, but her chest grew tighter with every passing bar. She knew this piece. She had won her first competition with it. It was once her signature.
But it no longer stirred awe.
It was a shadow to what had already been heard from the veiled musician.
When the final note faded, she looked up—expecting, hoping, for admiration.
The applause was soft. Polite. Lacking heart.
She rose slowly, her throat dry, smile frozen.
And then she saw her.
Ji Lanxue, leaning with perfect poise against a column near the side of the hall. Dressed in a simple yet graceful violet dress, she clapped slowly, deliberately. Her smirk was unmistakable.
It wasn't cruel. Just… knowing.
Their eyes met.
Bai Lanyue felt the floor tilt beneath her feet.
Lanxue gave a slight tilt of her head—playful, almost mocking—and then mouthed silently across the distance:
*"She was better."*
No name. No accusation. But Lanyue knew who she meant.
Her hands clenched tightly at her sides as she stepped down from the stage. The whispers returned, louder this time.
"Not bad, but… not like last time."
"She's still holding on?"
"She's trying, bless her heart."
Those murmurs followed her like ghosts as she retreated backstage. The sound of distant laughter, clinking glasses, and casual chatter drowned out whatever applause had been meant for her.
Ji Lanxue remained near the column, still sipping from her champagne glass, eyes glittering with restrained amusement. She didn't need to say more. The crowd had already spoken for her.
As Bai Lanyue disappeared behind the velvet curtains, a single thought pulsed in her mind like a war drum:
She had to find out who the veiled musician really was.
Because until she did, she would remain in that woman's shadow.
And Bai Lanyue had never been second to anyone.