The soft clink of porcelain echoed through the living room as Xiao Lin set down a tray of tea. A quiet tension hovered in the air—not hostile, but heavy with expectation. Bai Zhiqi sat on the couch, posture straight but not stiff, eyes calm as she looked across at Ji Yanluo, Ji Lanxue, and Xiao Lin.
All three had been waiting for her to say something.
She hadn't spoken since they'd gathered.
Ji Lanxue sipped her tea, one brow raised as she leaned back. "So, you called us all here. What's going on? Did you finish composing the gala piece or…" She trailed off, a hint of hopeful teasing in her voice.
Xiao Lin shot her a look. "Lanxue."
"What? I'm just breaking the silence," she said with a shrug.
Bai Zhiqi's lips quirked faintly. Then her gaze shifted to Ji Yanluo, who hadn't spoken a word since sitting down. He was watching her the way he always did—quiet, focused, unblinking. As if reading beneath her skin.
She finally exhaled.
"I'm not going to do it," Bai Zhiqi said.
There was a beat of silence.
Ji Lanxue blinked. "Do what?"
"Reveal myself. At Bai Lanyue's birthday."
Ji Lanxue straightened immediately, mouth parting to respond—only to hesitate. Xiao Lin lowered her cup slowly, concern flickering behind her eyes. Ji Yanluo's expression didn't shift, but his fingers curled slightly around the armrest of his chair.
"You changed your mind?" Xiao Lin asked gently.
Bai Zhiqi nodded. "Yes."
"Is it because of what we said the other day?" Lanxue asked, frowning now. "Because we didn't mean to scare you off—"
"No," Zhiqi cut in, her tone steady. "What you said was right. The risks are real. But that's not why I'm stepping back."
She paused, folding her hands on her lap. "I realized I don't need a grand announcement. Not yet. Not for them."
Ji Yanluo finally spoke. "You're sure?"
His voice was low, but there was something beneath it—something unreadable. Not disappointment. Not approval. Just a flicker of something heavier.
She met his gaze. "Yes. I thought exposing myself at Lanyue's party would be reclaiming my story. That if I stood in front of everyone as Bai Zhiqi, it would be some final blow."
"But it wouldn't," she continued. "It would be me giving them exactly what they want. A spectacle. A stage to twist things again."
Lanxue leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. "So, what now? You just keep being the veiled musician?"
"For now," Bai Zhiqi said. "My voice is already public. My music is doing what my name can't. I don't have to prove anything to Bai Lanyue. Or Shen Yichen. Or that family."
Xiao Lin looked at her for a moment, then nodded slowly. "It's a smart choice. You're not hiding—you're just taking control of the timing."
Ji Lanxue huffed. "It's going to drive Lanyue insane."
"That's not my concern," Bai Zhiqi said with a soft shrug.
She turned to Ji Yanluo, who hadn't looked away from her once.
"You said something once… that revenge doesn't always need noise," she said, her tone quieter now. "I didn't understand it then. I think I do now."
Ji Yanluo's eyes narrowed just slightly. "Then you're learning well."
A small silence followed, not uncomfortable—just… reflective.
Ji Lanxue finally broke it, throwing her arms dramatically over the back of the couch. "Well, I won't lie—I kind of wanted to see you rip the mask off in front of everyone like a drama heroine, but this is good too. Classy. Psychological warfare."
Bai Zhiqi chuckled under her breath.
Xiao Lin smiled faintly and poured her another cup of tea.
Ji Yanluo remained quiet, but his gaze softened—not by much, but enough for her to see.
They all understood now.
She wasn't retreating. She was choosing her moment. And when that moment came… it would be hers.