After the city-level piano competition ended, the Music Club teacher was driving Ouyang Qianxue back to Cherry Blossom Academy.

"Amazing, Ouyang!" the teacher said while driving.

"I've coached so many batches of Music Club students, but I've never seen such a high score!"

Just moments ago, once the judges snapped out of their shock, they awarded scores of 9.6, 9.5, and 9.7. This instantly secured Ouyang Qianxue first place and advancement to the next round. As the competition progressed, Qianxue gradually eased his nerves, his performance improving steadily. In the end, he clinched the city championship with a record-breaking 9.76.

"R-really? This was my first big competition," Qianxue replied.

"What?!" The teacher slammed the brakes.

"Was this truly your first competition?" The music teacher turned back, eyes wide with shock.

"Y-yes."

"Unbelievable! Some beginners freeze up on stage, too nervous to even play. Yet you took first place right away! Do you realize your potential, Ouyang? In both skill and composure, you're the most outstanding student I've ever seen!"

"You flatter me, Teacher. I'll get off here," Qianxue said.

"Huh? But we're not at Cherry Blossom yet?"

"Oh, I have plans with someone."

"I see. Be careful then. I'll head back." After a few more warnings, the teacher drove off.

Once the car disappeared, Ouyang Qianxue made a quick call. After hanging up, he glanced around and entered a secluded café.

"Boss, the usual: private room three, two cappuccinos, one dessert," he said before stepping inside.

Soon after, a thirteen-year-old girl with long black hair entered the café. She walked straight to room three and knocked lightly.

Hearing the knock, Qianxue opened the door. The moment she saw him, the girl threw herself into his arms.

"Brother! It's been a whole year! Do you know how much I've missed you?" Tears welled in her eyes as she buried her face against him.

"Yue’er, I've missed you too. Look how tall you've grown—and so beautiful now. I'm so proud," Qianxue murmured, gently patting her back.

Flushed at his praise, Qianyue nuzzled deeper into his chest like a child.

"Haha, you're too old for this. Come in—we can't talk properly out here." They moved inside.

"Brother, Mom and I watched from the hospital today!" Qianyue jumped up excitedly. "You were incredible! On TV, your fingers moved so fast I couldn't even see them—just like those martial arts heroes with invisible hands!"

"Practice makes perfect. I'll teach you someday. You might even surpass me." Qianxue sipped his cappuccino and pushed the dessert toward her. "Eat up. I know you skip treats at home to save money."

"But this is your hard-earned money..." Qianyue hesitated, staring at the dessert.

"Eat. I won a big prize today. Consider this a little celebration for you."

"Really? Then I'll dig in!" She immediately forked a bite, her face lighting up with pure bliss.

"Brother, aren't you eating?" After two bites, she noticed he hadn't touched his fork, just watching her with warm eyes.

"I don't like sweets. You finish it."

"Liar!" Qianyue pouted. "You used to fight me for birthday cake! If you don't eat, I won't either."

Flustered, Qianxue finally took a small bite.

"By the way," he wiped his mouth. "How's Mom doing?"

"She's stable. The doctor says she'll be ready for the next surgery soon."

"And her mood?" Qianxue's question made Qianyue pause.

"Mom... she's happy! Especially after seeing you win. She kept praising you!"

"Qianyue, tell the truth." Qianxue fixed her with a steady gaze. Under that look, she couldn't lie anymore.

"Actually... Mom cried after your performance. She said it's all her fault—you were so young, yet you had to carry our whole family alone. She said she wishes she could just... die."

"I see." Qianxue pulled her close, stroking her hair gently.

"Brother!" Qianyue choked up. "It's not Mom's fault—it's mine. I can't earn money like you. I'm the reason you're burdened..." Before she could finish, Qianxue pressed a finger to her lips.

"Don't say that about yourselves," he said softly. "Every day, I feel truly alive—and it's because of you two. You're my everything. As long as you're here, I have endless strength." He held her tighter.

"Tell Mom this: she's my reason to live. For my sake, she must keep fighting." Once Qianyue calmed down, he added, "Got it?"

"Yes, Brother. I'll tell her."

"One more thing." Qianxue handed her an envelope. "This has a check for 100,000 yuan and some cash—my prize money. Mom needs surgery soon, and I know the last payment ran out. Plus, I heard you got into public middle school. I'm so proud. Use this for everything."

"But Brother, if you give us all this, what about you?"

"Silly. I kept enough for myself."

"Oh... okay."

"Time to go. Your dorm curfew is near. Text me when you're back."

"Okay." Qianyue turned to leave, glancing back at him one last time with reluctant eyes.

"Check, please!" After she left, Qianxue paid at the counter. His wallet now held only 500 yuan—his entire month's budget. At Cherry Blossom Academy's cafeteria, the standard student meal cost twenty yuan a day.