On stage, the elegant male musician bowed with flawless grace.

“This piece, *The Fairy by the Lake*, was serendipitously discovered by Master Akk on the outskirts of Bloodsource City. A melody celebrating pure love—I hope you enjoy it.”

His words were perfectly ordinary… until his next sentence froze the entire banquet hall into stunned silence:

“A distinguished guest has specially requested I dedicate this love-themed piece… to the silver-haired lady at Table 77.”

After a breathless pause, murmurs rippled through the crowd. Guests smiled warmly, eyes twinkling with nostalgia for their own youthful romances, gazes swiftly darting toward Table 77.

Tonight promised a sweet love story—and they’d all become part of it, nurturing this tender, romantic moment.

But as curious onlookers rose to offer encouraging applause… the scene before them rooted most guests firmly in place.

At Table 77 sat not a shy, unconfessed couple—but a family of three.

The silver-haired girl wore an elegant gown, her beauty clearer than crystal’s gleam, dreamier than twilight haze, more intoxicating than aged wine.

Beside her, the black-haired youth was strikingly handsome. Though simply dressed, an inexplicable aura seemed to pull light itself toward him.

Between them sat their daughter, six or seven years old, a silver ahoge perked atop her head, face etched with pure confusion.

Li Wei had been quietly lost in the melody, head bowed as if pondering something—completely unaware the spotlight had turned on him.

Only when gazes thickened around them did he snap awake. He and Tsukika glanced at the table number.

Realizing they were the center of attention, they exchanged a silent look.

Seeing Li Wei’s furrowed brow, Tsukika understood instantly: this was no romantic surprise from him.

A smile still lingered on the Demon Lord’s lips—but now it gleamed cold as blade-reflected frost.

Li Wei heard nothing. His thoughts sank deep. Beneath the calm surface of his heart, something vast and restless stirred.

He couldn’t place this strange unease.

The guests’ warm murmurs died abruptly.

Few here were fools. Though Li Wei and Tsukika revealed little, that very silence spoke volumes.

This wasn’t romance—it was provocation.

On stage, the musician stood frozen. A faint sheen of sweat glistened on his brow.

Moments earlier, a lavishly dressed yet disheveled man had shoved a hefty sum into his hands: *“Say this after the song. Take the money and scram—before I change my mind.”*

Too tempting to refuse… yet now, panic clawed at him. He scanned the crowd—no trace of the man.

Tsukika smoothed the chill from her eyes and spoke lightly:

“So even *I*, scorned by the Chosen Hero, still hold charm?”

“But when trouble knocks… won’t you respond with a song, dear Chosen Hero? This is your perfect ‘show-off and slap-back’ moment—the stage is set~”

She watched Li Wei expectantly.

He blinked back to reality, words catching in his throat.

As if reading his mind, Tsukika’s smile turned icy:

“If *I* wanted you to dedicate a song… I’d never use such dull, petty tricks.”

Li Wei believed her instantly. He’d only weighed possibilities—he never suspected *her*.

*Then whose scheme is this? And why?*

Tsukika sighed.

“No reaction after such provocation? Worried they’ll call you a ‘turtle’?”

“If the Chosen Hero won’t play hero… I’ll take the lead.”

“How pitiful~ Found a husband, yet fighting alone for family dignity… just like my single-mom days.”

She adjusted her skirt with a pout, placed a gem in her daughter’s palm, kissed her forehead.

“Mommy’ll be right back.”

After she left, Li Wei met his daughter’s *“seriously?”* stare.

He said nothing. Only when Tsukika vanished did he exhale softly, tucking away the fork he’d unknowingly crushed into a crumpled ball.

*Almost couldn’t explain that.*

He *was* reacting. He just hadn’t shown it.

…

Meanwhile, backstage.

Vivian gripped her bow, inhaling deeply.

“Vivian, hurry! Your turn!”

Before she steadied herself, the door burst open—a flustered elf barreled into her like a runaway ball.

“Tiffany!!” Vivian nearly dropped her violin. “What are you *doing*?”

“No time! Someone’s provoking Mr. Li Wei—you can—” Tiffany paused, eyeing Vivian. “Wait… were you *already* heading out?”

Vivian’s face cooled. “What nonsense.”

“He’s not with Dawn anymore. Why should I care?”

“But he helped us! Does that depend on Dawn?” Tiffany tilted her head.

Vivian’s chest tightened. “I *know* that. I never said I wouldn’t help.”

“Then why call *me* nonsense…?”

“Shut up!” Vivian flushed, near tears. *How am I losing to a fool?*

“I just… wanted to see *him* handle it. Isn’t that *his* wife? …Fine. Since he’s stuck, I’ll reluctantly pull him up.”

“Mm! I believe in you!” Tiffany cheered—determined to let Vivian reclaim *her* dignity after Tsukika’s earlier brush-off.

She doubted Vivian’s smarts… but trusted her skill. Dawn’s name opened doors, yes—but Vivian’s violin *earned* them.

*Go save Mr. Li Wei… and shake Miss Tsukika’s confidence.*

Bolstered, Vivian’s spirit surged. *You dismissed my music earlier… now you’ll wait for me to save the day.*

She’d play brilliantly, vanish in glory, leave only an uncatchable shadow in his heart—*so satisfying*.

But the moment she lifted her “weapon” toward the stage… her foot snapped back. She ducked behind the curtain.

Tiffany: “?”

Peeking out, she was yanked back—Vivian clamped a hand over her mouth.

No sooner had they hidden than the silver-haired girl glided past and stepped onto the stage.

Even barefaced, Tsukika held breathtaking youthful grace; tonight’s delicate styling made her seem born for the spotlight.

Watching her up close, even Vivian admitted—*her charm is startling. And maddening.*

The frozen musician shrank back instinctively, yielding the stage.

Tsukika didn’t glance at him. She surveyed the hall, voice sweet yet sharp as shattered glass:

“I’m here to clarify: I don’t know which cowardly fool staged this nonsense. But remember—I am married. And *this* trash? Don’t insult my husband’s ears.”

Her honeyed tone clashed brutally with her words. Hearts skipped. The musician trembled, tears welling—*why me?*

Hearing Tsukika defend Li Wei, Vivian’s chest ached sharply, as if something precious had been ripped away.

“Still… since I’m here.” Tsukika glanced thoughtfully toward backstage.

Vivian pressed deeper into shadow, wishing for a box to vanish into.

Fortunately, Tsukika turned calmly to the piano and sat.

…

Li Wei had watched the Demon Lord the whole time. Seeing her settle gracefully at the keys, his mind went blank.

*Tsukika… plays piano?*

*Does she even have musical talent?*

He’d sooner believe she hosted “music bacteria” or a “music virus.”

This wasn’t bias—it was *knowledge*.

Yet watching her now… doubt flickered. *Have I been too harsh on her?*

*Dong—*

A strained, wailing note exploded as her slender fingers struck the keys—a sound of pure anguish that slammed into every soul.

For one breathless second, the hall held its breath.

Such a powerful opening! A dazzling prelude to a legendary masterpiece… *Everyone leaned in.*

Even Li Wei sat straighter—until seconds later, he felt utterly foolish.

@#$^&%!$#!

Roof-shaking notes crashed through the hall, wild and furious.

Each note roared with conviction—

but every single one played its own chaotic, defiant rhythm.

This wasn’t some legendary masterpiece from a fantasy tale—not even worthy of being called music.

Just a chaotic mess of random key presses that couldn’t qualify as a tune.

Frankly, scatter rice on the keys, set a chicken loose, and its pecking might sound better.

At least a chicken has *some* rhythm to its clucking…

But Tsukika’s playing?

If musicians had rankings, Li Wei would crown her a terrorist of the music world.

Forget musical talent—she didn’t have a single shred of basic skill.

Li Wei rubbed his temples.

He should’ve known better than to hope.

What was this Demon Lord thinking? Did she mistake this for the Demon King Citadel, where even haphazard pounding on keys would earn bows and lavish praise?

Before he could speak, a tidal wave of applause erupted.

“Bravo!”

“Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful!”

“I’ve never heard such divine music!”

Someone stood to clap—and like a sudden outbreak, the entire hall rose in unison.

Li Wei froze amid the roaring ovation. *Am I hallucinating? Did my ears break?*

But his eyes worked fine.

He glanced at Tsukika onstage, playing with dramatic abandon, then at Yue Lin beside him—dazed, startled by the chaotic frenzy.

“Yue Lin, can you hear it too?” Li Wei asked, worry in his voice.

Yue Lin had been secretly watching him. Snapping out of her daze, she frowned.

“Huh?”

“What do you want to eat?”

“Why mumble? Must I guess your words? So boring.”

*Childish man.*

He didn’t even help Mom earlier. Hmph. Ignoring him.

…Though what’s wrong with these humans? Feels like a cult ritual—no, *worse* than rituals back in the Demon King Citadel.

Fear and hesitation warred in Yue Lin. Should she seek Li Wei’s protection? But she’d vowed: no talking to him till dinner ended.

Seeing her reaction, Li Wei fell silent. Of course—he finally understood the gem Tsukika left behind.

Sound amplification… plus an illusion veil.

—Yes.

Tsukika’s illusion spell had plunged the banquet hall into madness.

“Wuwuwu…”

“So moving! What piece is this? I see my grandma in the Heavenly Realm…”

*You’re probably about to meet her,* Li Wei thought dryly.

“Sob… This music strikes the soul! I feel scourged!”

*Maybe you got beaten up inside the illusion.*

“Lucy! Oh Lucy! How can I live without you—”

“Sister-in-law, don’t turn back, it’s me—AAH! DON’T COME CLOSER! I’LL NEVER CHEAT AGAIN!!”

“Aminos~!!”

As the music deepened, the crowd’s murmurs grew wilder, messier.

Li Wei massaged his temples, forcing calm, barely holding back sarcastic remarks.

A true musical master guides hearts into a melody-woven dreamscape.

This Demon Lord? Skipped straight to step two…

Music → Illusion?

*Might as well just activate the illusion.*

He rose slowly, eyes fixed on the silver-haired Demon Lord onstage.

He wove through the chaos, stepped onto the stage, and stood beside Tsukika.

No pretense left. One hand slapped random keys; the other tucked a stray silver strand behind her ear. A playful smirk curved her rosy lips as she glanced up.

“Chosen Hero graces the stage? Moved by my music?”

Li Wei sighed. “Aren’t you worried about the aftermath?”

“No worries. I channeled it through magical energy. Easy to explain later.” Tsukika twirled a glowing crystal—no demonic residue. For safe passage in human lands, she’d prepared far more than just an identity.

“That’s not what I meant,” Li Wei said, nodding toward the crowd. “They can’t withstand this spell.”

“I know. That’s why *you’re* here, isn’t it? You’ll fix it.” She winked. “And this is already the lowest setting.”

“Besides… best way to flush out a certain shadow-hiding someone.”

A faint smile touched her lips.

Li Wei paused. “I see.”

“Then… will you make room for me?”

Tsukika kept playing, voice lazy. “Cleanup’s yours to handle. How to wrap it up? *Your* puzzle. So troublesome… How to persuade me to rise?”

“Perhaps the Chosen Hero might consider…”

Her teasing words cut off mid-sentence. Her slender frame stiffened, frozen.

The discordant notes shifted—not wild chaos anymore, but a dreamlike, tangled melody, like flustered emotions given sound.

Li Wei drew close behind her.

He leaned forward slightly, arms framing her as if embracing her, hands claiming the keys.

Tsukika stilled, stunned by the unexpected closeness.

Li Wei lowered his head. The faint scent of silver hair, the delicate fragrance of her frame—

A mere tilt would let his cheek brush hers, sinking into silken-soft strands. That fluffy warmth felt like a cat’s paw gently scratching his heart.

He exhaled softly.

Emotions settled.

His fingers danced lightly across the keys, guiding her jarring notes into a gentle, flowing melody.