Shadow of Chinese Entertainment

Chapter 223: Castle in the Sky
The three strolled into the restaurant, where warm yellow lights gently shone down, clearly illuminating the exquisite tableware set on the table.

Soft music, like a babbling brook, flows gently through the restaurant, gradually blending with the conversations of the surrounding diners, creating a pleasant and warm atmosphere.

Liu Xiaoli lowered her head slightly, casually flipping through the menu, a gentle smile on her lips, and said softly, "Qianqian, come and see what you'd like to eat."

An Xiaoqian tapped her fingers on the menu, occasionally looking up to discuss the dishes with her mother. Her face was full of anticipation for the unknown dishes, and she didn't seem worried about whether she could eat them.

Hu Xiaobei sat to the side, smiling as she watched the mother and daughter. She slowly stood up and said softly, "Auntie, please order and eat first. Don't wait for me. I'll go to the restroom when I have a moment."

An Xiaoqian raised an eyebrow in confusion, a hint of curiosity flashing in her eyes, but she didn't think much of it and just teased, "Xiao Bei, if you get lost or run out of toilet paper, remember to call me~ I'll come and rescue you!"

Hu Xiaobei smiled, said nothing, and quickly left the dining table.

This trip took twenty minutes.

An Xiaoqian and her mother were enjoying the appetizers, chatting casually, occasionally craning their necks to look towards the restroom, their minds filled with questions.

"Why isn't Xiao Bei back yet? Could he really be lost?" An Xiaoqian frowned slightly, a hint of worry flashing in her eyes, and unconsciously bit her lower lip.

Liu Xiaoli naturally knew the reason, but didn't want to say much, so she gently patted her hand and comforted her, "Don't worry, something probably just kept you waiting."

Just as An Xiaoqian was about to call Hu Xiaobei, he rushed back.

He had beads of sweat on his forehead, his hair was a little messy, and there seemed to be some white powder on his clothes.

However, he quickly and subtly raised his hand to straighten his clothes and then gently smoothed his hair.

An Xiaoqian looked at him with suspicion, tilting her head and asking with a questioning look in her eyes, "Xiao Bei, where did you go? Why did you take so long?"

Hu Xiaobei smiled, but his expression became a little unnatural, and he started talking nonsense: "Don't discuss such heavy topics while eating. Cough cough, it's just that there are a lot of people in line."

As he spoke, he sat back down, picked up his water glass, and took a big gulp of water.

Although An Xiaoqian found it strange, she didn't ask any more questions.

Soon, the waiters brought out one delicious dish after another. The tender steak sizzled with aroma, and the exquisite seafood platter was so tempting that it seemed to be showing off its deliciousness.

The three of them temporarily put aside their trivial matters and happily enjoyed their exquisite dinner.

During the meal, the area outside the restaurant suddenly became bustling with noise and excitement.

An Xiaoqian turned her head curiously, her eyes wide open, and looked out through the bright window.

Brilliant fireworks soared into the sky, revealing a meticulously arranged marriage proposal scene.

Someone knelt on one knee, holding a bouquet of flowers, while the surrounding crowd cheered and egged them on, instantly creating a romantic atmosphere.

An Xiaoqian watched intently, her eyes filled with longing and joy, her cheeks slightly flushed.

For some reason, she subconsciously turned her head and glared at Hu Xiaobei beside her, her eyes filled with a hint of reproach.

Hu Xiaobei keenly noticed her casual glance and followed her gaze to the proposal scene outside the window, somewhat puzzled.

I wondered to myself: Why is she glaring at me at someone else's wedding? Is it because she thinks my birthday was too boring and there were no plans?

But I've been having a lot of fun lately!

Moreover, during our time in Bali, we were practically celebrating her birthday every day!

So, is it because you feel there's a lack of ritual?

Hu Xiaobei pondered for a moment, his gaze quickly scanning the restaurant before locking onto a piano in the corner.

A slight smile played on his lips, and a hint of eager anticipation flashed in his eyes.

An Xiaoqian keenly noticed the change in his expression, followed his gaze, and asked expectantly, "Why are you staring at that piano? Do you want to go up and perform a piece?"

Hu Xiaobei smiled mysteriously, deliberately keeping everyone in suspense: "Hehe, I guarantee you'll be amazed in a moment." With that, he stood up briskly and, under An Xiaoqian's curious and puzzled gaze, strode to the piano, pulled out a chair, and sat down decisively.

Immediately afterwards, he raised his hands high and cracked his knuckles loudly.

His aura was so intense that anyone unaware of the situation would think he was about to start a fight; the air seemed thick with tension and tension.

An Xiaoqian's eyes lit up at his actions, but when the words came to her lips, she couldn't find the right words and could only stare blankly with her mouth agape: "..."

Just as everyone was filled with doubt and dared not even breathe.

Hu Xiaobei's hands suddenly fell, gently touching the piano keys.

In an instant, an ethereal and melodious tune, like a clear mountain stream, poured forth from his fingertips without reservation, flowing into every corner of the restaurant.

The tense atmosphere, like snow under the sun, was gradually dispelled by the soft and beautiful music, leaving only tranquility and beauty in the room.

At first, the notes were soft and soothing, like the morning mist spreading through the mountains, carrying a hint of haziness and tranquility, or like the distant, melodious sound of bells from an ancient temple, peaceful and serene, striking the hearts of everyone with each note.

As that iconic chord slowly begins to play, it's like the gears of fate starting to turn, carrying a faint sadness and helplessness, revealing a persistent pursuit of hope in its endless repetition.

As the melody slowly progresses and the rhythm gradually quickens, the notes, high and low, resemble twinkling stars in the sky, carrying a mysterious aura.

A series of rapid notes streaked across the night sky like shooting stars, dazzling and captivating.

At this moment, the changes in harmony are like the shifting light and shadow in the sky, sometimes bright and sometimes dim, profoundly expressing the complex emotions of the lost beauty and the unknown future.

Every leaping note exudes purity and beauty, making one involuntarily captivated by it.

An Xiaoqian was initially a little embarrassed, but when the first note entered her ears, she was instantly captivated.

She had always known that Hu Xiaobei could play the piano, and she often listened to him compose music for her.

But she never expected that when Hu Xiaobei got serious, his piano skills would be so extraordinary.

His precise grasp of the dynamics of notes and his skillful handling of melodic transitions are all perfectly executed, and every gesture exudes the demeanor of a master.

Although An Xiaoxi has not been learning piano for long and her skill level is not high, she has an innate and keen perception of music appreciation.

At this moment, she clearly realized that she was being slowly drawn into that dreamlike sky city by this extremely high-level performance.

The other diners in the restaurant were also drawn in by the exquisite piano music.

The previously noisy and clamorous conversations gradually quieted down, like the tide receding.

Everyone was immersed in the captivating melody, as if time itself had stopped.

Even after the music ended, the lingering notes seemed to echo endlessly in the restaurant.

A moment later, thunderous applause erupted in the restaurant.

Everyone cast admiring glances at Hu Xiaobei, their eyes filled with respect and amazement at his musical skills.

Hu Xiaobei stood up, his posture upright, a confident smile on his face.

He turned his head slightly, looked at An Xiaoqian with deep affection, and then gave an elegant bow, looking like an elegant gentleman who had stepped out of a fairy tale.

An Xiaoqian's cheeks gradually flushed, but her eyes were full of pride and smugness.

Afterwards, the three of them continued to sit together and enjoy a cozy dinner.

A sweet aroma filled the air, adding even more unforgettable memories to this beautiful night.

(End of this chapter)