Chapter 70: It Turns Out to Be My Husband!

Instrumental music always has a way of quieting the soul…
One simply sits and listens, and thoughts begin to stir within…
Yu Zhile was very fond of “Nocturne for Piano.” Among the pieces, his favorite was the fifth, followed by the first. That was why he told Yang Bing he would play all five, rather than, like Cai Lanlan, performing only three.
Yang Bing had mentioned that Cai Lanlan had scheduled about ten minutes for the program, so a few minutes more or less wouldn’t be an issue, as long as the performance itself went smoothly.
Now, as he played “Nocturne I,” Yu Zhile found his touch. The next piece, “Nocturne II,” was where his true piano abilities would shine!
Though he wasn’t a master pianist, if he were to take a piano exam, he could surely earn an eighth-level certificate out of ten.
With good music as his foundation, even if his skill didn’t match Cai Lanlan’s, this five-part nocturne was enough to win over any audience!
Backstage, Qin Haiyu and the others watched the program unfold on a large screen prepared for them.
Someone remarked, “This piano piece is beautiful! I wonder who this Panda Gentleman is—must be a real virtuoso.”
Another analyzed, “Just looking at those hands, you know it’s not Cai Lanlan. And from the mood and skill, Panda Gentleman must be a very famous pianist!”
…
At that moment, Qin Haiyu was lost in the music, not paying any attention to who Panda Gentleman might be. After all, besides her own husband, no other man interested her.
But she had to admit, this “Nocturne for Piano” was enchanting.
The previously noisy venue and backstage area gradually fell silent as the music began.
Each note seemed to carry an enchantment, drawing listeners in, evoking memories of times gone by.
This was the charm of the piano.
This was the magic of pure music.
This was the unique allure of music itself.
…
Online, on the authorized video platform, the live broadcast of the New Year’s Eve gala became lively as soon as “Nocturne for Piano” began.
“Even though it’s not Cai Lanlan, this piano performance is still incredible!”
“I don’t know why, but when the first notes began, I suddenly thought of my first love… sigh…”

“Why is it that you all think of first love, childhood, or departed loved ones, but my mind just goes blank? I suddenly feel lost, not knowing what to do next, with a nameless sorrow in my heart, as if the world itself has abandoned me.”
“Cai Lanlan’s world-class performances never moved me, but as soon as the melody of ‘Nocturne for Piano’ began, I was captivated. I think I’ve fallen in love with pure music.”
…
On stage, “Nocturne I” came to an end.
As the final note softly faded, Yu Zhile paused for almost five seconds before beginning “Nocturne II.”
Then came “Nocturne III” and “Nocturne IV,” and suddenly the audience felt they were listening to a world-class piano recital!
In the ears of many, even Cai Lanlan’s famous three-part world-class performance paled in comparison to this five-part “Nocturne for Piano.”
With the brisk melody of “Nocturne IV” coming to an abrupt halt, Yu Zhile was ready to play his favorite—“Nocturne V.”
Of all the “Nocturne for Piano” series, he played “Nocturne V” the most and had arranged it in many different versions.
But tonight, he would not play his own arrangement. Instead, he would present the original version to this world.
Flexing his fingers, Yu Zhile let his hands caress the piano—a piano so exquisite, he wished he could take it home—and marveled at how quickly the final piece had arrived.
But ending this performance with “Nocturne V” was the perfect choice.
The very first time he heard “Nocturne V,” its opening melody made him fall in love with it. He wondered, as he played it now, whether that first phrase would make countless people fall in love with it, too.
All he could do was give it his all, striving to deliver a flawless rendition of this piece he cherished.
Gentle, soothing tones, the piano’s tender voice echoed through every corner of the main hall. Even visitors outside could hear the music drifting through the air.
Yu Zhile lost himself in his musical world. It was his first time on such a grand stage—he should have been nervous.
But in his panda costume, with the headpiece on, he felt much less anxious. The beautiful piano before him held his gaze and captured his heart, making him forget the sea of spectators, leaving only himself, the piano, and his burning passion for the music.
Unconsciously, “Nocturne V” came to an end!
Yu Zhile felt a sudden reluctance to part with the instrument. As he stroked the keys for the last time, he wondered what price he’d have to pay to take this piano home.
In the audience, as Yu Zhile stood up, the crowd—silent for more than ten minutes—erupted with excitement!
Glowsticks waved furiously!
Some wild fans screamed and cheered themselves hoarse!

Thunderous applause filled the hall!
Yu Zhile bowed deeply, then, like a clumsy panda, hurried offstage in his oversized shoes, making an awkward escape.
Ni Qiqin and the male host had hoped to interview the mysterious Panda Gentleman, but as they called for him to stay, Yu Zhile just waved and made straight for the backstage.
“Well…”
Ni Qiqin forced a laugh. “It seems Panda Gentleman wants to keep up the mystery—he didn’t even look back.”
The male host, half amused, announced, “I have some unfortunate news—Cai Lanlan was delayed by traffic and missed her flight, so she couldn’t be here tonight. That’s why Panda Gentleman stepped in for the piano performance. As for his identity, we’re all curious—who is this anonymous virtuoso?”
Ni Qiqin smiled. “Don’t worry. While we can’t tell who he is, I’m sure some sharp-eyed viewers will figure it out! I bet it won’t be long before Panda Gentleman’s true identity is revealed online!”
The male host nodded. “That’s right. If you enjoyed Panda Gentleman’s five ‘Nocturnes for Piano’ as much as I did, keep watching!”
Ni Qiqin said with a grin, “If you’d only given me a bit of courage just now, I might have run over and taken off Panda Gentleman’s headpiece myself!”
The male host replied, “Sorry, I couldn’t give you courage! But Qin Haiyu certainly can!”
Ni Qiqin asked curiously, “Why can Qin Haiyu give me courage?”
He answered, “Because the next and final performance by Qin Haiyu is a brand-new song written by her husband, titled ‘Courage’!”
Ni Qiqin announced enthusiastically, “Let’s welcome Qin Haiyu for the first performance of her new song!”
Backstage, Qin Haiyu was preparing to go on, when the Panda Gentleman approached, suddenly making a courteous gesture to invite her forward.
Qin Haiyu paused, gazing tenderly at the figure clad in the panda suit, whose features were completely hidden, and asked, “Do you… know me?”
Panda Gentleman shook his head in silence and walked straight towards the backstage restroom.
Qin Haiyu watched his retreating figure and barely managed to restrain herself from calling out—
Husband!
Panda Gentleman was actually her husband!