CHAPTER 566: 221 THE GENIUS PIANIST GIRL DESPERATELY SOUGHT_2

Zhou Ye accompanied a man into the room, a gentleman dressed in a tailored suit whose every gesture exuded elegance and prestige.

Ling Yue immediately recognized him—Ren Mingze, the founder of the Wenze Fund and a heavyweight figure in Qingzhou’s business circles.

Judging by Zhou Ye’s attentive and accommodating manner, it seemed Lanya Group was preparing to collaborate with the Wenze Fund in the next phase.

Soon after, Lan Man entered the room, accompanying two individuals.

Ling Yue recognized one of them as Mrs. Liu.

But what truly surprised her was the young girl walking between President Lan and Mrs. Liu.

Ling Yue had sharp eyesight. The girl wore a purple gown layered with a camel-colored coat—delicate and poised, exuding refinement and grace.

She was unmistakably someone from an aristocratic and prestigious background.

President Lan and Mrs. Liu treated this girl with marked deference.

From the way they positioned themselves, it was clear they regarded her as an honored guest.

"Isn’t that the childhood friend who dined with God Liu yesterday?"

The assistant beside her exclaimed in astonishment.

Ling Yue had been too busy these past few days to check the forums.

Startled, she glanced at her assistant. "Liu Runxi?"

"Yes, the forums are full of detailed accounts. I didn’t believe it at first, but just look at how kindly Mrs. Liu treats her. Now I’m convinced. She must have an extraordinary background."

After all, with Mrs. Liu’s status and position, she wouldn’t yield the seat of honor to a young girl for no reason.

Ling Yue’s expression flickered with subtle contemplation.

Earlier this afternoon, she had received a notice from the school about several additional guests, prompting a last-minute reshuffling of seating arrangements.

The new list included Ren Mingze, Pearl, and one mysterious guest.

The school hadn’t revealed much, except that this mysterious guest was to be seated between President Lan and Mrs. Liu.

Furthermore, they had specifically emphasized that the seat next to the mysterious guest, adjacent to Mrs. Liu, must remain reserved.

It now seemed the mysterious guest was this young girl, and the reserved seat was meant for Liu Runxi.

Under the guidance of the staff, the group proceeded to the front row’s central seats. Close behind them, a pair of teenagers took their places in the second row, right behind the young girl.

Ren Mingze stood up and walked over to greet Mrs. Liu.

The young girl, however, remained firmly seated. Even when Ren Mingze initiated the conversation, her demeanor stayed indifferent. She didn’t even spare him a glance.

Despite Ren Mingze’s impressive status and influence, he showed no sign of annoyance—his composure remained flawlessly intact.

Ling Yue’s curiosity about this girl’s identity only deepened.

Shortly afterward, Pearl entered the hall inconspicuously, taking the seat next to Lan Man.

Toward the internationally renowned pianist Pearl, the seemingly aloof young girl displayed a noticeably warmer attitude. She actively extended her hand for a handshake.

Pearl, being young, talented, and possessing both striking looks and the irresistible allure of a prodigious pianist, naturally charmed many young women.

"Mr. Pearl, I’ve long admired your name," Yu Ruohuan said with a soft smile.

"You’re very beautiful," Pearl replied in slightly accented Mandarin, though his meaning remained clear.

Yu Ruohuan’s smile deepened. "When will you hold a concert in Hua Country, Mr. Pearl? It would be such a treat for us."

Pearl shrugged helplessly. "I’m waiting for that myself."

"Are you currently living in Hua Country, Mr. Pearl?"

Yu Ruohuan seemed quite interested in him.

"I’m here at the invitation of the Hua Country Pianist Association as a judge for piano competitions," Pearl explained.

Lan Man elaborated, "Last month, Qingzhou hosted the Huazhao Cup Piano Competition, and Mr. Pearl served as one of the judges."

"I see," Yu Ruohuan said with a nod.

Pearl chuckled, "I’ve loved Hua Country’s culture since I was a child. After coming here, I’ve grown even fonder of the traditions and customs. But the real reason I decided to stay here..."

Pearl blinked playfully, teasing them with suspense.

"It’s because I discovered a gifted young piano prodigy. I want to take her away with me."

Yu Ruohuan paused for a moment, then smiled. "That girl must be extraordinarily lucky."

Pearl shook his head. "That’s not quite it. Actually, I’m the lucky one."

Yu Ruohuan pursed her lips. "Why? The girl doesn’t want to follow you abroad for further studies?"

Pearl let out a faint sigh, his expression tinged with melancholy. "Ever since the piano competition ended, I’ve been unable to contact her. These past few days, I’ve been searching all over Qingzhou, but so far, I’ve heard nothing."

Lan Man looked at Pearl in surprise.

Pearl’s international standing was remarkable—not only due to his achievements and influence in the piano world but also because of his royal lineage.

Globally influential, the Auston Prince of Lan Country was the youngest son of the nation’s leader and his most beloved child, and Pearl happened to be this prince’s only son. Though he currently pursued his interest in piano, he was destined to return home to inherit the title of Duke.

This connection was likely why Yu Ruohuan eagerly engaged in conversation with Pearl.