Zion, cautious and wary of disturbing the person on Yvette’s phone, whispered, “Is it Mr. Brooks?”

The crowd’s composure shattered, followed by an eerie silence. All eyes, filled with doubt, shock, and disbelief, remained fixed on Yvette’s phone. A collective thought hung in the air: Could anything more absurd happen? An ordinary physics student conversing with the world-renowned pianist, Bryan? Unbelievable.

Bryan, hearing his name, responded, “Yes, it’s me.” His unmistakable voice silenced the room. It was truly him.

Bryan, currently in Mysonna, hadn’t heard from Yvette in three years. Seeing the familiar number, he quickly set down his scissors, abandoning his favorite flowers. Frustration etched his face on the video screen.

Yvette had been Bryan’s best student, a natural prodigy. The Ross family had driven her away in her youth, and he’d been searching for her ever since. Seven years prior, she'd contacted him after learning of his wife's illness, even mailing him medicine. His wife recovered, but he lost contact with Yvette. In the following seven years, she’d contacted him only three times, each time sending medicine. Cold though she was, Yvette proved fiercely loyal.

Yvette, dispensing with pleasantries, asked in her usual terse tone, “For whom did you compose ‘Dream’?”

Below, Zion wiped the sweat from his hands, stunned by Yvette’s direct approach. The collective shock was palpable. That was Bryan, a world-class pianist who existed only in textbooks, unseen in public for nearly a decade. Each of his appearances sent shockwaves through the music world; even the president of Mysonna struggled to secure an invitation.

Jaiden, gripping his cane, his eyes sharp with calculation, reevaluated the Chambers family's newly discovered eldest daughter. Bryan wasn't just a connection; he was a monumental one. The Lewis family paled in comparison. Yet, Yvette conversed with Bryan as an equal—more than an equal, in fact. Bryan's demeanor toward Yvette was exceptionally kind.

Jaiden considered his grandson, Ryan, Yvette’s age and from the same department. Could there be potential there?

Zachary was profoundly impressed. A major-general, a mayor, and now a world-class pianist. How many powerful connections did his daughter possess? His heart might not survive the continued shocks.

Rebecca, observing from the sidelines, felt a chill. First a top hacker, now a world-renowned pianist. This wasn't the network of a simple girl from a rural town. Even her investigators returned empty-handed. Yvette seemed to exist outside the world's knowledge.

Ruby, rigid and immobile, was the most terrified. She believed she’d cornered Yvette, only to discover Yvette knew Bryan. The enormity of the existence she'd provoked hit her with full force.

Bryan’s voice, clear and strong, filled the room. “I’ve said this before, the piece was for an old friend I used to play piano with. Some mistakenly believe it was for my wife. When they play it…how can I put this? In Clusian terms, it feels tangled and messy.”

Yvette’s question was irrelevant; knowing Bryan personally was proof enough. She had to know the backstory.

Zion, unable to contain himself, strode onto the stage, excitedly asking, “Can I speak with Mr. Brooks for a moment?”

Bryan, assuming it was Yvette’s friend, readily agreed. “Sure, what do you want to say?”

Yvette paused, then handed him the phone.

Zion’s hands trembled as he accepted the phone. Seeing Bryan’s familiar face, his excitement surged. “Mr. Brooks, hello! I’m Zion, a pianist from Clusia. I met you briefly at the international piano competition in Mysonna. I greatly benefited from our conversation, and never expected to see you again like this.”

Bryan, studying him, recalled the encounter. He remembered judging the competition and chatting with the promising young man from Clusia. He’d heard Zion had thrived since then.

Bryan, kind and unassuming, smiled warmly. “I remember you, young man. How do you know this girl? Are you thinking of apprenticing under her as well?”

Zion was taken aback by the “as well.” Who else wants to apprentice under Yvette? And why does Mr. Brooks think I do? He was bewildered. If it were the mysterious pianist, Dulcem, who’d achieved international fame three years prior, he might understand. But Yvette wasn't Dulcem.

The audience erupted. They’d just heard Bryan ask if Zion wanted to apprentice under Yvette. The absurdity was overwhelming.

Bryan, hearing the commotion, realized the situation. “What’s going on, Yvette? Where are you?”

Yvette retrieved the phone. “It’s nothing. I’m hanging up now.”

Bryan quickly added, “When will you visit me?”

Yvette’s expression softened. “Maybe when there’s a chance.”

Bryan, visibly disappointed but understanding Yvette’s aversion to pressure, pleaded, “Don’t put it off too long. Find time to come by.” He reluctantly ended the call.

Yvette pocketed her phone and looked at Ruby, whose face was etched with despair. “Let’s go.”

Bonnie immediately joined her, leaving the auditorium. Ruby collapsed, the silent disregard more crushing than any verbal attack. She'd been nothing but a pawn.

After the festival, Simon dismissed Ruby from her student council position. She avoided Yvette completely, never daring to confront her again.

The students exited the auditorium, still buzzing about the day's events. They’d witnessed a phenomenal piano performance and a surprise appearance by Bryan—a story to tell for a lifetime.

Yvette again became Argol University’s trending topic. The media was ecstatic. Their headlines were ready: “[Argol University’s Physics Genius Emerges: World-Class Pianist Bryan Makes a Special Appearance].” Tomorrow's news would explode.

Leaving the auditorium, Yvette received a message, a frown furrowing her brow.

[Boss, Flying Fish is in trouble. Come to the Golden Triangle immediately.]