Chapter 173

Yannis watched Zinnia play the zither, his eyes fixed on her fingers. His pupils narrowed. "That technique is familiar?"

Moments later, Yannis called someone, saying, "Zinnia's right here with us. Let her enjoy herself today. When she's had her fun, we'll find the right time to ask." She seemed genuinely happy.

Yannis scrolled through video clips, carefully saving each one. Zinnia always kept her talents hidden. Grabbing his jacket, he left the office and headed straight for the underground parking lot.

Ethan exclaimed excitedly, "Zinnia, your zither playing is so good, even with just an average instrument! I can't imagine how amazing it would sound on a top-quality one. Who taught you?"

The group prepared to leave. Despite having tried the zither themselves, Zinnia's performance clearly showcased a superior skill level.

"My master taught me," Zinnia said happily, her face lighting up at the mention.

"Zinnia, you play so well," Ethan said. "When you're free, I'd love to hear a solo."

"Sure," Zinnia readily agreed. "When I have free time, I'll play for you all. Chandler will send over my usual zither; it has a better sound."

"Great. We can't wait!"

Brian asked curiously, "Zinnia, what else can you play?" He suspected she knew more than just the zither.

"I can play a bit of piano, violin, guitar, flute, harmonica, and so on, though not as well as the zither," Zinnia replied, thinking of the many instruments at home. But of all of them, she preferred the zither.

She loved the sound of plucked strings, so her master focused on teaching her the zither. When she struggled with schoolwork, he helped her develop her other talents instead.

Besides school, Zinnia was interested in almost everything. Her master was a jack-of-all-trades and taught her a little of everything, but she wasn't an expert at most things. She loved the zither most of all.

Her master had hoped she would pursue the arts, but the Shaw family, upon her return, used their influence and money to place her in Class 19.

"Zinnia, you're really amazing! Did you learn all these skills from your master?" Ethan said in surprise.

Ethan thought, Most kids just pick up one or two instruments as hobbies—like piano or violin. But Zinnia can play many. That's really impressive!

"Yep, my master taught me everything. He's a jack-of-all-trades." Zinnia's eyes shone as she spoke of him, revealing her admiration. "He can do anything. He's the most amazing person in the world."

"If I got lost in a small town, would I meet someone as amazing as your master, too? Maybe when I have free time, I should stay in a small town for a while. I might come back a jack-of-all-trades!" Ethan said dreamily.

Everyone laughed at Ethan's whimsical idea.

Maisie said, "You guys go ahead. Zinnia and I will wait here for Yannis. Make sure Lydia gets home safely."

Ethan and Brian called a driver. Their families lived nearby, so they could go home together. Lydia's house was on their way. Zinnia and Maisie went to Raymond's place.

Ethan grinned. "Got it. See you in the group chat."

"Zinnia, let's go wait for Yannis over there," Maisie said.

Maisie held Zinnia's hand and led her toward the parking lot. As they walked, Maisie casually asked, "Zinnia, what kind of person is your master? He seems amazing. He can play so many instruments!"

"My master is incredible," Zinnia said. "He's good at medicine, can play lots of instruments, and cooks all kinds of tasty food for me. And he's so handsome—like an angel from heaven. To me, he's the kindest person in the world."

When she spoke of her master, Zinnia's eyes sparkled with a light she'd never shown before.

"Really, Zinnia?" Maisie asked curiously. "Who do you think is more handsome—your master or Yannis?"

Maisie thought, I always thought Zinnia's master was an older man.

"It's hard to say who's more handsome," Zinnia said. "Yannis's looks are striking and intense, but Master is gentle—just being near him makes worries melt away."

Yannis's handsome face flashed in Zinnia's mind, then her master's. Both are gorgeous, but in totally different ways, she thought.

"Really? Zinnia, do you have any pictures of your master?" Maisie asked eagerly, her eyes shining.

"No. Master never takes photos, and he doesn't let me take pictures of him either," Zinnia said, shaking her head.

Maisie asked excitedly, "Zinnia, when your master comes back, can I meet him?"

Maisie felt a little disappointed she couldn't meet him in person. Just hearing about him from Zinnia made her nearly drool with excitement. What kind of person is your master, really? she wondered.

Yannis was already the most handsome man she'd ever seen. She couldn't imagine how unbelievably good-looking Zinnia's master must be if even Zinnia couldn't choose between them.

Maisie thought, Zinnia is quite the judge of looks. If even she says her master and Yannis are equally handsome, then her master must be almost as handsome as Yannis.

Zinnia said, "Alright, when Master gets back to pick me up, I'll let you meet him."

In Mealinia, the man Zinnia often spoke of stood by a tall window, overlooking the city skyline. The soft light illuminated his face, his refined eyes reflecting a calmness like the moon.

He tilted his head back, gazing at the moon behind a faint golden glow. "Zinnia, are you missing me? Don't start crying again," he whispered to himself. A knock sounded on the office door.

"Come in." His voice was clear and cool.

Yelena announced, "Mr. Moore, Zinnia's video has gone viral!"

Yelena gently opened the door, her eyes fixed on the man by the window. She held her breath, afraid to disturb this striking figure. She'd never seen anyone so stunningly beautiful.

Nathan turned, revealing a face of perfect beauty. His features were flawlessly shaped, his eyes clear as crystal, and his bone structure so flawless it seemed divine. He was breathtaking, like a benevolent god from the heavens.

He was so stunning that everyone instinctively held their breath, afraid even a small sound might disturb him. At that moment, they all thought how unfair it was that the heavens had bestowed such beauty upon him.

Hearing Zinnia's name, he suddenly coughed hard, grimacing in pain. Ignoring the pain, he exclaimed, "Let me see!" His usually calm eyes burned with urgency. Yelena said, "Mr. Moore, don't worry. Zinnia is perfectly fine. She just went out to have fun with friends, and some guys posted her video online."

Yelena rushed forward to help, but he brushed her hand away. His voice was cold and urgent: "Give it to me."