Chapter 64: You're Jealous

Lin Zhiwei returned upstairs to find Ling Ziheng carefully studying the sheet music for the opening violin piece of the performance. His violin was already set up in the living room.

The pale blue, translucent body of the violin exuded elegance and recklessness, like a work of art, alluring and filled with mystery.

Lin Zhiwei examined the violin closely. It was clearly not a new instrument. Upon approaching, she noticed the inscription “1867” and a line of unfamiliar Spanish. The body bore only faint scratches, and the strings were slightly faded, yet it was meticulously cared for, suggesting that its owner practiced regularly and cherished it deeply.

Ling Ziheng watched as she scrutinized his violin, but he didn’t interrupt.

She was observing the instrument, while he was observing her. Lin Zhiwei’s enthusiasm for new things was truly astonishing.

This violin meant something special to him, and he had never shown it to anyone lightly. Yet when he entered the music room earlier and saw it, a sudden thought crossed his mind: perhaps he could use it in this performance. Its owner surely wouldn’t want it to stay shrouded in dust.

“Its owner must hope it will shine brilliantly,” Lin Zhiwei murmured softly.

The light in Ling Ziheng’s eyes flickered intensely, as if struck by thunder, his hand trembling slightly though he tried to maintain a calm voice. “Why do you say that?”

Lin Zhiwei pointed at the side of the violin, explaining, “This Italian inscription says: ‘I love you as I love to play; love never ceases, nor does music.’”

She sensed Ling Ziheng’s unsettled state and quickly closed her mouth, worried the violin’s owner was someone significant.

First love?

The thought flashed through Lin Zhiwei’s mind, stirring a vague, inexplicable discomfort. It was like thinking you understood someone, only to realize you saw merely a fragment.

“Um... I was just guessing.” Lin Zhiwei thought, hoping it wasn’t a gift from a first love—especially if it involved heartbreak. Best keep quiet.

She gave an awkward smile, silently reflecting on her habit of blurting things out in front of Ling Ziheng.

Why can’t I think before I speak?

Ling Ziheng’s dark hair shadowed his eyes, his mood unreadable and the air around him chilling, making him impossible to approach. The atmosphere in the living room dropped to freezing. Lin Zhiwei bowed her head in embarrassment, wondering whether she should leave right now, or right now, or perhaps... right now.

It wasn’t until Ling Ziheng spoke, his voice low and weary, “It belonged to my mother,”

that Lin Zhiwei’s head jerked up, her unease instantly dissipating. So it was his mother’s keepsake—no wonder he was so emotional.

She felt an odd surge of relief that it wasn’t from a first love. Lin Zhiwei scratched her head, wondering if her reasoning was damaged, or if she’d been switching between male and female personas too much lately and lost her balance.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to offend,” Lin Zhiwei said, feeling genuinely embarrassed.

In truth, she knew almost nothing about Ling Ziheng, especially about the Ling family, nor did she want to know too much. Yet some corner of her heart was suddenly filled with curiosity, wanting to explore further.

Ling Ziheng managed a bitter smile. “It’s all right. It’s not the right time yet. I’ll tell you later.”

Lin Zhiwei quickly waved her hands. “No, no, there’s no need. What shouldn’t be known, I choose silence.”

Ling Ziheng’s expression finally softened a little. He stood by the violin, gently caressing its body. The light in his eyes gathered into warmth, his usually stern features relaxing into tenderness. He looked up and asked, “Before I told you, who did you think gave it to me?”

That faint smile blossomed in Lin Zhiwei’s eyes like fireworks, and before she realized it, she spoiled her own composure. “I would never be so bored as to assume it came from a first girlfriend—haha, I’m not that superficial.”

Oh god... Upon hearing her own words, Lin Zhiwei wished she could vanish on the spot. This wasn’t the answer she’d intended...

Ling Ziheng chuckled softly, shaking his head, his eyes and brows filled with mischievous amusement. His lips parted in a teasing smile, his fair face touched with flirtation, and he leaned closer to her side. “You’re jealous.”

“No, no, you’re wrong!” Lin Zhiwei protested with a laugh, stepping back and waving her hands in defense.

“Oh?” Ling Ziheng raised his brows, noting Lin Zhiwei’s pale face in her male disguise, thoroughly amused. So this girl could get jealous—he truly should thank this violin today. “That’s disappointing, then.”

Ling Ziheng’s dark eyes dimmed, hands in his pockets, feigning hurt as he awaited her reaction.

“The boss is working hard—how about I make you some noodles?” Lin Zhiwei immediately changed the subject, offering her enthusiasm.

“I’ve eaten already.”

“Then how about some fresh juice?”

“I’ve had some.”

Lin Zhiwei was out of ideas, completely at a loss. What kind of job was this, what kind of director...

She’d rather go back and endure Lin Qiongjiu’s torment—at least it required no thinking.

Couldn’t a phone call, message, or knock on the door ease this awkwardness? Lin Zhiwei hoped someone would come to her rescue, but fate had other plans; no such relief arrived.

“Weiwei,” Ling Ziheng’s voice was alluringly persuasive.

“Huh?” The iron-willed Lin Zhiwei shivered, boss, just say what you want...

Please, just give me a clean cut—I’d rather be executed than tortured!

“Should the violin solo come before the prelude or be integrated?”

Lin Zhiwei felt sweat soaking her back, as if awaiting judgment day, but finally relaxed as the question fell. If the boss was about to fire her, she’d be prepared to throw a tantrum right there.

Ling Ziheng could only sigh inwardly at this old-fashioned girl’s complete lack of romance. He was flirting with her, yet she looked as if she feared losing her job.

Clearly, he’d have to find an opportunity to be direct.

Besides, her startled reaction radiated from beneath her disguise, visible in every bone and cell—anyone could see it.