Master You adjusted her glasses, her eyes narrowing slightly.
Huo Rou continued to smile at her, even winking.
"You are?" Master You's tone held a hint of joy, but more so, uncertainty.
Seeing Master You's reaction, Guo Xiu stepped forward, standing in front of her. "Master You, she just writes music. Why don't you take another look at our Nannan."
Master You, blocked by Guo Xiu, grew annoyed. "Are you from the institute?"
Guo Xiu, hearing Master You address her, nodded excitedly. "Yes, yes, I'm from the institute."
Master You pushed her glasses up. "You should understand basic courtesy."
"Classical music is meant to cultivate the mind and spirit. It's one thing to be so eager for success, but why do you lack basic manners?"
Guo Xiu's face turned red with embarrassment.
Master You turned her gaze back to Huo Rou, her eyes shining brighter. "Young lady, you..."
Seeing Master You's keen interest, the girl, afraid Huo Rou would miss a good opportunity, quickly pulled her arm. "Sister, this is a master of the guqin world. You should go talk to her!"
Huo Rou was then pushed and pulled by the girl to stand before Master You.
Guo Xiu's face darkened considerably. How could her goddaughter, whom she had personally taught, be so foolish? Didn't she know how to cherish such a good opportunity? Pushing this Huo Rou forward was like pushing her own chance away!
Her gaze was so fierce it felt like she was trying to bore holes through the girl, who, receiving that look, felt a pang of fear but didn't back down.
This music was played by someone else, so what was there to hide? If you have ability, you have it; if not, you work to gain it. She had always believed in Guo Xiu's abilities and listened to her wholeheartedly, until today, when Huo Rou's guqin music and Master You's few words of guidance opened her eyes.
There were no shortcuts in the world.
She brought Huo Rou before Master You. "Master You, it's this sister!"
As she spoke, she turned to Huo Rou with an embarrassed smile. "Sister, what was your name again?"
Huo Rou looked at her and smiled softly, as if speaking to the girl or to Master You. "My name is Huo Rou."
The girl smiled and repeated to Master You, "It's this Sister Huo Rou who played the piece."
As they walked, Huo Rou had been observing Master You, noting the silver streaks at her temples and the wrinkles around her eyes.
Finally, her gaze settled on Master You's kind and gentle features. Her eyes began to well up, and she curved her lips into a sweet smile, calling out, "Teacher."
She didn't follow their address of "Master You" or "Teacher You," but simply called her "Teacher."
Everyone heard the difference in address, but no one took it seriously. Guo Xiu even sniffed dismissively, "Tch." "This is Master You. You've heard us talk so much, even if you didn't recognize her, how can you be so rude?"
She used the same words Master You had just used to reprimand Huo Rou.
Huo Rou didn't spare Guo Xiu a glance. She merely smiled and asked, "Teacher, are you in good health all these years?"
A tear unexpectedly rolled down Master You's cheek. "Huo Rou?"
Huo Rou nodded. "It's me, Teacher."
It was only then, with their conversation, that the people around them sensed something was amiss.
Immediately after, Master You excitedly stepped forward and embraced Huo Rou. "Child, where have you been all these years!"
She patted Huo Rou's back, sobbing as she asked questions.
Huo Rou answered each one patiently, without a hint of impatience, even gently stroking her back.
Teacher Gao, worried Master You might become too emotional, came over to console her.
Master You slowly released Huo Rou but kept holding her hand. "Your playing has improved even further."
Huo Rou smiled. "It's all thanks to your excellent teaching."
"You're teasing me." Master You playfully patted her hand, her cheeks flushed. "I haven't even seen you in years, how could I have taught you? It must be your high comprehension and innate talent!"
Seeing Master You's delight and hearing their exchange, Teacher Gao smiled and interjected, "Master You, is this perhaps the student you've been talking about?"
"Yes, this is my genius student." Master You nodded in confirmation. "You heard just now, isn't she amazing?"
Master You had launched into a self-congratulatory monologue. Teacher Gao, seeing her completely different demeanor from before, chuckled and agreed, "Yes, yes, I always said your students were remarkable."
Guo Xiu was stunned. She had worked so hard, hoping Master You would take her Nannan as a disciple, and now this Huo Rou was Master You's student?
"Master..." Guo Xiu was about to bring up the matter of taking on a disciple again.