[Perhaps due to a mutual yearning from their youth, both Fu Li and Eden developed an interest in the other's world.]
[And through this, they became acquainted, and then friends.]
---o---
"So, is your motivation for practicing your music to surpass your mother?"
Fu Li looked at Eden, who was sitting beside him, and asked with some curiosity.
"Hm? Not at all. Why would I set surpassing my mother as a goal?"
Eden chuckled lightly, her long legs crossing elegantly. She was as beautiful as an elf.
"As for me, I simply love music, and..."
A slender, pale finger pointed toward the sky—a tranquil night sky, glittering with stars.
"Fu Li, do you like to gaze at the stars?"
"Mm... I suppose I did when I was a child."
"Uh-huh. Well, did you know? When I was little, my mother told me something."
Eden, still a young woman, placed a hand on her hip. In that moment, her earlier elegance vanished, replaced by pure confidence and pride.
"Art can bring people hope, and it can also bring them joy."
"A person's life may eventually pass, but the songs we leave behind will shine upon the world like the stars."
"Most people nowadays no longer appreciate traditional music, but I believe I can make it shine with its original brilliance."
Watching Eden's back, Fu Li began to clap softly, showing his delight and offering his sincere blessing.
"I believe in you, Eden. Your music will one day transcend the ages. However, to succeed, you might need an assistant—an assistant who loves your music."
"So, if you wouldn't mind, when you decide to make your debut, how about I become your manager?"
"Oh?" Hearing this, Eden let out a laugh. "Well, that will depend on whether you can keep up with my pace by then."
[Under the night sky that day, you expressed your love for her music, and she was happy to have an audience.]
[You exchanged contact information.]
[You gradually grew closer and became friends.]
[Despite this, you were still aware of the gap between you.]
[Even though you also possessed sufficient artistic talent, you applied it instead to weapons—beautiful, and deadly.]
[She was an elegant melody, while you were cold steel.]
[You knew that if things continued this way, you would eventually become strangers...]
[Therefore, relying on your previous research, you obtained a significant number of shares from your father.]
[Acting as an anonymous benefactor, you provided the young Mobius with unlimited investment and the knowledge she needed, wishing her success on her path of scientific research.]
[Then, you prepared to enroll in the Vienna School of Arts, where Eden was studying.]
[As you had only studied art for less than a month, you failed the entrance exam.]
[But you were not discouraged. You donated a music building to the school.]
[You were admitted to the Vienna School of Arts.]
---o---
Inside the music building of the Vienna School of Arts.
Fu Li had arrived. Following the beautiful music that echoed down the hallway, he navigated the classical architecture.
No wonder Eden chose this school. It really suits her aesthetic.
As he thought this, like a cat drawn by a fragrant scent, he followed the music to a classroom in the most remote corner of the building.
Although it was in a corner, it was surrounded by spectators, all listening with admiration and reverence to the heavenly voice.
Fu Li slowed his pace, deftly making his way to the back of the crowd, where he saw the young woman at its center.
Eden sat there, just as he remembered.
Her clear, crisp voice resonated along with her fingertips on the keys. Her expression was serene, her eyes seeming to glitter with starlight.
She was completely immersed in her music, silently radiating a light that drew everyone in.
As the song ended, a gentle smile touched the corners of Eden's lips. Around her, applause erupted.
"Thank you all for listening."
Eden raised her head and gave a slight bow. When she looked up again, she saw Fu Li, and an expression of pleasant surprise appeared on her face.
"Fu Li? What are you doing here?"
Seeing Eden's reaction, the upperclassmen in the audience were stunned into silence.
It was the first time they had ever seen this "Star of Tomorrow," so highly praised by the professors, show such an expression.
Who could possibly make Eden-senpai look like that?
They were baffled, but they soon had their answer.
"Hello there. Long time no see, my friend."
Fu Li smiled and gave a small wave.
"What are you doing here? Wait for me for a moment."
"It's fine. If you want to keep playing, I'll wait."
"No need. It's been so long since we've seen each other. We should definitely catch up."
Since Fu Li had come, Eden, who had been about to leave anyway, had no intention of continuing her practice.
After saying goodbye to the dumbfounded students, the two of them walked out side by side.
Only after they had left did one of the male upperclassmen grit his teeth and rage impotently, "Damn it, who is that pretty boy?! How dare he get so close to Eden-senpai!"
"I know, right?! It's the first time I've ever seen Eden-senpai so close to someone! Why does my mouth taste so sour?!"
In contrast to the boys' envy, jealousy, and hate, the girls were the first to start discussing.
"Who was that boy just now? He's so handsome! Especially the way he looked at Eden-senpai, he looks so dominant!"
"Right?! And his red eyes are so beautiful, like a rabbit's."
"Hey, I'll let you in on a secret. I recognize that boy. He's the young master of the Fu arms-dealing family. I saw him once at a charity gala."
"Wow, really? No wonder he and Eden-senpai are so close. So they're both rich. I'm so jealous."
"Yeah, but what's an arms dealer doing at our art school? And he doesn't even have a little mustache."
---o---
Of course, Eden and Fu Li were oblivious to the gossip. They simply strolled along the stone-paved path, admiring the beautiful scenery and chatting idly.
"By the way, Fu Li, what are you doing at our school? Didn't you say we'd see each other at the summer banquet?"
Eden walked with a light step, looking up at the bright sky, her mood excellent.
Although she had won many awards back then, Fu Li had been her very first number-one fan, and also her friend.
To meet a friend in a foreign country was a rare and precious thing.
Fu Li just smiled mysteriously and handed her an envelope. "You'll know once you see this."
"What's this? You're starting to keep secrets from me now?" Eden laughed and took the envelope.
When she opened it and saw the acceptance letter inside, she gasped in surprise. "You... you got into our school?"
Actually, I bought my way in.
Fu Li, feeling not an ounce of shame, nodded in acknowledgement. "That's right. I've come to fulfill my promise. If you are going to debut, I will keep pace with you."
"To be your one and only manager."