101
At the Practical Skills Examination venue of the Department of Music at NTNU (National Taiwan Normal University), both Ying-Ming’s and Yu-Ling’s families were present to accompany the examinees. Xue-Ye went on stage first and performed very well. After stepping down from the stage, she encouraged Ya-Xin, who was waiting at the side: “Ya-Xin… go for it! You will definitely make it!”
Ya-Xin nodded and said: “Thank you.”

Ya-Xin went on stage and first performed the piano. Wearing a hearing aid, she left a very deep impression on the judges. Afterwards, Ya-Xin took out a violin from its case, one that was patched with adhesive tape. The audience below exchanged glances and whispered among themselves.

Judge A said: “Student Qiu Ya-Xin, can this violin still be used? Do you need to change to another one?”
Ya-Xin said: “It’s okay. I don’t need to change it.”
The judges exchanged glances but made no further comment.

Judge A said: “Alright, please begin.”

During the performance, Ya-Xin thought of Si-Yang being beaten, and her emotions surged intensely. She played with passion and great intensity.

Judge B raised his hand to interrupt the performance and said: “Student Qiu Ya-Xin, your technique and emotion are both very outstanding. However, the condition of this violin is truly too poor. You need to change to another instrument.”

Ya-Xin said in difficulty: “I… only have this one.”

At this moment, Zhang Xue-Ye in the audience raised her own violin: “I am willing to lend my violin to Student Qiu Ya-Xin.”

This action by Xue-Ye received enthusiastic applause from the audience, and also made her father Ying-Ming feel deeply gratified. Yu-Ling nodded toward Ying-Ming in thanks.

After changing the violin, Ya-Xin restarted the piece. The smooth and beautiful sound of the violin moved everyone present. After the performance ended, the audience erupted into thunderous applause. Xue-Ye was also very happy.

102
Zhang Ying-Ming was sitting in the living room reading a newspaper when Xue-Ye walked over to him.

Xue-Ye said coquettishly: “Dad, I have something I want to discuss with you.”

Ying-Ming asked: “Is it because today’s exam went very smoothly and you will definitely be admitted, so you want to ask Dad for a gift?”

Xue-Ye said: “Of course not. You always treat me like a child.”

Ying-Ming smiled and said: “Oh my, our Xue-Ye has finally grown up.”

Xue-Ye said: “Dad!”

Ying-Ming said: “Alright, alright, my good daughter, what is it?”

Xue-Ye said: “Today, Ya-Xin actually went on stage with that violin that was smashed by my cousin for the exam. I was really shocked.”

Ying-Ming scolded: “That brat Mu-Bai. I thought he only injured someone’s teacher, but I didn’t expect him to cause such a huge disaster.”

Xue-Ye said: “Dad, I was thinking… since my cousin did such an excessive thing to Ya-Xin, shouldn’t we show some kind of response?”

Ying-Ming asked: “Oh? What do you mean?”

Xue-Ye said coquettishly: “Dad, could you buy a violin and give it to Ya-Xin?”

Ying-Ming smiled and said: “When I visited Mr. Si in the hospital that day, I already noticed that broken violin. So before you even asked, I already knew what you wanted to say. Of course that’s fine! My good daughter, you’ve really grown up, hahaha.”

Xue-Ye said: “Don’t laugh at me. But Dad, could you please not tell Ya-Xin that this violin was my idea? I was immature before and did many excessive things to her. I don’t want her to misunderstand and think I’m using this violin to gain her favor.”

Ying-Ming said: “Alright, Dad agrees.”

Xue-Ye said sweetly: “Thank you, Dad!”

103
On a riverside alley of Tamsui Old Street, Zhao Mu-Bai and his subordinates Red Monkey and others were spotted by Qin Ri-Xin and his group.

Junior A said: “Senior, Red Monkey and the others have appeared!”
Ri-Xin said: “Call President Zi-Xuan. Tell them to come and meet up. We’ll wait here for now.”
Junior A said: “Yes, senior.”

Junior A spoke on the phone: “President, Eagle has spotted the prey. Please come to the riverside alley for rendezvous.”
Zi-Xuan said: “Received. Eagle continues to track the prey. Clouded Leopard will move to rendezvous immediately.”

Zhao Mu-Bai and Red Monkey and the others were blocked front and back by Ri-Xin’s group from one end of the alley and Zi-Xuan’s group arriving from the other end.

Mu-Bai nervously said: “You bastards, don’t rely on numbers. If you’ve got guts, come one-on-one!”

Zi-Xuan said: “One-on-one? Who do you think you are? Want to challenge me alone?”

Ri-Xin said: “Yeah! When you bullied Big Brother Si-Yang, weren’t you also relying on numbers?”

Zi-Xuan said: “Ri-Xin, don’t waste words with these street punks. Everyone, move—attack!”

Ri-Xin said: “Everyone, don’t be polite. Teach them a lesson!”

Members of Zi-Xuan’s Taekwondo club surrounded Zhao Mu-Bai and his gang and beat them up with punches and kicks. The four of them were knocked to the ground, black and blue, in an extremely miserable state.

104
In the living room of Zhang Ying-Ming’s mansion, Zhao Mu-Bai and the others stood in front of Ying-Ming, each of them bruised and swollen.

Mu-Bai pleaded: “Uncle, please help me seek justice! The leader Li Zi-Xuan has bullied Red Monkey several times before, and now he’s riding over my head.”

Xue-Ye said: “You’re the one falsely accusing others first! Cousin, Li Zi-Xuan is my good friend. He and his Taekwondo club members would not trouble you for no reason. Last time it was you who injured Si-Yang at Fisherman’s Wharf and smashed his violin, almost getting me blamed…”

Ying-Ming said sternly: “Xue-Ye is right. I haven’t had time to settle accounts with you for your previous troubles! Mu-Bai, I’ve heard you’re using my name outside to eat and drink for free and cause trouble. I warn you seriously—if you don’t restrain yourselves, I will personally deal with you when necessary!”

Mu-Bai complained: “Uncle, how can your arm bend outward like this? Always helping outsiders?”

Ying-Ming shouted angrily: “Shut up! You still don’t know how to reflect on yourself?”

Ah-Shan on the side said: “Young master, just say less. The master is very angry right now.”

Mu-Bai argued: “I’m telling the truth!”

Ying-Ming became even angrier and shouted: “You bastard! Still arguing with me! The last time you injured someone, I was the one who cleaned up your mess!”

Mu-Bai said: “I saw my cousin lose the competition and felt upset, so I went to vent for her and teach them a lesson. I didn’t do anything wrong!”

Xue-Ye said: “Don’t drag me into this. I never told you to go trouble Qiu Ya-Xin and Si-Yang or smash their performance at Fisherman’s Wharf…”

Ying-Ming said: “If it weren’t for your mother, I would have driven you out of Taipei. You all are idle all day causing trouble. You cannot continue like this without proper work. Fine—Ah-Shan, tomorrow take these four troublemakers to the Tamsui Fishermen’s Association and tell the chairman I asked for it. Arrange for them to guard the warehouse.”

Mu-Bai said: “Guard the warehouse? No way! Uncle, that’s so boring!”

Ying-Ming said: “If you don’t want to guard the warehouse, then go work on deep-sea fishing boats. Do you want that instead?”

Mu-Bai and the three subordinates whispered among themselves.

Mu-Bai reluctantly said: “Alright… fine. We’ll go guard the warehouse.”

105
Qiu Yong-Lai, Ya-Xin, and Yu-Ling arrived in front of the bulletin board at the entrance of NTNU. The place was crowded with students looking at the results.

Yong-Lai said: “Wow, it’s really lively. Not bad, not bad.”
Yu-Ling said: “Dad, we’re not here to join the excitement. Ya-Xin, are you nervous?”

Ya-Xin smiled and shook her head.

At this moment, Zhang Ying-Ming appeared behind the three of them holding a box containing a violin, accompanied by Xue-Ye.

Ying-Ming said: “Yu-Ling, you brought Ya-Xin to check the results?”
Yu-Ling said: “Yes, I just couldn’t stay home, so we came along.”

Ya-Xin and Xue-Ye looked at each other and smiled, happy to see each other.

Ya-Xin said: “Thank you for last time.”
Xue-Ye said: “No need. Your performance was really amazing. I should be the one thanking you for letting me hear such wonderful music. Have you checked the results?”

Ya-Xin shook her head. Xue-Ye took Ya-Xin’s hand, and the two squeezed through the crowd in front of the bulletin board, searching name by name. Finally, they saw it—Qiu Ya-Xin ranked first, and Zhang Xue-Ye ranked second. They both shouted with joy and hugged each other.

Xue-Ye said joyfully: “Great! Congratulations! You’re first place!”
Ya-Xin said: “Congratulations to us.”

Xue-Ye said: “Yes, congratulations to both of us for getting in together and taking the top two spots!”

Yong-Lai said: “Our Ya-Xin is really amazing—not only good at studying and piano, but now she’s going to university! You are the first in our family to go to university!”

Yu-Ling stood aside, wiping tears happily. Ying-Ming placed his arm around Yu-Ling’s shoulder, and they walked together toward Ya-Xin and Xue-Ye.

Ying-Ming said: “Ya-Xin, congratulations. This is an entrance gift for you.”

Ying-Ming handed the violin in his hand to Ya-Xin. Ya-Xin froze for a moment and quickly waved her hands to refuse.

Yu-Ling said: “Yes, this gift is too expensive. We cannot accept it.”

Ying-Ming said: “I know Mu-Bai not only injured Si-Yang’s teacher but also smashed his violin. I have already compensated for that. Ya-Xin used that same violin during the exam. If she failed because of it, I wouldn’t know how to face you. So this new violin is my apology. Please accept it.”

Xue-Ye said: “Yes, and after you enter university, not having your own violin will be very inconvenient.”

Ya-Xin hesitated and turned to look at Yu-Ling.

Yu-Ling felt Ying-Ming and Xue-Ye’s sincerity and said: “This is Xue-Ye’s kindness. Just accept it.”

Ya-Xin reached out and accepted the violin: “Thank you, Xue-Ye.”

Yu-Ling said: “You’ve helped our family so much, Ying-Ming. I really don’t know how to repay you.”

Ying-Ming said: “I was actually worried just now that if you insisted on refusing, I would definitely be scolded to death by my precious daughter when I got home.”

Xue-Ye screamed coyly: “Dad! I’m not that fierce!”

Ying-Ming said: “Ah, I forgot Xue-Ye told me not to say this violin was meant to be given by her.”

Xue-Ye pretended to be angry and turned away. After Ying-Ming and Yu-Ling’s families said their goodbyes, Ying-Ming quickly followed Xue-Ye. Ya-Xin held the violin in her arms and watched their departing figures. At that moment, Xue-Ye raised her right hand and made a “Y” gesture. Ya-Xin smiled knowingly…

106
Ya-Xin, Yu-Ling, and Yong-Lai walked into the living room. Mei-Yin came forward to welcome them.

Mei-Yin asked: “Sister, you got in, right?”
Ya-Xin smiled and nodded, holding a violin case in her arms.

Qiu Mei-Yin said happily: “Yay! I knew it. Sister, what you’re holding is a violin, right?”

Qiu Yu-Ling said: “It was given to your sister by Zhang Xue-Ye’s father.”

Mei-Yin said happily: “Yay! I knew it.”

Zhi-Kun entered the living room carrying a package in his hands.

Zhi-Kun said: “You’re back. I just received a package, but everything on it is written in English. I can’t understand a single word, and I don’t even know who it’s addressed to. Ah-Xin, you studied English in high school, take a look.”

Ya-Xin took the package: “This is for A-Ji.”

Yong-Lai asked curiously: “Since when did our A-Ji have foreign friends?”

Yu-Ling said: “Ah-Xin, hurry and open it.”

Under everyone’s gaze, Ya-Xin opened the package. Da-Fu and Ai-Jiao appeared at the doorway. Da-Fu looked eager and wanted to join the crowd, but Ai-Jiao grabbed him.

“Let’s go. What’s so interesting to look at? You, nothing ever works out for you, just wandering around all day like a ghost,” Ai-Jiao said, then dragged Da-Fu away.

Inside the package were a picture album, a certificate, and a letter. Ya-Xin opened the letter and read it aloud.

Ya-Xin said: “Mother! A-Ji has won an international award!”

Yu-Ling said: “What?”

Xu-Lai-Chun asked: “What award is it?”

Ya-Xin picked up the album and flipped through it, stopping at one page.

Ya-Xin said: “This one.”

Everyone gathered around her and carefully looked at A-Ji’s drawing. All of them showed satisfied smiles. The picture depicted Ya-Xin in the music room, playing the piano in profile, with a hearing aid placed on top of the piano.

107
In the courtyard of the Presbyterian Church, Father John and Ya-Xin were walking together happily.

John said: “Viviana, I am truly happy that you successfully got into the Department of Music at NTNU.”

Ya-Xin said: “Thank you.”

John said: “After you go to university, if you need anything in your life, just tell me.”

Ya-Xin said: “Daddy…”

John said: “For more than ten years I was not by your side. Your mother did a very responsible job raising you and made you who you are today. I sincerely thank your mother.”

Ya-Xin said: “Daddy…”

John said emotionally: “Hearing you call me daddy makes me both happy and ashamed… Candy told me you are with Zi-Xuan. He is a nice boy.”

Ya-Xin reached out her hand and let John hold it. The father and daughter communicated everything without words.

108
In the rehearsal room of the Presbyterian Church, a small concert was being held. Si-Yang, Candy, and Ya-Xin were preparing cakes and cocktails to send off Zi-Xuan, who was about to leave.

Candy played the piano, Si-Yang played the violin, and Zi-Xuan took Ya-Xin’s hand and danced a duet waltz. The two were filled with reluctance to part.

Zi-Xuan said: “Congratulations on getting into NTNU Music Department and fulfilling your dream, Ya-Xin.”

Ya-Xin said: “Thank you.”

Zi-Xuan said: “Studying music in the United States will take about six or seven years. Every long vacation, I will come back to see you.”

Ya-Xin said: “Mm.”

Zi-Xuan said: “Ya-Xin, please forgive me for not being able to take you to meet my parents yet.”

Ya-Xin said: “I understand. I have a physical disability. I won’t put you in a difficult position.”

Zi-Xuan said: “That’s not what I mean. Ya-Xin, I had previously promised my parents that I would not date anyone before finishing my studies. But after I met you, I changed my mind. I just haven’t told my parents about this change yet.”

Ya-Xin said: “Just explain it clearly, then I won’t go to the airport to see you off.”

At this moment, Si-Yang announced good news about himself and Candy.

Si-Yang said: “You two, Candy just accepted my marriage proposal. The wedding is set for Valentine’s Day this year.”

Zi-Xuan said: “Brother Si-Yang, you finally proposed. My cousin has been waiting a long time for you to say it!”

Si-Yang said: “I know! I just wasn’t ready before. I originally planned to propose after Ya-Xin finished her exam, but I ended up staying in the hospital for two weeks.”

Candy said: “Zi-Xuan, actually Si-Yang received an offer two months ago to become a lecturer at his alma mater, Fu Jen Catholic University’s Department of Music. It was only after getting this job that he agreed to propose to me.”

Si-Yang blushed: “Haha, that’s of course one of the reasons.”

Zi-Xuan said: “Brother Si-Yang, congratulations! Both career and marriage are successful.”

Si-Yang said: “Mm, thank you for your blessings.”

Candy said: “Si-Yang said that when Zi-Xuan comes back during winter break, he wants you all to be bridesmaids and groomsmen.”

Zi-Xuan said: “Ya-Xin and I are both very willing. Ya-Xin, is that okay?”

Ya-Xin smiled and nodded: “Okay.”

109
On the lawn of Fort San Domingo in Tamsui, Ya-Xin sat looking up at the sky, watching a passenger plane fly across the sky and disappear over the sea.

Zhang Xue-Ye stood beside her, also looking up at the plane, already guessing Ya-Xin’s thoughts.

Xue-Ye asked: “Ya-Xin, Zi-Xuan went abroad to study. Why didn’t you go to the airport to see him off?”

Ya-Xin said: “Something came up at home.”

Xue-Ye asked: “Did Zi-Xuan confess to you?”

Ya-Xin nodded: “Mm.”

Xue-Ye said: “I really envy you, having such a talented boyfriend…”

Ya-Xin asked: “You also like Zi-Xuan, don’t you?”

Xue-Ye smiled: “Yes. But you are the Snow White in his heart.”

Ya-Xin said: “In the future, you will still meet someone you like.”

Xue-Ye said bitterly with a smile: “Maybe. Who can predict the future? But long-distance relationships like yours and Zi-Xuan’s are often full of uncertainty.”

Ya-Xin said: “I am mentally prepared. Let it be. What is not mine, forcing it will not lead to a good outcome…”

110
Five years later, Qiu Ya-Xin walked onto the stage of a music classroom. With flowing long hair and wearing a pure white long dress, she naturally exuded a dignified and elegant youthful aura. At this time, she was already a music teacher at the High School Division of NCCU Affiliated High School.

Students focused on the piano sound and sang art songs attentively. Principal Chen Wen-Hsiung passed by the corridor, stood outside the window, and listened for a while.

During break time, male students shifted all attention to this newly arrived “beautiful teacher.” Groups of them lingered in the corridor outside the office, trying to attract Teacher Qiu’s attention.

Boy A said: “Teacher Qiu is super beautiful. Does she have a boyfriend?”

Boy B said: “Who knows? But have you noticed that Art teacher Zhao Wu-Ji has started dressing up recently? He used to be very unkempt. I think he is interested in the beautiful teacher.”

Boy C said: “Then there will be a good show. The most popular Teacher Zhao falling for the beautiful teacher—many girls will be heartbroken.”

The group of boys chatted loudly and freely in the corridor, until the real Zhao Wu-Ji appeared, and only then did they tactfully leave.