Even if it's like a couple, it's okay

Unlike what he had imagined in his mind, Mose's works were not songs but all piano pieces.

Her avatar was the back view of a dark-haired, long-straight anime girl, with hair reaching her shoulders; in the lower right corner was the official music label of Yiyun Music, indicating real-person certification.

Perhaps due to her works being too elegant, she had fewer than five thousand fans.

This was normal, as the audience for pure piano music was usually niche, suitable for light music and background music. Moreover, her profile stated "Mosse Brand Spokesperson," suggesting she registered the account to showcase the sound of the Mosse piano, not for personal use.

Lu Qing clicked on her highest-played track, titled in pure Japanese katakana, translated as "The Cry of the Sea Lily." He adjusted the volume and pressed play.

Expecting to hear classical music full of artistic and upper-class vibes, what actually came through the headphones was Mose's most popular piano adaptation of a popular ACG (Japanese anime music/anime rock) song.

The smooth piano notes were silky, the ear-pleasing arrangement was delicate and intricate, highlighting the performer's deep understanding of the original piece.

It must be mentioned that the sound of the Mosse piano she used, even through headphones, could make one's ears pregnant with just a single do note.

"Is this the 1.2 million grand piano...?"

Lu Qing was captivated by the music, though he knew little about piano. Although he had learned guitar for seven years from middle school, it was merely a hobby. Even when he later switched to electric instruments, it was sidelined by academics and career, not developing into art.

Thanks to this foundation, his musical sense and sensitivity to notes were exceptionally high, allowing him to accurately feel the emotions the performer wanted to convey.

"Assuming this Mose is really Senior Mu Xia, and assuming Mu Xia really has a huge family background as Li Mingshi said, why do her pieces all reveal a sense of oppression and sadness?"

"Would someone so high and mighty have so many troubles?"

Whether it was "The Cry of the Sea Lily," or subsequent pieces like "Rapunzel," "Deep Slumber," "Towards Blue," the emotions conveyed were entirely in an emo state, from various angles.

Confusion, restriction, unease, fear, anxiety, disappointment, depression, giving up...

The piano was excellent, the technical skill was strong, but she gave the impression of being a soulless shell, mechanically stating her helplessness and sadness, not believing anyone could empathize, and not hoping for it.

"A performer not in such a state could not play such authentic emotions. Even the most perfect beings must have their own worries."

Lu Qing shook his head, took off his headphones in contemplation, and fell into deep thought.

...

Around nine-fifteen, Su Ling emerged from her room.

Lu Qing had been waiting for some time and, upon hearing her, was instantly struck by her stunning appearance.

Today, she wore the same Senyue Girls' High School uniform dress from their first encounter, freshly ironed—a navy sailor top, a matching plaid skirt, and a school badge on the right chest.

Above her brown uniform shoes were black knee-high socks, giving her an extra three points of purity and one less of allure.

Her freshly dried hair was fragrant, her breathable makeup flawless, making her look endearing and evoking a strong desire to protect.

It was clear the girl had put in a lot of effort to dress up.

"Brother, sorry to keep you waiting. Shall we go?"

Su Ling didn't carry a bag, just walked up to him like a bird nestling, and took his arm, waiting for his arrangements.

"Not too long, let's go."

Feeling a bit nervous with his sister so close, Lu Qing managed to stay composed and complimented, "By the way, you look very cute today."

"~"

Hearing what she wanted to hear, the girl's eyes smiled, but she didn't show it, just slightly raising her head and hinting, "If I remember correctly, this is the first time you've complimented me."

"Is it?"

Lu Qing thought about it and realized it was true. Although he had found Su Ling cute to the point of separation at first sight, he had only thought it in his heart.

Expressing it so openly and without reservation was a first.

"Brother, can you compliment me more often, please? It might help my condition." Su Ling said with a smile.

"Really?"

"Of course."

"Can it have an effect comparable to medication?"

"How would I know without trying? Anyway, it's healthier than taking medicine, right?"

"…Su Ling, are you teasing me?" Lu Qing was on guard.

"Does Brother not believe me?" she asked, feeling wronged and questioning, "Or, compared to complimenting me, does Brother think it's easier for me to take medicine…?"

"……"

Confronted with his sister's attack, Lu Qing had no choice but to surrender, "Alright, alright, I'll compliment you. I'll say what I think in my heart from now on."

"Hehe."

The girl smiled contentedly and leaned closer.

After a while.

The two chatted as they left the apartment, ready to start their agreed-upon day trip.

Since the Tianhe Platinum Apartments were located in the central area of Tianhai City, they didn't need transportation to reach the pedestrian street, just a walk of over a thousand meters.

Lu Qing asked his sister's opinion, and seeing she didn't want to take a taxi and wanted to walk with him, enjoying the sunshine, he gladly agreed.

But soon, he noticed a problem.

"…Are you okay? If you feel unwell…you must tell me right away."

Unlike the quiet countryside, the city center was bustling with noise and traffic. As the most developed and bustling coastal city in the country, Tianhai City's central area was naturally noisy and crowded.

The noise and sunlight clearly made the girl very uncomfortable. Every time a car passed or she brushed shoulders with a stranger, she would instinctively lean closer to him, her face growing paler, her eyes showing obvious distress and endurance.

Lu Qing observed this and further understood the severity of Su Ling's condition.

"Should we go indoors? The mall won't be as noisy as outside. Let's find a quiet place to rest."

He took her hand and held it tight.

"Mm…"

The girl lowered her head, looking a bit disappointed.

It was clear her eyes showed disdain for herself, unable to even handle such a small task.

"Su Ling, listen to me. I'm here with you, you know. No matter what happens, I'll help you, don't be afraid."

Lu Qing understood that she hadn't taken her increased dose of medication last night and missed her morning dose today, probably wanting to challenge going out to see if her condition had improved.

But reality was harsh. Her current state was obvious—just being exposed to sunlight and the 60-decibel background noise of the city center was already unbearable.

Lu Qing had looked up the information and knew this reaction in anxiety symptoms was called "somatization," meaning patients would reflexively produce various symptoms due to external stimuli, very serious.

So he guessed what she was most lacking now was a sense of security and peace.

He frowned, made up his mind, and then stretched out his arm, hugging her tightly.

"Ah…"

The sudden warmth through the clothes made the girl slightly startled.

Even though his movements were stiff and clumsy, it was still an active gesture. It was clear such treatment was not something others had received.

"Brother, what are you doing…this looks like a couple to outsiders, doesn't it?"

"Does it make you feel better?"

"…Yes, better than before."

"Then let's keep going."

……

……