Chapter 31: Fairy Fan: So eager to get my attention?

"Sigh, why is it that in this day and age, no one believes the truth?"

Facing the skepticism and mockery of those around him, Wang Chu shook his head in resignation. Beside him, Jiang Wan asked, half-convinced, "Master Wang, have you truly met the Fairy Fan?"

Wang Chu nodded. "Yes, and she actually owes me money."

The corner of Jiang Wan's mouth twitched; she could not tell if he was joking or serious. Before she could probe further, Fairy Fan on stage bowed to the audience and pressed her hands down. Music began to emanate from the back of the stage—the distinct sounds of strings, flutes, and instruments specially crafted by the Music Sect.

Amidst the melodious and graceful music, Fairy Fan began to sing: "At the ends of the earth..."

Her voice was as ethereal as the rumors claimed. Coupled with the enchanting music, the evocative lyrics, and the Daoist charm she infused into the performance using her own spiritual energy, the entire audience of cultivators was instantly immersed in the wondrous atmosphere of the song. Many felt as though long-standing bottlenecks in their cultivation were beginning to loosen. Even those who had been dismissive were now fully focused, listening with rapt attention.

Wang Chu was perhaps the only person present who appeared disengaged. He tapped his fingers on the armrest of his chair; he was not enjoying the music, but rather searching for its flaws and shortcomings. This was a song he had heard many times in his past life, and while Fairy Fan’s rendition was pleasant, he was dissatisfied with two things.

First, Fairy Fan lacked emotional investment in the song. While her singing was technically perfect, it lacked a human touch. Second, the accompaniment lacked an erhu, which made it feel like it was missing that distinct, rugged flavor of the martial world.

"Nangong sings this so much better," Wang Chu sighed to himself halfway through the song. Come to think of it, it had been a long time since he had seen Nangong or heard her sing. Listening to Fairy Fan only made him miss the voice of Nangong Minghui.

"The sword leaves its sheath..."

While the people around him were listening in blissful delight, Wang Chu suddenly opened his eyes, stood up with a look of waning interest, and turned toward the exit. He simply couldn't listen anymore. Perhaps to those who had never tasted the craft of a master chef, Fairy Fan’s performance was a delicacy of the highest order. But to Wang Chu, who was accustomed to the culinary standards of state banquets, her performance was as bland and flavorless as thin, watery soup. Rather than sitting there on pins and needles, he would rather step outside to witness the beauty of the world and listen to the sounds of nature.

On stage, Fairy Fan, who had been pouring her heart into the performance, quickly noticed Wang Chu leaving his seat. It was impossible not to; while everyone else sat still and listened intently, one person getting up and walking out was far too conspicuous.

Initially, seeing the audience so enraptured and silent was something Fairy Fan took for granted. No matter where she traveled, the reaction of the cultivators was always the same. However, seeing someone walk out mid-performance caused a subtle shift in her mindset. She frowned, feeling both curious and indignant toward this man.

*I am performing with such effort and talent, so why would you leave at the very climax of my song? Is my singing not good? No... that cannot be it.*

Fairy Fan quickly dismissed the doubt. She consoled herself, *Perhaps he had some urgent business to attend to. Yes, that must be it. Wait...* Her brows twitched. *Why does his back look so familiar?*

She recalled the day’s events and quickly identified the figure: was he not the same man she had encountered earlier that day when she had snuck out to shop at the clothing store? Why did it have to be him? She couldn’t fathom it, but she soon found a reason that made sense to her: this fellow was doing this on purpose just to get her attention! She had encountered such people before during her performances elsewhere.

With that thought, her impression of Wang Chu plummeted. She detested nothing more than someone who would disrespect her work just to get noticed. These songs were the life’s work of her sect leader; he could slight her, but she would not allow anyone to slight these compositions.

Yet, she had to admit, his purpose had been achieved.

For the remainder of the performance, Fairy Fan’s mood soured, and she no longer sang with the same vigor. Her attention was inevitably diverted toward Wang Chu. She would glance toward the exit from time to time, wondering when he would return. If he only wanted to get her attention, surely he would return to his seat soon?

To her immense irritation, she sang several more songs, yet Wang Chu remained missing. It was not until the very end of her final song that he finally strolled back in and returned to his seat.

Fairy Fan felt as though her songs had been insulted. Even if others had left in the past, it had only been for a moment, but this man had been gone for nearly the entire show! When she finished and thunderous applause erupted, there was no joy on her face. She glared at where Wang Chu was sitting, wishing she could kill with a look.

As time passed, others noticed her gaze.
"Eh? It seems Fairy Fan is looking at me."
"Nonsense, she is clearly looking at me!"
"Don't be so narcissistic. A person like Fairy Fan wouldn't notice you. She’s clearly attracted to my aura and is staring at me."
"My friend, didn't you just say earlier that Fairy Fan was nothing special? How can you say such things now?"
"When did I say that? Don't spit blood!"

"Why does this Fairy Fan keep staring at me?" Wang Chu asked, echoing the confusion of those around him. The people nearby immediately cast disdainful looks his way. Only Chuxue believed him implicitly.

"Indeed, I am confused as well. The Fairy has no grudge against you, and she even owes you spirit stones. Why does it feel like she hates you?"

Wang Chu shook his head. "I can't figure it out. Never mind, I won't think about it. Besides, I won't have any contact with her after today. Let her be."

Just as he said this, Fairy Fan, struggling to suppress her anger on stage, could no longer tolerate his "blasphemous" behavior and challenged him: "This young master, why did you leave the venue while I was singing?"