The Great Ethan Lee

Chapter 49

Tiffany's eyebrows shot up as she glared at Ethan, "You..."

Ethan shrugged, "Sorry! I'm straightforward and say what's on my mind, just like you. Don't take it personally." He threw her exact words right back at her.

The atmosphere became awkward, and everyone quickly found excuses to leave.

Before leaving, Martin stood beside Sophia, looking at her with deep affection, "Sophia, don't be late tomorrow!"

On the way home, Ethan and Sophia were silent.

After a while, Sophia sincerely said to Ethan, "Ethan, there's really nothing between me and Martin... Tiffany was just being mischievous."

Ethan smiled, "I told you before. You're my wife. If I don't trust you, who will I trust?"

Sophia felt a warmth in her heart and softly replied, "Then I won't go to the concert tomorrow."

Ethan suddenly interrupted, "You should go! Why not?"

There was a hint of determination in Ethan's eyes, "The tickets cost a fortune. If we don't go, it would waste Martin's goodwill. Let's go tomorrow and listen to the so-called piano prince's performance."

***

The news of the piano prince's concert became the talk of the town in Crownspire.

Early in the morning, the National Stadium was already packed. Among the audience, the majority were women, each holding glow sticks and banners with Martin's name. The crowd looked so lively that one might mistake Martin for a pop star instead of a pianist.

Sophia and Ethan arrived just as the concert was about to begin.

Tiffany spotted them immediately and waved frantically, "Sophia! Here, we're over here!"

They walked over, and Tiffany gave Ethan a strange look, "You actually came?"

Ethan waved the ticket in his hand, "I have a ticket, why wouldn't I come?"

Tiffany rolled her eyes at him, then turned to Sophia enthusiastically, "Sophia, did you see? These are the best seats in the entire concert hall! Martin is really good to you; he saved the best seats for you. Even I got to benefit from it."

Sophia glanced subtly at Ethan, relieved to see no change in his expression. She then said seriously, "Tiffany, stop talking nonsense! Martin and I are just classmates. It's just a coincidence that we got placed here!"

Tiffany immediately retorted, "How can it be a coincidence? It's obvious that..."

Sophia waved her hand, "Alright, stop it! He's coming out!"

With a waft of dry ice smoke, Martin appeared in a white outfit, looking elegant and charming, like a prince stepping out of a painting. The audience erupted in applause and cheers, with some girls gazing at him with adoration.

Martin placed his fingers on the piano, and the ethereal sound flowed through the venue, silencing the thousands of attendees who were completely captivated by his music.

Several elderly men in the front row nodded with smiles.

One of them, a master named Richard Wilson, said, "Martin's piano skills are becoming more refined. With a few more years of practice, he could match us! His talent is truly rare. I'm very pleased to see such a promising young talent."

Martin's mentor, the renowned master Fred White, laughed, "Mr. Wilson, thank you for saying so. But Martin is still a young man. You're the president of the World Piano Association; he's just showing off in front of you. But if you could guide him, that would be wonderful!"

Richard glanced at Fred and laughed, "Don't worry, I'm old now. Someone needs to inherit my skills, and Martin seems to be a good candidate."

Hearing this, Fred and his other student, Hans Raymond, immediately chimed in joyfully, "That's great! On behalf of Martin, we thank you for your guidance!"

In the hall, Martin's tune suddenly changed. The originally soothing music took on a hint of cheerfulness. Everyone was immersed in the emotions conveyed by his piano, feeling deeply enchanted. After the performance ended, Martin suddenly stood up, took the microphone, and looked down with deep affection, "Thank you all for coming to my concert. Today is a very important day! I want to use this piece to confess my love to someone I've loved deeply but missed for five years, in front of all of you."

As soon as Martin said this, the entire hall fell silent! But within three seconds, the place erupted again!

Jealous and surprised girls screamed, scanning the crowd for the person they envied.

As Martin spoke, Sophia stood up in a panic, "I-I need to go to the restroom."

Tiffany grabbed her arm, "Wait! Just wait a moment!"

"Whoosh!"

The camera turned, and a white spotlight focused on Sophia, blinding her. When her vision adjusted, her beautiful face was displayed on the largest screen in the venue.

Standing on stage, Martin looked deeply at Sophia and suddenly knelt on one knee, "Sophia, I've missed you for five long years, and I don't want to miss you anymore. The piece I just played was composed especially for you, representing my sincere love."

Martin solemnly said, "I want you to hear my most beautiful pieces every day and bathe in the happiest smiles possible. Let me make you happy for the rest of your life. Will you make me the happiest man in the world?"