Xanthia was indeed caught off guard by Miss Seranthalia's sudden idea of calling her "Li'l Xanthia" as a nickname.

  However, to be fair, this nickname is rather cute and quite fitting for Xanthia's temperament. Elena and Luciel calls her the same.

  One could only say that Miss Magenta, as the "benchmark young dy," lived up to her reputation. Her quick wit worked wonders. The moment she called out "Li'l Xanthia" and followed it up by enthusiastically helping with outfit selections, she effortlessly gained a considerable amount of goodwill from Xanthia.

  Meanwhile, Xanthia, always the social butterfly, took to conversing with Seranthalia as if they were already familiar with one another. Their retionship quickly grew closer.

  Thus, Seranthalia found herself immediately fond of the "Li'l Xanthia" she had just met. Clearly, her perception of Xanthia was influenced by her affection for Dionysius.

  Additionally, she noticed that Xanthia had an incredibly bright personality. She radiated an aura of joy that was contagious, making it hard for Seranthalia to imagine that she had once been socially anxious and reclusive.

  Upon observing Xanthia up close, Seranthalia also couldn't help but envy her skin, which was exceptionally fair and smooth, and her hair, which was simply exquisite. It wasn’t the type of beauty that struck you immediately, but rather, it revealed its charm only upon closer inspection or a gentle touch.

  Xanthia also possessed a pair of big, doe-like eyes—clear, innocent, and lively. When she looked at you with those pure, unguarded eyes, it was impossible not to feel protective, arousing one's maternal instinct.

  Such a Xanthia was undoubtedly the true definition of "Little thing"!

  Seranthalia felt that describing Xanthia with words like "naturally beautiful," "innocent," and "impossibly charming" was spot on.

  Indeed, aside from her joy, Xanthia’s pure and fragile aura deeply moved Seranthalia.

  Her thoughts naturally drifted to what Dionysius had shared about Xanthia's past, and a wave of sympathy flooded her heart.

  As their conversation deepened, Seranthalia followed her original pn and directly confronted Andrea Tan in front of Xanthia, creating a clear contrast of attitudes.

  If Andrea’s treatment of Xanthia had been poor, then Seranthalia’s attitude would be the complete opposite.

  It was clear that Andrea, the cousin of the Poop King, was being used by Seranthalia to improve Xanthia's standing in her eyes.

  At this point, Xanthia’s position in Seranthalia’s heart had undoubtedly surpassed Andrea's.

  This also showed that Seranthalia was not the kind of na?ve, sweet young dy people might assume her to be. If someone mistook her for an easily maniputed, well-mannered girl, they would find themselves in serious trouble.

  Andrea had evidently failed to see through Seranthalia’s facade. She had underestimated her and had been too eager to gain an advantage, blinding herself to reality.

  Andrea was even behind on key information—her cousin had done something that greatly angered Dionysius.

  This alone was enough to make Seranthalia shift her position. The discarded pawn would now be used to boost Xanthia’s popurity.

  Meanwhile, Andrea, who had arrived at the second basement floor music room, continued to push her agenda, fueling the fire even more.

  With an air of arrogance, she addressed Xanthia's friends: "That country bumpkin said she was preparing, but after all this time, she still hasn't shown up. Clearly, that person was just pretending—she can't py the piano! Now, to save face, she's sneaked off!"

  "Even if she can py the piano, I can’t imagine her in those ridiculous clothes, pying on this fine grand piano. It would be an eyesore!" Andrea added with a look of utter disdain.

  Luciel, however, retorted sharply: "Stop barking like a mad dog. We all know what kind of person Xanthia is. She's someone who keeps her word. Just wait for her to sp you right in the face!"

  Elena and others, equally supportive, rallied behind Xanthia.

  Despite their own insecurities, they refused to show weakness.

  Andrea sneered, "Fine, I’ll wait right here. Not only me, but a lot of guests in this music room are here to watch that country bumpkin make a fool of herself. She’s been so arrogant, now she’s digging her own grave!"

  At this point, Rommel El Fmei, known for speaking "fairly," remarked to Andrea, "Miss Andrea, don’t be so eager. Your friend, Miss Magenta, hasn't arrived yet. If she misses this show, your efforts might go to waste."

  Andrea’s eyes lit up as she realized the importance of this. "As expected of Miss Magenta's closest confidant, your advice is spot on. Now the most important thing is for that country bumpkin to fail, and for Miss Seranthalia to enjoy it!"

  Rommel was secretly pleased with being called the "closest confidant" of his angel. His round, slightly tanned face broke into a smile, clearly relishing the bel. He enjoyed the idea of being the "blue-eyed confidant" and secretly entertained the thought that, someday, he might, perhaps even marry her. After all, everyone needed dreams.

  In contrast to these high EQ titles, he hated bels like "doggy," "guy who hides behind his mom's skirt," or "tiny mb," which carried a touch of disdain.

  He couldn’t understand why such bels existed in society. Why was the sincere, love-struck warrior ridiculed instead of respected? He believed this was simply jealousy from other men, envious of his deep understanding of love.

  But what Rommel failed to realize was that the harshest criticisms of so-called "doggy guys" often came from women, not men.

  After all, while men might vent about them online, women could truly hurt their feelings, leaving them feeling betrayed by their so-called devotion.

  Andrea, meanwhile, began reflecting on her own adoration skills. She realized that her chasing was not as polished as Rommel’s, so perhaps she should seek his advice on how to please Miss Seranthalia in the future.

  However, she also justified her previous neglect of the subject, attributing it to her disgust with Xanthia. Such an uncouth person, who could attract Dionysius’s attention and invitation, then proceed to freeload at the party without shame—how revolting!

  At that very moment, almost all of the guests at the birthday party had gathered in the music room, eagerly waiting for the spectacle.

  Andrea and Rommel’s back-and-forth was noticed by most of the guests, many of whom felt that their eagerness for Xanthia to fail was a bit too much. Some even began to feel that their attitude made Seranthalia seem rather petty, almost like a vilinous character from a novel or comic.

  However, the one person being ridiculed, Xanthia, did not strike them as someone with a heroine aura. After all, real life was harsh and unforgiving—how often did people get a chance for a dramatic turnaround?

  In fact, most of the guests were simply there to enjoy the spectacle and see some fun:

  "Come on, pce your bets, pce your bets. Bet on whether Xanthia can py a piece that will satisfy everyone."

  "What's there to bet? She’s totally out of her depth. Pying piano isn’t just about skill; it’s about showing off your style. How can she possibly grab anyone’s attention with that outfit?"

  "Wow, you’ve got a point. It’s like one of those piano streamers. If they don’t have the talent, they’ve got to make up for it with looks..."

  "We’ve been waiting so long and still nothing. Honestly, I can’t see what kind of miracle she can pull off. It’s better if she just apologizes and saves herself some dignity."

  "What about Dionysius? Maybe he can step in and save the day. His piano solo is really impressive—I’ve heard him py at school concerts before. Total legend!"

  ...

  Dionysius, when he heard the guests’ comments, appeared calm on the outside, but inside he was already eagerly awaiting the upcoming performance.

  He didn’t even bother with the antics of Andrea and Rommel, for in his eyes, the more they stirred the pot, the more thrilling the final show would be.

  A sharp observer, Dionysius had noticed that Xanthia, having gone upstairs to change, had been accompanied by Miss Magenta. He couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of satisfaction.

  Now, what was there to worry about? All he had to do was wait for performer to do her thing.

  Despite the calm exterior, his excitement was palpable. He looked over at Glen and Dematero, whose worried expressions made him chuckle. He didn’t bother reassuring them. He knew that this moment, the one where Xanthia would rise to the occasion, would be even more thrilling.

  For him, the anticipation of watching the performance unfold was far more exciting than simply sitting back and waiting for the inevitable.

  Then, with the change of clothes complete, Xanthia made her stunning entrance.

  Even though Dionysius had been mentally prepared to be impressed, when he saw Xanthia, now fully transformed and dressed in an elegant outfit chosen by Seranthalia, he had no words to describe the shock he felt.

  Without a doubt, the contrast between Xanthia’s appearance before and after her transformation was so striking that many guests were left utterly shocked and at a complete loss for words!

  Particurly those who had secretly mocked Xanthia’s attire earlier—now they didn’t even know how to articute the sheer disbelief in their hearts. Bloody hell—was this really that country bumpkin from just now?!

  Was Xanthia deliberately pying with their minds? This strategic move of lowering expectations before revealing her full splendor was downright masterful!

  And the ones whose expressions shifted the most dramatically? Naturally, it was none other than Andrea and Rommel—the two clowns who had been conspiring against her.

  Upon witnessing Xanthia’s transformed appearance—fully adorned and exuding the undeniable aura of an heiress—they found themselves spiralling into existential doubt, questioning not only reality but their very perception of the world...

  However, Andrea Tan was still unwilling to admit defeat. Even though she was momentarily rendered speechless by Xanthia’s stunning new look, she remained convinced: So what if she’s changed her appearance? If Xanthia couldn’t py the piano before, she still wouldn’t be able to py now. No matter how dazzling she looked, her impending embarrassment was inevitable!

  Rommel’s reaction, on the other hand, was far more visceral—he had already begun to question himself. Had he just been too unchivalrous earlier? Xanthia is actually so elegant and adorable…

  For the rest of the guests, this moment alone made the event worthwhile. Even if Xanthia’s piano performance ended up being a disaster, they no longer minded.

  After all, as the saying goes: If the vilin looks good enough, people’s morals will follow their aesthetics.

  Xanthia had chosen to perform Balde pour Adeline—a cssic piece by Richard Cyderman. This composition paints a picture of an autumnal fairytale, filled with warmth and romance.

  Since it was currently autumn, pying this piece was more than fitting.

  Moreover, from the original owner’s memories, Xanthia knew that Dionysius had a deep fondness for this piece. That left her with no choice—she had to go all in and wring every st gold coin out of her dear little brother!

  Technically speaking, this piano piece wasn’t particurly difficult, nor did it belong to the realm of cssical piano music.

  Compared to Cyderman’s compositions, true cssical piano music is devoid of embellishments, demanding quiet attentiveness to fully appreciate.

  The pure, flowing melodies of cssical piano have a distinct charm—each note carrying its own unique allure. The more one listens, the deeper one falls under its spell. Cssical pieces also tend to be richer and more intricate than modern popur piano music.

  Of course, there was no way Xanthia would py an actual cssical piano piece at a birthday party. She had chosen Balde pour Adeline for another reason—it was simply beautiful, with a melody so catchy that even those unfamiliar with it would find it instantly pleasant to the ear.

  And so, to the astonishment of the initially sceptical guests, they soon found themselves completely enraptured by her performance…

  Xanthia’s rendition of Balde pour Adeline was mesmerising!

  Furthermore, her effortless grace and poised demeanor made it abundantly clear—she hadn’t been bluffing earlier. She truly had prepared this performance as a heartfelt birthday gift for Dionysius!

  As the soothing and tender notes of the piece resonated through the room, many guests became utterly spellbound, feeling as though their ears were being treated to a rare and exquisite indulgence.

  But more than the auditory delight, what captivated them most was the sheer visual spectacle of Xanthia—resplendent in her elegant evening gown, seated at the grand piano, her fingers gliding across the keys with ethereal precision.

  This wasn’t just a performance. It was a feast for the eyes.

  Some guests found themselves unable to look away from her delicate, agile fingers dancing across the keyboard. Her hands were, without a doubt, a hand-lover’s dream. One could easily imagine those slender fingers encased in silk gloves, engaging in… well, certain activities that would have any man surrendering in record time…

  As the guests revelled in this intoxicating experience, Dionysius had already whipped out his phone from the very beginning to capture it all. This was, without a doubt, the best birthday gift he had ever received, and he was determined to preserve every second of it!

  And when Xanthia concluded her fwless performance of Balde pour Adeline, the room erupted into heartfelt appuse, the party atmosphere reaching its undeniable peak!

  Even those who had never understood piano music before felt as if, for the first time, they had glimpsed its true beauty and charm.

  It was akin to how a certain video game often serves as a gateway for young pyers into a new genre—Xanthia’s brilliance needed no further expnation.

  As they cpped with fervor, they knew they had been utterly won over by her irresistible charm—

  "Who would’ve thought she was such a hidden gem? This piano solo was absolutely phenomenal!"

  "She has an incredible ear for music. I don’t even know this piece, but the moment she started pying, I was completely hooked…"

  "Ah, Balde pour Adeline—a true cssic! If I remember correctly, Dionysius pyed this during a middle school ga. Xanthia really put thought into this gift—totally envious of him right now!"

  "I swear, Dionysius doesn’t deserve this. I hope he walks straight into the most brutal emotional battlefield after this!"

  "I might not know much about piano, but I do know how to appreciate beauty. Whether she pyed well or not, it doesn’t matter—her poised and enchanting presence at the piano has been permanently etched into my mind."