Chapter Twenty-Two: A Parting Gift

Many people were curious about the true level of Zhou Miao's piano skills. A professional, verified on Weibo as a professor from the Piano Department of the Central Conservatory of Music, spoke out.

“For someone his age to reach this level is truly remarkable. Most people know there are piano grading exams, from levels 1 to 10, but even reaching level 10 only marks an amateur proficiency. Zhou Miao has completely achieved a professional performance standard—he’s even more advanced than many graduates from piano majors.”

“I’ve heard he wants to apply to the Central Conservatory. On behalf of the Conservatory, I welcome him. He is exceptionally gifted in piano and should consider developing further in this direction.”

With even a Conservatory professor saying so, no one dared question Zhou Miao’s piano abilities any longer. Yet, this gave rise to another issue.

“How can such a talented child be forced into the Transformation Project just because he wasn’t performing well academically? Shouldn’t we reflect deeply on this?”

“A promising seedling like him almost ended up destroyed by ignorant parents. It’s truly tragic.”

“If a child like Zhou Miao can be sent to the Transformation Project, imagine how many children with extraordinary talents in other fields are stifled just because they struggle academically.”

...

After reading these comments online, Hong Xue was so remorseful that she kept wiping her tears. Zhou Miao hugged his mother and coaxed her like a child for a long time before she stopped crying, and Zhou Ye watching them was almost jealous.

“You can go back to school now, can’t you? The internet is full of praise for you,” Zhou Ye said.

Zhou Miao shook his head. “Let’s wait a bit longer. Once the buzz dies down. If I go now, everyone will be staring at me, which will affect my studies. Studying at home is more efficient.”

“You’re just being lazy, aren’t you? Tell me, have you written more than five characters at home during this time?” Zhou Ye knew perfectly well how his son behaved.

“I’m so sleepy. I’ll go to bed first. I need to get up early to study tomorrow,” Zhou Miao laughed, scooped up his milk candy, and slipped back to his room.

“The results are out! Highest ratings: 3.8! We ranked second!” a staff member shouted excitedly, waving the report.

Zhao Weiming clenched his fists in excitement. This result was his personal best, and only 0.1 behind the current number one show.

Though it was the piano duel segment that caused the ratings spike, Zhao Weiming knew he still had a chance to take first place. Tomorrow! Everything depended on tomorrow!

Meanwhile, Zhou Miao’s class group chat was buzzing with classmates tagging him, messages flooding in.

“Miao bro, come to school! Don’t worry, we won’t laugh at you.”

Some even tagged the homeroom teacher, Li Xueqin, asking her to personally call Zhou Miao back to school.

When a celebrity suddenly appears in your midst, curiosity itches at you. You can’t help wanting to ask them about everything face to face. His classmates were all feeling this way.

Li Xueqin quickly replied, “Zhou Miao’s family issues are not resolved yet. And why aren’t you asleep so late? Did I assign too little homework?”

Instantly, the group fell silent; not a single message appeared. Homework warning—everyone was terrified.

Hu San put down his phone and sighed. Zhou Miao hadn’t attended school for ages, didn’t reply to messages, didn’t answer calls. Though he appeared on TV every day, it felt as if he’d vanished from the world.

As midnight approached, the official Transformation Project account suddenly posted: Tomorrow night at 7:30, Zhou Miao bids farewell to the Transformation Project—don’t miss it!

Netizens were stunned by the preview. The show was only halfway through—how was Zhou Miao already leaving?

Only then did people remember: the secret mission reward Zhou Miao received was early departure. So next episode, Zhou Miao would tackle the challenge with Li Feifei, the “Shamate” girl, and officially say goodbye.

Comments poured in:

“What a rotten move! How can they let Zhou Miao go? Without him, what’s left to watch?”

“The production team probably never imagined Zhou Miao would cause such a stir.”

“The director’s heart must be bleeding—he let his ratings star slip away.”

“No! I love this silly guy!”

...

Regardless of the debate, Zhou Miao’s departure was set in stone. King of Spoilers—Wang Jiang—had already confirmed it.

“In the next episode, Miao bro really leaves. But before he goes, he leaves everyone a gift—super awesome! I won’t spoil what it is, but trust me, you must watch. You won’t be disappointed.”

Li Feifei didn’t post anything, but liked Wang Jiang’s post. His mysterious words sparked widespread curiosity: what was this amazing parting gift?

“If you dare to fool us, I’ll squeeze your stomach flat,” Zhou Miao’s signature threat to Wang Jiang was now picked up by netizens, used to threaten him online.

Someone even attached a gif of Zhou Miao squeezing Wang Jiang’s stomach. “Yes, just like this.”

The comment section was soon a sea of laughter.

The next evening, at 7:30, countless viewers settled in front of their TVs or phones, ready for the show.

This episode, Zhou Miao began his mission: help Li Feifei, the “Shamate” girl, resolve her inner struggles and straighten out her sense of aesthetics.

As their conversation deepened, viewers realized Li Feifei was also a pitiful child, deliberately ruining her image to distract her divorcing parents—turning herself into someone everyone disliked.

Zhou Miao’s words