Melodious guqin music floated up from the floor below, drifting gently into the upstairs room. It was as refreshing as spring water, as soft as a drizzle, and as tender as a summer breeze. The group, waiting for their wine to arrive, paused to savor the music. 0

One by one, their eyes drifted shut, carried away by the ethereal notes that seemed to lift the weight from their shoulders and offer a rare moment of peace.0

As the music came to a close, the group stayed lost in their thoughts for a moment before hurrying to the balcony to look down. Onstage, they saw a girl seated in front of the guqin, dressed in a blue pleated dress adorned with floral patterns. A thin veil covered...0