From the long string of numbers, Jeff guessed it was likely related to the auction proceeds from the Peony Pill formula.

Did Maria really need to worry about money?

As he was contemplating this, Maria's phone received another notification. What in the world? Did she receive another sum of money?

Jeff noticed that Maria seemed blue all of a sudden.

She muttered to herself, “Even bandits wouldn't be as efficient as her.” The “her” Maria referred to was, without a doubt, Sophie.

“Bryanna, are you okay?" Jeff asked, concerned.

Maria replied, "I'm fine... It's nothing..."

Maria was a strong person, especially when it came to Sophie, who always seemed to take advantage of her.

Jeff tried to engage Maria in discussions about some new songs, but he could sense that Maria was preoccupied with something else and not fully engaged in the conversation.

Jeff suggested, “It's getting late. Why don't you head back and rest? I'U contact you when we're ready to record the new song. You'll get your payment promptly, so don't worry."

Maria nodded absentmindedly, bid farewell to the couple, and left the party to return to her room on the eleventh floor before the event concluded.

Once inside her room, she found the Invincible Piano, securely encased in a delicate rosewood box, had already been delivered.

Given that this was the guest house of Broome University, there were no security concerns whatsoever.

With care, Maria opened the wooden box and revealed the Invincible Piano within,

As her right-hand fingers lightly grazed the harp strings, a quick and nimble melody resonated in the air.

“Truly a genuine treasure. The Cooper family must have invested so much effort.

Speaking in a soft undertone, it seemed like Maria was praising the labor of the Cooper family's forebears, or perhaps acknowledging the generations of hard work put into preserving the Invincible Piano's exceptional condition. This included Jeff's diligent efforts in maintaining its quality.

The Invincible Piano's state surpassed even Maria's expectations.

It was capable of playing as a normal instrument with a high-quality sound. Nonetheless, the unique effects the Invincible Piano was known for were absent. To fully restore its true potential, comprehensive repairs would be required.

Repairing the piano was just a matter of time for Maria.

The night grew deeper.

Amidst the tranquil mountains and woods, the nostalgic and melodious notes of the Invincible Piano gradually floated into the night sky.

The music was so mesmerizing that it had a soporific effect, lulling listeners into a state of peaceful reverie.

As one melody concluded, Maria, too, succumbed to fatigue, slipping into a restful slumber.