Shen You’an shook her head: "A gentleman does not covet what others love."
"Haha, to be honest with you, I can’t bear to part with it either."
Gao Yuyue opened the door to the piano room: "My piano must be rusting by now."
By the window, there stood a vintage sandalwood piano, silently sitting there, exuding an aura as if it could devour everything.
Shen You’an’s gaze flickered with surprise: "This is a DG Royal Custom Piano."
Gao Yuyue was even more astonished: "You actually recognize it?"
Shen You’an’s fingers lightly brushed over the piano lid: "Was this also a gift from your uncle?"
Gao Yuyue raised her brows proudly: "Of course."
She opened the piano lid and casually played a C minor chord. Instantly, it was as if a mysterious underground palace had been unlocked, and the elegant, slightly somber sound reverberated throughout the small piano room.
Brazilian rosewood casing, African ivory white keys, ebony black keys, handcrafted carvings on multiple parts, solid brass lily candleholders... together, they outlined the archaic yet exquisite, grand and majestic "Sanctuary Melody."
A very old brand, over a hundred years old now and worthy of museum-level collection.
"Anyway, I don’t like the piano. It’s perfect for you to practice on."
Gao Yuyue pushed Shen You’an onto the piano bench, not the least bit concerned that letting a novice practice on such a precious piano was an act of reckless extravagance.
Shen You’an’s fingers grazed the textured white keys and flowed seamlessly to the silky black keys. A captivating melody gradually arose from beneath her fingertips.
Moonlight Sonata accompanied the bright moon suspended on the treetops outside the window, unfolding gently.
Gao Yuyue’s casual expression instantly cracked. She turned around in disbelief, her eyes widening in shock.
The small piano room seemed to morph into the magnificent palace of the eighteenth century.
In the glow of candlelight, a noble princess dressed in a white gown sat before the "Sanctuary Melody," playing the Moonlight Sonata.
The notes of moonlight mirrored the sorrow etched on her face, brimming with endless melancholy.
Lingering notes filled the air, creating a heavenly symphony.
But the most captivating part was neither the melody nor the antique piano—it was the girl playing it.
Her fingertips seemed to possess magic. A simple piece transformed under her touch, as if endowed with a soul, effortlessly moving those who listened.
Gao Yuyue had played the Moonlight Sonata on the same piano before, but she had never managed to evoke this depth of emotion.
Wait—how was this flawless technique even possible?
Shen You’an could actually play the piano, and her skill was far beyond what Gao Yuyue had imagined.
Gao Yuyue was utterly stunned.
As the final note faded away, the room returned to silence.
Gao Yuyue stared at the girl’s slender back, "So you’re Ann— I should’ve realized it long ago."
"Sorry, I didn’t mean to keep it from you."
"I understand, no need to explain. I’m just shocked. But come to think of it, Qin Xiangge probably doesn’t know either. I really want to see her petrified expression when she finds out you’re Ann—it’d be priceless."
Just another clown hopping around.
Still, the fact that Shen You’an was the genius pianist praised by Pearl came as quite a surprise to Gao Yuyue.
It seemed Shen You’an carried many secrets.
"You... never mind," Gao Yuyue considered asking further but decided against it, thinking it might tread on sensitive topics.
Shen You’an, however, voluntarily answered: "When I was young, my father sent me to learn piano."
Shen You’an faced away from Gao Yuyue, so Gao Yuyue didn’t see the soft smile on her lips.
"Maybe I have some talent in this area. Unfortunately, after my father passed away, I never touched the piano again. But certain things are etched into your memory. The moment you touch the keys, no matter how much time has passed, those memories awaken."
Gao Yuyue felt a jolt of joy—this was the first time Shen You’an had willingly shared parts of her past with her. She must be treating her as a friend now.
As she listened, a sense of empathy emerged. She stepped forward and patted Shen You’an’s shoulder.
"So you have to keep playing. That way, your father can feel pride and comfort from above." Read complete version only at novel•fire.net
Pearl’s personal assertion of her being a genius pianist—it wasn’t a title just anyone could have.
From outside came Xu Cui’s voice: "Miss, I’ve prepared a fruit platter and some tea snacks for you."
"Miss, do you and your friend have any special requests for dinner?"
Gao Yuyue, familiar with Shen You’an’s easy-going nature, didn’t bother asking her and replied directly: "Just prepare the usual."
Shen You’an was never picky about food—a breeze to care for.
If you asked her what she wanted to eat, she’d definitely respond with "anything."
So making the decision for her was definitely the smart move.
Xu Cui acknowledged with a quick "Alright," and quietly left the room.
Gao Yuyue rummaged through the bookshelf for a while and finally pulled out a dusty sheet music book.
Shen You’an glanced at it and smiled.