Chapter 88: Chapter Eighty‑Five: Making Friends Through the Piano

"The Sea Pianist", a film that ranks alongside Titanic, is absolutely worth watching.

It was the first day of 1900; aboard the Virginia, a liner shuttling between Europe and America, was the boiler worker Danny Bodeman, responsible for loading coal onto the ship.

While attempting to pick up leftover food from wealthy passengers in first class, he unexpectedly discovered an abandoned newborn baby placed inside an empty TD-brand lemon cardboard box on the piano.

Because he firmly believed that "TD" stood for the abbreviation "ThanksDanny".

Danny, undeterred by the other workers' mockery, independently raised the infant, and to commemorate this special day, he named him: 1900.

Born at sea, 1900 was a person who never existed on land—no relatives, no household registration, no nationality; the sea was his cradle, and as the Virginia shuttled and docked at various ports, he gradually grew up.

However, good fortune did not last; a maritime accident caused the death of Danny, who had been raising 1900, but miraculously, one late night the ship's occupants were awakened by beautiful piano music, followed the sound, and found the self-taught 1900 passionately playing the piano, his moving melody touching everyone.

From then on, 1900 embarked on his journey of playing piano at sea.

Max, by chance, came aboard the Virginia to join the band as accompaniment, thereby getting to know the legendary sea pianist 1900, and the two became close friends.

And after 1900 competed in piano skill aboard the ship with the legendary jazz pianist Jerry, who invented jazz, his fame soared to its zenith.

But despite Max repeatedly urging 1900 to disembark and showcase his talent to the world, 1900 never set foot on land.

It was not until he was recording a personal album for a record company that he unexpectedly saw a lovely, graceful girl outside the cabin, and, moved, he composed "1900's Theme".

As the girl disembarked and left, 1900's heart began to stir; he wanted to go ashore to seek true love, but in the end he still could not fulfill his wish.

On the day he was to disembark, as he reached the middle of the stairs, 1900 saw a horrifying sight unlike any other.

Skyscrapers, interspersed with puffs of white smoke, stretched boundlessly in layered ridges.

If the sea is an endless pool of water, then here is an endless steel forest with no visible edge.

At sea, the worst that could happen was encountering a man‑eating great white shark, but this forest was filled with all kinds of unknown factors.

Thinking of this, 1900 closed off his heart; he took off his hat, placed his longing for love inside, and threw it away without warning.

He decided not to leave, returned to the ship, resumed playing the piano, and finally accompanied the aging Virginia as it sank into eternal slumber amidst flames…

"Ding‑dong… clang…" a cheerful piano tune rang out.

Su Qing snapped out of his reverie, noticing that many people had gathered around—ladies, tycoons, nobles—who were gazing at the figure seated before the piano, their faces unconsciously showing intoxication.

Obviously, they had been deeply captivated by 1900's piano playing.

1900 truly lives up to his name; he must be only sixteen now, yet he is already this formidable.

Su Qing marveled at 1900's extraordinary talent, while checking his skill information: Piano Performance (Mastery), English (Proficient).

Looking at the panel's pitiful two skills, Su Qing had expected it and wasn't too surprised; 1900 was born for the piano and would die for it—one could say he possessed nothing besides the piano.

Moreover, he is not yet in his prime; at just sixteen, still young, in a few years his piano performance skill will surely reach master level.

Su Qing gazed at the boy before the piano, smiling as he freely played the melody, when suddenly…

Speaking of which, he too once dreamed of learning an instrument in his youth, but back then his studies were overwhelming, and coupled with the typical three‑minute enthusiasm of young people, he never even took the first step before the dream died.

As the saying goes, the most regrettable thing in life is that one grows up while one's dreams die.

Now that I have the ability, I must make a dream come true.

Moreover, I happened to board the Virginia and meet 1900—this is nothing short of divine providence!

The saying also goes, heavenly will is hard to defy.

So Su Qing does not intend to defy heaven's will; instead, he chooses to download: Piano Performance (Mastery) 1% (downloading).

The download began; Su Qing retracted the light screen, watching the immersed 1900 play, and grew ever more eager for what would happen after the download finished.

The next day, as night fell once more, the ship's ball proceeded as usual.

1900 sat at the piano in the center of the dance floor and played freely his own free‑spirited, joyful melody.

Dressed in black‑white formal attire, Su Qing strolled into the dance hall and walked toward the piano in the middle.

"?" 1900 noticed him, his eyes questioning whether there was something, but his hands did not stop; he continued to play lightly.

Su Qing gave a friendly smile, approached the piano side, and softly said, "Hello, I'm Su Qing; I'd like to exchange a few words about piano with you."

Upon hearing this, the young 1900's eyes lit up; without a second thought he agreed.

He then stopped playing, rose, and made way.

As soon as his piano fell silent, the wealthy dancers on the floor immediately noticed the situation, gathering around to witness this piano showdown.

Under everyone's gaze, Su Qing, expressionless and devoid of any emotion, sat directly on the stool and then lightly touched the piano keys.

His piano flowed like silk—smooth, tender yet not lacking vigor, relaxed yet not lacking dignity.

When the performance ended, the venue erupted in thunderous applause.

Su Qing ignored the wealthy crowd's applause, rose, made way, and said to 1900 with a smile, "Your turn!"

1900 nodded, sat on the stool, and began to play.

The piano keys striking the strings produced a gentle melody; the soft music absorbed the surrounding wealthy listeners, and after the piece ended he likewise earned the audience's applause.

Su Qing also clapped along, unable to deny that 1900's piano playing was truly excellent.

But…

Su Qing smiled inwardly, for his piano performance skill came from 1900, so whatever 1900 could play, he could too.

Suddenly, a funny scene from a movie flashed through his mind.

He sat down and imitated 1900's tune; the surrounding audience initially shook their heads, and 1900 was somewhat taken aback.

As the melody continued, the audience kept shaking their heads, while 1900 became emotionally moved, looking at Su Qing as if he had found a kindred spirit.

Soon, the piece ended.

The surrounding wealthy gave a perfunctory clap, whereas 1900 stepped forward and grabbed Su Qing's hand.

"Mr. Su, I……"

Su Qing laughed and patted 1900's shoulder: "Perhaps we can continue our exchange during our days aboard the ship."

1900 nodded firmly.

Thus tonight's exchange ended.

As the saying goes, a kindred spirit is hard to find, a true friend is hard to seek!

After that, whenever 1900 had time, he would come to see Su Qing, and they would exchange piano playing.

Su Qing also sincerely wanted to befriend him, not wanting him to, like the ending, sink with the ship into the sea.

But how should I put it!

1900 is pure‑hearted by nature; he only knows how to express life through music, and he also enjoys such a life.

No matter how Su Qing guided him, 1900 never wavered; to him, staying on the ship to play the piano was the happiest thing in his life.

After many failed attempts to persuade him, Su Qing finally gave up the idea of taking 1900 ashore and devoted himself to exchanging piano with him.

Before they knew it, in the blink of an eye, it was already the tenth day.

"Woo‑woo…" the whistle sounded.

The Fujiniya Ship docked at a pier in Gaoluji Guo.

Passengers disembarked one after another; Su Qing stood on the stairs, smiling as he bade farewell to 1900.

"1900, good luck!"

"You too, Su."