Chapter 284: Even random playing sounds good

Jiang Liangjin came over to glance at the message, scoffed: "Jealous of you? Don't even look at whether you have the ability, I'm going……"

Before he finished speaking, Mu Youyu lightly tugged his sleeve: "Forget it, forget it, don't bother yourself, anyway I wasn't planning to practice piano at school."

"For you, it's never a bother." Jiang Liangjin lowered his head, his gaze falling on the fingers that held his sleeve, fingertips slender and fair.

He still wanted to say more, but Mu Youyu had already loosened her grip on his hand.

Instead, she grabbed Bai Yun, who was eager to try, with one hand, and with the other hand she re-clutched his wrist.

"Come on, come on, I'm going to play the beautiful piano A Jin gave me!"

Xia Chao-yi, who was tidying up, muttered a curse and followed, carrying his desk mate's bookbag.

Mu Family's music room.

Star Sink stood silently in the center of the music room.

Mu Xi stood beside the piano in a white shirt, posture straight, his fingertips hovering a few inches above the keys, yet he did not press down.

He merely gazed warmly at this century-old unique piano he had long cherished.

Tan Jingyan sat on a single sofa nearby, holding a cup of clear tea, sipping it slowly, then began to urge.

"Little Xi, just give it a try, anyway Xiao Ting that old thing has played it several times already, it won't matter if you play it once, you're Mu Youyu's favorite brother, she won't mind."

"Aren't you at all curious about Star Sink's tone?"

Song Yan clenched his teeth inwardly.

"It's fine, it's fine, he doesn't care at all."

Mu Xi shook his head slightly: "Wait for my sister to come back."

He had already fallen for Star Sink years ago; that's also why he's been longing for this piano for years.

But he remembers more vividly his sister's bright expression when she said "beautiful piano"; this piano was specially sought out for her by Jiang Liangjin, so it should be she who first plays it.

The sense of ceremony must not be lacking.

Qing An sat cross-legged on the sofa playing a game, lifted the on-screen fallen Song Yan to his feet, without speaking.

"Second brother!"

She released Jiang Liangjin and Bai Yun's hands, hurried to the piano, linked arms with Mu Xi, and said: "Why aren't you playing? I still want to hear what Star Sink sounds like when you play it."

Mu Xi turned around: "Waiting for you, is it that early after school?"

"Yes, yes!"

Bai Yun slipped his hands into his pockets, exchanged a polite greeting with Xia Chao-yi, then sensibly stood to the side, his gaze involuntarily drawn to Star Sink.

This piano's looks are exceptionally high; even someone who doesn't know piano can sense its unique aura.

Xia Chao-yi: "Wow, high-end goods."

Jiang Liangjin's hand was free, a flicker of unclear emotion crossing his eyes.

He stepped forward, greeted everyone, then looked at her again: "Want to warm up your fingers first? Don't hurt your hand."

Mu Xi: "Right, relax, relax."

Song Yan had already slipped to the piano the moment his sister entered, pulling over a small stool to sit.

In his mind he was scheming; his sweetheart had clearly said yesterday that the first piece would be played for his beloved Brother Yan.

Now his eyes probably only see Jiang Liangjin!

No way, he'll definitely make her play a solo passage of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" later.

Even if it's a children's song, it must be played just for him to hear!

But on second thought, his sweetheart just got the new piano; practicing an afternoon will surely tire her, so… maybe wait until she finishes practicing "Lone Walk" before bringing it up?

Torn, Song Yan shook his head again: "Forget it, forget it, we'll talk about later things later."

Mu Youyu tilted her head and smiled at him: "Let's try it first, play it for A Jin to hear."

Jiang Liangjin laughed: "Sure, I'll be right here watching you, take your time, no rush."

Hearing their conversation, Song Yan felt a sour pang, yet he couldn't bear to interrupt his sister's enthusiasm.

All he could do was mutter to himself: "Later I must make my sweetheart sing the chorus of 'Lone Walk'."

Those are lyrics specially written for her by Teacher Tan; they must be played solely for him to hear!

She sat sideways on the piano bench, adjusted her posture, lightly placed her hands on the keys, and tentatively pressed a few notes.

Star Sink's tone truly lives up to its name—clear and far-reaching like a mountain spring, with a touch of ethereality and a hint of warmth.

Listening to it makes one feel peaceful in mind and spirit.

Mu Xi: "Star Sink!"

After testing the tone, Mu Youyu, under everyone's gaze, straightened the simple score and let her fingers fall.

Her fingertips flowed over the keys, still the opening passage of "Lone Walk," yet smoother and more lively than when she practiced at the Bai household.

She deliberately slowed the tempo; the originally stern and aloft melody gained a few degrees of tenderness and entwinement under her interpretation.

It was as if she were narrating a private matter of her own, and also responding to the gazes of those nearby.

Mu Xi stood to the side, his eyes brimming with astonishment.

He understood the piano too well, able to sense her unique grasp of the melody, and to hear how Star Sink resonated with her.

This century‑unique piano seemed made for her.

His longing hadn't diminished, but it was now mixed with a few more parts of relief.

His sister had finally touched the piano again.

Tan Jingyan involuntarily set down his tea cup and began to nod.

Jiang Liangjin clapped his hands: "Wow, even better than Xiao Ting's disciple—truly the sound of heaven!"

Qing An also burst into applause, voice booming: "Wow, Youbao is amazing too! This sounds better than the performers I heard in the Music Hall!"

Song Yan also switched on his mindless praise mode, clapping harder than anyone: "Of course! Our family's treasure sounds good even if she just bangs randomly!"

He spoke, not forgetting to glare at Jiang Liangjin, as if declaring his exclusive audience status.

Jiang Liangjin had already activated the automatic shield against war‑type glares.

Mu Youyu was praised till she lifted her head and chest, her mouth corners turning up unbidden.

She turned her head to look at Jiang Liangjin, her tone carrying a little request for credit: "A Jin, how was it?"

Jiang Liangjin smiled, "Beautiful, truly great, our Youbao is the best."

Mu Xi stepped forward, voice gentle: "You played wonderfully, baby, you're amazing..."

He paused, then smiled and said: "Just the ending could be a bit lighter, to better show the lingering resonance."

Speaking, his fingertip lightly landed on the keys, demonstrating once; a clear, pure tone flowed out, instantly highlighting the key point.

Tan Jingyan nodded in satisfaction.

Mu Youyu played again following Mu Xi's instructions.

Jiang Liangjin clapped, "Wow."

Tan Jingyan placed the brought sheet music before the table, smiling: "A Yu's comprehension is high; she gets it instantly—this is my adapted vocal version."

Mu Youyu turned her gaze to Bai Yun: "Xiao Yun, let's try the coordinating part?"

Bai Yun leaned over, glanced at the score, roughly having the melody in mind: "Good, good."

Just being surrounded by several big shots, the pressure is more than a little.

The two huddled together, quietly discussing the melody and rhythm.

Mu Xi and Tan Jingyan occasionally gave guidance, their tone patient.

Jiang Liangjin then turned and walked to the sofa, picking up Qing An's strawberry fruit plate placed aside.

As he passed by Song Yan's side, he deliberately slowed his steps: "Brother Yan, why are you sitting alone?"

Song Yan glared at him, lowered his voice, tone tinged with unwillingness: "Don't think this will win Youbao's favor; wait for me……"

In the West City film and television industrial park project, build a piano room ten times better than this for my sister.

Make my sister like only him!

Jiang Liangjin guessed his hidden meaning, raised an eyebrow and smiled: "As long as she's happy."

Song Yan, making this comparison, instantly felt his perspective was small.

He sat alone on the sofa and activated his reclusive mode.

Qing An caught sight of Song Yan sitting beside her out of the corner of her eye, this listless demeanor making her delighted.

He moved his body to be next to him: "Come play a game with me! I just revived you."