Lu Zheng and Lin Wan turned to see the restaurant owner, dressed in a casual suit with neatly combed white hair, approaching them, accompanied by his two companions, both foreigners of similar age.
“Hello, Mr. Sanders,” Lu Zheng said, standing to shake hands. “Lu Zheng.”
“Hello, Mr. Lu. Forgive the intrusion. These are my friends, Todd and Pierre,” Sanders introduced. “After hearing your wonderful piano performance, we couldn’t resist coming to meet you.”
“Hello, Mr. Lu,” Pierre said, shaking hands first, his voice full of admiration. “Skilled technique, rich emotion. Your *Moonlight* is one of the best versions I’ve ever heard.”
“Thank you,” Lu Zheng nodded, thinking to himself that this man knew his stuff, and his Chinese was even better than Sanders’.
After shaking hands with Todd, Sanders took a card from the floor manager behind him and presented it to Lu Zheng with both hands. “This is KASAMUVA’s red card. Mr. Lu, you can enjoy a fifty percent discount in the future. That Louis XVI piano also looks forward to your next visit.”
“Thank you,” Lu Zheng said, accepting the card with both hands and slipping it into his inner pocket. “That piano felt great to play. It’s a fine instrument.”
Sanders beamed. “Of course. A custom Bösendorfer Louis XVI, air-freighted from Austria, with a technician accompanying it for final tuning to ensure perfect sound.”
Lu Zheng blinked, nodding with feigned awe. “That’s… dedication.”
Pleased to receive praise from a piano connoisseur, Sanders grew enthusiastic. “KASAMUVA is always open to you. Only a pianist like you, Mr. Lu, can bring out the true value of that piano.”
“Thank you very much,” Lu Zheng could only say again.
Pierre asked, “May I ask if Mr. Lu has graduated or is still studying?”
“I’ve graduated,” Lu Zheng replied.
“Oh? From which music academy?” Pierre asked, curious.
“Er…” Lu Zheng raised an eyebrow. “Haicheng Transportation University.”
Pierre froze, stunned.
Thinking he misheard, Pierre clarified, “Haicheng Music Academy?”
“Haicheng Transportation University,” Lu Zheng corrected. “I didn’t study music. I graduated in computer science. Piano is just a hobby.”
Sanders was speechless.
Pierre was speechless.
Seeing his companions’ stunned expressions, Todd, who didn’t speak Chinese, asked, “What did he say?”
Sanders translated, “He said he’s a software engineer.”
Todd’s eyes widened. “What the f…”
“Unbelievable. You mean you never studied at a professional music academy?” Pierre asked, incredulous. “Not private tutors or piano classes, but a proper music academy?”
“No,” Lu Zheng shook his head.
Sanders said, at a loss, “You… are truly a genius.”
“It’s just…” Pierre shook his head. “Your skill is remarkable. I was going to ask if you’d consider studying at Juilliard, but now…”
He quickly added, “You should absolutely pursue formal training. With your current piano skills, a period of systematic study could secure you a place in the international piano world. Performing at the Golden Hall isn’t out of reach.”
“Let me introduce myself properly,” Pierre said, extending his hand again. “Jean Pierre, professor of the piano department at Juilliard, USA.”
“Hello,” Lu Zheng said.
“Mr. Lu, if you truly haven’t had formal training, I must say your piano talent surpasses any young pianist I’ve ever seen. Wasting such talent would be a shame. If you’re willing, I can send you a formal invitation through the school’s email to study at Juilliard’s piano department.”
“Good grief,” Lu Zheng thought, leaning back tactically. He was just here for dinner, and now he’d stumbled upon a talent scout?
Pierre stared at Lu Zheng intently, awaiting his agreement.
However…
“Thank you, but the piano is just a hobby for me. I’m not interested in making it my career,” Lu Zheng said, shaking his head with a smile, politely declining Pierre’s offer. “I appreciate your kindness, though.”
“But isn’t the best career one based on your passion?” Pierre said urgently.
“Exactly,” Lu Zheng nodded.
“Then isn’t the piano your passion?” Pierre pressed. “So why…”
“It’s just one of my passions,” Lu Zheng said, smiling. “I have many hobbies and not enough time to focus solely on the piano. No need to persuade me, I’m really not interested.”
“That’s such a pity,” Pierre said, shaking his head. “With professional training…”
Lu Zheng interrupted, “Mr. Pierre, I must say, the so-called professionalism and authority in piano are just set rules and conventions. I understand those already and don’t need Juilliard for that. As for rhythm and emotional expression, I don’t think Juilliard can help me there either. As you said, my *Moonlight* is one of the best versions you’ve heard.”
Pierre was left speechless, because Lu Zheng was right. True pianists rely on talent.
And clearly, Lu Zheng’s talent was unmatched.
As Lu Zheng and Pierre spoke, Sanders translated for Todd, growing more shocked with each word, while Todd became increasingly bewildered.
Especially when Lu Zheng not only declined Pierre’s invitation but also gave him a bit of a “lesson.”
“Alright, perhaps you’re right. But if you ever visit the USA and are willing to audit a few classes at Juilliard, I’d warmly welcome you,” Pierre said, shrugging and handing Lu Zheng his card. “This has my personal number. I’d love to discuss piano with you, dear pianist.”
Lu Zheng politely exchanged contact details with Pierre. Sanders also asked for Lu Zheng’s contact information. “Lu, I might host a few summer soirées. Could I invite you to play a piece?”
Lu Zheng smiled, glancing at Lin Wan. “That depends on my schedule, and whether I can bring my lady friend.”
Sanders laughed heartily. “Your companion would be the brightest gem at the soirée.”
Lin Wan nodded in thanks. The group walked to the restaurant’s entrance, where Lu Zheng shook hands with Sanders, Todd, and Pierre once more before taking Lin Wan’s hand and leaving together.
