Chapter Thirty-One: The Wedding in the Dream

Su Tong appeared quite young, and the manager didn't believe his piano skills were particularly advanced. Yet, when he sat there, his bearing was so noble, almost regal, that the manager couldn't bring herself to underestimate him.

Su Tong was momentarily bewildered; he had no official qualifications at all. All his practice had taken place in the system’s space, guided personally by a god-level piano master. The accumulated hours—nearly ten thousand—far surpassed the results of someone who practiced for a few hours each day over a decade or more. His progress was exponentially greater.

Moreover, those exams were mostly for show; what mattered most in playing piano was the mastery that came with relentless practice. Even the greatest pianists would lose their touch after a few days without practice.

"I haven't taken any exams, but I believe I'm more than capable of passing the amateur level ten. I have no trouble guiding children," Su Tong replied confidently. With a god-level mentor, his playing might fall short of true master status due to limited time, but his grasp of theory and musical philosophy easily surpassed the world’s top pianists by a wide margin.

"Oh?" The manager’s eyes brightened. As a teacher, confidence was essential, as it instilled belief in students. A student’s love and passion for the piano depended greatly on their teacher, who had always been the standard by which they measured the art. Whatever the teacher said, the student believed.

"What does the piano mean to you? Why did you choose to study it?" the manager asked, now genuinely interested in Su Tong, as if they were discussing topics beyond a simple interview.

Su Tong smiled gently, his aura ethereal and refined. "Honestly, I wasn't interested in the piano at first. Circumstances compelled me to learn. I truly fell in love with it when a teacher played a piece for me; from that moment, I embarked on this road of no return. He told me the piano is the king among instruments..."

He slowly recounted the god-level master’s understanding of the piano, sharing philosophies and feelings that rekindled the manager’s passion for the instrument, which had dulled over time.

They conversed for nearly half an hour, leaving the manager wanting more.

"Let’s go to the piano room," she said at last. "Your words have convinced me you could be a master already. Play a couple of pieces for me—if all goes well, we’ll discuss your salary." She rose and led Su Tong to the same piano room as before.

As they entered, several children and the piano teacher looked up at them.

"He's so handsome!"

Particularly, the young female teacher with a college student’s demeanor brightened at the sight. Beauty brings joy to all who witness it.

"Xiao Rou, let this pianist play a couple of pieces for everyone," the manager said with a smile.

Xiao Rou quickly stepped aside, and the children moved away as well, their faces excited. Su Tong’s extraordinary bearing promised remarkable skill.

"Thank you," Su Tong said, taking Xiao Rou’s seat. He raised his hands, fingers dancing in the air, flexing his joints in a dazzling display.

Xiao Rou and the children stared wide-eyed—such a warm-up was unheard of! His technique was unique, and his fingers seemed as beautiful and nimble as elves.

They couldn’t help but glance at their own hands. Compared to Su Tong’s slender, elegant fingers, theirs seemed utterly inferior, and envy bloomed in their hearts.

The manager’s eyes sparkled, marveling at the technique. Was this perhaps a method devised by some master, specifically for piano practice?

Those hands, moving in the air as if playing, sent a strange shiver through the women watching. It was as if magical hands were caressing their bodies.

Xiao Rou blushed and tensed, trembling slightly as though struck by a current.

"I’ll play Chopin’s Etudes No. 10 and No. 25. Manager, feel free to select others if you wish," Su Tong said with a smile, his confidence and elegance captivating everyone present.

"Let’s start with those two," the manager replied. "Number 10, the 'Minor Etude,' and Number 25, the 'Major Etude.'"

Chopin’s "Minor Etude," No. 10, is the most famous of his twenty-seven etudes, also known as the "Revolutionary Etude." Written in a compound ternary form, the left hand expresses despair and anger through ascending and descending scales, while the right hand plays magnificent octaves. The entire piece is suffused with passion and brilliance, culminating in a dramatic, astonishing ending.

The "Major Etude," No. 25, has an optimistic, bright mood and demands even, flowing execution with well-controlled dynamics.

As the music began, everyone couldn’t help but stare at Su Tong’s fingers. The manager and Xiao Rou’s mouths parted slightly in awe. This was art. Watching his fingers, one understood what artistry meant.

Just as people walk in different ways, so too do pianists reveal their unique aura. Not only was Su Tong’s technique distinctive, his posture complemented it perfectly.

Why is the piano called the king of instruments? Watching this pianist, it was clear—he embodied all that the title implied.

When the two etudes concluded, the manager and Xiao Rou instinctively applauded.

"Su, very impressive—your fundamentals are solid," the manager said with a smile. These pieces had endured for nearly two centuries; any pianist could judge whether they were played flawlessly or with flaws.

Su Tong was satisfied. In truth, this was his first time playing piano in reality, and he hadn’t expected to reproduce so perfectly what he’d learned in the system’s space.

"May I play one of my own compositions?" Su Tong asked with a smile.

Xiao Rou and the manager were astonished.

"You composed it yourself?" the manager asked.

Su Tong nodded, remaining silent. He closed his eyes slightly.

Music has a soul.

And that soul is bestowed by humanity.

Whether singing or playing an instrument, only by pouring one’s feelings and spirit into it can it achieve true perfection.

The piano sounded again.

For the first dozen seconds, the melody carried a hint of sadness—just a faint sensation. But after a dozen seconds, the manager and Xiao Rou felt a jolt in their hearts, as if struck by electricity.

Wave after wave of intense sorrow and love surged forth, mingling hope with reality.

Those who understood, understood.

Those who didn’t, would always remain outsiders.

But this was merely a metaphor; in reality, some who understood still stood outside the door. Several people crowded at the entrance to the piano room.

They hadn’t come to study or observe the piano; merely passing by, they heard the music and were drawn inside, as if their feet moved of their own accord.

Music is a door, a sanctuary.

Those who yearn, wherever they are, heed the call of their souls.

The piece ended.

Su Tong stood, calmed his heart, and looked up.

He was startled by what he saw.

Somehow, several new faces had gathered in the piano room.

Women, more sensitive than men, had reddened eyes—among them, the manager and Xiao Rou.

"What is the name of this piece?" The question came not from the manager or Xiao Rou, but from a dignified lady who had entered at some point. Despite her composed appearance, the tear stains on her face betrayed her gentle vulnerability.

"'Wedding in a Dream'—a wedding that can never come true," Su Tong replied.