Chapter Twenty-Six: Flushed with Embarrassment

Listening to the song playing on WeChat, Liao Yuan frowned slightly.

It was "Unravel," the very piece he had played just yesterday. He looked at Zhang Chao and asked, "Why?"

Zhang Chao chuckled, "I think this piece is excellent. The fingering and style are both innovative, the emotional rhythm rises and falls dramatically, grand and stirring, filled with a unique sense of exhilaration—very special. I sent it to some friends in the industry, and they all thought it was wonderful. It's been a long time since we've encountered a piece that genuinely amazed and delighted us. If I'm not mistaken, this is your original composition, isn't it?"

Liao Yuan countered, "I'm asking, why do you have this piece?"

Zhang Chao was caught off guard.

Miao Bizhu hurriedly explained, "I'm sorry, sir. Yesterday while you were playing, I secretly recorded a segment because the piece was just so beautiful..."

Liao Yuan responded with a simple "Oh. Then delete it." With that, he turned and walked straight toward the door.

Zhang Chao called after him, "Sir, I know your current situation. I can give you a piano, but you should know there's no such thing as a free lunch. So, I have a condition."

Liao Yuan paused.

For him now, the restless molecules in his blood made his whole body surge with excitement at the mere mention of the word "piano." His hands and feet began to move involuntarily, and he almost wanted to change direction and leap toward that seventy-three-thousand-dollar piano.

He quickly took a deep breath to compose himself, turned back, and asked, "What condition?"

Zhang Chao breathed a sigh of relief and managed a smile. "If this piece is indeed your original, then I've found the right person. Do you know Zhang Yichi?"

Seeing Liao Yuan's bewildered expression, Zhang Chao felt a headache coming on.

A true master, indeed—completely unworldly.

Miao Bizhu quickly explained, "Zhang Yichi is the renowned director who made 'The Story of Yue Fei.' He's also our store manager's uncle."

Liao Yuan nodded, "And then?"

Zhang Chao fiddled with his phone for a moment, then handed it to Liao Yuan. "Director Zhang recently finished filming a new TV series, which is now in post-production. The rights have already been secured by CCTV. It's called 'Emperor Han Wu.'"

Liao Yuan examined the screen carefully. It displayed the encyclopedia entry for "Emperor Han Wu," and the overall description was impressive. The cast and promotional materials suggested a hefty investment.

Zhang Chao rubbed his hands together. "Though filming is complete, 'Emperor Han Wu' still hasn't found a suitable theme song. Director Zhang is a perfectionist. The original budget was over seventy million, but with his relentless pursuit of excellence, it ballooned past a hundred million. Some incidental music is barely finished, but for the most crucial scene, Director Zhang remains unsatisfied with the score."

"What scene?" Liao Yuan asked, intrigued.

Zhang Chao's expression became solemn. "Zhang Qian's envoy to the Western Regions."

Liao Yuan took the tea Miao Bizhu handed him, deep in thought. "That's the general who pioneered the Silk Road, right?"

Zhang Chao straightened his back. "To be honest, our family is actually descended from Zhang Qian. That's why Director Zhang is so demanding about this scene."

Liao Yuan sputtered, nearly spraying his tea. "You're descended from Zhang Qian?"

He sized up the portly, five-foot-seven Zhang Chao and couldn't help but say, "I don't believe it."

"Sir, I wouldn't dare make this up. We have genealogical records to prove it," Zhang Chao replied, looking dejected. "Though the connection is distant, it is documented in our family tree."

A distant relation?

Liao Yuan nodded, "Fine. Even if you're descended from Zhang Qian, you're asking me to compose music for 'Emperor Han Wu'?"

"Exactly!" Zhang Chao suddenly became excited. "Director Zhang contacted me a week ago. Though I have solid connections in the industry, none of my friends are truly skilled composers. Yesterday, when I heard your piece by chance, we were stunned. We knew you were exactly who we were looking for."

Liao Yuan was tempted. He pointed to the seventy-three-thousand-dollar piano. "I can compose, but I want that piano."

Zhang Chao glanced back and winced. "The D-33? Sir, that piano is worth seventy-three thousand!"

Liao Yuan replied, "Is that a problem? Then forget it."

Zhang Chao wiped his brow and quickly forced a smile. "No, no, it's fine. Of course, it's fine. However, it depends on the quality of the piece. To be honest, I'm not an expert myself. My friends thought your previous piece was impressive, but ultimately, it has to satisfy Director Zhang. As I mentioned, he's a perfectionist, especially when filming. But as long as your composition meets his requirements, not only will I give you a D-33, but even an S-277—I can get you one!"

"S-277?" Liao Yuan's eyes lit up. "How much is that?"

"One hundred thirty thousand! Nearly double the price of this one! The S-277 is Steinway's top flagship model, and it's a limited edition—only one hundred produced worldwide!"

Zhang Chao spoke with confidence, but reminded him, "But the condition is that your piece must meet all Director Zhang's expectations."

No sooner had he finished speaking than everyone saw Liao Yuan sit back down on the guest sofa, take up his tea, and begin to contemplate.

Zhang Chao: "..."

Night had fallen and the shop was about to close, but no one mentioned it. Everyone watched Liao Yuan, knowing he was considering the manager's proposal.

After about ten minutes, Liao Yuan stood and said, "Alright, I accept."

Zhang Chao beamed, "Wonderful! Sir, leave your contact information. I'll have Director Zhang get in touch with you soon. The two of you can discuss privately—it might inspire your creative process."

Unexpectedly, Liao Yuan shook his head, "No, I'll play the piece right now. Record it and send it to Director Zhang. Whether it works or not, I hope you'll let me know as soon as possible."

Zhang Chao was surprised, but happy. "That's fantastic! Is it the piece from yesterday? I thought it was very good, though I never had the chance to hear the full version."

Liao Yuan smiled slightly, "It's a new piece. I understand the scene of Zhang Qian's mission to the Western Regions, and I think this new composition fits the atmosphere better."

Zhang Chao was stunned—a new piece?

He thought Liao Yuan would play something from his repertoire, but eagerly invited him to sit before the D-33.

As he opened the Steinway once more, Liao Yuan felt his pores relax in delight.

The piano was meticulously cared for, its polished surface clearly reflecting Liao Yuan's image.

Seated before it, he took a deep breath, savoring the lacquered scent unique to pianos, and smiled.

Then, gently, as if caressing a lover, he touched each key.

His right foot pressed the pedal, and he softly struck a note.

The crisp sound that suddenly filled the air seemed to transform into a butterfly, fluttering gently beside him.

The lights in the piano shop brightened.

Bathed in this glow, Liao Yuan, dressed in a suit, looked like a prince from a dream, making Miao Bizhu and the others' hearts race.

Zhang Chao stared blankly at Liao Yuan, suddenly feeling his face flush.

Affected by that elegant, unique aura, even his own heartbeat began to quicken!