A Little Understanding"

Second floor.

There was a dedicated music room.

Though the house was old, the second-floor renovation was anything but shabby. The music room even had soundproof panels and professional recording equipment.

It was spacious.

Right in the center stood a top-tier brand piano.

Alright, everyone step aside.

Time for me to show off!

But before Cao Cheng could step up to flaunt his skills, Ren Yuege took the lead, seating herself at the piano.

Was she really trying to show Cao Cheng what she could do?

Ren Yuege raised an eyebrow at him. "Listen up, little bro!"

"..."

Cao Cheng smirked. Petty tricks, daring to show off in front of a master?

Just wait till I show you what real skill looks like.

Honestly though.

Ren Yuege was unlucky.

This room had at least a few dozen instruments, Eastern and Western—from grand pianos to tiny xun flutes.

If Ren Yuege had picked anything else, Young Master Cao might have just let her show off in peace without a word.

But the piano?

Sorry, but I’m a grandmaster here.

Soon, a lively melody flowed out as Ren Yuege’s slender fingers danced across the keys.

It wasn’t exactly earth-shattering.

Nor soul-stirring.

But it was undeniably professional.

Who would’ve thought…

This girl was concert-hall level.

Cao Cheng had never taken any grading exams, but he knew piano levels didn’t always reflect true skill—many masters had never bothered with traditional certifications.

So,

Based on his own expertise, he could tell she was good enough to perform on prestigious stages.

At the very least, this relatively simple piece was played with her own flair, which was qualification enough.

And there wasn’t a hint of hesitation, meaning she must have practiced daily even before coming to Sanjiang.

When the piece ended.

Lingling, looking utterly enchanted, clapped. "Senior Yuege, you’ve improved again! That was so gentle and lovely."

Ren Yuege smiled. "You’re not bad either. And you’re years younger than me—by the time you reach my age, you’ll have your own style. I bet I’ll see you performing on TV someday."

Lingling beamed. "Really, senior?"

"Absolutely! Even the teacher praises your talent. Once you graduate, you’ll probably be the youngest pianist of note in the country."

"Hehe…"

After a bit of mutual admiration.

Ren Yuege turned to Cao Cheng, arching a brow smugly. "So, little bro, catch anything? Wait, let me rephrase—do you even know what this piece is called?"

For a layman.

Just recognizing a tune and naming it was already an accomplishment.

Cao Cheng smiled. "Kiss the Rain."

"Oh?"

Ren Yuege was taken aback. "You actually know it?"

"Just a little." Cao Cheng nodded casually.

All he needed now was a feather fan to wave lightly, and the act would’ve been perfect.

Too bad…

Traditional aesthetics weren’t all the rage yet.

Otherwise, he’d have totally rocked some Hanfu for maximum effect.

Ever seen a Hanfu heartthrob?

Maybe someday you’ll get the chance.

"You play piano too?" Ren Yuege hadn’t expected that, and her surprise was genuine.

"Like I said, just a little."

"Come on then." Ren Yuege stood up, gesturing to the seat.

Cao Cheng feigned hesitation. "No need for that, really."

Ren Yuege snorted. "You claim to know a little? Even if you just play 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,' I’ll believe you. Otherwise, little bro, you’re just bluffing."

Lingling covered her mouth and chuckled.

But she also didn't want to make things difficult for others, so Lingling said, "Forget it, senior sister. How about I play a piece and you see if I've made any progress recently?"

"Wait a bit and talk later. First, watch him," Ren Yuege said, gesturing at Cao Cheng with her chin.

Just as Cao Cheng was about to "reluctantly" start showing off.

A kind voice came from downstairs.

"Lingling, Yuege, Xiao Cao... Come down and have some fruits first."

Cao Cheng's face changed.

No way.

Was the protagonist about to end his show - off before it even started?

What fruits to eat?

What's so good about fruits?

I've come this far, and I'm just one step away!

Ren Yuege shouted, "Wait a moment, teacher. Let him play one more piece. We'll come down right away."

Sure enough.

This was the right plot.

Cao Cheng didn't wait any longer, in case something else came up and delayed him.

"Alright, since you sincerely invited me, I'll reluctantly give you some pointers."

Cao Cheng slowly stepped onto the stage and sat on the chair.

The Blue Star was different from Earth. There were many details that were not the same.

For example, there were some stars on Earth that also existed on the Blue Star, but not all of them.

The same went for songs and movies.

Some were the same, and some were different.

So,

Cao Cheng was considering whether to come up with an "original" piece. That would be more in line with the style of a time - traveler.

Although it might be a bit of an overkill.

It was like using a cannon to shoot a mosquito.

But after all, he had just obtained this skill, and there were a bunch of sheet music in his head. He was a bit eager to try.

...

But Ren Yuege didn't think so.

She saw Cao Cheng sitting there hesitating and in a daze.

She let out a snort and a laugh, looking like she was watching a good show.

Lingling, kind - hearted as she was, couldn't help but whisper, "Senior sister, forget it."

"Can't forget it," Ren Yuege snorted softly.

It was such a rare opportunity to teach this annoying junior a lesson. How could she let it go?

Moreover,

This was basically her home. What was there to be afraid of being embarrassed?

And this annoying junior had walked right into the trap.

If he hadn't boasted about knowing a bit and looked so smug when saying he would give her pointers, Ren Yuege wouldn't have really forced him to play the piano.

He had just walked right into her hands.

How could she not seize this chance?

She still remembered the tea incident just now.

Seeing that Cao Cheng didn't move for a long time.

Ren Yuege smiled mischievously and stepped forward to tap the piano keys.

Do - do -

"Don't you know which note is which? Let me teach you. This is do, this is la, and this is si. Got it, Mr. 'A Bit of Knowledge'?" Ren Yuege jeered.

Lingling almost burst out laughing.

She knew her senior sister could be a bit scheming at times, but she didn't expect her to be so good at mocking people.

Cao Cheng gave her a disgruntled look and said, "Do you think I'm a fool?"

"Oh, aren't you?" Ren Yuege let out a strange cry.

"Hey~~"

Cao Cheng was both angry and amused.

Fine, fine, fine.

Originally, he didn't want to use such a big cheat and show off so much, but you forced me, little girl.

I'll let you see the power from Earth...

The high - speed octave "Flight of the Bumblebee"!

Dang -

As the first note on the keyboard rang out, what followed was like a raging flood and a waterfall, surging and powerful.

Ren Yuege's smile was still on her face, but her whole face froze in an instant.

Lingling's mouth opened slightly, and within just a few seconds, her eyes became dull.

Cao Cheng was playing at high speed. He finished a piece that usually took one minute and thirty seconds in less than forty seconds. There was hardly time to catch a breath.

When the last note faded away.

Ren Yuege seemed to be able to breathe again.

The person suddenly shrank back and their legs trembled.

The scene was extremely quiet.

Until the sound of footsteps came from outside the door.

The old lady downstairs heard it but didn't move just now. She was afraid that the footsteps would affect those upstairs and also afraid that they would interfere with her listening.

So,

After it was over, the old lady quickly went upstairs.

And in Cao Cheng's ears, one system prompt after another rang out.