Stunning Everyone, Jones Is Captivated

[Previous chapter has new content, don’t forget to check it out, folks.]

The waiter looked at Zhou Yi with slight surprise.

"How did you guess, sir?"

In fact, Albedo wasn’t from this country. He often performed in streets and alleys across different nations. Passersby would stop to enjoy his music, yet few knew who he truly was.

This unconventional approach earned him high praise in the piano world, making him a sought-after guest among the elite of various countries.

Whether these dignitaries genuinely admired him or had ulterior motives, one thing was undeniable—Albedo’s reputation in the piano world was unshakable.

Some couldn’t even secure an invitation from him, let alone the honor of becoming his student.

He rarely took on pupils. Only three were considered his true disciples; the rest were temporary students who attended his classes for a few days at most.

Today, the one playing the piano was one of Albedo’s three direct disciples—Matthew.

"I once had the privilege of learning one of the master’s pieces, so I know a little about him."

Zhou Yi guessed correctly based on the information provided by his system.

Albedo was a man of strong individuality, and few besides him would do such things without seeking fame.

"So it’s Mr. Albedo—no wonder! I can’t believe I didn’t think of him immediately." Then, she turned to Zhou Yi with delighted surprise. "Zhou, you play the piano?"

Zhou Yi nodded gracefully with a smile. "Yes, I do."

He then glanced at the waiter and asked, "If possible, may I play a piece for this young lady?"

"Of course. Mr. Albedo has said this place welcomes everyone who loves the piano."

Zhou Yi adjusted his collar and waited for Matthew to finish his performance.

After Matthew stepped down from the small central stage, the waiter whispered a few words to him. Matthew looked over at Zhou Yi and gave him an approving smile.

"I’ll take my leave for now, Miss Jones."

Zhou Yi rose and walked toward the stage, shaking hands with Matthew.

Instead of leaving immediately, Matthew sat nearby, ready to listen to Zhou Yi’s performance.

Zhou Yi retrieved Albedo’s composition from his system’s database. Thankfully, he had exchanged for this cheat code in advance—enough to make a stunning impression.

Sitting at the piano, Zhou Yi began to play slowly.

He didn’t even need sheet music. Closing his eyes, he seemed completely immersed.

At that moment, Zhou Yi felt as though his hands were no longer his own.

His fingers danced gracefully across the keys, the black and white notes turning into toys beneath his touch. He heard nothing but the melodious piano music resonating in his ears.

It was as if he had entered another world.

To everyone else, Zhou Yi looked like a born pianist.

He was entirely absorbed in the atmosphere, unaffected by his surroundings.

His expression shifted with the music—sometimes melancholic, sometimes passionate—before finally settling into elegant tranquility, as if he had just performed an entire cinematic masterpiece.

This piece told the story of a soldier bidding his lover farewell before heading to war.

At first, they were newlyweds, blissfully happy—hence the cheerful opening notes.

Then, as the man departed for battle, the melody turned sorrowful.

The intensity of the battlefield transformed the music into something fierce and heroic.

Finally, the soldier returned to his beloved, and their lives regained peace—reflected in the serene, graceful closing notes.

In truth, this was the love story of Albedo’s parents. But reality was far harsher—his father never returned. Their country fell, and he and his mother wandered as refugees before ending up in the slums.

One day, young Albedo overheard a man playing the piano and fell in love with the instrument.

His mother worked tirelessly to afford him lessons and a piano. Later, he stunned the world in a competition, paving the way for his current fame.

This was Albedo’s signature piece, and Zhou Yi captured its essence perfectly—especially the heartbreaking middle section, which moved listeners to tears.

The moment Zhou Yi stepped onto the stage, many in the café turned their attention to him.

His exceptional performance sparked discussions among the female patrons—first about his striking looks, then about his mesmerizing skill.

Jones watched him in awe, murmuring, "This is unbelievable, Lina. Zhou Yi’s piano skills rival Albedo’s. He’s given the maestro’s masterpiece a whole new feeling..."

"Indeed. Zhou always surprises us. He’s flawless, Miss. If he plays like this at the banquet, even the princesses won’t be able to resist him."

"Absolutely."

Jones couldn’t take her eyes off Zhou Yi. When he finished, the café erupted in applause.

Matthew approached Zhou Yi, admiration gleaming in his eyes.

"Sir, may I know your name?"

"Just call me Zhou."

"Pleasure to meet you. I’m Matthew. The piece you just played is my teacher’s magnum opus. You performed it masterfully—I’ve studied it for years and still can’t match your level. I’m almost ashamed."

Eager to introduce Zhou Yi to Albedo, Matthew exchanged contact details and even asked the staff for the surveillance footage of Zhou Yi’s performance, sending the clip to his teacher.

Unbeknownst to Zhou Yi, he was about to go viral—again.

For now, he returned to his seat, basking in the admiration of the two beauties beside him.

Jones showered him with praise, practically placing him on a pedestal.

It was clear—she had fallen for him.

She tried to learn more about Zhou Yi, but he revealed little, leaving her slightly disappointed.

After Zhou Yi sat down, the waiter returned.

"The lady at the first table by the door would like your contact information. Would you be willing to share it?"

"And the ladies at the table behind you."

"And also..."

The waiter listed several names, but Zhou Yi only smiled and shook his head.

"Apologies, but I already have the company of two lovely ladies. Please convey my gratitude for their appreciation."

Jones brightened at this. In her eyes, Zhou Yi was perfection incarnate—utterly flawless.

But as night fell, their date came to an end.

Zhou Yi escorted Jones back to her residence—a renowned luxury apartment complex in the city.

Reluctant to part, she made him promise to attend her event in three days. Zhou Yi agreed with a smile.

After exchanging contact details, he left.

Checking the time, he realized it was time for his next destination—the bar.

One moment, he was the epitome of an elegant nobleman; the next, he transformed into a smooth-talking charmer on the hunt.

Zhou Yi headed to the bar rumored to have the most beautiful women in town.

His persona was set: a heartbroken, innocent college student.

The game was on.