Want to see my level

Matthew greeted Zhou Yi warmly: "Zhou! Come on in, the teacher is already waiting for you upstairs."

After Zhou Yi entered the house, a woman leaned against the doorway, exhaling a puff of smoke with a sultry air, her eyes narrowed.

Matthew led Zhou Yi to stand before the woman and introduced her: "This is my senior, Hettie."

Zhou Yi offered a kiss on the cheek as a greeting, prompting a faint smile from Hettie, who remarked, "No wonder the teacher was so eager to meet you."

She stubbed out her cigarette and turned her back to the two of them. "You two go ahead upstairs. I’ll join you after I’ve aired out the smoke."

Matthew and Zhou Yi then made their way upstairs.

"Your senior doesn’t seem to like me very much."

"Don’t overthink it, Zhou. That’s just Hettie’s personality. Maybe she’s a little jealous because the teacher has been praising you so much."

According to Matthew, Hettie was Albedo’s first student and one of his proudest achievements.

"She sounds like a true artist."

"Absolutely. Hettie is utterly obsessed with the piano, just like the teacher. I love the piano too, but I could never be as dedicated as she is."

When speaking of Hettie, Matthew’s eyes shone with the same admiration he held for his teacher, Albedo.

Zhou Yi grew curious. "How so?"

"Hettie once said she would devote her entire life to the piano—no marriage, no children. It’s as if no man in the world could ever catch her eye. Well, at least not as a partner. Otherwise, she’s quite warm to everyone."

"That makes her a remarkably strong-willed woman."

Matthew chuckled in agreement.

Once upstairs, Matthew pushed open the door.

What greeted them was a scene resembling a small banquet hall.

On either side stood tables draped in red cloth, laden with an assortment of food and drinks.

At the center was a small stage with a grand piano.

A few guests holding wine glasses stood chatting and laughing, while the soft voice of a singer emanated from a gramophone.

The tallest and thinnest man by the tables was none other than the piano maestro, Albedo.

He looked lively and spirited, engaging in cheerful conversation with his guests.

Spotting Zhou Yi and Matthew, he set down his glass and extended a hand with a warm smile.

Albedo immediately embraced Zhou Yi.

His tone was sincere. "Zhou, welcome."

Albedo was a man of pure passion, and he genuinely admired Zhou Yi, eager to befriend him.

Despite their significant age gap, to Albedo, such things were trivial.

"Thank you for the invitation, Mr. Albedo. I’m truly honored."

"Zhou, after Matthew showed me your video, I felt as if a veil had been lifted. A problem that had troubled me for so long was suddenly resolved."

"Your style brought a completely new perspective to my own composition. It was breathtaking. I adore it."

Albedo praised Zhou Yi with a smile, and soon others gathered around to join the conversation.

Not all of them were from the piano world, but Zhou Yi recognized several renowned figures among them.

He remained humble in the face of their compliments, earning even more goodwill.

Albedo introduced Zhou Yi to the others one by one. Among them, a strikingly handsome man stepped forward.

"Hello, I’m Hannibal. Pleased to meet you, Zhou."

A chill ran down Zhou Yi’s spine, and he blurted out, "Are you a doctor, by any chance?"

Hannibal chuckled in surprise. "You know of me? I’m a psychiatrist, with training in psychology. I’m also deeply interested in music, classical literature, and mathematics. I saw the news about your first prize in the mathematical modeling competition—congratulations."

Zhou Yi kept his expression neutral.

Albedo glanced at him. "Oh? I had no idea Zhou was so accomplished in mathematics as well. What a remarkable young man."

"You flatter me. It’s just a small achievement."

"Such modesty in a young man."

As the group chatted, Hettie ascended the stairs.

She sat alone, detached from the conversation.

Albedo gestured casually in her direction. "That’s my student, Hettie. She’s deeply passionate about the piano. You two should get acquainted—perhaps exchange insights. She’s an exceptional pianist in her own right."

Unaware of the earlier tension, Albedo saw nothing wrong with Hettie’s aloofness.

To him, it was simply a matter of personality. He never forced her into social situations she disliked.

Artists often had their quirks—nothing worth fussing over.

Zhou Yi picked up two glasses of wine and approached her, offering one. "Care for a drink?"

Hettie accepted it coolly. "This is a private dinner, not a bar. Don’t treat me like one of those women you charm elsewhere."

Zhou Yi smirked, unfazed. Leaning against the wall, he replied, "Seems there’s a misunderstanding, Miss Hettie. I’m not the type to hunt for flings in bars."

She took a sip of wine and eyed him. "Perhaps it’s because you’re too handsome. I’ve always had a bias against overly good-looking men."

"Or maybe it’s because I’ve earned Mr. Albedo’s favor that you’re displeased."

"Fine, I admit it. I’m a little jealous that the teacher took such a liking to you. He hasn’t stopped talking about you since he saw that video." Hettie shrugged. "But you do seem like the kind of man women fawn over. I jumped to conclusions—my apologies."

Zhou Yi wasn’t offended. With a raised brow, he said, "Then I’ll take that as a compliment. At least Miss Hettie acknowledges my charm."

"When did I acknowledge your charm?"

"You said I seem popular with women. Those were your exact words."

"Do you really think my point was to praise you for having a face that seduces women?"

"I prefer to see the good in people and only take the nice things they say to heart."

Hettie tilted her head slightly, finding the man oddly amusing—though her interest in men paled in comparison to her love for the piano.

She shifted the topic. "Did you teach yourself the piano?"

"More or less."

"How long did it take you to reach this level?"

"Just a few years. Certainly not as long as you’ve been playing, Miss Hettie."

"Well, what an enviable talent. You’re a natural. Though I don’t particularly like you, I’ll admit you’re slightly better than me."

Zhou Yi detected a hint of tsundere in her tone.

She kept insisting she didn’t like him, yet couldn’t hide her admiration.

"Thank you for the acknowledgment. But I haven’t had the pleasure of hearing you play yet. Might I get the chance later?"

"Want to assess my skills?"

Zhou Yi smiled, not denying it.

Hettie lifted her chin. "I’m the teacher’s finest student. Pay close attention later."

Zhou Yi grinned. "I look forward to it, Miss Hettie."