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Chapter 14 - A Kiss

Lin Xiyan, intrigued by Jiang Che’s critical remarks, asked, “Oh? You understand piano too?”

“Of course, and I’m quite accomplished in piano,” Jiang Che responded, generously praising himself.

Lin Xiyan, somewhat speechless, looked at Jiang Che and said, “You’re shameless.” She wondered when this guy became such a brazen character.

Jiang Che, raising an eyebrow, challenged, “What, you don’t believe me?” He wasn’t bragging. In his previous life, he had started learning the piano in his teens and played on and off for ten years, achieving a high level of mastery.

“Of course, I don’t believe you, unless you play for me,” Lin Xiyan replied slyly, her bright eyes twinkling with mischief. “I can play the piano, but I think there should be a bet, as I never do things lightly,” Jiang Che proposed.

Curious, Lin Xiyan asked, “What do you want as a bet?” She doubted Jiang Che could want anything from her, given her family background.

“If my piano playing can move you, then how about you let me kiss you?” Jiang Che suggested, leaning closer and whispering in her ear.

Lin Xiyan’s ears visibly reddened, and her face flushed with embarrassment. She glared fiercely at Jiang Che and retorted, “Pah, pervert! I will never agree to your request!”

“What a pity then,” Jiang Che sighed, sounding regretful as if Lin Xiyan missing out on his piano performance was a great loss.

After a moment of thought, Lin Xiyan replied, “I agree to your request, can you go and try now?” Her teasing smile indicated she had regained her composure. She doubted Jiang Che could play anything that would resonate with her.

“You said it yourself, don’t go back on your word,” He reminded her. With a mysterious smile, Jiang Che didn’t delay further and walked straight to the stage.

Sitting at the piano, he briefly adjusted the tone, then prepared to start playing. In his previous life, Jiang Che knew many pianists, but the one he truly admired, the only great musician he consistently favored, was the miracle of the music world, the world-class piano master—Beethoven!

Beethoven never married in his life. He was someone who deeply yearned for love, but ultimately lived and died alone, a tragic figure.

The piece Jiang Che planned to play was the divine composition dedicated to Beethoven’s beloved female student, Therese Malfatti, originally titled “Für Therese” and later renamed by the publisher to “Für Elise,” one of the top ten most romantic piano pieces in the world!

Jiang Che was confident that such a piece would leave a ripple in Lin Xiyan’s heart, sure he would win this bet!

As he began to play, crisp and pleasant piano sounds burst from his fingertips, reverberating throughout the entire event venue. A melody full of deep affection yet tinged with sadness struck directly at everyone’s hearts, immersing them in the music.

After a long while, as the piece concluded, the audience took a long time to come back to their senses.

“What piece is this? Why have I never heard of it before?” Lin Xiyan asked, visibly moved.

She had some knowledge of the piano and was quite skilled, not at the level of world-class masters, but certainly better than the average person.

“This is ‘Für Elise,’ a piece I composed myself. Of course, you haven’t heard it,” Jiang Che nonchalantly replied, unafraid of being questioned since there was no Beethoven in this world.

“You can compose too?” Lin Xiyan was genuinely shocked. Composing and playing the piano were not the same thing.

To some extent, creating a good piano piece was much more challenging than playing one well. She had never imagined that not only was Jiang Che skilled at playing the piano, but he was also a composer.

“That’s not important, what’s important is…,” Jiang Che continued, “Miss Lin, isn’t it time you fulfilled your promise?” Jiang Che raised an eyebrow, his tone slightly teasing.

“You… what are you talking about? I never admitted to being moved,” Lin Xiyan said, trying to sound calm but clearly flustered. Her evasive eyes made it obvious to any discerning observer that she was lying.

“Oh, is that so?” Jiang Che raised his eyebrow, unsurprised by Lin Xiyan’s denial. After all, she had spent the previous years in the mountains and had only returned to Linjiang City today.

Given her somewhat introverted nature, she probably hadn’t encountered many men, let alone had a boyfriend. But was Jiang Che so easily fooled?

He walked directly over to Lin Xiyan and kissed her on the lips, completely ignoring the shocked expressions of the people around them. Wang Shao tactfully turned his head away.

“Umm… you…” Lin Xiyan weakly hit Jiang Che’s shoulder with her delicate hand, but soon her resistance faded away…