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Lu Chen had taken piano lessons before, but he only reached an amateur level of around grade four or five.
Later, he switched to practicing the guitar and eventually set the piano aside until recently when he decided to pick it up again.
Playing the piano is a sophisticated endeavor, especially when it comes to accompanying romantic and lyrical songs. The piano's accompaniment is unmatched by any other instrument, so Lu Chen was determined to practice diligently.
He didn't need to reach a professional level; impressing casual listeners would suffice.
Most importantly, if he set aside any utilitarian motives, practicing and playing the piano was genuinely enjoyable. Listening to the beautiful melodies flowing from his fingertips elevated his spirit.
Lu Chen had never played such an expensive piano before.
The tone of this Steinway was exceptional. Even with his amateur ears, he could hear the vast difference between it and an ordinary piano. Its bass was powerful, the midrange warm and rich, and the treble bright and stunning.
The midrange, in particular, stood out with its emotional depth and expressiveness, truly deserving the title "Emperor of the Piano"!
As he played the Steinway, Lu Chen felt a wave of pressure.
He worried that his limited skills might tarnish this million-dollar masterpiece.
But he remained confident. As his fingers glided over the smooth keys, his mind quickly found peace.
Then he began to play the prelude.
Slow, soft, and not overly complex, the pleasant piano sound filled the room.
The name of this song was "Come to Taipei to See the Rain in Winter."
"Come to Taipei to watch winter rain,
Don't weep in strange land.
Come to Taipei to watch winter rain,
With dream, the only baggage.
Get back secretly in case you rouse the past,
Just take it as if I was never gone away.
If we meet, hide your words in heart.
No one understands you more than me.
The sky is the same as before and the rain too.
Under my umbrella are you no longer.
I'm the same as before and so are you.
There's just one more winter."
As Lu Chen began to play and sing, Su Daiwan leaned against Li Murong, smiling as she watched him.
However, when she heard the first line of the lyrics, her body involuntarily trembled.
Her eyes revealed a complex mix of emotions.
"Come to Taipei to See the Rain in Winter" is a lyrical song that reflects on lost love. While the lyrics convey a lingering sense of loss and reveal the singer's inner melancholy, they also express an optimistic outlook on reality.
The melody is lyrical and steady, exuding an elegant beauty that suits a female voice perfectly.
When Lu Chen sang this song, he softened the sadness and emphasized maturity and depth. He used a slightly bitter yet smooth tone, infused with a hint of loneliness, giving it a unique charm.
Since there was no amplification equipment, he deliberately lowered the volume of the piano, which also muted the song's emotional impact.
But it still struck a chord with Su Daiwan.
Having grown up in Taipei, Su Daiwan came from a modest background and dropped out of high school to work. She was later discovered by a talent scout and entered the entertainment industry. With her stunning looks and heavenly voice, her career flourished.
But only she knew how difficult those early days were. Behind the glamorous facade lay hidden dangers: a gambling father, a scheming manager, a ruthless company, and jealous competitors all weighed heavily on her, making it hard to breathe.
Reflecting on those times, Su Daiwan felt fortunate. During her most challenging period, she met Li Murong and thus began a lifelong bond.
They had met on a rainy day.
Li Murong brought her and her sister back to the mainland to settle down, and after she retired from the music industry, she never returned to Taipei.
Only in her dreams did Su Daiwan envision the rain in Taipei and the people she once knew.
Leaving one's homeland is never easy.
Li Murong was not her first love either.
"…
Come to Taipei to watch winter rain,
Don't weep in strange land.
Come to Taipei to watch winter rain,
Probably I could find you.
Empty streets reflect my crowded sorrow.
At every corner lies each fragment of my memory.
If we meet, you needn't evade.
I'm destined to pass through you.
The sky is the same as before and the rain too.
With the city I am familiar no longer.
I'm the same as before and so are you.
There's just one more winter."
Unconsciously, crystal tears slid down Su Daiwan's cheeks, and she leaned weakly into Li Murong's arms.
Li Murong held his wife, his gaze toward Lu Chen somewhat unfriendly.
Was this young man doing this on purpose?
Fortunately, Lu Chen didn't repeat the song after singing it once.
Clap! Clap!
Su Daiwan straightened up, wiped the tears from her face, and smiled as she clapped her hands.
Li Mubai joined in, clapping as well. He didn't share the same emotional response as Su Daiwan; he simply thought the song was good.
As for why his sister-in-law cried, Li Mubai didn't dwell on it.
That was Big Brother's business!
Lu Chen stood up and said, "Sister-in-law, I'm really sorry. This song might not have been the best choice."
He had been swept up in the moment and suddenly thought of this song, presenting it without much consideration.
Now he felt it might not have been the most appropriate selection.
"No, no!"
Su Daiwan insisted, "This song is wonderful, truly wonderful. I love it."
She looked at her husband and said playfully, "You're not allowed to be upset. I've decided I want to release another album."
Li Mubai supported her, "Sister-in-law, you're amazing!"
Li Murong couldn't help but glare at Lu Chen, the instigator, and said with a wry smile, "If you like it, then it's fine."
Li Murong knew that Su Daiwan felt quite lonely after moving to the mainland. She had no friends or family here, and after her sister went abroad, she felt even more isolated. He was often busy with work and socializing, leaving little time to accompany her.
Su Daiwan had only him, while he had three wives.
Most importantly, they had been together for so long without having children.
The guilt in Li Murong's heart diminished his resentment toward Lu Chen, and he agreed to her request without hesitation.
Su Daiwan cheerfully said, "After I release the album, I want to hold a concert or a fan meeting. I wonder how many people still remember me? Lu Chen, can you help me write two more songs?"
Lu Chen couldn't help but glance at Li Murong.
It seemed like things were getting serious!
Su Daiwan tightly hugged her husband's arm and smiled, "You promised me you wouldn't interfere with my affairs. I'm getting bored at home; let me find something to do, okay?"
Though traces of tears still lingered on her face, her smile was as radiant as spring flowers, exuding a captivating charm.
Li Murong sighed, "Can I say no?"
Su Daiwan shook her head, "No!"
Li Murong nodded.
Li Mubai, eager for excitement, exclaimed, "Sister-in-law, if you release an album and hold a concert, I'll bring all my friends to support you!"
Lu Chen felt like he had opened Pandora's box and quickly said, "It's getting late, Brother Li, Sister-in-law, I should head back now."
Su Daiwan reminded him, "Don't forget to write me those songs!"
Lu Chen coughed a couple of times and said, "Yes, I'll have Mubai deliver them to you once I finish."
He shot a meaningful glance at Li Mubai.
Li Mubai finally caught on and immediately said, "Sister-in-law, don't worry! I'll make sure Brother Chen writes the songs. I'll drive him back; it's hard to get a taxi around here."
Li Murong waved his hand, "Go on, go on!"
He was starting to feel a bit annoyed watching these two!
Lu Chen felt a sense of relief and quickly left with Li Mubai.
Su Daiwan and Li Murong saw them off at the door.
After Li Mubai drove Lu Chen away, Su Daiwan asked Li Murong, "What do you think of Lu Chen?"
Li Murong replied irritably, "Not much!"
Su Daiwan was initially surprised but then burst into laughter, "Are you jealous?"
Li Murong kept a straight face and said nothing.
Su Daiwan, however, was not deterred; she knew her husband well enough to understand that he was just pretending.
She smiled and said, "What do you think about introducing him to Xiaoqian?"
Li Murong paused for a moment and asked, "You want to introduce Lu Chen to Chen Qian?"
Su Daiwan looked a bit displeased, "What kind of expression is that? Is my sister not good enough? Xiaoqian is beautiful; she just likes to have fun. Lu Chen is tall, handsome, talented, and mature; he should be able to handle her."
Chen Qian was Su Daiwan's younger sister, but Su Daiwan took their father's surname while her sister took their mother's.
Li Murong didn't know what to say; he would never understand why women loved to play matchmaker for others.
However, introducing Lu Chen to Chen Qian sounded intriguing!
He couldn't help but stroke his chin and said, "Alright, I'll go along with you. I just worry that Chen Qian won't be interested in Lu Chen."
Su Daiwan confidently replied, "She will listen to me."
Li Murong shook his head secretly. He suddenly bent down and picked up Su Daiwan, saying, "Forget about them; let's focus on our own matters. We're staying here tonight!"
Su Daiwan giggled, her eyes sparkling like water, filling the air with a romantic atmosphere.
At that moment, Lu Chen was completely unaware that he was being discussed.
He was riding in Li Mubai's sports car, speeding along the second-ring road.
Li Mubai said while driving, "Brother Chen, you have to help me with the website. Big Brother is about to cut off my allowance; I can't live like this!"
Lu Chen thought for a moment and said, "If we can get the protection certificate, the crowdfunding website has great potential. You actually don't need to manage it personally; you could hire a professional manager. Just focus on bringing in business."
In any business, initial networking is crucial. For the crowdfunding website, as long as they could secure a few strong clients to get the brand off the ground, subsequent business would be much easier to handle.
"Bringing in business?"
Li Mubai immediately felt relieved, "That's simple; I have plenty of friends in the Capital City."
He understood that connections could make money, but he had never thought of relying on them to earn.
Lu Chen smiled, "We already have our first business lined up. In a few days, my album will be available on WeChat Music, and I want to launch a crowdfunding campaign for the album at the same time. I hope to achieve a good start!"
After preparing for so long, the real test was about to begin!
(End of this chapter)