Chapter 14: A Means of Compensation

Lu Jinyan fell silent.

He thought of A Li’s face, bright with excitement and anticipation.

She was especially earnest this time.

Liu Mengwan’s voice continued, “Jinyan, let me be honest—the breakup hit me really hard.”

“You have no idea how many people mock and sneer at me behind my back. Even though you managed to keep the fact that we slept together under wraps, and it didn’t spread widely, there’s no such thing as a wall that doesn’t let the wind through. Those people, intimidated by your power, don’t dare say anything to my face, but I’m sure it’s already being whispered everywhere.”

“I should have been someone admired, the darling of fate, but now I’m nothing but a cast-off nobody wants!”

Hearing Liu Mengwan’s resentment, Lu Jinyan’s eyes flickered. “You don’t need to belittle yourself like this.”

She laughed, a bitter sound. “If it were only that, it wouldn’t have gotten to me. I, Liu Mengwan, never cared for idle gossip. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have gone abroad to further my studies when your legs were paralyzed. Because I had the piano—that was always my greatest pride. But now, even that’s about to be taken from me…”

Lu Jinyan understood what she meant.

He said, “You’re afraid A Li will steal your spotlight by learning the piano? You’re overthinking it. That girl is just playing around.”

“Yes, of course she’s just playing around, but aren’t you playing along with her? I’m sure you’ll find the best piano master to teach her, pave the way for her, and put her on a dazzling path to stardom, won’t you?”

After so many years together, Liu Mengwan truly understood Lu Jinyan.

“Jinyan, you’ve gone too far. A Li has already taken the man I loved with all my heart, and now you’re going to help her take away what I’m most proud of—my music. Is this how you mean to compensate me?”

Her voice trembled with tears. “It’s not that I want to think ill of her, but of all things, why must she choose the piano, the thing I love most? Is she trying to humiliate me?”

“She’s not that kind of person.”

“But others will see it that way. I’ve already lost everything, Jinyan, I beg you, please don’t let her touch the piano. I can’t bear it.”

…

After hanging up with Liu Mengwan, Lu Jinyan didn’t return to the bedroom. He stayed in the study, lost in thought.

The night passed slowly.

By morning, the ashtray was overflowing with cigarette butts.

**

A Li was so overjoyed at her good fortune, even her sleep was better than usual.

When she woke, the sun was already high in the sky.

She bounded downstairs for breakfast.

Seeing Aunt Liu, the housekeeper, she beamed and called out, “Good morning, Aunt Liu! You look especially lovely today!”

Aunt Liu burst out laughing at A Li’s cheerfulness.

“Ma’am, have you and Mr. Lu made up?”

The two of them had had quite a row last night.

Aunt Liu had been worried but didn’t dare interfere.

This morning, Mr. Lu had gone to work looking gloomy as ever, so she thought the couple was still at odds. But judging by A Li’s mood, perhaps all was well?

“Hm? Yes, we’ve made up!”

A Li’s smile was dazzling. “Uncle has agreed to let me learn the piano, and he even said he’ll find me a famous teacher! Maybe one day I’ll be a world-renowned pianist!”

“Really? Congratulations, ma’am!”

“Hehe, thank you, Aunt Liu!”

After breakfast, A Li remembered that uncle hadn’t told her when he’d arrange for a teacher.

Maybe she should call and ask?

But when she dialed, no one answered.

“Huh? Is he busy?”

A Li didn’t try again, worried she might interrupt Lu Jinyan at work. He had already promised her, so there was no hurry.

Meanwhile—

At Tianyu Group.

In the president’s office.

Lu Jinyan sat in his leather chair, his handsome face clouded as if shrouded in frost. Staring at his phone, which had automatically disconnected after ringing too long, he could almost picture that girl’s disappointed expression on the other end.

This was the moment she was most eager for.

How could he tell her she could never touch the piano again?

Just then, Secretary Zhang knocked and entered, reporting, “Mr. Lu, Miss Liu is here.”

Lu Jinyan collected himself and replied coolly, “Let her in.”

**

With nothing else to do, A Li ran upstairs to the piano room.

She decided to practice on her own first.

She played all afternoon.

By evening, Lu Jinyan returned home, and Aunt Liu hurried to greet him. “Welcome home, Mr. Lu.”

“Mm.”

Lu Jinyan paused when he heard piano music drifting from upstairs. “Is she practicing?”

“She is,” Aunt Liu replied with a broad smile. “Ma’am said her fingers are out of practice, so she wants to get in some time before the piano master comes, so she won’t embarrass herself. She’s been at it all afternoon, not even stopping for a drink. She’s quite serious this time.”

Hearing this, Lu Jinyan’s heart grew even heavier.

“Call her down.”

“Yes, sir.”

Moments later, A Li thundered down the stairs like a gust of wind.

“Uncle!!”

She threw herself into Lu Jinyan’s arms, then looked up, a smile so radiant it was blinding.

“Did you hear the piece I just played? Did it sound good? I think I might be a genius! By the way, when is the piano master you promised coming?”