The King's Enchanting-Chapter 1594 - 1607: A New Path (1)

For this, Yu Zexiao is really very grateful, and John Gruber is quite capable of providing guidance and inspiration in music, in life, and in everything else.

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Jian Anning woke up to the sound of piano music.

It was Beethoven’s "Moonlight Sonata."

Even with her eyes closed, she could tell this piece was a duet. One person played the main part, the other accompanied. The timbre was not resplendent; at first glance, it didn’t sound like the "Moonlight Sonata," but more like the "Pathétique." Yet, upon closer listening, the timbre lifted a hint of vitality amidst the melancholy, like land that has endured winter—seemingly lifeless, oppressive, heavy. But within this heaviness, there harbored a vigorous and serene air, suggesting that the cold winter was nearing its end, and the warm spring was about to arrive on earth.

So comfortable, so warm. She slowly opened her eyes. Perhaps she had been too tired before and slept too much, so even when she was groggy upon waking, her brain seemed a bit unadjusted. When she wobbled to the doorway and gently pushed open the bedroom door, through a crack, she saw the window slightly ajar, with the afterglow of the sunset shining through the windowsill. By the windowsill, two pianos were quietly set, and there was a handsome man and an elderly white-haired man, both with their hands raised, gently playing the music.

The music, with its undercurrent of an uplifting spirit, inspired an unusual sense of excitement from deep within.

It was Yu Zexiao and John Gruber.

Because their backs were to her, they hadn’t noticed her quietly pushing open the creak. After a piece of music ended, it was John Gruber guiding from the side: "You should know your weaknesses. There’s always a slight problem with the transitions in your music, so your playing sounds a bit chaotic. However, your music’s expressiveness and tension are quite good, making those who listen to it feel something wonderful."

Yu Zexiao nodded, just raised his head, and saw Jian Anning standing at the doorway, watching them.

"Anning." He stood up and smiled, along with John Gruber, who was also smiling at her: "Moon. Are you listening to us play the piano? Do you want to give it a try yourself?"

Jian Anning shook her head: "Master, I’m sorry, I already swore at my father’s and grandparents’ graves yesterday... I will never play the piano again in this lifetime."

John Gruber was slightly taken aback, then shook his head: "That’s truly a pity. However, I think your father probably wouldn’t wish for you to make yourself unhappy in this way, right?"

Jian Anning didn’t speak for the moment, and John Gruber did not press her. Yu Zexiao played his own song again, and this time, John Gruber did not give his opinion first but looked at Jian Anning: "Moon, what do you think of this piece?"

Jian Anning gave it some serious thought and then said, "It’s the transition in the second section, third bar that’s not quite right. It feels a bit uncomfortable."

John Gruber smiled and nodded, then looked at Jian Anning: "Child, the beauty of music is not limited to the piano. If you’ve truly sworn to your father, you need not force it. However, you can still enjoy the beauty of music. Like this—music criticism, for example."