Chapter 48: An Urgent New Mission

The air conditioner in the room was set to silent mode. Li Yan glanced at his watch, planning to pour himself another glass of wine to savor the moment before taking a short nap.

He quietly celebrated the fact that his black G63 would be ready for pickup in three days, and his Ferrari SF90 Spider was also being expedited.

To him, days without a car felt stifling even with the air conditioning on. Having a car meant he could drive whenever he pleased. Once the G63 arrived, he planned to take a lady companion on a trip along the Sichuan-Tibet highway for both photography and relaxation.

With this thought, he took a sip of Macallan 25, savoring its unique richness and lingering finish. Life, with wealth and leisure, truly was a blessing.

Before his nap, he received a video call from his mother, who simply wanted to check on his wellbeing, expressing her concern.

When Li Yan showed his mother his lifestyle through the phone, she felt her worries were somewhat unnecessary.

That rascal was living more freely and extravagantly than anyone else.

The 200,000 yuan Li Yan had left behind was temporarily of little use to his parents. Their home lacked nothing, except that Li Yan’s father’s Passat was a bit outdated.

Of course, when Li Yan mentioned this to his mother, his father’s eyes lit up briefly from the sidelines.

After hanging up, Li Yan transferred one million yuan to his mother’s bank card.

When it came to changing cars, Li Yan’s mother had no objections.

Her son was capable, and as parents, they could share in his fortune. Getting a new car was no big deal for the family.

“The natural growth of wealth brings confidence and strength. The evolution of aesthetic standards depends on a cultured heart.”

“Learn to play a beginner’s version of ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ variations on the piano within three days. Completing this will reward intermediate piano skills and a fairer, more delicate complexion.”

Having just washed his hands and preparing to return to the master bedroom for rest, Li Yan found his drowsiness completely dispelled by this new task flashing through his mind.

Li Yan was no stranger to music theory.

Merely having money in high school—or as a student—was not enough to win the pursuit and affection of many girls.

At that age, there was a stronger yearning for artistry and culture, with less emphasis on material reality.

Li Yan’s guitar skills were quite good; he could even demonstrate some advanced fingerpicking techniques.

Although it had been nearly a year since he last played, the foundation remained intact.

However, this task required playing the variations of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” on the piano—and he had never formally studied piano.

Though he had once considered learning piano, the demands of high school left little time, so he gave up on it.

This task—

Was decidedly challenging!

Three days!

From zero to proficiently playing the beginner’s version of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” variations in just three days, even if simplified.

Compared to the official Mozart “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Variations” or the myriad of complex advanced versions, the beginner’s version usually simplified the left-hand accompaniment and trimmed the right-hand melodic ornamentations, making only minor embellishments in certain variation sections.

But it still represented a formidable challenge.

What was going on?

The system’s tasks were suddenly escalating in difficulty...

The only consolation was that Li Yan had a solid guitar background. What connections were there between guitar and piano?

Sight-reading, rhythmic concepts, finger coordination—all were foundational elements of music theory.

Li Yan hadn’t merely learned guitar casually; he had systematically studied some music theory.

Experienced guitarists typically have a grasp of staff notation or numbered musical notation, rhythm and meter, and musical structure. Even though guitar primarily uses tablature, they tend to be familiar with pitch and harmony concepts.

This would help Li Yan pick up piano scores more quickly and distinguish chords from melodies, shortening the most time-consuming process for beginners: “sight-reading and comprehension.”

This was a silver lining amid adversity.

Intermediate piano skills? Fairer, more delicate skin tone?

Bring it on.

Li Yan had just sat on the edge of the bed when he sprang up, pulled out his phone, and immediately searched for piano tutoring classes.

The nearest one was about three kilometers away. Taking a taxi and changing clothes, he moved swiftly.

Time was of the essence.

Looking at the sun outside, he grabbed a sun hat and hurried downstairs.

The piano was truly impressive.

Many people could play guitar; it was not rare. But piano was different—the learning cost was much higher.

Occasionally playing a piece on a street piano could attract so many admiring gazes.

Fair, delicate skin was also a boon.

Li Yan’s skin wasn’t dark, but just average.

Although he didn’t aspire to the “buttery smooth” looks of a romantic lead, everyone understood the truth of “fair skin covers a multitude of flaws.”

Of course, Li Yan wasn’t ugly either. Judging from the recent system rewards, he could already envision the likelihood of receiving future rewards related to his appearance!

He had the money, the skills, and now the looks and height.

Li Yan eagerly anticipated what further rewards the system might offer.

His car had arrived downstairs—a sleek Audi A8L. This was now his standard ride when hailing a taxi. At this point, the cost of such a luxury car ride was inconsequential to him.

Getting out, Li Yan headed straight to the second-floor tutoring center’s reception.

A faint sound of piano could be heard down the narrow corridor—someone was practicing Czerny etudes.

The youthful and pleasant receptionist smiled as she saw Li Yan enter. “Hello, are you here to register?”

Li Yan looked around. The tutoring center wasn’t large, but it was adequate.

Right now, time was the most critical factor; conditions and prestige were not in his consideration.

“Yes, but I want an intensive course that can teach me to play the beginner’s ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ variations within three days. Is that possible?”

The receptionist maintained a professional composure, showing no surprise.

Though such a request was rare, it was not unheard of.

Usually, people requested pieces like “Dream Wedding” or other romantic songs.

Most were for proposals, weddings, or confessions.

“Twinkle Twinkle” was a first.

She smiled. “Three days? That’s tight, but we can try. We have an intensive course, but it requires at least three hours of lessons per day, plus practice at home.”

Li Yan immediately swiped his card. “Fine, I’ll sign up. The sooner we start, the better.”

The receptionist’s lips curved upward. “Then I’ll arrange for Teacher Wang. She specializes in zero-base short-term training. We’ll measure your finger stretch first, then have a chat with the teacher.”

After completing the formalities, Li Yan signed the “intensive training program” agreement and glanced at the fee receipt from the front desk: several thousand yuan for three days. With the system task still looming in his mind, cost was no concern.

Entering the classroom, he saw an unoccupied upright piano, its glossy black surface gleaming softly in the sunlight streaming through the window. Beside it stood an electric keyboard.

He couldn’t identify the brand, but he knew Steinway and Yamaha.

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