Mira couldn’t help laughing—a smile as dazzling as a blooming flower. For a moment, Ian’s eyes glazed over.
You’re just a kid, but your eyes are already wandering," Mira teased, giving him a playful look.
Ahem." Ian coughed awkwardly.
I’ve seen people ask for a raise, but you’re the first to ask for less money. Alright, let’s set your wage at 120 yuan per hour.' Seeing Ian still wanted to bargain, Mira added, 'No more bargaining, or I’ll be unhappy.
Alright then.' Ian could only agree.
Leaving the café, Ian felt especially excited. From now on, he wouldn’t have to spend his uncle’s money—and wouldn’t have to put up with his aunt’s attitude.
Suddenly, a thought struck him. He had the Piano Master skill, but only knew the ten pieces gifted by the system. Working at the café, he couldn’t just play those ten over and over—especially if customers requested something else. That would be a problem.
Thinking of this, he hurried toward his dorm—there was a computer there, and he planned to search for local piano pieces online.
He’d already agreed with Mira that he’d start work tomorrow night.
He sat down at the computer and pressed the power button. While waiting for it to boot, he brought up the system interface again.
Last time, fusing Intermediate Combat Arts boosted both his physical stats and mental power. He wondered if fusing Piano Master would do the same.
But to his disappointment, his physical stat stayed at 500, while his mental power increased by 5, reaching 75.
He looked at his Fame Points. After the last lottery, he had spent 50, leaving 8. Later, sparring with Zoe Zhao outside the gym earned him one more.
Just now, playing a piece at the café won the approval of all the customers, Mira, and several staff members—so his Fame Points rose by 15, reaching 24.
Still a long way from 200. But if he could shine in the monthly exam, he’d definitely earn a lot more Fame Points. Plus, working at the café—if he played well, he should gain plenty more.
He closed the system interface and opened Qiandu Search, typing in “famous piano pieces.” Instantly, a flood of results appeared.
He clicked on a random link and landed on a piano music site. Browsing quickly, he saw sections for original works, arrangements, pop songs, sheet music, and a ranking list for original piano tracks.
Ian clicked on one of the originals from the ranking list. It was decent, but nowhere near as good as "Refrain" or the system’s bonus pieces.
He listened to all ten pieces from the ranking list, then replayed them in his mind—only to discover, to his astonishment, that every piece he’d heard now existed as sheet music in his head.
Meow-Meow, what’s going on?' Ian asked.
You’re making a fuss, Host. A true piano master is highly sensitive to music—usually, after hearing a piece once, they can write out the sheet music. And since this skill comes from the system, it’s even better. From now on, any song or piano piece you hear can be easily transcribed in your mind.
Haha! This is amazing—I love you, system!' Ian couldn’t help bursting out laughing.
With this skill, Ian felt even more confident about his job at the café.
That night, Ian was like a sponge, absorbing all kinds of piano pieces and pop songs—and mentally transcribing them into sheet music.
With physical stamina five times that of a normal person, he could stay up all night without feeling tired.
When morning came—Saturday, no classes—he had breakfast, then sat down at the computer to listen to more music.
The rest of the day, except for meals and bathroom breaks, he never left the computer. By evening, he’d added nearly 400 pieces to his mental library.
7:30 p.m.
Ian left the computer and picked out a black suit from his wardrobe.
Standing in front of the mirror, he couldn’t help smiling in satisfaction. Pointing at his reflection, he said, "Go for it, Ian—you can do this!"
Mira Su’s café was between the school and the boxing gym—just a few minutes’ walk.
Welcome home, Master.
As soon as he stepped into the café, Ingrid greeted him at the door with a bow.
No need to be so formal, Ingrid—it’s just me.' Ian smiled at her.
You’re here, Ian. Mira asked me to have you go to her office when you arrive.' Ingrid said softly.
Thank you.
After thanking her, Ian went to Mira’s office. He knocked, entered, and found Mira smiling behind her desk. "You’re here. Here’s our contract—three months to start. Is that okay?"
No problem.' Ian glanced over the contract and signed his name.
You didn’t even read it carefully—aren’t you worried I’ll cheat you?' Mira joked.
If it’s a beauty like you cheating me, I don’t mind!' Ian blurted out.