The layout of this café reminded Ian of the one Mira Su used to run. Just like that place, this café had a small stage in the main hall, with a valuable Steinway piano sitting on it.
Unfortunately, it was only three in the afternoon; the resident pianist wouldn't arrive to perform until evening.
Honestly, he kind of missed those days working in a café—life had felt so fulfilling, so satisfying.
Thinking about it, he suddenly felt the urge to play a song.
So he waved to a waitress, beckoning her over.
"Hello sir, is there anything I can help you with?"
The waitress was very polite. Although Ian's outfit was ordinary, he had an irresistible air about him. Ever since he'd entered the café, several of the waitresses had secretly sized him up.
Ian smiled at her. "Would it be possible for me to borrow your piano and play a song?"
"Uh..."
The waitress looked troubled. This wasn't just any piano—it was a luxury instrument worth hundreds of thousands, and only the café's female owner ever played it. She had no authority to lend it out, which was why she seemed so conflicted.
Seeing her troubled expression, Ian couldn't help but look a little disappointed. "It's fine," he said, "I was just asking on a whim." The desire to play was just a passing impulse—if she refused, he wouldn't push.
The waitress sensed Ian's disappointment and felt a pang of sympathy. After hesitating, she said, "Sir, please wait a moment. I'll go ask our boss."
"Thank you."
"No problem." The waitress's cheeks flushed slightly and her heart raced a little as she turned and hurried off.
"Xiaomin, what did that handsome guy say to you? Did he ask for your number?" As soon as the waitress got back to the work area, three other waitresses surrounded her.
"Wow, Xiaomin's blushing! Something's up for sure." Another waitress joined in the teasing.
Despite their jokes, Xiaomin actually felt a bit proud. She retorted, "Don't be ridiculous. That handsome guy just wanted to borrow Luna's piano and play a song."
"Whoa, he's an artsy guy too? He's not just good-looking and classy, he can play piano? If only he were my boyfriend," sighed the curvy waitress.
"Alright, I'm going to report to Luna now."
Worried Ian might be kept waiting, Xiaomin hurried off toward the boss's office.
Soon, Xiaomin arrived at the office.
Inside, a short-haired woman in her early twenties with fair, delicate skin and refined features was lying on the sofa, pretending to nap. The computer speakers were looping a piano piece—"Blue and White Porcelain."
Hearing the door open, Luna Shangguan opened her eyes and asked gently, "Xiaomin, what's up?"
Although she was the owner of the café, Luna never treated the girls under her as employees, but as friends. Their relationship was close.
"Luna, there's a customer who wants to borrow your piano and play a song," Xiaomin said nervously. Even though Luna treated them as friends, everyone knew how much she treasured that piano—she'd refused similar requests many times before.
Hearing this, Luna's elegant brows furrowed slightly. Normally, if a customer asked such a thing, Xiaomin would refuse outright. Why come ask her now? Was this customer special?
"Xiaomin, tell me honestly—is this customer special?"
"Not really—he's just kind of handsome," Xiaomin replied, blushing.
"Not just kind of handsome—he must be really handsome, otherwise you wouldn't ask me," Luna teased.
"Luna, I...!" Xiaomin became flustered.
"Alright." Luna sat up from the sofa and waved her hand. "Come on, take me out to have a look. If he's really that handsome, what's the harm in letting him play a song?"
Hearing that, Xiaomin couldn't help but beam. "Thank you, Luna, you're the best!"
"Don't thank me yet—wait until I've inspected the goods."
Luna followed Xiaomin to the work area. Xiaomin pointed to the young man by the window. "Luna, that's him."
Luna looked where Xiaomin pointed, just as Ian glanced back. Noticing her gaze, he smiled politely at her and Xiaomin.
The moment Luna saw Ian's face clearly, surprise and amazement flashed across her features. Then, joy and excitement bloomed instantly as she strode straight toward him.
Seeing this, the other waitresses couldn't help teasing Xiaomin: "You're done for, Xiaomin. Even Luna's fallen for that handsome guy—no chance for you now."
Hearing her coworkers joke, Xiaomin felt a bit disappointed and also puzzled—why was Luna reacting so strongly? Luna was usually so reserved.
When Luna reached Ian, she felt a little nervous, her smile slightly stiff. "Hello, I'm Luna Shangguan, the owner of this café."
"Hello, Miss Shangguan, please have a seat." Ian smiled and gestured to the seat opposite him.
"Thank you." Luna nodded and sat down across from him, her gaze slightly intense as she asked, "Forgive me for asking, but are you Song Ian—the piano master?"
Ian was momentarily stunned, then replied, "I'm Ian Song, but I'm not any kind of master."
Once she heard his confirmation, Luna's expression grew even more joyful. "Hello, Master Song! I'm a huge fan. I've listened to every piano piece you've played, especially 'Blue and White Porcelain.' I never get tired of it—I listen to it several times a day!"
So she was a fan of his piano playing—Ian was a little surprised.
"Thank you."
"Master Song, could I get your autograph?" Luna asked nervously.
"Of course. And please, just call me Ian Song—not Master Song. I'm not used to it."
"Just a moment, I'll go get a pen and some paper."
"Sure."
Soon, Luna returned with a pen and a notebook, handing them to Ian.
Ian picked up the pen and wrote in the notebook: "Wishing Luna Shangguan happiness every day — Ian Song."
Taking back the notebook, Luna smiled in satisfaction as she read his words. "Thank you, Master Song. Um, I have one more small request, if that's alright...?"
"Go ahead."
"Could I hear you play 'Blue and White Porcelain' live?"
"Of course." Ian smiled and nodded, then got up and walked toward the Steinway piano.