The piece "Castle in the Sky" was ethereal and sorrowful, a blend of gentleness and peace.
The beginning, especially, was soothing and tender, coaxing listeners to close their eyes and truly absorb the melody.
Even those looking to discuss business paused their conversations, turning their attention to Su Yu.
The gentle music was captivating.
It was like floating in the air, close enough to touch the drifting clouds.
Or like swimming freely in the ocean.
For a moment.
Everyone cast aside worldly worries and ulterior motives, quietly appreciating the music.
There was no clamor, no restlessness, only peace and tranquility.
Everything before them seemed to blur into illusion.
Leaving only Su Yu and the piano.
He sat before the instrument.
His eyes were half-closed, his expression serene.
His long fingers danced across the keys.
The soft lighting made him appear utterly dreamlike.
"What piece is this?"
Shen Chun was the most astonished.
He had played the piano since childhood, heard countless pieces, and played countless pieces.
Yet, he had never heard this one played by Su Yu.
That alone wouldn't have shocked him.
What truly stunned him was the astonishingly high quality of this piano piece!
"Be quiet!"
Zhou Sisi interrupted him, tilting her head to listen intently.
Shen Chun's eye twitched involuntarily.
Ten years of friendship meant less than a piece of music?
Their friendship was fading, fading indeed...
Meanwhile.
Su Yu's piano playing was gradually approaching its end.
The entire piece softened again.
Finally, with one last note, the performance concluded.
A few seconds later.
Thunderous applause erupted from the audience!
"Damn, that was amazing!"
"Does anyone know the name of this piece?"
"I've listened to so much music, but I've never heard this one before!"
"Incredible! The emotion conveyed in this piece is so profound!"
"While this piano piece doesn't seem technically difficult, the flawless execution suggests this person's piano skills are far beyond professional level!"
"A master, this person is a master!"
"To play this well at this age, he can't be an unknown!"
"..."
Envy and admiration flooded their gazes, all directed at Su Yu.
Shen Chun also regained his composure and quickly walked over.
He stood beside Su Yu.
His voice trembling, he asked, "Brother Su Yu, what's your piano grade?"
Su Yu looked up, smiled, and said calmly, "I haven't taken any exams."
This statement.
Immediately sent the entire hall into an uproar!
Such incredible piano skills, and he hadn't taken any exams??
"Are you kidding me, brother?" Shen Chun was taken aback, then continued, "From your playing, I could feel the subtle control of emotions. While the piece isn't difficult, it's captivating enough to immerse anyone. Professional level might be an understatement."
"I'm not kidding. Besides, art shouldn't be constrained by grading. Art pursues expression and resonance, and music is the same. Blindly chasing grades will only stifle your talent."
Su Yu looked at Shen Chun and chuckled lightly.
He never had the time to take piano grade exams.
He didn't need to rely on it for a living.
It was enough to show off occasionally.
Of course, he couldn't say that directly, so he rephrased it.
For Su Yu, fooling people was second nature!
Everyone can preach grand theories, and many grand theories sound profound but are merely common sense. However, when spoken by someone with true ability, they are perceived as pearls of wisdom.
And Su Yu, at this moment, perfectly embodied that saying.
After demonstrating his prowess, he earned Shen Chun's recognition.
And his words naturally led Shen Chun to deep contemplation.
"Chasing grades only stifles one's talent..." Shen Chun frowned thoughtfully. Suddenly, his eyes lit up, and he clasped his hands towards Su Yu, "Brother Su Yu's artistic accomplishment is truly beyond my reach. Thank you for your guidance, Brother Su Yu! I've had a realization!"
"Heh, Brother Shen is too kind."
Su Yu waved his hand somewhat awkwardly.
It's good that you've had a realization...
"Excellent! What a brilliant statement, 'art shouldn't be constrained by grading'!"
At this moment, a voice boomed from the crowd.
Su Yu looked up to see a middle-aged man in a dark suit.
He appeared to be in his early forties, with a faint excitement on his face, walking towards Su Yu.
"Wu Lin! It's Master Wu!"
"A single piano piece actually attracted Master Wu!"
"Damn, speak carefully. This is Master Wu. He's not a ghost, so why use the word 'attracted'..."
"Master Wu is China's youngest piano master. I didn't expect him to be at this banquet!"
"Judging by his expression, he seems to strongly agree with what Su Yu just said."
"If Master Wu takes notice of this kid, he's going to be famous overnight!"
Master Wu's appearance sent waves of exclamations through the crowd.
They then automatically cleared a path.
He approached Su Yu, assessed him, and nodded with satisfaction.
"Young man, what is the name of the piano piece you just played?"
His tone was humble, completely devoid of an artist's typical arrogance.
"Castle in the Sky."
Although Su Yu didn't recognize the man, he gathered from the reactions and discussions around him that this person was likely a significant figure.
"Excellent! A wonderful name!"
Master Wu exclaimed repeatedly upon hearing this.
His face bloomed into a smile.
He looked Su Yu up and down, occasionally expressing his admiration.
"Heh, you flatter me."
Su Yu felt a prickle of unease under the man's gaze.
Could this so-called master have some peculiar habits?
His gaze seemed so… lecherous.
"Which master's work is this piece?"
Master Wu inquired further.
"I just wrote it casually."
Su Yu smiled slightly.
Since his father-in-law wanted him to impress,
He wouldn't be timid.
To impress, one must go all out.
"What!"
Master Wu was stunned. Although he found it hard to believe, he knew that in such a setting, no one foolish enough would spout nonsense, especially with so many experts present.
"Hiss… this piano piece was written by him?"
"Holy crap, who would have thought!"
"No wonder I've never heard this piano piece before. He wrote it!"
"Not only is his piano playing excellent, but he's also a master composer?"
"What kind of monster is this person?"
What a prodigy!
This young man is terrifyingly powerful!
He wrote it casually?
Who the hell could casually compose such an amazing piece?
"Young man, are you interested in becoming my disciple?"
Master Wu dropped another bombshell.
He stated it directly.
A collective gasp of cold air swept through the surroundings.
Master Wu is taking a disciple?
Master Wu is actually taking a disciple!
After all, Master Wu was China's youngest piano master, and many talented individuals wished to study under him, but he had refused them all.
Master Wu, who had never taken a disciple, was now actively seeking one!
Countless envious eyes turned towards Su Yu.
With the status of Master Wu's disciple, he would be renowned in the piano world.