052. The Girl Who Plays the Piano

“Jiang, won’t you reconsider?” Kyoko Kato said, a little anxiously, almost on the verge of urging him to “just say yes.”

Jiang Yu shook his head with certainty, his eyes unwavering.

Chika Kotobuki’s gaze grew distant, as if she were recalling memories—imperfect, yet unforgettable.

Dreams...

After a moment, Chika Kotobuki spoke. “It’s up to you.”

“But, would you let me teach you a few basics?” she added sincerely.

“…Thank you, Miss Kotobuki.” Jiang Yu nodded, gratitude evident in his voice.

“No need. These are things every music major should learn. Even if your passion lies elsewhere, having more skills never hurts, right? Besides, your talent… it shouldn’t go to waste.” Chika brushed a strand of hair from her temple as she smiled, a world apart from the coldness she’d shown when they first met.

But at her core, Chika Kotobuki was always composed; she quickly gathered her thoughts and returned to her usual calm.

This made Jiang Yu think of a certain classmate—someone easy to overlook, yet impossible to ignore.

Kyoko Kato watched as the decision was made between the two and could only sigh, her tone tinged with disappointment. “What a pity.”

She’d heard of this “game producer” Jiang Yu aspired to be and had picked up rumors about the current state of the game industry in Japan. For that reason, she doubted he could achieve much in such a turbulent field.

So, Kyoko truly regretted Jiang Yu’s choice; perhaps she felt the loss most keenly of all three. In her eyes, Jiang Yu’s musical talent was rare indeed.

Yet Jiang Yu wanted to make games.

When faced with a young person’s declaration of “dreams,” what can elders do but shake their heads with a wry smile and support them as best they can? Even if they’re destined to stumble and fall, you cannot deny their resolve.

Just like your parents, when it comes to your choices—though they may not agree—if you persist, they will silently support you from behind.

No matter whether your future brings poverty or wealth, success or disappointment.

Looking at this person who genuinely cared for him, despite having no blood relation, Jiang Yu felt a surge of warmth he couldn’t suppress.

He sniffed, steadied his emotions, and said, “…I’m sorry, Miss Kato.”

Kyoko Kato waved her hands quickly and replied, “No need to apologize to me! Pursuing your own dream is important, isn’t it? Just don’t forget what you gave up today in choosing your path.”

Her tone shifted from casual to formal as she spoke, and at the end, she looked at Jiang Yu with grave seriousness.

“That’s enough, Kyoko. I think Jiang understands,” Chika Kotobuki interjected at just the right moment, sensing the heavy atmosphere.

“Mm!” Jiang Yu nodded emphatically, his face earnest.

...

The mood gradually lightened. Both Chika Kotobuki and Kyoko Kato expressed satisfaction with Jiang Yu’s final rendition.

They also informed him they’d recorded his impromptu Canon variations, and asked if he wanted to write out the score and apply for copyright.

Jiang Yu considered for a moment before nodding. He explained that it wasn’t a complete version yet and would still require post-production mixing.

Chika immediately offered to handle the mixing; all Jiang Yu needed to do was provide his requirements.

After expressing his thanks, the three glanced at the not-so-early hour and decided to have lunch together.

Leaving what was clearly the backstage area, they stepped outside, and Jiang Yu discovered that they were actually in an enormous music store, selling all kinds of instruments.

Kyoko Kato explained that this was a branch of the Kotobuki family’s chain of music stores in Chiyoda, and that Chika Kotobuki was the manager here, and so on…

That recording studio, of course, was Chika Kotobuki’s private studio.

Apart from marveling at such luxury, Jiang Yu didn’t know how else to react to something so far beyond his own experience.

As they walked into the main hall, a gentle melody from a piano drifted through the air.

Jiang Yu looked over and saw a red-haired girl in a school uniform playing.

Kyoko Kato glanced over and exclaimed in surprise, “Isn’t that one of the Nishikino family children? Maki, if I recall? It’s been a while.”

Chika Kotobuki nodded and said coolly, “I was her first piano teacher, after all. She doesn’t study piano anymore, but she still comes here sometimes to play and chat.”

As she spoke, Chika walked over and gently patted the red-haired girl’s shoulder, whispering something to her.

The two then made their way over to where Jiang Yu and Kyoko Kato stood.

As they drew closer, Jiang Yu realized that the girl was truly beautiful. Her long red hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her violet eyes often shimmered with a cool aloofness.

Her slender, almond-shaped eyes added a hint of allure. Even in a blue school uniform, her natural charm was impossible to hide.

Then he heard the girl speak in a soft, slightly husky voice, “Hello, nice to meet you. My name is Maki Nishikino.”

Jiang Yu quickly replied, “Hello, my name is Jiang Yu—‘Jiang’ as in river, and ‘Yu’ as in the ancient poet.”

After her introduction, Maki fell silent, nodding slightly to show she’d remembered.

Faced with this girl who was either silent or simply unwilling to converse, Jiang Yu scratched his head, unsure how to break the ice.

Meanwhile, Kyoko Kato and Chika Kotobuki watched the exchange with interest.

Finally, Jiang Yu slapped his forehead and said, “Ah—your piece was wonderful just now. That was Chopin’s Etude in G-flat major, wasn’t it?”

Maki’s wandering gaze finally focused on Jiang Yu’s face, and she said in surprise, “Jiang… Jiang Yu, do you play piano too?”

Relieved that the awkward silence had been broken, Jiang Yu smiled, “I know a little. Your performance just now was great, Nishikino.”

Kyoko Kato chimed in, “Jiang’s piano skills are impressive, Maki. You should ask him for some tips!”

At that, Maki frowned slightly and looked at Jiang Yu with serious intent.

Sensing the possible trouble, Jiang Yu chuckled nervously, “A-actually, I’m not that good…”

Kyoko Kato grinned mischievously and nudged Chika Kotobuki with her elbow, “Isn’t that right, Chika?”

Chika saw through Kyoko’s little scheme, but she did acknowledge Jiang Yu’s skills with a nod.

Looking at Jiang Yu, a competitive spark ignited in Maki’s eyes. She’d been called a prodigy since childhood—how could she readily accept that a peer who’d appeared out of nowhere might be better than her?

Jiang Yu noted the fiery determination in Maki’s gaze and gave a wry smile and a shake of his head.

It seemed lunch would be anything but peaceful.

Though he didn’t show it outwardly, Jiang Yu had pride of his own and met Maki’s intense gaze with composure.