Chapter 42: The Piano Teacher, Lu Mengyao

Cheng Yao closed the door behind him and slipped into a pair of disposable slippers.

“Change your shoes. We’ll go out and buy some household things in a bit.”

“Oh, okay…”

Cheng Cheng was completely overwhelmed with excitement, as if she’d just received her favorite toy. She didn’t even bother putting her backpack down before dashing into the living room to explore.

Cheng Yao set the luggage aside, the scent of air freshener lingering in the air.

“Take your time looking around—the house isn’t going anywhere.”

Cheng Cheng spun in circles inside the rooms, so dizzy that she was almost disoriented. “Brother, the house is huge! There are so many rooms. Which one is mine!?”

“Pick whichever you like. I hardly ever stay here anyway. The guest bedroom is on the left, the master bedroom is on the right.”

Clapping her small hands, Cheng Cheng asked, “Can I really live here? Really?”

“Of course. We still have to buy things like a TV and a washing machine—there’s a lot to get…”

The truth was, as a single man, Cheng Yao couldn’t possibly have everything taken care of.

He’d always thought it was easier to eat out than cook at home—more convenient, more choices, and in any case, he didn’t want to bother with cooking.

If only Zhang Ya could move in, things would be perfect.

But Zhang Ya was studying in Shanghai, so that wasn’t possible.

“Okay, then I’ll take the guest bedroom. The master bedroom’s for you and your future wife!”

“You might have to wait a while for that.”

“That’s fine, haha.”

Cheng Cheng flopped onto the sofa, then ran out onto the balcony, marveling at the beautiful view—she was so excited she couldn’t sit still.

Cheng Yao unpacked a few things and put them in the cabinets. With over 160 square meters, the place felt a little too big. It was luxurious and definitely comfortable, but there was an undeniable sense of emptiness.

Maybe it was because there weren’t enough things?

No, it was because there weren’t enough people. With just Cheng Cheng living here, it was bound to feel a bit lonely.

Cheng Yao walked into the living room. “Little one, come here a second.”

“Brother, do you still have money?”

“What’s up?”

Cheng Cheng’s eyes sparkled. “I want to buy a few plush toys for my room. Just a few, I promise!”

“Alright, let’s go. We’ll eat out and pick up a few things while we’re at it.”

“Huh!?”

“Didn’t you say you wanted some toys?” Cheng Yao frowned slightly.

Cheng Cheng looked longingly at the luxurious living room, reluctant to leave. “I want to stay a little longer. I’m afraid if I leave, I won’t be able to get back in!”

“What are you talking about? You’re living here from now on. I’ll give you the door code. Come on.”

“Okay.”

Cheng Yao gently pulled the reluctant Cheng Cheng out of the apartment and finally managed to get her into the elevator and downstairs.

By the time they reached the ground floor, Cheng Cheng’s steps were so light, she felt like she was floating.

It didn’t seem real,

Like a dream.

One moment she was the ugly duckling, the next she’d become Snow White—just like in those stories about the three heiresses of the Xia family.

Cheng Cheng thought, maybe she was a little like Xia Tianmei?

As they walked along the street, Cheng Yao frowned, realizing he’d forgotten to mention something.

“Oh, right. How about I find you a piano teacher?”

“Really?”

“Didn’t you say you wanted to play the piano?”

“…Yes.” Cheng Cheng nodded softly, looking up at her brother.

For her, Zhang Ya was more than just a future sister-in-law—she was an idol.

Cheng Cheng’s interest in piano had begun after seeing Zhang Ya play. She’d looked so beautiful and elegant, like a fairy-tale heroine, radiating an irresistible charm.

From that moment, Cheng Cheng had wanted to learn piano.

“Do you have enough money?” she asked.

Cheng Yao ruffled her hair. “Don’t worry about money. I’m richer than you think. Hiring a piano teacher won’t be a problem. But don’t count on much pocket money.”

“That’s fine. Getting a teacher is already amazing. If you ever run out of money, you have to tell me, okay?”

Cheng Yao smiled, then pulled out his phone to call Lu Mengyao. “Hey, are you free right now?”

“What’s up?”

“Come to Golden Eagle. I’ll treat you to dinner, and there’s something I want to discuss.”

When he hung up, Cheng Yao said, “She’ll be here soon.”

“Th-that fast!?” Cheng Cheng’s eyes widened. But there wasn’t even a piano yet.

Cheng Yao grinned. “You’ll see soon enough.”

Cheng Cheng nodded, wondering if yet another surprise was in store. Her brother had given her so many today, she could barely stay calm—she was even starting to stutter.

They took the subway to Golden Eagle, and as soon as they reached the mall entrance, Cheng Cheng was stunned.

There stood Lu Mengyao, dragging a suitcase, dressed in a school uniform and holding an ice cream cone—she looked beautiful.

When she spotted Cheng Yao and Cheng Cheng, Lu Mengyao waved with a smile. “Over here!”

Cheng Cheng glanced at Lu Mengyao, then at her brother, her eyelids twitching. She wasn’t stupid—she might only be a sophomore in high school, but she knew a thing or two.

Brother,

Did you just cheat on Zhang Ya!?

Cheng Cheng pouted. “Brother, is she the teacher you mentioned?”

“She’s a sophomore majoring in music performance at Jin Yi University. Teaching you will be a piece of cake.”

“That impressive!”

Cheng Cheng’s eyes lit up. Suddenly, she didn’t find Lu Mengyao so hard to accept.

For a moment, she even felt a little guilty for having misunderstood her. But, then again, maybe she hadn’t misunderstood entirely.

Lu Mengyao’s smile was radiant as she waved. “Good evening, little Cheng Cheng.”

“G-good evening…” Cheng Cheng replied shyly, her greeting barely audible.

Cheng Yao noticed Lu Mengyao’s suitcase and asked, “Where are you headed?”

“Back to Jiangning.”

“Let’s eat first and talk over dinner. How does Haidilao sound?”

“Anything’s fine with me,” Lu Mengyao replied, still keeping a respectful distance from Cheng Yao in front of Cheng Cheng.

It was a busy Friday at Haidilao, and they had to wait about twenty minutes for a table.

Once seated, Cheng Yao ordered a few dishes, then handed the menu to Cheng Cheng.

Cheng Cheng browsed the menu in silence. Lu Mengyao asked, “So, what did you want to discuss?”

“She wants to learn piano, so I thought I’d find her a teacher. No need to look far—you’re free, aren’t you?”

“I…”

Lu Mengyao glanced at Cheng Cheng, unable to argue—she really was free these days. She no longer felt pressure to chase grades; now, she focused on financial opportunities.

Cheng Cheng looked up at her as well. Lu Mengyao smiled sweetly. “Does that work for you?”

“I think it’s perfect. No need for too much—two lessons a week will be enough.”

Cheng Yao had no intention of turning Cheng Cheng into a star. He knew his sister well enough.

She was average,

Not destined for greatness.

“I’ll pay you five hundred per lesson. How does that sound?”

Truth be told, Cheng Yao wanted to say, “Given our relationship, talking about money is awkward. I’ll just treat you to a good meal sometime instead.”

But Lu Mengyao didn’t care about the money. In fact, the thought of getting closer to Cheng Cheng—and thus adding a new bond between herself and Cheng Yao—made her all the more agreeable.

In this way, she wouldn’t just be a pretty face, right?

With that in mind, Lu Mengyao felt confident—the plan made sense. After all, Cheng Yao’s sister would naturally become her sister too.

“Sure, I don’t mind. How about starting next week? I’m free on Saturdays and Sundays—on Fridays I need to go home.”

“Sounds good.”

And just like that, Lu Mengyao became Cheng Cheng’s teacher.

Lu Mengyao couldn’t help but wonder if Cheng Yao was psychic—this was exactly the excuse she’d given her roommates.

…