Chapter 46: The Astronomical Piano, A Rich Man’s Ornament

How could a lead guitarist go without a showy prop? That’s why Cheng Yao was planning to buy himself a decent guitar, and a piano as well—not just for himself, but also for Cheng Cheng, who would need it for her supplementary classes.

However, he had already scoped out the guitar and piano during his free time; with his current experience, his understanding of instruments far surpassed that of Lu Mengyao.

“I’ve already made my selections and booked an appointment. Come with me,” he said.

“Oh,” Lu Mengyao replied, nodding softly and following behind. They hadn’t walked far before arriving in front of a tall building. “We’re here? This is the place?”

“Yes, sixteenth floor.”

The two of them took the elevator straight up to the sixteenth floor. The entire floor was dedicated to musical instruments and housed the largest instrument store in Jinling: Germany’s Bechstein, the flagship piano dealership Haizhiyin Music Hall—a veritable gathering place for the world’s top luxury instrument brands.

Lu Mengyao looked around; this place was in a completely different league from the music stores she’d visited before, both in atmosphere and setting.

Cheng Yao stepped into Bechstein, where the environment exuded a touch more elegance than even the luxury boutiques at Deji Plaza. For those who understood, instruments were the embodiment of grace and refinement.

“Welcome to Bechstein. Do you have an appointment?” a staff member greeted them.

“Yes, I made one last night. My surname is Cheng.”

“Mr. Cheng, is it?”

“That’s right.”

“Please, just call me Lisa. Would you like to look at the pianos first, or the guitars?” Lisa asked with a bright smile.

Cheng Yao thought for a moment. “Let’s see the pianos first.”

“Very well. This way, please.”

Guided by the staff, they entered the store. One room featured several gleaming, black upright pianos; on the other side, violins and guitars were on display.

Cheng Yao glanced around and asked, “Which brands do you carry?”

“Mr. Cheng, we have quite a range. For value, there’s Schimmel and Hofmann—both are authentic German pianos certified by BVK, major international brands. Our specialty is Bechstein.

“In terms of global status, Bechstein and Hofmann are slightly above Schimmel. The choice of brand and model really depends on your budget and your preferences for appearance, touch, and tone.

“There’s also Kawai from Japan, another excellent brand.”

“Kawai… what a peculiar name. I’m not considering Japanese brands.”

Lisa smiled politely without further comment.

Cheng Yao walked over to the pianos. He remembered that Zhang Ya used a Bechstein, priced at around 150,000 yuan. If not for that, he wouldn’t have paid much attention to these details.

Bechstein is one of the world’s eight royal brands and ranks among Germany’s top ten luxury goods. Schimmel is Europe’s largest piano manufacturer, with many patented products—a decent one could be had for 150,000 yuan.

Compared to upright pianos, he preferred grand pianos, which looked more elegant in a spacious living room.

“These are all uprights. Do you have any grands?”

“Yes, but grand pianos are more expensive.”

“That’s fine.”

Lisa led the way with a smile, opening another door. “We have quite a few grands as well, though the prices are a bit higher…”

“You have quite a large space here,” Cheng Yao remarked.

“There are only two stores on this entire floor,” Lisa replied.

Cheng Yao nodded—no wonder. Lu Mengyao, following behind, was seeing a whole new world; a piano costing 150,000 yuan was already a step above most, a luxury affordable only to the wealthy. Ordinary families would be pleased just to get one for a few thousand.

At such prices, it wasn’t just the brand that commanded value—the details surely made a difference, too.

There were four grand pianos; one of them was covered with a white cloth.

In such a setting, Cheng Yao’s gaze immediately fell upon the covered one. “Is this one particularly expensive?”

“Yes, this is a Schimmel grand, imported from Germany. How should I put it—this is our store’s pride and joy, priced quite high. Normally, it’s not something people actually use.”

“What’s the price?”

Lisa smiled, “This one is 3.5 million yuan.”

“Three and a half million?!”

Lu Mengyao was stunned. A single piano costing three and a half million—were the black keys made of gold?

Cheng Yao folded his arms across his chest and asked with a laugh, “Three and a half million—what craftsmanship and materials make it so expensive?”

“Mr. Cheng, the black keys on this piano are made from mineral materials and ebony. Additionally, the long grand piano construction has been integrated into a medium-sized model, showcasing exceptional and challenging craftsmanship. The performance quality is outstanding, far surpassing uprights—there’s no need for adaptation, either.

“It even won an innovation award in Germany.

“But it has its drawbacks—it’s far too luxurious for ordinary occasions, and even for competitions, it’s not practical to transport. Normally, it just isn’t used.”

“Do people actually buy this sort of thing?” Cheng Yao was genuinely curious—what kind of person would purchase it?

“Oh yes, some wealthy clients buy it as a decorative piece, though there are a few who genuinely use it…”

Cheng Yao found it a bit absurd. He’d already thought the 150,000 yuan piano at Zhang Ya’s home was expensive, but this three and a half million one was a whole new lesson. His previous perspective simply wasn’t enough for this world.

Truly, there is no limit to luxury.

The mindset of the wealthy is beyond ordinary comprehension—a piano is a mere ornament to them, while for others, it’s forever out of reach.

Seeing his interest, Lisa asked, “Would you like to try it? Go ahead—it’s fine even if you’re not planning to buy.”

“No need for me. Would you like to try?” Cheng Yao turned to Lu Mengyao. He didn’t want to embarrass himself with his Grade 3 piano skills, but Lu Mengyao played decently.

Lu Mengyao looked at the piano, a little tempted. “Is it all right?”

She’d have something to brag about back at the dormitory.

I played a piano worth three and a half million yuan.

“Of course,” Lisa nodded gently.

Cheng Yao stood to the side, chatting with Lisa. “You’re both still in school, right?”

“Yes.”

“She’s at the Arts Academy, I’m at the University of Finance.”

“Oh,” Lisa nodded. “Then there’s really no need for such a high-end piano. If circumstances permit, a mid-range one would be more than enough…”

She put it tactfully, clearly not expecting students to be able to afford a 3.5 million yuan piano.

Still, her attitude and service were warm and enthusiastic.

Sometimes, what matters is just that sense of respect. Lu Mengyao only played for a short while, carefully, afraid she might somehow damage it.

In fact, as soon as she sat down, she regretted it—she felt a little out of her depth. Just one word from the staff, and she’d actually dared to sit down and play.

How could I?

How did I even dare?!

“Well?” Cheng Yao asked.

“It’s truly wonderful to play—the touch and every aspect are impeccable…”

Lisa turned to Cheng Yao. “Mr. Cheng, this Bechstein is also a fine choice…”

“No, I think this one is just perfect,” Cheng Yao said, gazing at the dazzling piano before him.

For a moment, Lisa could hardly contain her delight.

“Mr. Cheng, if you’re seriously considering this one, I’ll give you a guitar for free—pick any of the expensive ones you like.”

…