Chapter 63: Eating and Drinking for Free

Xu Sanguan was rendered speechless, forced to admit that Meng Han's words made perfect sense. It was also the first time he’d heard that Uncle A from the internet had attracted the attention of provincial and national opera singers, including those from the Imperial Opera House. It had been less than a month, yet with only three compositions, Uncle A had achieved such accomplishments. Even Xu Sanguan, who had been in the industry for years, had never witnessed anything like it, and his face betrayed an uncontrollable astonishment.

As the music director of the Jiangnan Opera House, Xu Sanguan could only sigh over the predicament facing their institution. The young man before him, with his refined features, had been Jiangnan Opera House’s leading pianist just two years ago. But after participating in the 2020 Chopin International Piano Competition and fortuitously winning third place, Meng Han had soared to fame, becoming an international piano virtuoso and breaking free from the opera house’s hold.

Now, Meng Han was not only the foremost pianist in the country but also highly regarded internationally. In just the first half of the year, he had held concert tours in Tokyo, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and other places, further boosting his popularity.

“Alright, let’s not dwell on that. We’ll be attending the maritime exchange hosted by Lin Weiyin soon. Since the Chopin International Piano Competition, I haven’t seen her for two years. She’s done well abroad, just earned the title of United Nations Peace Ambassador, and now she’s returned home to lead an exchange in her hometown. There must be something she wants,” Meng Han said, donning formal attire as he booked a stylist to come over, then smiled at Xu Sanguan. “This exchange gathers musicians from all around the East China Sea and neighboring cities. It’s truly dazzling. If Jiangnan Opera House is looking for talent, sending someone to this event is a sure bet.”

Xu Sanguan’s expression changed as he suddenly remembered something. “Meng Han, I actually came to see you for this very reason. You know, private exchanges like this always require an invitation. And this one’s on the Costa Grand Cruise, with only one access route—no way to sneak in…”

Meng Han glanced at him, “Is this Director Zhao’s idea?”

“No, it’s my own,” Xu Sanguan chuckled. “It never hurts to make more friends. Of course, if you’re unwilling, I’ll find someone else.”

“I can’t refuse you. Just stay by my side tonight,” Meng Han nodded.

The Costa Bella cruise ship was docked at the Huangpu River. As one of the few ten-thousand-ton cruise ships still operating in the river since its maiden voyage in 2013, the Costa Grand had always captured the imagination of travelers. Nearly every tourist wanted to experience its splendor under the starry night sky and admire the river’s beauty from its decks. Yet, the ticket price was prohibitive—averaging 5,799 yuan per person, rarely discounted except during occasional promotions.

It was worth noting that the maritime music exchange, spearheaded by renowned pianist Lin Weiyin and others, was strictly by invitation. Every guest arriving tonight would enjoy royal-level service free of charge, provided they had the qualification to be invited.

Liao Yuan examined the invitation in his hand and turned to Zhang Chao, “How many people are attending this exchange?”

“Dozens, just counting pianists,” Zhang Chao replied while driving. “Of course, besides pianists, there are plenty of others—probably one or two hundred people in all!”

When Liao Yuan and Zhang Chao arrived at the river’s edge, they were stunned by the crowd of journalists and spectators at the dock. The lighting was dim, but with journalists snapping photos incessantly, the area was as bright as day. News of the exchange had sent waves throughout the Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai region, spreading rapidly. On the day of the event, reporters from major newspapers and TV stations came with cameras and equipment. But lacking invitations, they were kept at the shore. Even so, every pianist who arrived was met with a flurry of camera flashes.

Compared to the other musicians, who arrived in slicked hair and formal attire, Liao Yuan, though dressed in a white shirt and black trousers, looked weary and utterly ordinary. Zhang Chao was helpless—other pianists had stylists and makeup artists, appearing as if they were about to give a concert, while Liao Yuan looked more like a spectator.

Nevertheless, when Liao Yuan presented his invitation, his unremarkable appearance still drew considerable attention.

On the cruise deck, numerous socialites and musicians mingled, smiling and conversing gracefully, their presence exuding the air of high society.

“The pianists and industry insiders here all earn at least a million a year,” Zhang Chao whispered to Liao Yuan. “This is a middle-class revelry.”

Liao Yuan responded with a noncommittal “oh,” not particularly interested. He had been dragged here straight after work and hadn’t eaten, so his empty stomach left him indifferent to everything else. After shifting his gaze, he made his way to the buffet, grabbed a tray, carefully selected his food, and began to eat heartily.

Zhang Chao had initially been socializing, smiling at acquaintances, but seeing Liao Yuan devouring his meal, his own stomach began to rumble. He avoided others’ curious glances and slipped into the dining area for a feast.

Normally, boarding the cruise would cost nearly six thousand yuan, but tonight it was free, and Liao Yuan ate without restraint. Though the buffet couldn’t compare with the main restaurant’s refined dishes, its fruits, Western and Chinese fare, and desserts nonetheless delighted him. His usual bowl of plain noodles and two small dishes paled in comparison.

“Ah, we’re spoiled. Far too spoiled,” Zhang Chao said, mouth greasy as he peeled shrimp and savored the taste. He lowered his voice, “The exchange will soon get underway. Mr. Liao, you’ll have to show your skills, or we won’t get another chance to eat and drink for free.”

Liao Yuan stuffed a piece of rice cake into his mouth and asked curiously, “How did you get the invitations this time? And two, no less?”

Zhang Chao took a sip of water, swished it around, and swallowed hard before chuckling, “A mountain man has his tricks. Just do as I say, or there really won’t be a next time.”