Nanyu was well aware that it would take more than just a day or two for Niannian to overcome her psychological trauma.
After the class, as Nanyu was about to leave, Wen Ruoyi called out to her, "Ms. Nan, please sit down and have a glass of water first."
Nanyu was taken aback for a few seconds but still sat down on the sofa and took the glass of water Wen Ruoyi offered.
Then, Wen Ruoyi pushed an invitation in front of Nanyu.
"Since Niannian's car accident, I've joined many children's protection funds. I've met some kids like Niannian who have defects due to congenital genes or acquired accidents, as well as the kind - hearted people who help them."
She was a gentle and elegant beauty. Thanks to good maintenance, the years had left few marks on her face. "I recently heard that the government is planning a charity piano concert at Jiangchen Theater. The profits from the performance will all be donated to disabled children in financial difficulties."
"There's still a vacancy for a pianist. I wonder if Ms. Nan is interested?" She smiled. "If you're willing, I'd like to introduce you there."
Nanyu was a bit flustered. "Me?"
"Of course." Wen Ruoyi smiled. "I don't know anyone more outstanding than you. Even if there were, no one loves the piano as much as you do."
Nanyu shook her head. "You think too highly of me."
She was silent for a long time. After finishing the tea in the cup, she replied, "Thank you for the invitation. I'd like to give it a try."
Nanyu certainly didn't want to miss this chance to get back on stage.
Moreover, it was a charity concert for a good cause. She had no reason to decline.
---
Nanyu called the number of the person in charge on the invitation to learn about the details in advance.
The conversation went smoothly. The person in charge was very enthusiastic. First, they expressed their recognition and admiration for Nanyu's piano skills, then introduced the theme of the event, and made an appointment with her for the rehearsal time and location.
All in all, things went much more efficiently than Nanyu had expected.
"Let's wish the concert a great success." She said with a smile. "If there are any deficiencies, please do remind me."
The person on the other end of the phone also laughed. "Ms. Nan has so many piano certificates that they could fill a whole room. It would be presumptuous of us to give advice."
Nanyu chuckled along.
"Oh, I almost forgot to tell you."
As the conversation was coming to an end, the person on the other end of the phone said, "The performance piece arranged for you is a duet. There will be a violinist performing on stage with you. Is that okay with you?"
Nanyu agreed readily. "No problem."
Agreeing was one thing, but seeing Qu Jiaran in the rehearsal room was another.
She had her violin case beside her and was idly playing with her phone. When she heard the noise at the door, she lifted her eyelids impatiently. The moment she saw Nanyu, her eyes lit up.
"My partner is you!"
Nanyu stopped in her tracks at the door.
Qu Jiaran put down her phone and ran towards her cheerfully. "I was so annoyed just now, afraid they'd pair me with someone difficult to get along with."
"Since it's you, I can relax now."
She openly expressed her emotions. "I'm so looking forward to performing on stage with Nanyu!"
Nanyu remained calm. She nodded, mentally preparing herself for the upcoming rehearsals and performance.
Before the rehearsal, Qu Jiaran chatted with Nanyu non - stop.
The gist was that Qu Jiaran's grandfather had asked her to participate in this charity event so that she could stay kind - hearted and give back to society.
Qu Jiaran was used to being spoiled and had plenty of time. Appearing in such an event would only do her good.
During the conversation, Nanyu also learned that the investor of this charity event was Tan Linyuan.
"What about you? Why did you come to this event?" Qu Jiaran asked.
Nanyu gave a practical answer. "Because I can get paid for the performance."
She was too lazy to explain to Qu Jiaran her original passion for piano performance and her support for charity.
After some thought, this answer seemed the most appropriate.
Sure enough, Qu Jiaran burst out laughing. "Nanyu, you're so funny. How much can you get from a charity performance? It's not even enough to buy a bag from Mr. Shen."
Regardless of whether Shen Yanche had ever bought a bag for Nanyu, she didn't want the money from the Shen family.
She had already compromised her dignity once because of the debt. She would never sell her soul for daily expenses.
She felt at ease only when using the money she earned through her own efforts and abilities.
"I'm sure we'll have great chemistry, and our performance will be the most outstanding."
Qu Jiaran winked at her. "By then, Linyuan will surely be attracted by my performance."
Nanyu didn't ask if Tan Linyuan would come to the performance.
She didn't care whether he came or not. As long as the payment for the performance was transferred to her account on time, that was enough.
The conversation ended just like that.
After the chat, Nanyu urged Qu Jiaran to start rehearsing.
The piece the organizers had asked them to perform was Mozart's "Sonata in A major, third movement (K.331)".
It was said that this piece was composed by Mozart during his mother's passing, expressing his feelings about life and his longing for his mother.
It was the perfect piece for this charity concert.
Although the piece wasn't very difficult, it was a duet of two instruments. The two performers had to develop a good understanding through repeated rehearsals.
Nanyu sat in front of the piano and turned to Qu Jiaran. "Let's start."
After saying that, she rolled up her sleeves, revealing the Buddhist beads on her wrist.
Since the beads might press on the piano keys, Nanyu casually took them off and placed them on the piano stand.
This small action caught Qu Jiaran's attention.
She stared at the beads, and her bright smile gradually faded. She asked nonchalantly, "Nanyu's Buddhist beads are really beautiful. Where did you get them?"
As soon as the words were out, the piano room fell silent.
Nanyu suddenly remembered that these Buddhist beads had been worn by Tan Linyuan all the time.
Now that Qu Jiaran had seen them on her wrist, she would surely be suspicious and start speculating about her relationship with Tan Linyuan.
Nanyu's heart sank. She quickly pursed her lips. "I just bought them at a temple gate."
She remembered that Tan Linyuan had said that no one had touched these beads before her.
So, Qu Jiaran might not have examined the beads closely.
She lied in the hope of getting away with it.
"Really?" Qu Jiaran seemed to believe her and nodded. "Next time you have a chance, remember to take me to buy an identical one."