Adapting the music in the middle of a song and adding a different instrumental piece isn’t really out of the ordinary. Many singers perform such improvisations during concerts.
As long as the piano piece played in the middle doesn’t clash too much with the style of the song Qiao Yiyi is about to sing, and instead complements it in some way, it could create an unexpectedly delightful effect.
After taking Qiao Yiyi’s suggestion, Jiang Fei’s mind immediately started racing, considering what kind of piano performance he should insert in the middle.
First of all, it definitely couldn’t be a piece that was too simple—the more challenging, the better!
Only a more difficult piece could showcase his exceptional skills and make those who had looked down on him earlier widen their eyes in shock! As for the difficulty of the piece, Jiang Fei, a level-nine piano master, had no reason to worry. Once he got into the zone, there was no piano piece he couldn’t play, no matter how challenging it was.
At this moment, Jiang Fei found himself liking Qiao Yiyi more and more. Not only was this superstar gentle, intelligent, and polite, but she was also incredibly considerate, knowing when to let a man save face and show off his abilities.
Where else could you find such a wonderful girl?
Jiang Fei smiled contentedly at Qiao Yiyi, who, in turn, responded with a radiant smile of her own.
But what piano piece should he insert in the middle? That was the real question.
Liszt’s Réminiscences de Don Juan? Or perhaps La Campanella? Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat Major? Balakirev’s Islamey?
As a piano master, Jiang Fei’s mind was instantly flooded with a list of classic, highly challenging piano pieces. These pieces weren’t just difficult to play well—even playing them correctly required a strong foundation.
“Even if I’m adapting and forcibly inserting a piano piece in the middle, it still has to have some similarities with the song Like You,” Jiang Fei pondered. With his piano skills activated, countless famous melodies from around the world surged through his mind, each one vying for his attention.
After a while, Jiang Fei narrowed it down to two suitable pieces.
“Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 is good, but to match the song Qiao Yiyi is singing, I think Piano Concerto No. 3 would be better. Known as the ‘king of piano concertos,’ it’s more intense in emotional expression and more challenging to play. That’s the one!” Jiang Fei decided.
Seeing the look on Jiang Fei’s face, Qiao Yiyi guessed that he had made his decision and asked curiously, “Have you chosen the piece? Which one?”
She had suggested this idea not only to accommodate Jiang Fei’s feelings but also because she wanted to see just how skilled he was at the piano.
Ordinary pop song accompaniments couldn’t showcase the true prowess of a piano master. Only high-level performance pieces could allow them to fully display their abilities.
“Yes, I’ve decided. Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3,” Jiang Fei replied with a smile.
“Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3?!” Qiao Yiyi’s eyes widened in surprise.
Although Qiao Yiyi had only passed the amateur level-ten piano exam—not the professional one—she was still considered quite skilled by ordinary standards. She knew exactly how difficult Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 was.
She had suggested this idea to let Jiang Fei show off a little, but she hadn’t expected him to go all out and choose one of the most challenging pieces in the world!
“Are you sure?” Qiao Yiyi asked, her eyes wide with a mix of shock and amusement.
“I’m sure,” Jiang Fei nodded. “Why? Is this piece not suitable?”
“It’s not that it’s unsuitable. In fact, inserting Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 into the middle of our chosen song would work quite well without feeling too out of place,” Qiao Yiyi explained. “But… this piece is incredibly difficult!”
Qiao Yiyi had never seen Jiang Fei play the piano before. While she had great confidence in him, she wasn’t entirely sure if his piano skills were as extraordinary as his guitar skills. She couldn’t help but feel a little anxious.
Jiang Fei smiled confidently and said, “As long as you’re fine with it, I’ll be fine. Just focus on singing well later!”
Qiao Yiyi nodded, stealing a few glances at Jiang Fei.
His confidence was undeniably attractive.
Just then, the long-haired, flamboyant man named Jing Ran, who had left earlier, returned with a glass of champagne in hand. He smiled and said, “Why are you two still here? You could go dance or meet some new friends.”
As the hostess of the evening, Bai Mangguo had to mingle with the guests and chat with those who had come to congratulate her. Ye Yuanyuan had initially wanted to stay with Jiang Fei, but her best friend Bai Mangguo had dragged her away to keep her company.
Jing Ran had also been pulled away earlier by Bai Mangguo, who was as clingy as a little gremlin.
Jiang Fei didn’t have much fondness for this man, whose appearance made him uncomfortable and who loved to show off. He replied indifferently, “Not really interested.”
Jing Ran wasn’t offended. Instead, he sat down across from Jiang Fei and Qiao Yiyi, seemingly planning to stay for a while.
Jiang Fei raised an eyebrow and asked, “Is there something you need?”
“Not really,” Jing Ran shook his head with a smile. “I’m just curious about you, Jiang Fei. I heard from Mangguo that you cured Old General Ye Zhennan’s legs with acupuncture. Is that true?”
Jiang Fei nodded.
Jing Ran gave Jiang Fei a thumbs-up and praised, “To be so young and yet so skilled in medicine—I’m truly impressed! I know a few talented doctors in the field of traditional Chinese medicine, but none of them can compare to you. Where do you work? You’re not with the Chinese Medical Association, are you?”
Jiang Fei frowned. He didn’t understand why this man was suddenly buttering him up.
When something seems off, there’s usually a reason. When someone flatters you for no reason, they’re either up to no good or want something from you.
Jiang Fei liked compliments, but he wasn’t a fool. He instinctively felt that this man had some ulterior motive or perhaps needed his help with something.
Was he or a family member sick and in need of treatment?
“I’m not with the Chinese Medical Association. I just run a small private clinic to make a living,” Jiang Fei replied casually.
“A private clinic?” Jing Ran was momentarily surprised, as if he hadn’t expected a skilled physician like Jiang Fei to choose such a path. But he quickly recovered and said, “Private clinics are great. Nowadays, private hospitals are becoming more popular in China. Most wealthy people prefer private hospitals over public ones, regardless of how prestigious the latter are. Private hospitals offer better facilities and services. With your exceptional skills, Jiang Fei, your clinic is bound to become one of the best in Jin City!”
At this point, Jing Ran swirled the champagne in his glass and smiled at Jiang Fei, finally getting to the point. “Would you be interested in collaborating in the future?”
Hearing this, Jiang Fei’s expression grew even more puzzled. He studied Jing Ran for a moment, trying to figure out what the man was really after.
Collaboration?
Jiang Fei didn’t know Jing Ran’s exact background, but given that he was friends with Ye Yuanyuan and Bai Mangguo, and had managed to charm both Bai Mangguo and Wu Xue, he was clearly no ordinary person.
This kind of man likely didn’t lack money and had plenty of ways to earn it. Was he looking to expand into the medical industry and saw Jiang Fei as a potential partner?
“I’m sorry, but my vision might be different from what you’re imagining. I’m not aiming for a high-end, luxury private hospital catering exclusively to the wealthy. My clinic is small, just a bit larger than a typical medical practice, and it primarily serves ordinary people. So, I don’t think we have an opportunity to collaborate,” Jiang Fei firmly declined.
He knew that with his medical skills, he could easily establish a high-end private hospital targeting wealthy clients, and it would undoubtedly be very profitable.
But for Jiang Fei, as long as he wasn’t short on money, that was enough. He enjoyed earning money, but he wasn’t obsessed with it.
Everyone loves money. If someone claims they don’t, you should be wary—they’re either lying or have ulterior motives.
Jiang Fei loved money, but he wouldn’t let it consume him.
He did hope to expand his clinic in the future, perhaps even turning it into a large chain of hospitals. That way, he could treat more patients, earn more profits, and gain more experience points to level up faster.
But Jiang Fei had no interest in the kind of hospital Jing Ran was suggesting.
Hearing this response, Jing Ran was momentarily stunned. His expression shifted slightly as he studied Jiang Fei, trying to gauge the sincerity behind his words.
After a while, Jing Ran gave up. He realized that Jiang Fei’s gaze was steady, his expression calm and honest. It was clear that Jiang Fei meant every word he said.
Could it be that this guy isn’t just a skilled doctor but also has a heart of gold, indifferent to wealth? Jing Ran thought to himself, amused.
