She examined the long instrument carefully. It was made of little more than wood and strings of twisted silk. Ornaments included inlaid dots of mother-of-pearl or other similar materials.
The sound board was made of Chinese parasol wood and it had a stool to elevate it in order to prevent blockage to the sound holes.
The board was maroon red and as smooth as an egg. She ran her fingers across the strings and pulled one. Immediately, her finger began bleeding and she instinctively placed it in her mouth.
"It's not uncommon for beginners or individuals who play extensively to experience some discomfort or even minor injuries on their fingertips when learning to play string instruments like the Guqin." Her system informed her.
"However, experienced players develop calluses on their fingertips over time, which helps protect them from pain or bleeding. Additionally, proper technique and regular practice can minimize the risk of injury. You will get accustomed with the bleeding."
She sucked on her finger and kept admiring it. Finely polished rubies, emerald and turquoise stones were engraved into the wooden body of the the lute.
It was sparkly and shiny and she couldn't wait to learn how to play it.
"I bet Uncle Jun can teach me." She said aloud.
Picking up an umbrella, she stepped out of her room and onto the rainy ship upper deck. There was no one on the deck and he was probably in a cabin at the male deckhouse. She ran across the top deck and entered the deckhouse and shut the door.
They were men walking around and talking to each other. No one was even paying attention so, she had to find his room on her own
After roaming around, she found a room with his name carved into the door. She knocked and went in.
He was sitting on the floor, pulling the strings of his lute. It created a melodious sound and she was filled with the urge to play.
"Oh, hello Little Mei." He stopped playing and beckoned her to sit beside him. "Why are you here on such a rainy day?"
"Mama and Daddy brought me a Chinese lute." She sat in the seiza position and touched the board. "I want you to teach me how to play it."