I usually get up a little after 4 a.m. to practice the cello, followed by a workout. After taking a shower, I have a cup of coffee and think about what I need to get done that day.

If I don't have any other engagements, I basically spend my time at ISM.

I really like Fuchi Xiaojun Rice Noodles next door. The soup is wonderfully sweet and savory, and the squid is fresh. Another favorite is Fang's Restaurant. When friends from overseas or other parts of Taiwan come to visit, I take them there. It's a great place for gatherings, with freshly made xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and excellent pork rib fried rice. You could call it Tianmu's version of Din Tai Fung! (Laughs.)

Doing absolutely nothing! (Laughs.) My work requires so much thinking that after work, I just want to switch off and give my mind a rest.

Moving into an industry completely different from my previous profession, along with experiencing culture shock when I first arrived in Japan, was challenging. Throughout those two years, I kept reminding myself, "You're doing great! You're brave!" After all, starting from scratch in your thirties is something most people might hesitate to do, as it means stepping outside their comfort zone. Music and desserts may belong to different fields, but to me, the mindset is the same. Whether it's hearing or tasting, developing expertise takes time and experience.

"Don't be afraid of the heat when you step into the kitchen." We're not simply following existing railway tracks; we're building our own, and we don't always know where they will lead. Entrepreneurship today comes with many obstacles. It takes more effort, and the results may not always meet expectations. My approach is to focus on what I can do in the present, find ways to keep going, and take small steps toward my goals. Sometimes, taking a step back isn't necessarily a bad thing.

The Aesthetics of Work by André Chiang. Chef Chiang is a true workaholic, and I greatly admire his sense of aesthetics. Even in a busy and high-pressure working environment, he emphasizes finding personal rituals and meaning in everyday life. The book clearly articulates his vision of work and how to lead a team. His ideas are persuasive and have inspired me to explore them myself. As for leading my own team, I'm still searching for the approach that suits me best.

Since I'm Taiwanese, it's difficult to pinpoint exactly what attracts me to Taiwan. However, whenever I perform overseas, I find myself missing the things I love about home. Taiwan is home to me—the familiar language, my friends, and especially my deep emotional connection to this land, as someone from southern Taiwan. The most enjoyable part of traveling is discovering new things. I don't necessarily research restaurants or attractions in advance. Stumbling upon a restaurant while walking down the street or finding an interesting little shop around a corner often brings the most delightful surprises.

Quietness and cleanliness. During my touring career as a musician, I must have stayed in more than 200 hotels. Over time, I realized that after a busy schedule, what matters most is having a peaceful and comfortable space to rest.

Sunshine and warmth. During the pandemic, when overseas travel wasn't possible, I stayed at Dandy Hotel Daan Park Branch. Although my room didn't directly face Daan Forest Park, it felt very comfortable. I also received a personalized welcome card during my stay. It's these small, thoughtful details that make me feel genuinely welcomed and cared for.