Chapter 7 (1/2)

B City Symphony Orchestra was worthy of being the number one orchestra in Huaxia. After only three days of rehearsal, the entire orchestra was great and had a tacit understanding of each other. During this time, Qi Mu also learned a lot about Tan Zheng Hui.

Old Tan was a senior artist who worked really hard and was doing his best at everything. His ability as a conductor was undeniable, and Qi Mu admired his attitude towards musical excellence.

Each conductor had their own way of interpreting music scores. Mr. Albert Dorenza, the conductor of the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, for example, had a style that was romantic and filled with passion and a gentleness one might expect from a gentleman. In contrast, Tan Lao’s style was much more realistic and down to earth.

With the gentle aspect of nature, it made the audience experience a pure atmosphere. His style matched Dvorak’s naturally. Which was why there was always a shadow of Dvorak’s influence in the B City Symphony Orchestra’s performances.

For example, the orchestra was currently rehearsing the 《Symphony No 8 in G Major》for the twelfth time, it was one of Dvorak’s most famous works. The whole song was soothing and calm. It brought people to the 19th century, to experience the beauty of the plains in the Czech Republic and the infinite allure of nature. “The clarinet should enter a bit more naturally!”

“Recorder, a little higher!”

. . .

Even if he had corrected them 100 times, Tan’s attitude and strive for perfection allowed him to pick out an egg from stone and would require for them to be better, better and even better. Whenever they had a rehearsal, the said conductor was akin to someone with an obsessive-compulsive disorder, demanding about every single little detail.

Among them, even though Qi Mu could hear the rhythm and pitch of each instrument, he was not a conductor, and he didn’t know what kind of symphony Tan Lao wanted.

Today’s rehearsal ended in the evening, and they went home. Qi Mu had not left the gate yet when he was stopped by someone calling his name. He turned around and saw Tan Lao’s serious face, the older gentleman was sitting in a black car.

“Get in.”

Qi Mu froze slightly, then he got into the car.

In the quiet and cramped space, just as Qi Mu put away his violin case, he heard a low-pitched voice, “Tomorrow’s competition. . . how’s your preparation?”

He suddenly understood. Qi Mu turned to look at Tan Lao and said with an earnest expression, “I have been preparing for it these past few days, and you can rest assured, Tan Lao. I have worked hard.”

Ever since Tan Lao told him about the violin competition, he had entered a busy flurry of preparation. Originally, he planned to contact the referee himself to register, but Lao Tan had already arranged everything for him. All he needed to do was get on stage and play.

Tan Zheng Hui looked at Qi Mu’s solemn expression and nodded, satisfied. The car turned and drove up a hill. He then asked, “What songs did you prepare?”

Qi Mu replied, “I plan to play Paganini’s 《Love Scene》 first. I practiced this song a lot these past few days. The second is Mozart’s 《Serenade》.” At Old Tan’s nod, he added, “It’s 《Serenade in G Major》, which I am most familiar, which is why I chose it. And the last song is Mendelssohn’s 《Violin Concerto in E Minor》.”

Tan Lao kept nodding as he listened to Qi Mu.

Then, Lao Tan frowned and thought for a while. He asked, “If I remember correctly, Tartini’s works were the ones you’re the best at so why didn’t you choose his songs this time?” Qi Mu was a little startled. He then said with a smile, “Tan Lao, that is a thing of the past.”

Hearing this, Tan Lao looked at Qi Mu deeply. He didn’t say anything else, and the car fell into dead silence.

When the car arrived at his house, Qi Mu went to bid Tan Zheng Hui goodbye. He stood beside the car, holding his violin case, but Tan Lao heaved a long sigh and said, “I haven’t seen you in 3 years, and you’ve already changed a lot. . . Qi Mu.”

The brilliant setting sun shone on the youth’s black hair, and he saw Tan Lao slowly narrowing his eyes. Finally, he revealed a rare smile and said, “You have to keep this up. Ah, I will wait for your results tomorrow, Qi Mu.”

Before long, the black car drove out of the neighborhood and disappeared from Qi Mu’s sight.

But the young man did not immediately turn around and go upstairs. Holding the box, he looked into the distance and watched Tan Lao’s car drove away. He smiled and said dryly, “Qi Mu, ah, there are so many elders who care about you, just how did you let yourself fall into such a state? You are quite a lucky person.”

His voice was bitter and helpless with a touch of envy.

After a while, the youth disappeared down the path to his house. The words which were like a sigh was drowned out by the autumn wind.

If even Tan Lao was watching this violin competition, naturally it was not a normal one.