Chapter 37 (1/2)

The setting sun cast the vast sky into an array of magnificent color. In the center of the town’s seventh square, a handsome and elegant man stood beside a celebrity column, his expression calm and indifferent as he starred at the stunned white man.

There were many people in the square, but it was quiet enough most people could hear their own breath alongside the autumn breeze.

The white man’s forehead was covered in a thin layer of cold sweat, and he couldn’t say a word, even with his mouth hanging open. The air was stagnant. Min Chen continued to stare, giving off tremendous pressure, without saying a word.

“Mommy, this person looks like that guy.”

Suddenly, from who knows where the loud voice of a kid rang out. A doll-like little girl pointed her finger at the photo on the celebrity column. Seeing the photograph of a man waving a baton, they suddenly realized. Wasn’t this the same man that stood before them right now?

In an instant, stunned voices filled the square.

As a matter of fact, many of the musicians already recognized him the moment Min Chen revealed himself. Now, though, amateur music lovers were also surprised and excited.

Everyone knew what kind of existence was needed to receive the honor of being featured on one of the columns. Among the world’s current maestros, only three were featured.

And right now, there was a living, breathing master standing amongst them!

And, this master was. . . Min Chen.

“What was it like to have a world-class master of music appear before you?” If any of these music lovers were to be asked, they would not hesitate to answer: “Have you ever had a first love? It’s as though your goddess of love reached out her hands to you and said ‘we’re together.’ It was that exciting!”

Because of Min Chen’s revelation, the recruitment event ended abruptly. Qi Mu and Min Chen were invited back into the audition hall by the official. That discriminatory white man? He had already fled the crowd in disgrace. Those with sharp observation noticed that he was “accidentally stepped on” by several Chinese.

Huaxia’s classical music industry was lagging behind the West. However, in recent years, the scene had gradually risen. Even Duke Daniel had said in an interview with 《themusig》 that he was shocked to hear a symphony orchestra on an international level during his recent trip.

Unfortunately, racial discrimination still existed in the hearts of extremists, which was why today’s incident occurred.

The staff who registered Qi Mu’s information repeatedly apologized with a bowed head. Qi Mu could only politely smile and shake his head. Things like rude guests could hardly be blamed on the organizers. They couldn’t investigate each and every one of their guests, let alone their mentality.

While Qi Mu was busy, Min Chen stood at the door of the hall, watching the gathered crowd in silence.

Once it let out that Auston Bertram was attending the festival and was here in this square, countless fans from the surrounding area gathered to see their idol.

These usually calm fans went crazy, not losing against the Oppa fans for enthusiasm. Of course, they at least knew how to maintain a certain degree of discipline. When they were told Min Chen had left the venue, they dejectedly dispersed.

Qi Mu filled out his contact information quickly then walked over to Min Chen’s side with his violin case.

The sunglasses used to cover Min Chen’s face was clipped to the collar of his shirt. He looked at the tourists that were leaving the square and frowned. Qi Mu didn’t know what was on his mind.

QI Mu sighed a little and said, “I thought you weren’t supposed to reveal your identity. What happened today. . . really, thank you for that. But you didn’t have to deal with that person. I can handle myself.” Though, it would have been more troublesome. After all, nothing could compare to the effect of having a Chinese maestro standing before you.

Listening to Qi Mu’s somewhat guilty admission, Min Chen shook his head and said calmly, “It’s not like I couldn’t. It was just unnecessary. But, even if my identity is exposed. . . it isn’t that big of a deal.”

Seeing the other’s unbothered expression, Qi Mu couldn’t help but laugh, “But I think it’s certainly a big deal to Mr. Daniel.”

Min Chen: “. . .”

Qi Mu and Min Chen said a few more words to each other while walking. Just before they left the concert hall, they saw a brunette approaching them with a smile. The man happily exclaimed, “Auston, it’s really you! I didn’t expect to see you here after so many years.”

Turning around, Qi Mu saw Boswell walking towards them. Before he could understand what “It’s really you” was about, Boswell was shaking hands with Min Chen and explaining, “When Qi Mu performed《Little Rhine Legend》 earlier, I thought it felt a bit familiar.” He looked at Qi Mu and added, “After you left, I thought about it for a while and remembered when I was in Berlin a few years ago, after the Forest Concert, Auston once talked about converting an opera into a symphonic poem.”

Boswell’s kind eyes flitted over Qi Mu then returned to Min Chen who stool wore his calm expression. “Auston, we haven’t seen each other for such a long time. Why didn’t you tell me you were here?”

To this old friend who had always been gentle, Min Chen’s cold expression softened a little. “Daniel didn’t want to let me go out and see people.” After a pause, he added, “It’s Daniel’s fault.”

Qi Mu: “. . .”

Boswell clearly knew this fellow with a wonderful face well. “Yes, yes, I know. It’s all Daniel’s fault. It has nothing to do with you.” He sighed helplessly, “It’s a pity. If I knew you were here earlier, I would have introduced a friend to you.”

Qi Mu looked at Boswell in surprise.

The latter noticed his gaze and Boswell smiled gently towards him. “My friend, like you, is a very talented violinist, and quite an accomplished one. He’s older than you though. He and his orchestra left a couple days ago. When we met, he told me he really admired Auston’s music.”

Min Chen had no response to this. Every year, countless fans came to show respect to him after Bai Ai finished their concerts. Even professional musicians used his songs in their concerts as a tribute.