Chapter 92 (2/2)

“10 points.”

As soon as the score was announced, the hall was astir.

Standing at the center of the stage, Qi Mu listened to such high praise with a humbly lowered head and said politely, “Thank you for your compliment, Master Gerrard. I will continue to work hard.”

The silver-haired Gerrard smiled and said, “Son, I think I can see your future. In my lifetime, the world of classical music will belong to you, youngsters.”

In the end, Qi Mu took first place with a high score of 96 points, which was a whole 8 points higher than second place. The violin department once again crushed their old rival, the piano department, so hard everyone in the piano department could do nothing but stare at them with rage.

Aided by his height, Dylan swung his arm over Qi Mu’s shoulder and excitedly exclaimed, “Seven, with you on our side, we’ll definitely crush those guys in the piano department in the future! This is so great!”

Qi Mu couldn’t help but chuckle, and his lips curled upwards, but he didn’t say anything apart from “Um.” He always remembered Akkad saying he could graduate early if he got first place for three consecutive assessments.

Well. . . such a thing, he won’t let Dylan know now lest he spoiled his happiness.

The next day after the assessment, Qi Mu arrived half an hour earlier and was ready to start his practice. But just as he took out his violin, Farrell opened the door.

Qi Mu was surprised to see Farrell coming so early today. He watched as the mild-tempered old man furrowed his eyebrows, “Angel, there are two things. . . I have to tell you today. Which do you want to hear first?”

Qi Mu wiped his bow with rosin, and his slender fingers appeared even fairer when contrasted with the light yellow rosin.

Qi Mu put down his bow and rosin and, frowning slightly, he asked the maestro with a warm voice, “Mr. Farrell, usually. . . wouldn’t you start with asking me to choose between good news and bad news?”

Farrell was stunned then waved his hand and said, “Well, Angel, that’s probably your Chinese culture speaking. I’ll get straight to the point. First, it’s been decided that Dresden’s next season tour will start a month ahead of the initial schedule. So I need to go back to Dresden by tonight, or tomorrow at the latest.”

Qi Mu was shocked by this. After a while, he nodded and said, “Master Farrell. . . then, the next news is?”

Farrell smiled, turned to look at the lovely young man sideways with an admiring look, “Angel, I’m going back to the Dresden Symphony Orchestra. I think my orchestra is very good, so. . . Do you want to go and visit with me before Old Reed comes back?”

Qi Mu’s eyes widened, and his expression could not disguise his shock.

Dresden Symphony Orchestra. . . is not just good, okay?!

This symphony orchestra had been established for over 400 years and was one of the oldest orchestras in the world. It had experienced nearly five centuries of storms and hardships, even suffered a nearly devastating destruction in the Second World War. But even so, it still stood firm and maintained excellence to this day.

In 1823, Beethoven, who was hailed as the Holy Saint, wrote in his collection of dialogues, “In general, the Dresden Symphony Orchestra is the best orchestra in Europe.”

Of course, 200 years later, this orchestra experienced many storms and didn’t have an absolute advantage in classical music. But no one would dare deny the fact that it was one of the most advanced symphony orchestras in the world.

And now, the chief conductor of said orchestra. . . invited Qi Mu for a visit!

This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Qi Mu barely managed to hold back his excitement, fingers flexing slightly, and he nodded earnestly, “Mr. Farrell, can I. . . can I really go?”

Master Farrell smiled and said, “Of course! Go and pack up, Angel. We’re leaving tonight!”

Qi Mu immediately locked his violin case and planned to go home straight away to pack up his luggage. But as soon as he left the violin room, a thought suddenly occurred to him: That record he placed carefully inside the safe. . . he still hadn’t had the chance to listen to it yet?!

“Master Farrell, it suddenly occurred to me that I haven’t listened to that record yet. I wonder if you have a good record player and if you do, can I bring it along to Dresden and listen to it?”

Farrell was surprised for a bit but nodded, “Oh, you didn’t know about this yet, Angel. Yesterday during your assessment, the shop sent the record player over since they’ve finished repairing it.”

Qi Mu paused then asked, “. . . It’s repaired?”

Master Farrell smiled and nodded, “Yes, I saw it last time. That black record’s surface is beautiful, it must be a good one. Now that the record player has been fixed, let’s go and listen to it together, Angel.”

Qi Mu set down his violin case and went to Akkad’s lounge.

Standing in front of the door, Qi Mu pushed it open. The door opened with a creak, and he was bathed in the gentle sunshine, making him squint his eyes. After over half a month. . . he would finally get to listen to that record.