Chapter 110 (1/2)

The number of first-class schools of music in the world could be counted on two hands, and the Paris’ National Conservatory of Music was one of the most outstanding.

Any top music academy would have orchestras of varying sizes, or private, student orchestras. Almost every one of them would perform from time to time, and it was one of the ways students communicated with each other and enhanced their skills.

Qi Mu thought of joining his violin department’s orchestra, but Akkad kept him too busy for it. He was unable to participate in their daily practice, so he gave up.

After the opening ceremony, when Qi Mu returned to Akkad’s designated violin room, his mentor said, “Little Seven you will start rehearsing with the college orchestra tomorrow.”

In a daze, Qi Mu asked, “Professor, don’t we need to keep practicing?”

He was in a bottleneck period, and it was hard to keep improving in such a short amount of time. Akkad also changed his exercises from training his skills to improving his mastery and understanding of music. But, Qi Mu wasn’t confident he could reach the level Akkad wanted.

Akkad nodded then took a piece of paper from his score folder and handed it to Qi Mu. “This is the letter I got from the Dean. You can serve as the orchestra’s concertmaster right away.”

Qi Mu was so shocked he couldn’t even ask, “Why did you put such an important thing in a score folder?”

Instead, he asked, “Professor, isn’t Angelo the concertmaster? He’s excellent, I think he deserves the position. I don’t want to steal his seat.”

Akkad smiled and said,  “Seven, do you know that he’s going to graduate soon? He’s busy preparing for his graduation project and exam. He has no time to practice with the orchestra, he’s practically resigned.”

After a pause, he continued, “They don’t want to take the time to train another concertmaster. In skill level, you’re the only one suitable for the seat, so the Dean agreed to make you concertmaster.”

Only then did Qi Mu realize Angelo was about to graduate. With that, he remembered something else, too. With a smile, he said, “Professor… I’m about to graduate, too, right?”

Akkad’s smile stiffened, but he hid it soon after. Laughing, he said, “Yes, if you can get first place again in the next assessment, Little Seven… you will graduate.”

It was as Akkad said before, he didn’t want to trap Qi Mu in the college and restrict his development.

For many students, the Paris’ National Conservatory of Music was the cradle for their development. It provided them strength and shelter, giving them peace of mind. But, Qi Mu could stand alone. He didn’t need the academy to be his protective wall. Instead, he was the academy’s pride.

In the quiet violin room, Akkad stared at Qi Mu, his student for only half a year, squinting. Hiding his gaze, he said, “Well, you will report to the orchestra tomorrow. Remember to rehearse with them every afternoon afterward, got it?”

The school was so good its students could be hired by first-class orchestras directly.

Qi Mu nodded and replied in affirmation. Then, he thought, “Professor, you told me to report tomorrow. So today…?”

Akkad grinned. “Today? Today you’re going to play the pieces Farrell taught you. Seven, you can’t be lazy. Teacher is much stricter than that Farrell fellow, so you have to play seriously, ah! If you make even one mistake, I won’t give you any chocolate!”

Qi Mu: “…”

He didn’t want chocolate…

Qi Mu spent the whole day playing the tracks Akkad arranged in addition to several other pieces his mentor randomly selected.

Knowing his mentor’s temper well, Qi Mu had already practiced a few pieces here and there, though it was just a few. Ultimately, Akkad, who wanted to play the teacher’s card, reluctantly handed over his chocolate. His expression was stiff.

“That chocolate is made by my favorite old shop, you can only find it in Turin. Seven… you must savor it!”

Qi Mu didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “…Teacher, I really…”

“Stop dilly-dallying! Just take it, I can’t bear it anymore!”

Qi Mu: “…”

There was an old Chinese saying that was passed on since ancient times, “Zhǎng zhě cì, bù gǎn cí,” It meant the younger generation could not refuse a gift from their elders. He held the bag of chocolates, hesitating. As soon as Akkad wasn’t paying attention, he slipped it back into the lounge.