Chapter 127 (1/2)
The day after the assessment, Qi Mu went to Akkad’s room carrying his violin case as per usual.
The sun shone like a veil in the early autumn, lighting the narrow corridor like a golden palace.
Qi Mu came early, and no one was in the violin room. Only the sound of his footsteps filled the space, breaking the silence.
When he arrived at the door, he raised his hand, but froze. He didn’t know why he hesitated. His hand stayed mid-air for a long time.
——He didn’t take out the key because, subconsciously, he thought that the old man would be waiting for him, like always.
The reality left Qi Mu disappointed. When he opened the door, Qi Mu saw Akkad standing before the score stand, his violin tucked between his neck and shoulder. With his right hand, he tuned the strings.
When the old man saw Qi Mu, he waved his hand and said, “You’re early, Seven. Come sit on the sofa and take a rest. I haven’t adjusted the strings yet.”
Qi Mu felt awkward, and unsure how to respond. So, he obediently placed his violin case on the tea table and sat on the sofa——a position usually reserved for Akkad.
Akkad didn’t seem to notice his abnormality. He carefully and attentively tuned his violin. His gentle hand was like an iron cover, making the small, delicate violin look even more elegant against the backdrop.
The violin was light yellow in color, Qi Mu had seen it in one of Akkad’s performances. Her name was “Alice”. Akkad bought it at a high price from a collector when he was in his fifties. It was said that Akkad went through a lot of trouble to obtain the violin; it had to be very important to him.
Like most of the Stradivari violins, Alice had a narrow top with a broad bottom and a flat, wide board. The thin panel provided it a clear, sweet timbre with vigorous volume.
“Alice” wasn’t only the name of this violin, Qi Mu also know for a fact that…
Akkad’s wife, who had died young, shared the name.
The violin held an extraordinary significance to Akkad. He would never bring it out, apart from some very important performances. But, right then… The maestro was carefully and attentively tuning it.
Qi Mu straightened his back in his seat.
“Once, I told you to play 《Infinity》 within 3 minutes and 40 seconds and you actually did it. I didn’t expect that.” After finishing tuning all the four strings, Akkad tightened his bow and continued, “You’re the best child I’ve ever seen, Seven. And I believe that you could break that 30 seconds mark in the future.”
Qi Mu didn’t act modest under the praise, but solemnly nodded. “I will try my best, Professor.”
Akkad nodded, satisfied. “It’s good that you have the passion. For a violinist, the skill is very important but that’s not the only thing. Last time in Vienna, Lance said that he isn’t as skilled as you are now, but… You’re a step below Lance Todd at his peak.”
Qi Mu nodded matter-of-factly, then said, “Yes, professor. Compared to Mr. Lance, I think I’m… a lot worse.”
“But, Lance reached his peak when he was 40. I think you might be able to reach his level earlier than that.” Akkad’s tone had a trace of fatherly pride. He smiled and said, “I told you to practice many pieces, but it seems like… I haven’t played anything for you, have I?”
Qi Mu’s eyes widened. “Professor, you want to…”
“Play 《Infinity》 within 3 minutes and 30 seconds. Even ten years ago, I could barely do it. But now, I’m sorry to say, I’m unable to. Seven, I hope that one day… You can take my place, surpass me, and reach the realm I haven’t been able to.”
In the quiet violin room, a bright and intense 《Infinity》 resounded. Every note was smooth, without any blemish. Even when it reached a dozen notes per second, Akkad still moved his fingers to press where they should.
He was a very old man, but those hands of his weren’t stiff at all. On the contrary, they played the piece smoothly.
Qi Mu watched Akkad as he played. It was hard to see his movements, but Qi Mu’s hearing told him he would finish in at least 3 minutes and 40 seconds!
When the difficult, neck-breaking piece ended, Qi Mu turned to the clock to check the time. His eyes widened. He blurted, “3 minutes and 33 seconds!”
At this, Akkad smiled smugly, then frowned. He shook his head and sighed, “I really, really, really am old, ah. 33 seconds! Oh, Seven, don’t be this slow in the future.”
Qi Mu: “…”
Professor, if anyone else had heard you, you’d be attacked, ah!
Only half a year had passed since Qi Mu came to the Paris’ National Conservatory of Music. He remembered the first time they met, and how his mentor deliberately made things hard for him. He also remembered what it was like, strolling around Paris with the old man. But now…
It’s time for him to graduate.
After Akkad told Qi Mu to play 《La Campanella》 once more, he took Qi Mu’s graduation certificate from his score folder.
Akkad asked for the certificate from the dean the night before. The bright red ink looked soft to touch, but when Qi Mu touched the smooth paper, the thin graduation certificate seemed heavy.
Raising his head to look at the young man, Akkad smiled and said, “What are you doing? You’ve already graduated. You don’t have to come here anymore, you know!”
Qi Mu woke up from his trance and immediately replied, “Professor! There are still two months left in the semester. I can accompany you in Paris until the end of the year, and then…”
“What can you do with me? I’m just an old man. Europe is so big and Paris is just a small place. If you don’t want to go to Vienna yet, then go to Berlin and find Auston. Don’t waste your time with me here.”
Akkad waved his hands impatiently, then added, “Oh yeah, Seven. I asked Lance to help find an apartment for you in Vienna the other day. You can go see it in a few days.”
Stunned, Qi Mu hurriedly said, “But Professor, actually I…”
“No nothing, Little Seven. I know your thoughts. But for the next decade or two, I just want to find a quiet place to live out my life. And you have to work hard, you know!”
Qi Mu continued, “But professor, actually, for Vienna…”
“Little Seven, I understand your feelings. But… You have to work hard. Just send me the invitations for your concerts later and that will be enough for me.”
“……”
“I’ve said this before a lot of times that I hope you will keep your relationship with Auston a secret until you’ve made some accomplishments. But now, I think there’s no need for that. You can handle it however you like.”
“……”
“You must work hard in Vienna, got it?! You’re not allowed to get part-time jobs. Practice six hours a day, understand? I’m not pressuring you for nothing but no one can be great at something without practice. Do you think Auston can do what he did without practicing every day?”
“……”
“Little Seven… Why aren’t you saying anything?”
Letting out a long sigh, Qi Mu smiled helplessly, “Professor, what I wanted to say is… I have a house already in Vienna. So I don’t need Mr. Lance to worry about it.”
Akkad: “……”
Under Akkad’s glare, Qi Mu grabbed his violin case and was mercilessly kicked out by the tsundere maestro.
Afterwards, Qi Mu could only knock on the door and call, “Professor, come to my house for dinner tonight.”