Chapter 168 (2/2)

Someone once commented on Bai Ai’s music: 『They have pure metallic timbre, the most orthodox and classic tune. No one in the world could surpass Bai Ai on the stage of symphony music, just like no one dares to deny that Beethoven was the most worthy to be king of classical music!』

The symphony music flowed one piece after another from the stereo. In the spacious living room, neither of the two made any movements, just enjoying the wonderful music together.

Until the 《Pathetique Symphony》 resounded.

When he heard a segment of the piece, Qi Mu looked at Lance in surprise. Lance also looked back at him and nodded with a smile.

Sure enough, as Lance said, since Min Chen dared to perform Tchaikovsky’s 《Pathetique Symphony》 as the closing piece, it was naturally impossible for him to perform a run-of-the-mill piece.

By the end of the sad yet hopeful 《Pathetique》, the whole Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra Concert Hall ushered in a warm applause. Before the TV, Qi Mu and Lance also clapped their hands.

Emotionally, Lance said, “It’s really a pity that I didn’t go to this year’s concert, ah! Little Seven, Auston is really a genius. I think that in the next 50 years, no one will dare to adapt 《Pathetique》.”

Qi Mu nodded with a smile. He glanced at the cold-looking man on TV, his eyes soft, “Mr. Lance, I also like this 《Pathetique》. It’s sad but not desolate, painful but not full of despair. It’s a really good piece.”

When it came to outstanding musical works, Qi Mu’s praise always came from the bottom of his heart. He would never be biased just because the conductor and composer was his lover. Therefore, when he said he liked this version of 《Pathetique》, he was really proud of Min Chen.

After the concert ended, Qi Mu helped Lance take the food out of the microwave. Slowly pouring red wine into Lance’s glass, the two continued their interrupted dinner.

At the dinner table, Lance asked Qi Mu about Bai Ai’s concert with concern, asking whether Min Chen had informed Qi Mu about anything in advance. After Qi Mu answered the questions one by one, he said, “Auston always surprises his audience and gives us plenty of expectations!”

After the two laughed and exchanged another few more words, Lance suddenly asked, “By the way, did Dorenza tell you when you’re going to go to the orchestra?”

Hearing this, Qi Mu cut the steak in his plate and it took him a while to reply. With a smile, he looked up at Lance and asked, “Mr. Lance, you…How did you know I passed the audition? Mr. Dorenza said he would not make a decision until the general assembly of the orchestra agreed.”

The white-haired old man shook his head with a smile, “I have been busy cooking delicious dinner in the afternoon and had no time to talk to Dorenza. But Little Seven, I believe in your skills. Did you…Did you fail?”

Facing the old man’s kind smile, Qi Mu didn’t conceal anything and directly told him everything that happened that afternoon. After hearing that Qi Mu had adapted Beethoven’s work, he was surprised and asked Qi Mu to play it once for him.

After listening to Qi Mu’s performance, Lance sighed and said, “Little Seven, I once told your teacher that your skills surpassed mine, but you’re slightly inferior in the emotional understanding. However, I think your third movement of Beethoven’s《D Major》 has completely surpassed me. I’m afraid even your teacher couldn’t play this piece as ardently as you do, even if he returned to his highest point.”

Qi Mu shook his head at such a high praise and said, “Mr. Lance, this is just a momentary inspiration.”

In return, Lance also shook his head, “Little Seven, inspiration is also a facet of talent, and talent is strength. I believe that Dorenza was really happy when he heard your Third Movement. No wonder he excitedly told you to report to the orchestra right after their New Year’s concert tomorrow. He’s really looking forward to your arrival.”

Qi Mu left Lance’s house with the gifts and albums the old man gave him.

It was nighttime and the moon hung dimly in the sky. The streets of Vienna were quite deserted, few people went out on New Year’s Eve, even the usually crowded subway was quite vacant, as only few seats were occupied.

When Qi Mu returned home, he felt a rare sense of loneliness.

Huaxia was seven hours ahead of Vienna, and Zheng Wei Qiao and Tan Lao had already wished him a happy new year several hours earlier. However, the apartment was so large that it made him feel he was too small and helpless.

After putting his violin in the piano room, Qi Mu didn’t leave. Instead, he sat on the stool before the piano. Pulling up the piano key cover, he pressed gently on the black and white keys. Although the sound produced didn’t turn into a melody, the Steinway’s pure and superior quality timbre made the sound beautiful.

When Qi Mu pressed the thirty-fourth note, his phone rang.

Qi Mu immediately answered it and heard a deep and magnetic voice, calling his name, “Qi Mu…”