King of Classical Music 127
The day after the assessment, Qi Mu went to Akkadβs 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 didnβt know why he hesitated. His hand stayed mid-air for a long time.
ββHe didnβt 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, βYouβre early, Seven. Come sit on the sofa and take a rest. I havenβt adjusted the strings yet.β
Qi Mu felt awkward, and unsure how to respond. So, he obediently placed his violin case on the tea table and sat on the sofaββa position usually reserved for Akkad.
Akkad didnβt 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 Akkadβs performances. Her name was βAliceβ. 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.Β
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.
βAliceβ wasnβt only the name of this violin, Qi Mu also know for a fact that…
Akkadβs 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.Β
βOnce, I told you to play γInfinityγ within 3 minutes and 40 seconds and you actually did it. I didnβt expect that.β After finishing tuning all the four strings, Akkad tightened his bow and continued, βYouβre the best child Iβve ever seen, Seven. And I believe that you could break that 30 seconds mark in the future.β
Qi Mu didnβt act modest under the praise, but solemnly nodded. βI will try my best, Professor.β
Akkad nodded, satisfied. βItβs good that you have the passion. For a violinist, the skill is very important but thatβs not the only thing. Last time in Vienna, Lance said that he isnβt as skilled as you are now, butβ¦ Youβre a step below Lance Todd at his peak.β
Qi Mu nodded matter-of-factly, then said, βYes, professor. Compared to Mr. Lance, I think Iβmβ¦ a lot worse.β
βBut, Lance reached his peak when he was 40. I think you might be able to reach his level earlier than that.β Akkadβs tone had a trace of fatherly pride. He smiled and said, βI told you to practice many pieces, but it seems likeβ¦ I havenβt played anything for you, have I?β
Qi Muβs eyes widened. βProfessor, you want toβ¦β
βPlay γInfinityγ within 3 minutes and 30 seconds. Even ten years ago, I could barely do it. But now, Iβm sorry to say, Iβm unable to. Seven, I hope that one dayβ¦ You can take my place, surpass me, and reach the realm I havenβt been able to.β
In the quiet violin room, a bright and intense γInfinityγ 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 werenβt 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 Muβs 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, β3 minutes and 33 seconds!β
At this, Akkad smiled smugly, then frowned. He shook his head and sighed, βI really, really, really am old, ah. 33 seconds! Oh, Seven, donβt be this slow in the future.β
Qi Mu: β…β
Professor, if anyone else had heard you, youβd be attacked, ah!
Only half a year had passed since Qi Mu came to the Parisβ 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…
Itβs time for him to graduate.
After Akkad told Qi Mu to play γLa Campanellaγ once more, he took Qi Muβs 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, βWhat are you doing? Youβve already graduated. You donβt have to come here anymore, you know!β
Qi Mu woke up from his trance and immediately replied, βProfessor! There are still two months left in the semester. I can accompany you in Paris until the end of the year, and thenβ¦β
βWhat can you do with me? Iβm just an old man. Europe is so big and Paris is just a small place. If you donβt want to go to Vienna yet, then go to Berlin and find Auston. Donβt waste your time with me here.β
Akkad waved his hands impatiently, then added, βOh 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.β
Stunned, Qi Mu hurriedly said, βBut Professor, actually Iβ¦β
βNo 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!β
Qi Mu continued, βBut professor, actually, for Viennaβ¦β
βLittle Seven, I understand your feelings. Butβ¦ You have to work hard. Just send me the invitations for your concerts later and that will be enough for me.β
ββ¦β¦β
βIβve said this before a lot of times that I hope you will keep your relationship with Auston a secret until youβve made some accomplishments. But now, I think thereβs no need for that. You can handle it however you like.β
ββ¦β¦β
βYou must work hard in Vienna, got it?! Youβre not allowed to get part-time jobs. Practice six hours a day, understand? Iβm 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?β
ββ¦β¦β
βLittle Sevenβ¦ Why arenβt you saying anything?β
Letting out a long sigh, Qi Mu smiled helplessly, βProfessor, what I wanted to say isβ¦ I have a house already in Vienna. So I donβt need Mr. Lance to worry about it.β
Akkad: β……β
Under Akkadβs 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, βProfessor, come to my house for dinner tonight.βΒ
After a lengthy pause, only a cold βHmmβ came in response.
That⦠meant he agreed, right?
Qi Mu chuckled and walked to the collegeβs orchestra.
When Qi Mu entered the rehearsal room Dylan specifically ordered him to find, he saw all the students who were supposed to be in class filling the room, focusing on something.
All the members laughed at Qi Muβs surprised expression. Then, before he could react, a happy, yet gentle, γFarewell Symphonyγ resounded.
The combination of the strings and woodwind melody was like a spring breeze caressing his face, putting Qi Mu in a trance.
This was the piece he led the orchestra with in their concert. It was soft, with a beautiful melody. In the fourth movement, at Kawaguchiβs smile, one student after another left their seats to give Qi Mu a big hug.
When the last note ended, Kawaguchi and Angelo stepped forward together, each giving Qi Mu a hug along with their heartfelt blessings.
Once they had finished giving their well wishes, Qi Mu turned around and saw nearly a hundred people from the orchestra smiling at him, even the instructor. Everyone was standing in their position, with one seat next to Angelo left empty.
βSeven! Congratulationsβ¦β
βHappy graduation!!!β
Qi Muβs heart warmed, and he stood for a picture with the rest of the orchestra.
A group of people from the orchestra pulled at Qi Mu and said that they were going to work hard to have a chance to see him in the future. The girls with delicate minds were sad, but they kept a smile on their faces and sent blessings in Qi Muβs way.
After saying goodbye to the orchestra members and having dinner with Akkad, Qi Mu packed up and boarded the plane to Vienna. Through the window, he looked at the city shrouded under the cloudsβ¦
Only the shadow of the Eiffel Tower confirmed that he flew over Paris.
Qi Mu lived there for eight months, during which he met a lot of interesting friends and improved his skills.
He met Reed Akkad, who was totally different from what he had expected, a teacher who was very good to him.
The eight months passed very quickly. Zheng Wei Qiao had hoped that Qi Mu would return to Huaxia after his graduation, but⦠Qi Mu knew that it was time.
He quickly packed his things and went to Vienna. Taking the subway from the Vienna International Airport, he arrived at Min Chenβs house and stepped inside with the keys he was sent.
The house was frequently aired out, so Qi Mu only had to do a little clean up. After that, he didnβt take much time to rest. Instead, he took the subway to Lanceβs house.
Qi Mu lived there for ten years in his last life, so he was much more familiar with Vienna than he was with Paris. When he breathed the air of Vienna, tinted with flowers in the breeze, he felt like he was homeββ
Vienna had been waiting for him for a long time.
Qi Mu had already visited the maestroβs house with Akkad, so it didnβt take long for him to gain permission to enter. Lance was happy to see him, giving the young man a hug and a smile as soon as he entered.
βSeven, the last time you came to Vienna, I didnβt think it would be long before your return, but. . . I didnβt expect it to be so soon!β
Lance personally poured a cup of warm water for Qi Mu, but the temperature in the room was so high, Qi Mu had to take off his coat. He politely took the cup as the old man went on, βI found you a place nearby, but Reed said youβve already found a house. Is the traffic convenient?β
Qi Mu nodded. βIt is. Thank you, Mr. Lance.β
The old man nodded and added, βWell, since youβve found a place, then I wonβt bother you. Youβve just arrived, so you can take your time to get familiar with Vienna. I know that Palisade Theatre Orchestra will be looking for a concertmaster next month. The theatre orchestra is a bit small, but youβre also young. You can gain experience and grow from there, theyβre very skilled.β
Qi Mu knew the theatre. Opera houses and concert halls could be seen anywhere in Vienna, you could hardly take a few steps without seeing at least two of them.
The Palisade Theatre was regarded as second-tier amongst the theatre orchestras in Vienna.
The first-tier belonged to the Vienna National Opera House, a powerhouse. On the second-tier, there were five or six well-known orchestras, including the Palisade Theatre. Usually there would be several opera performances each week, accompanied by a special orchestra. Of course, there were also several classical concerts, but those were fewer than the opera.
Akkad once said that Qi Mu was born at the best but the worst time.
In the last decade or two, practically every major orchestra was already logged. Their concertmasters were usually young. Even the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra changed their concertmaster to a young one seven or eight years earlier.
And Qi Mu had a very clear goal, not to become a soloist, but a violinist in an orchestra.
Therefore, Lanceβs suggestion was very reasonable. He would start as the concertmaster of a small orchestra, accumulate experience, then find an opportunity to enter a major orchestra.
But⦠Qi Mu held a different opinion.
βIβm sorry, Mr. Lance. I had some thoughts for my future before I came to Vienna.β
At this, Lance was taken aback. He asked, βWell, young people will have their own ideas. Itβs good that way. Seven, if you donβt mind, can you tell me what you had in mind?β
The maestro really was good-tempered. Qi Mu was very grateful for what he did, but⦠he had his own plan.
Placing his cup on the tea table, Qi Mu looked up at him, his gaze serious. βMr. Lance, I heardβ¦ There will be an audition for a deputy concertmaster the day after tomorrow?β
Qi Muβs words shocked Lance to silence. Finally, he asked, βSeven, you meanβ¦ The audition for the Vienna Symphony Orchestra?β
Lance frowned. βEvraβs orchestra is really good butβ¦ There was an accident with his deputy concertmaster just last year. For this recruitment audition, the internal struggle within the orchestra will be even more intense. And you, as an outsiderβ¦ Iβm afraid it wonβt be easy for you to enter their orchestra.β
Smiling, Qi Mu said,Β βMr. Lance, whether I will succeed or notβ¦ I would like to try.β
Seeing the young manβs confidence, Lance nodded. βWell, youβre still young. Itβs good to have such a drive. Then, Little Seven, go to the audition the day after tomorrow. Evra and your teacher are old friends. Although they wonβt be easy on you, they wonβt embarrass you.β
Qi Mu smiled again. After answering Lanceβs concerns about his life in Vienna, they had dinner together. Their table was full of laughter. Being able to exchange experiences with such a gentle master was Qi Muβs favorite part of the visit.
ββDonβt tell Akkad that. If you doβ¦ Remember to say that heβs also good-tempered.
The moon was already high in the sky by the time Qi Mu left Lanceβs house. Taking out his mobile phone, Qi Mu made a call to a man in Berlin. After a simple, βIβm in Viennaβ, he ended the call.Β
The cold moon shone over the street, bathing it with silver light. The young manβs back looked thin in the darkness. If a certain man had seen it, he might be angry that the youth hadnβt been eating well.Β
Qi Mu raised his head to look at the moon in the sky. He couldnβt help but chuckle.
This time⦠He was back for good.
He would attend the recruitment audition for the Vienna Symphony Orchestra.
He would only feel relieved when he solved it all, personally.
Translator(s): Kuro
Editor(s): Empress
Proofer(s): Ayn
Oh! Yes! Qi Mu is finally taking the first step to resolve his past. I was enjoying the slow development of his music ability and his relationship with Min Chen, but I can’t wait for Qi Mu’s ex to get what he deserves. Thanks for the update!
Thank you for reading! <3
Thanks for the chapter! ^ ^
Thank you for reading <3
Go slap those who needs to be slapped, Qi Mu! We’ll be here backing you up! π
Thank you for the translations~
Thank you for reading <3
Aright! Now it’s time to bust open the murder mystery!
Thank you for reading <3
Go Go Go Qi mu πππ
Slap all their faces ππ
Thanks for the chapter~β
Yess! Revenge awaits for the scum we call Qi Mu’s Ex ππ₯
Excuse me, the next button is not working
It’s fixed now π