King of Classical Music 175

Generally speaking, there were one or two resident pianists in charge of the orchestra’s daily rehearsals and performances. Because not many pianists have signed contracts with the orchestra, only performance contracts, they didn’t always attend the orchestra’s rehearsals. At that time, the resident pianist played the role of their replacement. 

Sometimes, even the resident pianist division would cooperate with the orchestra for grand performances. 

Dorenza previously said that Julie had not participated in many performances in recent years, but when she accepted Wei Ai’s invitation, she arrived in Vienna from Berlin after just three days. 

The elegant lady, dressed in a clean, black suit, looked full of vitality. She did not appear like a 50-year-old at all. Only the tiny lines around her eyes indicated the passage of time. 

When Julie came to the orchestra, it happened that Tuckerman, the orchestra’s agent, led her into the rehearsal hall. The master came suddenly, without notice, so Matt, the resident pianist of Wei Ai, was already playing with the orchestra and rehearsing the《Waldstein Sonata》

After seeing Julie arrive, Matt was not a bit sad. Instead, he rose and quickly gave up his seat, stammering, “Ms…. Ms. Julie, you… Please sit down quickly! I… I’m leaving now!!!”

After a beat, she looked up to Matt and said, “Thank you, little friend. What’s your name?”

“My name is Matt!”

As soon as he finished speaking, Matt quickly turned around and ran away. He soon disappeared behind the curtain at the edge of the stage, not even a shadow remaining in his place. 

Qi Mu was surprised to see Matt’s panic-stricken appearance, and only heard Anthony say, “I forgot that Matt’s idol was Ms. Julie. He was really happy when we confirmed that we would invite her, so he took the initiative to play in place of her in recent rehearsals.” 

Qi Mu nodded and looked at the lady sitting behind the piano. She spoke calmly to Dorenza on the conductor’s stage. Her manner was calm and imposing, and she precipitated the demeanor of the master pianist. Qi Mu couldn’t imagine how that person touched Min Chen’s head less than a few days ago and took a bite of “Little Auston”.

After speaking with Droenza, Julie turned her head and met Qi Mu’s gaze. The demure and generous lady showed him a gentle smile. A little dumbfounded, he nodded and smiled in return. 

After a moment, Dorenza said, “For the next month, Ms. Julie will rehearse with us. We should hurry and arrange the music as quickly as possible.” After that, he looked down at Julie and said, “Thank you, Ms. Julie, for devoting such time to our orchestra. I really appreciate it. I will ask Tuckerman to find a hotel for you later and arrange for you to stay.” 

However, Julie laughed and shook her head. “Mr. Dorenza, you don’t have to worry about it. I’ve found a place to stay.” 

After a few more words, Dorenza said no more. He pressed the score into the stand and began a new round of rehearsal. 

This rehearsal was a little different from the one just before. With Julie joining in, Qi Mu finally understood why Dorenza and Motl insisted on inviting her to perform in Wei Ai’s pianist concerto tour.

Julie Adelitt had studied the piano since she was five years old. At the age of 19, she won second place in Xioasai (the first suspension of Xiaosai in those years). She even cooperated with the world’s top orchestras such as Wei Ai, Bai Ai, New Zealand, and so on. Three years ago, she won the national top ten medal of honor awarded by the German government. 

The master’s life was colorful and magnificent, just like a chapter of history. 

When Julie became famous, the global feminist movement was on the rise. Countless women took to the streets to seek their equal and just rights. Among them, Julie was one of the most famous representatives. She had become a representative of women’s classical music and had made outstanding contributions to women’s increasingly equal status. 

Like Ms. Julie’s righteous and awe-inspiring personality, the sound of her piano was straightforward and majestic, with German rigor and feminine tenderness.

Under Julie’s fingers, 《Waldstein Sonata》was like a woman running through darkness to meet the light. From within the clear, soft voice of the piano, a woman softly sang, consistent with Wei Ai’s desire to maintain the original romantic tone, but still make some changes.  

Since they rehearsed in advance, the orchestra made only a few minor mistakes, while Julie played the entire《Waldstein Sonata》like a flowing stream. She cooperated with the orchestra in tacit agreement, with almost no gap between their sound and her own. 

At the end of the song, Dorenza pointed out the mistakes and asked several musicians to pay more attention to emotion, strength, and rhythm. Facing Julie, he smiled and said, “Julie, I haven’t seen you for many years. Your《Waldstein Sonata》is still so good!” 

Julie shook her head slightly. “Oh, Dorenza, you don’t know. I’ve played your eight songs several times at home these past two days. If I failed here, though you aren’t as cold-blooded and spiteful as my lovely little Austen is, I couldn’t allow myself to make such a mistake.” 

Hearing this, Dorenza smiled. “In fact, Austin is a good person, but sometimes he is a little paranoid and not tactful enough…” 

“Dorenza, how can you say that about my little Austin? What a lovely and kind child he is!” 

Dorenza: “…” 

Qi Mu: ”…”

Didn’t you just say that Min Chen was cold…

So, you can’t possibly guess a woman’s thoughts!

……

With Julie joining them, the whole day’s rehearsal was faster than before. Except for Dorenza occasionally making stops to guide the musicians’ mistakes, the rest of the rehearsals went very smoothly. 

Qi Mu had long been used to Dorenza’s good temper. Compared with his previous time in the Palisade, if it was just a mistake in the rhythm, Evera might have just endured it and glared at the person who caused it. But, if someone blew their note…

Oh my god! Evra was about to roar!

And, what about Dorenza?

“Oh, my dear Liza, I think you need to check your mouth. Don’t make such a low-level mistake in the future.”

Well, Julie, where on earth did you come from? In front of Dorenza, Min Chen was a man of love and kindness, ah!

After the heavy, intense rehearsal, it was finally time for a tea break. Sitting in Wei Ai’s coffee shop with a cup of milk, Qi Mu waited for Anthony. While he was waiting, he didn’t realize he was waiting for an unexpected guest, as well. 

“May I sit here?”

The dignified and quiet lady smiled at Qi Mu. Stunned for a moment, Qi Mu nodded gently, “Yes, Ms. Julie.” 

As soon as Julie put down her coffee cup, Qi Mu rose very gentlemanly and drew her chair for her. She was surprised for a moment, then offered her thanks. 

When they both took their seats, she said, “The last time I saw you and Tuckerman come to my house, I was wondering… Is this the young deputy chief that Wei Ai is so famous for lately?” 

Hearing what she said, Qi Mu smiled but didn’t speak.

Then Julie went on, “Little Seven… Oh, let me call you Little Seven. I saw that’s what the members of the orchestra called you. Little Seven, I’m very impressed by the way you spoke and behaved in my home last time. Kids your age don’t seem to like communicating with us old guys, but you’re an exception.” 

When he heard her call herself an “old guy” Qi Mu couldn’t help laughing. He said, “Ms. Julie, you are still very young. You have a heart full of vitality.”  

When a beautiful young man praised them so sincerely, few ladies could resist growing soft hearted. So, Julie looked at the young man before her, let her eyelids droop, then sighed and said, “Well, compared with you lovely, young children, I am old. But, Little Seven, when I was sitting next to you just now, I could hear the voice of your violin. It’s a very youthful voice. You have good command of the vibrato.” 

“Thank you for your compliment, Ms. Julie…” 

After a long and leisurely afternoon tea time, Qi Mu finished the conversation with Julie. 

As Anthony walked to the familiar table with his coffee, he found his seat occupied. Before he could react, he heard Tuckerman calling, “Anthony, maybe you could ask Julie to talk to Little Seven. Maybe he’ll get something different.” 

So, during that time, no one bothered Qi Mu and Julie. When the orchestra was about to start rehearsing again, Julie smiled and said, “It was so nice to chat with you, Little Seven! I seldom see such a clever child as you, and you spoke with me for such a long time.” 

“Ms. Julie, it’s a great pleasure to speak with you.” 

Qi Mu was sincere. The pianist had rich experience and broad vision. It was very comfortable to speak with her. 

“You’re so cute, Little Seven. You are the second loveliest child I’ve ever seen. The first is my little Austin. You don’t know, but when he was a child, he was just like a little angel. Every time he saw me, he would run up and hug my thigh, then he’d shout, “Aunt Julie, Aunt Julie, I want to eat sugar!” It was so passionate!” 

Qi Mu, who couldn’t imagine that image at all: “…” 

“Oh, it’s a pity that little Austin became so cold. He’s not as cute as he was as a child. When he was little, he looked so cute when he bit his fingers. His mother and I took a lot of pictures of him!” 

The curious Qi Mu: “Oh? Lots of pictures?” 

“Yes, they are all very handsome photographs, but as a child, Austin always had a runny nose, eh… It really destroyed the beauty of the pictures. But, I’ll show you when I have a chance.” 

Qi Mu, who had been holding back his smile to the point where he couldn’t help it: “….” 

“Oh, by the way, Little Seven, can you tell me where I’m going to live? I’m not so familiar with Vienna. Lovely Little Seven, will you help me?”

Qi Mu collected himself and said, “Ms. Julie, I don’t know what you’re talking about….” 

“It’s something like Rosen Avenue.” 

“… Rosen Street?” Qi Mu felt a touch of familiarity. 

“Well, it’s number 1114.” 

Qi Mu: “… It’s number 1114?” 

“Yes, number 1114. Please show me the way, Little Seven, I am really unfamiliar with this place!”

Qi Mu: “… Okay, no problem, Ms. Julie. I’m… It’s a pleasure.” 

It’s a pleasure to live with you, in the same apartment!!!