King of Classical Music 205

Although New Ai’s anniversary officially came to an end, Wei Ai’s pace didn’t. The next day, they were invited to Washington, DC to play an impassioned 《Symphony of Heroes》in memory of the great pioneers of the past. 

Three grand performances made American music fans satisfied and happy. 

If someone were to ask which of Wei Ai’s three concerts was most impressive, most would probably answer, “It must be the one with New Ai.” But, if they were to be given a second question, which show would they want to relive? 

Everyone would choose the third!

There was only one 《Symphony of Heroes》, and it was performed in such a rush that it wasn’t rehearsed in advance. The third performance made an unforgettable impression, and even small groups of the audience hummed and danced as they left the venue. 

With its solemn, grand melody and passionate, burning notes, Wei Ai’s interpretation of  《Symphony of Heroes》ignited the audience. It burned all the way to the top, causing boiling cascades of enthusiasm. 

This was a tribute to a great hero of democracy, to a hero destined to open the world, who would sooner die than surrender. 

Originally, this 《Symphony of Heroes》was a hymn written by Beethoven for Napoleon at the invitation of the French ambassador to Vienna. But, when he heard that Napoleon had become an emperor, he angrily changed the original name, 《Napoleon Bonaparte Symphony》to 《Symphony of Heroes》.

Such a hymn written for the heroes of the world who stood up and moved forward may be more appropriate to celebrate Washington, who founded the United States. 

After the third performance, in response to the fans’ enthusiasm, Wei Ai played an encore. After all, it was a party in memory of Washington, so the performance ended with only two pieces.

On the plane back to Europe, Wei Ai’s members spoke in noisy whispers. 

“The last performance was so rushed. Alas, if only we had more time to rest.” 

“Richard, don’t try to use ‘exhaustion’ as an excuse for you to almost miss the tune. Hahahaha, everyone, you know? When I sat next to Richard, I heard him almost… pull a wrong note in the second movement! Oh god, you didn’t see his expression at the time, his eyes were bulging out!” 

“Damn Ike, don’t talk nonsense! I’m just a little…. I’m almost okay!!!” 

……

Overhearing their conversation, Qi Mu couldn’t help uttering a low laugh. He put away his dinner plate and listened to Dorenza ask, “Little Seven, are you in a good mood?” 

Qi Mu replied, “Don’t you think Richard is so funny, Mr. Dorenza? I can just imagine his eyes bulging out.” 

Dorenza raised his head at this to peer at the musicians behind him. He coughed twice as a warning to restrain themselves, then turned back to Qi Mu and whispered, “I heard Richard’s little mistake. He almost slowed down for half a beat. I’m afraid he’ll be practicing hard after we return to Vienna.” 

Qi Mu nodded. “Okay, Mr. Dorenza. I will pay attention.”

After they exchanged a few more words, Dorenza laughed and said, “But, Little Seven, there is no need to rush things with the orchestra. This time, there will be a three week holiday after returning. What do you want to do with it?” After a pause, he added, “The door to my house is always open for you. I’ve kept it in my heart since you rejected my New Year’s invitation last time.” 

As he spoke, the gentle-tempered master pretended to be serious and forced the expression on his face, but couldn’t fight the kind smile overtaking it. Seeing this, Qi Mu said helplessly, “Mr. Dorenza, I’m afraid I don’t have time to go to your house now.” 

Dorenza was shocked. “You don’t have time during a three week holiday?” 

Qi Mu smiled and nodded. “Yes, I have some very important things to do.” 

It was rare for the concertmaster to appear so happy, especially so unconcealed in his smile. Dorenza thought for a moment and asked, “But my dear Little Seven, can I know what it is you need to do? Since it turns out you can’t even give me one day in three weeks…” 

Qi Mu wanted to agree when he saw the defeat on Dorenza’s face, but he remembered the “surprise” he had promised. He shook his head, pretending to be mysterious. “But my dear Mr. Dorenza, do you want to stop me from accompanying my beloved little girlfriend?” 

“Beloved little girlfriend…” Dorenza’s eyes widened as he exclaimed, “Little Seven, you really have a girl…” 

“Shh!” Qi Mu reached out and covered his mouth with his palm. “This is a secret, Mr. Dorenza. My girlfriend… Um, is very shy. If he… uh, if she knows that you all know about her, she will be shy enough to ignore me.” 

Dorenza smiled and nodded. “You young people just don’t like to share your affairs. Little Seven, when can you show your little girlfriend to me? I think this shy girl must be very cute for you to like her… she should have big eyes and sweet dimples, right?”

“Pffft.” Qi Mu couldn’t help laughing out loud. 

“She should also like to laugh. Oh god, this really must be a cute girl, why can’t you show her to all of us, Little Seven? She’s so shy!” 

Qi Mu nodded over and over again, laughing to the point where he couldn’t even speak. He couldn’t imagine a man with big eyes, a pair of sweet dimples, and who loved to laugh all day…

If Min Chen really liked to laugh, well, don’t mention it to anyone. Daniel, Christole, and all the members of Bai Ai would probably call the police…

After explaining in detail (bullshiting) how shy his girlfriend was and asking Dorenza to keep it secret, Qi Mu took a rest. Soon the plane landed smoothly at the Vienna International Airport. 

In the parking lot, everyone smiled, said their goodbyes, and went their separate ways. Even then, Dorenza couldn’t help whispering in his ear, “Little Seven, when will you let me see your girlfriend?”

Qi Mu could only answer, “When she’s not so shy anymore.” 

Qi Mu got on the airport bus after he saw Dorenza’s car pull out of the parking lot. He sat in the last row with this chin propped up, face covered by a wide brimmed hat. In Vienna, the Wei Ai concertmaster was still very famous. 

As the trees flew past the window, under the bright, hot sun, Qi Mu thought to himself: Actually… Was it time for them to go public? 

In the beginning, Professor Akkad insisted that Qi Mu should not disclose his relationship with Min Chen until he established his career. Qi Mu understood this. After all, at the time, the man stood at the peak of classical music, and he was still some distance from that position. If their relationship was suddenly made public, it would have had a bad impact on them both (but, especially Qi Mu). 

Now, he was Wei Ai’s concertmaster and had been recognized by many, so…

“It seems okay?” 

He shook his head with a smile and didn’t think about it anymore. He put his luggage and violin away and sat alone at the end of the bus. 

The spacious bus was about 20 meters from front to rear. Probably because of the off season, there weren’t many riders. A few people nodded off. No one noticed the young man sitting at the end. 

After experiencing the students’ enthusiasm at the Geneva College, Qi Mu no longer dared to underestimate his current influence. Besides, he was not stupid enough to go out on the street without covering his face in Vienna, the world’s most music-loving city. Some people there were even familiar with all of the hundreds of members of Wei Ai!

The car swayed into the city and Qi Mu also felt the pull of exhaustion. Just as he narrowed his eyes to rest, a warm, bright smile entered his eyes. 

Qi Mu was taken aback, and his tiredness disappeared. 

A tender, pink little angel appeared before his eyes. The lovely little baby looked to be about three or four years old, with blue eyes like a clear lake. Seeing her big eyes blink up at him instantly softened his heart. Qi Mu subconsciously wanted to reach out and touch her tender cheek, but he resisted. 

Even though Qi Mu held back, the little baby said softly, “Little Seven, Little Seven…” 

Her voice was so low that almost no one in the noisy carriage could hear her clearly, but it was enough to fully wake up Qi Mu. He looked around in surprise, only to see a beautiful lady looking at him with the same shock. She covered her mouth in disbelief, “You are small…” 

“Shh.” 

She nodded, then reached out to hold her naughty little daughter to her knees. Along the way, Qi Mu played a finger game with the little baby. He stretched out his hands in front of her, and she pointed curiously to his fingertips. 

A happy smile appeared on her tender cheeks, and when Qi Mu got out of the car, the baby waved happily at him. 

There were many beautiful things in the world. Such a pure, bright smile really warmed his heart. 

Qi Mu walked half a block and arrived at the apartment with his violin case in hand. Everything was still as he left it a month prior, all quietly displayed. After Qi Mu put the luggage away, he hurriedly opened his mail. 

A thick stack of sheet music appeared before him. 

As day turned into night, Qi Mu carefully hummed each note. When he turned to the last page, he got up and went to the music room, put the score on the stand, and dug out his violin. He began to play. 

The long, light sound of the violin echoed in the room. The music was beautiful and charming. Once he’d played all four movements, Qi Mu gently stroked the notes on the score with his fingers. He seemed to be able to feel the man’s mood when he wrote the rhythms. It was the same unspeakable joy he felt now, playing them!

I really… miss you so much.