King of Classical Music 207

The Berlit sun shone late during summer. When the sun finally set and twilight reigned, it was past seven o’clock. The colorful, splendid rays of sunshine rendered the whole forest a beautiful golden yellow, the leaves reflecting as though they wore a veil.

Whether it was Qi Mu’s disguise or Cece’s carelessness, the two chatted for a long time, and Qi Mu even helped Cece set up the tent, but the redhead never discovered his identity as she excitedly shared her idol with him. 

“Angel, I see you wearing that t-shirt. You must like Mr. Bertram very much, right?” 

Qi Mu smiled. “…Well, I quite like him.” Can you stop calling that name…

“You know, Angel, I admire Mr. Bertram most! Our Geneva Conservatory of Music has a relatively open style of study, and there are many private fan organizations. I joined the ‘Bertram Music Fan Association’ when I first entered school the year before last. Let me tell you, our organization is very strong, we’re the number one fan organization in the school!”

The calm Qi Mu: “…um.” Someone told him that the number one music fan organization seemed to be… 

“Or, well, I just lied. In fact, the largest organization at our school was replaced this year. Angel, you know, they actually betrayed our organization! Everyone agreed they would always like Mr. Bertram’s piano most, but now where are they?! Humph, those scumbags!” 

Qi Mu, the source of their unfaithfulness: “…” 

“I’ve never heard Little Seven’s violin, I just won’t listen! Well… I’ll listen to it after I graduate. It’s said that his violin skills are excellent, that he can play《Infinite Motion》in 3 minutes and 32 seconds!” As she spoke, Cece’s voice lost its energy. “Why is he so renowned? I’ll be really shaken up if it turns out… he really can play well…”  

Seeing the girl’s grief, Qi Mu smiled and comforted her, “In fact, that… Cough, that Little Seven’s violin is rather ordinary. Don’t be sad, the 《Infinite Motion》performance in 3 minutes and 32 seconds isn’t that special, you shouldn’t be so shaken up.” 

“Angel, you don’t understand! That’s 3 minutes and 32 seconds of 《Infinite Motion》! That Little Seven must be very skilled! But, I insisted I wouldn’t listen to his records for the past half a year, and I didn’t look up any news about him. But, I also have to admit he’s really good. I won’t slander others.”

Qi Mu: “…”

You’re good, but you’re bad too!

What do you want him to say!!!

Within the few hours of waiting for the concert to begin, Qi Mu’s ears were filled with, “Angel, do you think I should listen to Little Seven’s performances?”, “But what if I also waver in my love for Mr. Bertram?”, “But Angel, my classmates say his violin is very good, and I’m so excited!” 

A child who could confidently tell you their troubles at the first meeting was definitely not a bad hearted person. Qi Mu smiled and curled his lips at Cece’s troubled appearance. With the advantage of the gradually dimming sky, he took off his sunglasses and hat. 

Giving her a comforting hug, Qi Mu said softly, “Auston Bertram’s piano is unique in the world. Cece, you really like his music, so you won’t be shaken by others.” 

The magnificent rays of sunshine illuminated the entire forest with a golden flow, and its gentle brilliance fell across the young man’s face. His eyes shone like stars, making all who viewed him unable to look away.  

After staring at him for a long time, Cece’s cheeks stained bright red. Softly, she said, “Okay… okay, I’ll listen to Little Seven after this concert is over, and have a look at his report, too.” After a pause, she added, “By the way, Angel, I thought I heard that Little Seven was Chinese. Are you also Chinese?” 

“Well, I am Chinese…” 

Half an hour passed in a flash. In the Waldney Forest Theater, the audience finished setting up their tents, prepared delicious food, and settled down to wait for the concert to begin. 

When the members of Bai Ai stepped onto the stage in order, the warm atmosphere beneath the stage grew even hotter with the traditional, lively crowd activities——

Everyone rose and sat in unison, forming waves from one side of the basin to the other. 

The crowd of more than 20,000 people created a turbulent wave, setting off an upsurge in the theater. 

When it was Qi Mu’s turn, under the leadership of the “elder” Cece, he stood up ignorantly and joined the crowd. By the time the second wave passed, he stood and sat with great experience. 

Those who hadn’t attended would never know the charm of how music could be so crazy!

In the Waldney Forest shrouded in twilight, the bright lights illuminated the stage as the most eye-catching place, and the members of Bai Ai sat down one by one. Some of the more naughty members even rose and sat with the crowd. 

The applause in the basin shook the world, and when Christole came to the stage, the applause was ready to ignite the forest. Many people even shouted his name. 

However, the most terrifying was when Min Chen took to the stage. Before Qi Mu even realized he appeared, Cece stood up and shouted frantically, “Ah, ah, Mr. Bertram!!!” 

“Auston Bertram!” 

“Auston!” 

“Min!”

“Mr. Bertram!!!” 

……

All kinds of voices filled the spacious forest theater, even the howling night wind couldn’t be compared to these fans. 

This was not a solemn concert hall, this was the Waldney Forest Theater, where they could express their feelings heartily, and there was no need to hide!

Seeing how excited Cece was, somehow even the shy, introverted Qi Mu summoned up his courage to stand! When he saw the man’s appearance beneath the gathered lights, unspeakable joy and love poured into his heart from every corner of his body. He couldn’t help shouting, “Min Chen!!!”  

Onstage, Min Chen, who was chatting with Christole quietly, was startled. He quickly turned his head to look into the crowd. 

The auditorium, unilluminated by so many lights, was shrouded in twilight’s dying light. Although many fans waved sparklers and glowsticks, it was simply impossible to see one person’s face in over 20,000. 

Christole laughed, “What’s the matter, Min?” 

Min Chen looked into the crowd for a long time, but finally gave up his search amidst the enthusiastic chanting of his name. 

“Well, maybe I misheard.” 

Without further question, under Min Chen and Christole’s leadership, the entire Bai Ai Orchestra bowed to the audience to thank them for their attendance. Min Chen briefly spoke a few words, and without further discussion, stood at the podium. He was ready to return the audience’s applause with music. 

Once he raised the baton, the warm applause quieted, and when the sounds of familiar, magnificent music was released from the speakers, a fiery atmosphere overtook the audience!

Qi Mu was also surprised. It turned out the theme of the concert, “The Last Classical Night,”… actually referenced a great musician!

Johannes Brahms, the last composer of German classicism, along with Bach and Beethoven, was known as the “3b” composer of Germany. 

The masterful musician who deeply loved his nation had an orthodox and perfect music style. It was full of classicism and romance. Its unique philosophy caused listeners to think deeply. Qi Mu had also played his 《Violin Concerto in D Major》, but now he got to hear Bai Ai’s version in person. 

Different from Wei Ai’s tenderness and aestheticism, Bai Ai’s voice had a strong tone and thick texture. The excellent quality sound equipment transmitted the music to the 20,000 fans. The viola and cello played happily, while the clarinet was mischievous. When the violin rang out, the music suddenly cheered, making the audience wave their sparklers in response. 

This style of 《D Major》was closer to idyllic tranquility with both romantic passion and classical rigor. When the allegro of the third movement sounded, the audience even started a new wave, so the music rolled over them with it!

This was the first time that Qi Mu participated in such a large-scale concert, and the first time he was infected by such a lively and exciting atmosphere. He couldn’t help but dance to the music with this group of crazy music fans. He couldn’t help but join in with such a joyous crowd. 

Shrouded by darkness, Qi Mu seldom looked at the man onstage from this angle.

The man stood at the peak of classical music, with a solemn expression and a straight posture. When his baton rose, the audience became a sea of jubilation. When his baton fell, the audience could hear cicadas and birds in the quiet forest.

He conducted an excellent orchestra. He dominated the vast, magnificent stage and controlled the emotions of everyone present, making more than 20,000 people cheer for him. 

“Mr. Bertram… is truly great,” Cece said emotionally. 

What the Swiss girl didn’t notice was that beside her, the always calm young man tapped his fingers excitedly and looked at the man illuminated onstage before them with eyes full of love and admiration.

Min Chen… this was his Min Chen!

He loved such a wonderful and remarkable man. He loved a man who could make the world surrender!

If at first he wore a t-shirt printed with “Auston Bertram” and sneaked into the forest concert to surprise him, then now… Qi Mu had been completely infected by the atmosphere!

His powerful love fermented to the climax in that moment. 

Julie said Min Chen wasn’t good at expressing his feelings. But, in truth… it was Qi Mu that was like that. 

So, their love had always been warm and sweet. It wasn’t so much a love as strong as winds and waves, but more a love like the warmth of spring, soothing from start to finish. It didn’t boil, but never froze. 

But now, Qi Mu had the desire to rush onto the stage and hug the man!

He was so good, so dazzling!

“Min Chen!!!” 

By the end of the piece, Qi Mu couldn’t help but follow behind the crazy fans and shout with all his strength. 

Onstage, the handsome and elegant man stiffened and suddenly turned back. He looked hard into the dark auditorium, as if he wanted to find a familiar figure. 

After searching to no avail, Min Chen turned forward again and took up the baton to Christole’s surprised expression. His right hand raised high, and suddenly, 《Hungarian Dance No. 5》sounded out fiercely!

Since I can’t find you, then… let’s make the music even more lively for you!