However, as soon as Shirakawa Sawahei started playing a piece, his expression suddenly changed.
In professional music terms, this change was described as: "This kid is unbelievably terrifying!"
Or in another dimension of expression: "This guy is ridiculously strong!"
This aura was definitely not something an unfamiliar with the piano could achieve. As a master who had been immersed in the world of piano for many years, Slatter was especially sensitive to this kind of sensation.
This guy might actually have some real skills!
He put away his previous disdain, and with a serious expression, focused on the stage, beginning to carefully listen to Shirakawa Sawahei’s performance.
The timeless masterpiece "Wilderness" was created by a composer who experienced a storm in the wild, encountering life and death. Though the composer was unknown for most of his life, this single piece of music immortalized him, shining through countless ages. It’s like the poet Zhang Ruoxu from Huaxia’s "Spring River, Flower Moon Night," reigning with just one poem during the Tang Dynasty’s golden age.
The first part of the piece has a tight rhythm and sonorous tone, as if shouting in a storm, or depicting the power of nature. And as the piece progresses, the melody begins to calm. The wind stops, the rain ceases, the wilderness is filled with the beauty of spring’s bright landscape, showcasing nature’s splendor everywhere.
For this piece, controlling the rhythm is undoubtedly the most important, and the emotion conveyed cannot be ignored either. It is said that outsiders watch the excitement, but insiders see the technique. To most people, the first half of this piano piece sounds unpleasant, only the second half is somewhat pleasing.
However, undeniably, even the students of Akihisa High School, who don’t quite understand music appreciation, could easily sense the power and emotion contained in this piece. Their expressions subtly changed, as if they had just personally experienced a storm.
Asano Nazuki stood backstage and watched Shirakawa Sawahei’s captivating performance, her expression complicated, she said to Hayakawa Kashi beside her, "Did you teach him?"
Hayakawa Kashi didn’t answer her. In fact, she wasn’t sure if she could be counted as having taught him. The man in front of her was visibly growing at a rapid pace during the performance.
One time, two times, three times. When Shirakawa Sawahei played the fourth time in the music room, Hayakawa Kashi already knew she could no longer comment or guide his performance of this piece.
By the seventh time, Shirakawa Sawahei’s understanding and familiarity with "Wilderness" seemed to have surpassed her own understanding.
Seven times! In just seven repetitions, Shirakawa Sawahei played a recognized challenging masterpiece, like he had been practicing it from a young age with skill and agility.
This is either genius or monster.
No doubt, little Asano Nazuki was struck, and Hayakawa Kashi’s emotions were also shaken. They each looked at the man on stage, not knowing what they were thinking.
Old Man Slatter narrowed his eyes, gently tapping the beat, seemingly also affected by the emotions contained in Shirakawa Sawahei’s music, immersed in the world he created.
Shirakawa Sawahei didn’t mind the expressions of the people below. His piano level had just reached that of Hayakawa Kashi, only at lv4. To achieve such a shock effect on the Little Arrogant Study Girl, undoubtedly, he borrowed Asano Nazuki’s talent.
[Immersive: Artistic works such as paintings, pieces, films, etc., have a 30% probability of resonating emotionally with the viewer, achieving perfect quality]
This talent is undoubtedly God’s golden apple for musicians, directors, painters, representing what they dream of.
The first time Shirakawa Sawahei saw this talent, he was also a bit bewildered, but this was actually expected. Without such top talent, how could Little Arrogant’s music level rise to lv5 so quickly?
No wonder she’s a top-grade treasure, even having two lv5 skills, and such a compatible talent. It feels like a more advanced pay-to-win mega gift pack.
This didn’t feel like a gala, but more like a concert. Everyone held their breath, unconsciously absorbed by the atmosphere, immersed in the world of soaring melodies.
As the piece ended, Shirakawa Sawahei slowly stood up and bowed.
Thunderous applause erupted in the venue!
Old Man George Slatter opened his eyes at the end of the performance. His piercing gaze immediately locked onto Shirakawa Sawahei’s figure.
Without saying much, he immediately stood up, striding forward, with the school director hastily following, speaking in a flattering manner, seemingly surprised as to why the old man wasn’t satisfied yet.
Obviously, the level was quite good... do master’s standards have to be so high?
Tsukimi Sakurazawa and Tachibana Tomoku sat together, clapping hands, mumbling, "When did this Shirakawa guy start playing the piano?"
"Did he just learn a bit that time? Impossible... this level is obviously not that of a beginner..."
Tsukimi Sakurazawa felt as if he was backstabbed by his good buddy, thinking everyone was a slacker when suddenly one day you’re told that you’re actually a secret agent among slackers, with outstanding skills, how can I possibly accept this in my heart?
"Xiao Mo... did Shirakawa ever tell you he’s good at piano?" Tsukimi Sakurazawa asked slightly aggrieved, "Did he keep it from me?"
"Nope." Miss Tachibana Tomoku replied softly.
She kept watching Shirakawa Sawahei’s back, her eyes sparkling as if shining with light.
Backstage, Ishiki Yu Yuzhijin approached first, looking Shirakawa Sawahei up and down, her face full of shock.
"Shirakawa, did you get possessed?"
Shirakawa Sawahei: "..."
Though it’s a really wild idea, you might have discovered the ultimate secret of this world.
"You were just a kid I was teaching the basics of piano... and then you turned into this." Shirakawa Sawahei knocked on Ishiki Yu Yuzhijin’s little head, "The one who taught me piano basics wasn’t you."
Aoki Motoka stood to the side, unable to stop sneering at Shirakawa Sawahei.
Ha, man, I knew you were pretending to be a pig to eat the tiger! Making me look bad earlier... I hate people like you the most!
"If anyone should be sentimental, it’s Minister Aoki who deserves to feel it as the one who brought me into the basics."
"Oh my~ Shirakawa you’re so polite~" Aoki Motoka immediately came up joyfully, completely forgetting what she had just said to herself.
I hate people like you... unless you can take me along for the show!
"Koorikin, you must vouch for me in the future, that I was Shirakawa’s enlightening mentor!"
"Huh? Is that really important?"
"Of course it’s important, you’re not in the piano circle... you wouldn’t understand... just help me remember~"
Shirakawa Sawahei ignored Aoki Motoka’s self-indulgence, looking around to find the Scorpio Little Arrogant. But he didn’t find any trace of her.
At this moment, a strange little old man approached with a calm expression, smiling slightly at Shirakawa Sawahei, and said something completely incomprehensible to the people present.
Shirakawa Sawahei vaguely felt it was Italian, but without language proficiency, he couldn’t understand what the little old man said at all.
Luckily, a translator soon hurried over from behind, and after the little old man repeated himself, the translator spoke up.
"This young student, Master George Slatter wants to invite you to be his student, would you agree?"
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