Chapter 532: Chapter 531 Someone plays better than you Chapter 532: Chapter 531 Someone plays better than you In the small theater, music that was both gorgeous and fluid quickly arose from a whisper to a crescendo.
The theater’s sound equipment was all top-of-the-line, and the piano on the stage was one of the finest models from Steinway.
The guests at the scene all maintained silence, intently listening to the original composition brought forth by the young pianist.
Lu Mian leaned against the back of her chair, her eyelashes slightly loweredaEUR”in truth, she had no idea that Shao Yunxuan was capable of arranging music.
She became interested for a moment, her body slightly leaning forward, her left hand casually resting on the armrest wrapped in bandages, while her right index finger absentmindedly twirled a lock of hair, at ease and leisurely.
However, as a few notes leapt out, Lu Mian’s finger, originally twining her hair, suddenly paused.
She lazily raised her eyes to glance at the stage, and after listening for about ten seconds, a low “heh” escaped her lips, casual yet devilish.
The atmosphere around her, though, was quite chilly.
Xiao Qimo beside her shot her a look.
The corners of Lu Mian’s eyes lifted, suggesting an intriguing arc, her expression akin to a smile yet not quite one.
In the front row, Kunyang was also immersed in Shao Yunxuan’s performance, his eyes half-closed as he listened intently, his hands occasionally keeping time with the rhythm.
This piece, “The Four Seasons,” led all the audience into a vividly distinct seasonal scenery, just like its name.
Kunyang nodded his head as he listened.
“Not bad, not bad…” Clearly, he was extremely satisfied with the piece.
Pu Huaiyin chuckled, “After all, she’s the only heir of Chu Kong!”
As for Shao Yunxuan on the stage, she played the black and white keys with graceful poise.
She knew this piece all too well; ever since she acquired the video, she had practiced countless times with its guidance.
She could play it even with her eyes closed.
She had confidence in herself.
She had to let Lu Mian truly see just how wide the gap between them was!
The piano piece continued unabated, and, downstairs, Lu Mian didn’t say anything.
However, Qi Zhen, clearly interested, clicked her tongue.
She glanced at Lu Mian, then at Shao Yunxuan onstageaEUR”this was interesting.
Until the piece reached its climax.
Kunyang, who had been listening with closed eyes, absorbed, conducting with his right hand to every note, reached a heightened gesture when the music arrived at the crescendoaEUR”a true test of digital dexterity.
Where the notes should have poured out like a torrent, Kunyang easily caught the mistake; the rhythm had been lost, and notes missed.
His conducting hand, previously full of vigor, suddenly deflated, frozen mid-air.
It was as if one were inflating a balloon which, just before letting it go to release the air, suddenly got punctured.
An otherwise top-notch original arrangement was downgraded because of this blunder.
Pu Huaiyin caught the expression on Kunyang’s face, a cold smirk brewing in her heart.
This new apprentice of Chu Kong’s seemed capable enough on a usual day, but when it came to the moment to showcase her real talent, she truly couldn’t hold up.
She hadn’t grasped the essence of more challenging techniques like tremolos, leaps, or grace notes.
Especially this brisk and smooth “The Four Seasons,” it seemed her fingers were getting tied in knots.
Anyone with a bit of musical theory could hear how tangled it was.
The creator performing her own composition to such a standard?
Shao not play her own original piece well?
That really shouldn’t be the case…” Pu Huaiyin said, shaking her head, seemingly making an offhand comment.
Kunyang squinted his eyes, and his hands stayed lifted for a good while before finally lowering them, no longer following the beat.
Beneath his graying brows, his deep eyes quietly observed Shao Yunxuan on stage.
Until Shao Yunxuan finished the last note.
In the small theater, a wave of warm and enthusiastic applause arose.
For the other audience members, this was indeed a melody of personal style and strong beauty; overall, the listening experience was still quite wonderful.
With the added endorsement of “original composition,” Shao Yunxuan naturally scored quite a few points.
Shao Yunxuan, feeling completely satisfied, rose from her seat and gracefully bowed; she even felt that she had played very well.
She first looked towards the professionals in the front row of the audience and, seeing affirmation in their eyes, immediately breathed a sigh of relief.
Perhaps out of provocation or dissatisfaction, she glanced in Lu Mian’s direction.
She smiled, her expression tinged with a hint of mockery.
She had real talent, not like Lu Mian, who relied on men to get aheadaEUR”a mere vase in comparison!
To Qi Zhen, Shao Yunxuan’s little scheming was child’s play.
Qi Zhen scoffed to herself and then, with a piercing gaze fixed on Shao Yunxuan, spoke in a very cold tone just as the applause in the theater died down,
“Miss Shao, may I ask if this piece was entirely your own composition?”
As soon as Qi Zhen’s voice rang out, the theater instantly fell silent.
Many curious eyes turned towards her, and those who recognized her silently communicated with glances, signaling to their companions not to offend the lady of the Xiao Family.
Lu Mian cast a curious glance at Qi Zhen.
Qi Zhen’s question was quite abrupt, catching Shao Yunxuan, who was floating on cloud nine, off guard.
Shao Yunxuan had thought her performance went really well and was surprised someone would raise such a doubt.
After a moment of feeling guilty, Shao Yunxuan stood tall, adopting an attitude that was neither servile nor overbearing.
Xiao, it indeed is an original composition of mine.”
“Oh…” Qi Zhen was not very convinced.
Shao Yunxuan frowned.
Xiao, I came up with this piece inadvertently.
There might be some similarities in style or occasional coincidental resemblance.
If I have offended you in any way, please forgive me.”
She explained this, feeling panicked inside.
But considering that this was Jinjing’s most prestigious theater, and that the attendees of Chu Kong’s concert were either rich or noble,
even if it wasn’t her who had performed the piece at school, who in such an upscale setting would know the truth?
Thinking secretly about the complexities, Shao Yunxuan understood.
It was nothing more than Lu Mian deliberately having Mrs.
Xiao stand up to give her a hard time.
If she were to submit now, wouldn’t she be trampled by Lu Mian from here on out?
As an artistic creator, she had to maintain her integrity.
Qi Zhen laughed softly, then continued, “Then how have I heard someone else play this piece?”
“What…” Shao Yunxuan stiffened suddenly.
“And, that person played it better than you,” Qi Zhen added indifferently.
Shao Yunxuan originally wanted to argue that it was normal for people to follow her style, but Qi Zhen’s last remark was quite thought-provoking.
Better than the original composer?
That seemed unlikely.
At least, considering the difficulty of the piece, even the composer herself had some trouble mastering it, let alone someone else.
Everyone looked at Shao Yunxuan with an inquisitive gaze.
Kunyang also furrowed his brow, expecting an explanation.
Put Huaiyin, who loved a good spectacle, sidled up to Kunyang and said, “Master Kun, that shouldn’t be possible, should it?
Is there someone who can play better than Miss Shao?
Miss Shao is the original creator of the piece, after all!”