Chapter 174: Live Competition
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
After completing her performance, Fang Yuan took the microphone from the host and spoke calmly, “1 composed this song for the survivors of last year’s earthquake, so 1 can play it without consulting the score.” It was irrefutable evidence!
Below the stage, Fang Liguo and Song Ling felt as though they had been struck by lightning. It was unimaginable that Master Qingyin was their child. Wasn’t she devoid of any special talents? Wasn’t she cold all day long? When did she learn to play the piano and become Master Qingyin? They had heard that someone once offered a hefty sum to Master Qingyin for composing a song, and Master Qingyin declined—this person who declined was Fang Yuan.
Cheng Yuqi also hadn’t anticipated Fang Yuan being Master Qingyin. Based on her recent performance, she was evidently more skilled than anyone Cheng Yuqi had encountered before. And she had just shown off in front of her—it was embarrassing to think about!
Though Fang Jiayi was shocked, she refused to back down. “Impossible! Chairman Mu stated that this song is part of the textbook. You must have used your connections to access the score and memorized it to humiliate me!” How else could you play it so effortlessly? She had assumed Fang Yuan’s identity from a young age, spent the Fang family’s money on piano lessons—what was there to be proud of?
Wang Jingjing, having listened to Fang Yuan’s performance, finally grasped that there was always someone more skilled. Did Master Qingyin think she played poorly during the song’s climax?
Mu Youlan’s anger flared when she saw Fang Jiayi continuing to argue.
“Since you insist that ‘Sorrow’ is your original work and your creative standards are commendable, do you dare to engage in an on-the-spot competition with Master Qingyin?”
Fang Jiayi was taken aback. A live competition?
“You and Master Qingyin will each have ten minutes to improvise. If your improvisation surpasses Master Qingyin’s and proves your talent, well acknowledge your composition skills!” Mu Youlan stared at Fang Jiayi with a cold expression. “Let’s see if you have the courage!”
Beside her, Fang Yuan, in a lazy tone, chimed in, “It won’t even take ten minutes.” She sat at the piano and casually began to play a melody.
Without any prior preparation or careful planning, Fang Yuan’s melody resonated with imposing grandeur and melodic beauty.
Following a brief, airy composition, Fang Yuan transitioned into another earth-shattering tune, audible anger woven into the notes. Then came a poignant melody, concluding with a joyful tune.
Through her music, Fang Yuan conveyed the emotions of happiness, anger, sorrow, and joy.
Applause erupted like thunder. Whether it was her finger dexterity, creative prowess, or the melody itself, it unequivocally affirmed her identity as Qingyin! Were it not for today’s unexpected turn of events, the audience might never have had the privilege of hearing such exquisite music and witnessing Master Qingyin’s skill firsthand!
The applause was relentless, even Cheng Ye and Qiao Xinhui clapped fervently. Their cherished daughter displayed an exceptional mastery of the piano—she played exceptionally well!
Contrastingly, Fang Jiayi’s expression transformed from shock and shame to something more profound.
Fang Yuan’s piano skills not only surpassed hers but also outshone everyone present. She was unquestionably Qingyin!
Having listened to Fang Yuan’s impromptu composition, Cheng Yuqi grappled with a single thought: how did she produce such a remarkable song without any preparation?
Over the years, Cheng Yuqi had immersed herself in piano music, confident that Fang Yuan’s melody bore no resemblance to any existing compositions. It was genuinely improvised! Why did she perform so flawlessly without rehearsed concepts and contemplation?
She had even questioned Fang Yuan about her piano studies, arrogantly boasting about winning over 50 first-place awards and studying under Cindy. Now, she felt she had lost all credibility. Cindy was nothing compared to Master Qingyin! In the piano world, Qingyin was a legend, undefeated until today. She had amassed countless awards, standing as a master-level figure on par with Elder Qian. In Qingyin’s eyes, 50 first-place awards were inconsequential, let alone 500!
Cheng Yuqi grappled with a sense of self-inflicted embarrassment. Her earlier disdainful questions had backfired spectacularly. What she once dismissed as games and uselessness now confronted her with an undeniable truth.
All the contempt she harbored transformed into a resounding slap on her face. Cheng Yuqi couldn’t articulate the mix of emotions overwhelming her—unwillingness, frustration, sadness, or perhaps something else entirely.
“It’s your turn,” Mu Youlan declared on the stage, her red lips forming a challenging smile as she gazed at Fang Jiayi. “Senior Qingyin has just showcased her composition, and 1 believe everyone has witnessed her exceptional skill. Do you truly believe your talent surpasses Master Qingyin’s? Now, it’s your moment to shine!”
Fang Jiayi remained frozen, her entire body quivering. She was acutely aware of her creative capabilities.. Once displayed, they would undoubtedly become the subject of ridicule! How could she possibly compare to Master Qingyin?