DAEYTT ## Chapter 055: Prelude to a Storm, Genius Temperament?

The entire auditorium fell into a profound silence.

Over a thousand attendees from Moyin and other parts of society, all dressed impeccably, sat in their seats, watching the stage.

A young man in a tailcoat and bow tie walked onto the stage with measured steps. With a gentle smile on his youthful face, he stood at the center of the stage and bowed slightly to everyone, especially to Dawson and Karl. Then, he turned and walked toward the piano that had already been set up.

He Zhaohui, sitting next to Wang Qian, whispered almost inaudibly, "It's summer vacation, so there are no classes. It's just straightforward piano performances, followed by discussions. This is Wei Shuxin, a top student in Moyin's senior class in the piano department. He's quite a promising talent and has already applied to be my graduate student."

Wang Qian couldn't help but grin.

He wasn't sure if Professor He was complimenting herself, the student on stage, or the director of Moyin, Yang Jiansen.

Wang Qian glanced at Yang Jiansen, who was sitting near Dawson and the others. The director of Moyin's piano department had a serious expression on his face.

The piano began to play.

Gentle, yet tinged with urgency!

Wei Shuxin's face showed a look of rapture as his hands moved swiftly over the keys, occasionally glancing at the sheet music on the piano.

Difficulty... it seemed to be there!

The performance was quite good.

But.

What was he playing?

Wang Qian really had no idea.

He genuinely didn't know any famous piano pieces in this world.

Moreover, Wei Shuxin's expression wasn't clear or perfect enough.

He Zhaohui's face showed some gratification and approval, already deciding in her mind to approve Wei Shuxin for graduate studies when she returned.

Qin Xuerong whispered to Wang Qian, "Do you know what he's playing?"

Wang Qian shook his head honestly, "No idea!"

Jiang Yu and Murong Yue both smiled, recalling the first time they met Wang Qian.

He Zhaohui glanced at Wang Qian without speaking and continued to watch the performance on stage.

Yang Jiansen's expression gradually relaxed.

Because, in his view, Wei Shuxin's performance was quite perfect.

However.

A voice in English came to his ears: "Just, so, so! He's already caught up to my level when I was thirteen. I haven't played this piece in almost ten years; it's too simple!"

Yang Jiansen followed the voice and saw that it was a student from Berklee College of Music, apparently named Mike, a well-known young pianist.

His expression darkened.

But he remained silent.

Then, looking at Wei Shuxin, who was almost at his best, Yang Jiansen also felt a bit dissatisfied.

The performance ended smoothly.

Wei Shuxin stood up and bowed in thanks.

The thousand-strong audience applauded together.

Wang Qian, He Zhaohui, and Qin Xuerong all joined in the applause.

Next.

A young man from Zhejiang Music stepped onto the stage, looking a bit older than Wei Shuxin.

He Zhaohui again introduced in a low voice beside Wang Qian, "Hu Ke from Zhejiang Music's piano department! He's about to graduate with a doctorate and held his own recital at West Lake last year, which was reportedly very successful. Jiang Yu wanted to hold her own recital a few months ago, but I stopped her!"

Reportedly... very successful...

So, He Zhaohui didn't really believe it was successful.

Jiang Yu heard her mother's words and pouted, not daring to retort.

She had just received her doctorate and wanted to hold a small recital, but her mother, Professor He, said she wasn't qualified yet and shouldn't go out and embarrass herself...

Jiang Yu had been upset at home for a long time, and Qin Xuerong had to coax her over.

Hu Ke looked more mature than Wei Shuxin, with steadier steps and more refined manners. The piece he played was more difficult, and his performance was more involved and clear, making it easy for the audience to connect with and immerse themselves in the music.

He indeed had a bit of the aura of a piano performer!

Peng Donghu from Zhejiang Music's piano department glanced proudly at Yang Jiansen, clearly thinking he had won this round.

Yang Jiansen remained expressionless.

After all, Wei Shuxin wasn't Moyin's best choice. He was pushed forward because his father was a retired leader at Moyin, and his talent and skills were indeed decent.

"The performance was okay."

Mike nodded slightly, giving Hu Ke some recognition before turning the tone, "It was about the same as when I started college."

Karl said softly, "Mike, keep quiet! You don't need to show off like this. I hope you perform at your level on stage."

Mike nodded, "Of course!"

Then, he looked at Taylor.

However, Taylor was intently watching the stage, seemingly only focused on the music.

Professor Dawson still hadn't spoken a word, his eyes fixed on the piano and the performers, seemingly only seeing the music.

Hu Ke finished his piece.

The applause resounded once more.

Dawson and Taylor also clapped along.

This was only polite.

Jiang Yu glanced at her mother with some disdain—see, he even held a recital, even though he's not as good as me. Why can't I?

Professor He directly ignored Jiang Yu, who snorted and turned to look at the next contestant.

Then...

It was Mike's turn.

Almost everyone in the audience focused their gaze on Mike.

Mike, tall and handsome with the unique charm of a Western artist, made many young women in the audience swoon, eager to get his contact information.

Mike smiled at Taylor, who ignored him, but he confidently walked to the stage, sat at the piano, noticed it was a world-renowned brand worth over a million dollars, and smiled in satisfaction. Then he suddenly smashed his hands onto the keys!

The storm!

Began!

The piano sound poured out like a torrential storm.

Mike's hands moved rapidly over the keys, and he appeared incredibly excited, as if he had become a captain in a sea storm.

A slight stir ran through the auditorium.

Almost all of Moyin's young students recognized the piece.

It was one of the world's most famous and challenging piano pieces, "The Storm"!

Yang Jiansen and Peng Donghu were both visibly surprised, clearly not expecting Mike to perform such a difficult piece, and he seemed very proficient.

Wang Qian could also clearly see that this white man’s piano skills were extraordinary.

He Zhaohui whispered again, “This is Mike from Berklee, a classmate of Yue’er’s. Mike held his own recital at thirteen and has won numerous prestigious piano awards in North America. At fifteen, he entered Berklee with top scores, but due to family issues, he dropped out for three years. He returned to Berklee at eighteen and is now pursuing a master’s degree, though his skills surpass most Berklee graduate students. It's said that after earning his Ph.D., he will stay on as a faculty member!”

“He is very talented! It’s a pity he lost three years.”

He Zhaohui’s tone carried a hint of regret.

Then she looked at Wang Qian and said, “You’ve lost even more time!”

Wang Qian said nothing, focusing intently on Mike’s performance.

Even from his perspective, Mike’s playing was impressive.

He could feel the rhythm like a fierce storm.

Though he didn’t know the piece’s name or recognize it, he could guess it was about a storm at sea.

That alone was a huge success for the performer.

To be able to turn music into a language, clearly expressing a meaning that listeners can understand!

“He’s very impressive.”

Wang Qian gave his evaluation of Mike.

However, He Zhaohui shook her head, “There’s someone even better! Dawson just mentioned that his student, Taylor, will perform a piece. Taylor is considered one of North America’s top ten young pianists, with talent and skill far surpassing Mike. She’s Dawson’s most valued student.”

So young, and already called a pianist!

Very remarkable.

Wang Qian couldn’t help but curiously glance at the girl beside the white-haired old man. That should be his student, Taylor? Generally, those with this name are girls, right?

Black hair?

Taylor was also absorbed in Mike’s performance but, being extremely perceptive, sensed someone looking at her. She curiously glanced over and made eye contact with Wang Qian.

Both were momentarily stunned.

Taylor was curious about Wang Qian’s identity. He seemed older, likely a graduate? She didn’t dwell on it and returned her focus to Mike’s performance, feeling that Mike played well and deserved some pride.

Wang Qian curiously looked at Taylor’s purple eyes.

Rare.

Taylor’s appearance wasn’t stunning; her features were soft and more of a pleasant kind. In the West, she might not be considered beautiful, as they preferred larger faces, foreheads, noses, mouths, and wider jaws—such descriptions in ancient China would be deemed monstrous…

Taylor also had a unique aura.

Wang Qian shook his head slightly.

These unique geniuses all had some special temperament.

As for himself…

Does laziness count?

“Once Mike finishes, it’ll be your turn. His performance of ‘The Storm’ amazed even me. He would be more than qualified to teach at our school.”

He Zhaohui gave a low-key evaluation, “Taylor is the finale! You will perform your ‘Tenth Etude.’ Although simple, it’s highly complete and clearly expressive. Combined with your perfect interpretation, it will surely impress.”

She didn’t expect Wang Qian to outshine Mike.

Mike’s skill level was indeed high, and even she couldn’t reach it…

She just hoped Wang Qian could leave a lasting impression.

An excellent original piece, perfectly performed.

Perhaps this could elevate Dawson and Karl’s evaluation of them!

Wang Qian nodded in understanding.

But in his heart, he was considering another piece!

Unfortunately, he hadn’t prepared in advance.

No accompaniment from other instruments!

Just a pure piano piece wouldn’t be as perfect!

Clap, clap, clap!

Applause erupted again.

This time, it was even more enthusiastic than the previous two.

Many young students even stood up to applaud Mike, most of them girls…

Wang Qian also clapped his hands vigorously.

Mike, with a confident smile, bowed in thanks, then walked off the stage with his head held high, looking down at Yang Jiansen and others like a victor.

At this moment, Yang Jiansen gestured to He Zhaohui, indicating a desire to switch performers!

He Zhaohui firmly shook her head in denial, then subtly nudged Wang Qian, “Hurry up!”

Wang Qian responded softly, stood up, and walked onto the stage.

The audience fell silent again.

Almost everyone looked at Wang Qian with curiosity and confusion.

Moyin’s students didn’t recognize Wang Qian and didn’t know who he was.

Moreover, Wang Qian was obviously much older than them, with an air of someone who had experienced society.

He seemed like an ordinary office worker one might encounter on the street.

Qin Xuerong silently mouthed the words “Good luck” to Wang Qian while clenching her white fists.

Peng Donghu curiously studied Wang Qian, wondering about his background and why He Zhaohui would go to such lengths.

On the other hand, Yang Jiansen, knowing some of Wang Qian’s background, felt nervous and anxious!

He feared Wang Qian would mess up.

That would be a disaster and could make them a laughingstock, potentially tarnishing Moyin’s reputation internationally, along with Chinese classical music!

This was no joke!

“I should have insisted on changing performers!”

Yang Jiansen regretted it deeply.


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