DAEYTT ### Chapter 59: Included in the Textbook? Naming Rights? Can I Have the Honor of Playing It?

After hearing Wang Qian say he didn't have time, Yang Jiansen and Peng Donghu returned to their seats, planning to speak with Wang Qian again after the event ended.

On stage, Mike was discussing his understanding of the highly challenging piece "Storm"! Many people were listening attentively.

Wang Qian also perked up his ears, increasing his knowledge of piano pieces and maintaining his professional habit. Who knows when it might come in handy?

As they say, "a jack of all trades is a master of none!"

He Chaohui continued to whisper to Wang Qian, "Wang Qian, your talent in piano exceeds your own imagination. Don't you want to become a true master pianist and leave your mark in history? You don't need to undergo an assessment or interview; I will find a way to persuade the leaders to directly approve your position!"

She believed that with today's performance, Wang Qian would undoubtedly pass the school's so-called assessment.

Wang Qian listened to Mike while shaking his head, "Professor He, I really appreciate your kindness. But, I truly don't think I can teach students well. I have nothing to teach them, and I really don't have time."

After a pause, Wang Qian confidently said, "Who says you have to become a pianist to leave your mark in history?"

He Chaohui fell silent, then added, "Think about it. You don't have to teach if you don't want to. Not every professor has to teach; you just need to come to the school occasionally."

This was her biggest concession.

Wang Qian thought for a moment, "If it doesn't interfere with my other activities, I can take on an honorary position!"

He Chaohui fell silent.

Just an honorary position?

Qin Xuerong, Jiang Yu, and Murong Yue all listened to the conversation between Wang Qian and He Chaohui.

Hearing Wang Qian's request, Jiang Yu and Murong Yue couldn't help but roll their eyes. If it weren't for the inappropriate setting and He Chaohui's presence, they would have started teasing Wang Qian already!

Only Qin Xuerong remained a staunch supporter.

When Mike finished his eloquent speech and prepared to leave the stage, the host asked, "Mr. Mike, what do you think of Mr. Wang Qian's performance of the Eleventh Etude?"

Mike glanced at Wang Qian, thinking he was showing off, but since Wang Qian had already earned Professor Dawson's approval, he couldn't publicly say it was bad. So he simply said, "Very good!"

After that, he quickly left the stage, afraid the host would continue to ask about Wang Qian's piece, which would force him to continue praising it, something he felt he couldn't do!

After Mike spoke, the host invited Wei Shuxin and Hu Ke on stage. Both spoke confidently, sharing their understanding of music and ultimately expressing their admiration and approval for Wang Qian's piece!

Finally, it was Taylor's turn to take the stage!

The host asked, "Taylor, who do you think gave the most outstanding performance among the performers?"

Taylor glanced at Wang Qian and said in slightly accented Chinese, "It should be Mr. Wang Qian's Eleventh Etude. This piece amazed me, and I hope I have the opportunity to perform it."

The host continued, "Taylor, what is your opinion of Mr. Wang Qian?"

Taylor thought for a moment and said, "If what he said is true, he is an unprecedented genius. If he lied, then he is still a genius!"

Applause erupted from the audience.

Even Dawson and Karl joined in.

Taylor's words were very diplomatic.

If Wang Qian wasn't lying and achieved his level of skill through self-practice, and could compose such a piece, then he truly is an unprecedented genius, the greatest in piano history. If he could realize his potential, becoming a master pianist and composer would be within reach!

If Wang Qian lied and had actually practiced numerous famous pieces to reach his current level, then he is still a genius, just not surpassing previous masters.

However, in either case, Taylor acknowledged one thing: Wang Qian is a genius, and one greater than her.

This was Moyin, in China, at an exchange meeting between the three major Chinese music academies and Berklee and Curtis Institute of Music.

For a talented young pianist from Curtis to say this had significant meaning.

Hence, He Chaohui, Yang Jiansen, and Peng Donghu all started applauding.

With Taylor's statement, the exchange meeting could be considered a success. Once this news spread, major music academies in Europe and America would hold the Chinese music scene in higher regard.

Wang Qian modestly smiled, lightly clapping his hands, and nodded gently at Taylor with a smile.

Qin Xuerong whispered, "This Taylor is mixed-race and probably religious. She definitely wouldn't like Chinese people. Even if she does, her family wouldn't agree."

Jiang Yu and Murong Yue looked at Qin Xuerong with amusement.

Qin Xuerong just stared at the stage, her neck turning red.

Wang Qian said softly, "I don't like mixed-race people either, and she's too young, still in school. I'm not interested, so stop overthinking it."

Qin Xuerong smiled happily, her eyes narrowing to slits, and whispered to Wang Qian, "Are you explaining to me?"

Wang Qian ignored her.

Qin Xuerong's smile remained undiminished.

The applause subsided.

Taylor said a few more words and left the stage.

Next, Yang Jiansen went on stage to say a few official words, concluding today's exchange and transitioning to more personal discussions.

Of course, the open exchange would continue tomorrow!

The auditorium began to empty.

Wang Qian also got up to leave.

At this moment, He Chaohui seriously said to Wang Qian, "Wang Qian, I can agree to you taking an honorary position at Central Conservatory. But you must teach at least one major class each semester!"

Huh! Professor He hadn't given up?

Wang Qian thought she had given up.

Unexpectedly, she agreed...

Wang Qian showed a hint of surprise, then smiled wryly, "Professor He, I was just saying that casually! I didn't think you'd agree..."

He Chaohui stared at Wang Qian, resolutely saying, "Now that I've agreed, will you keep your word?"

Jiang Yu and Murong Yue quietly watched the drama unfold.

At this point, Yang Jiansen and Peng Donghu quickly approached, prioritizing Wang Qian over immediately talking to Dawson and Karl.

Both of them clearly heard what He Chaohui said.

Peng Donghu immediately said, "Mr. Wang Qian, come to Zhejiang Conservatory. We'll give you a full professorship. As long as you don't want to, you never have to teach a class. You will still receive your salary and benefits. Additionally, we will publicly acknowledge your affiliation and incorporate your two pieces into our piano department's textbooks, provided you agree."

Textbooks?

Yang Jiansen and He Chaohui both looked at Peng Donghu, clearly not expecting this.

Moreover, they wouldn't have dared to consider this.

Wang Qian's two pieces didn't even have official names and hadn't been published. To incorporate them into a music conservatory's textbooks seemed too hasty, didn't it?

Even as the head of the piano department, shouldn't Peng Donghu need to hold a symposium or report it for approval?

In fact, the first time He Chaohui heard Jiang Yu play Wang Qian's Tenth Etude, she thought the piece was very suitable for teaching practice, especially for beginner and intermediate students—pleasant to listen to, not difficult, well-structured, and clearly expressive.

But she hadn't given it much thought at the time.

Now...

Hearing Peng Donghu's proposal...

It seemed that Wang Qian's Eleventh Etude was indeed very suitable as a teaching piece...

After being stunned for a second, Yang Jiansen quickly added, "Mr. Wang Qian, we at Shanghai Conservatory can also offer you a full professorship. You will never have to teach a class but will enjoy all the benefits of the title. Additionally, we hope to participate in naming your two pieces."

Naming the two pieces?

Peng Donghu and He Chaohui's eyes lit up instantly!

Simultaneously, they both felt a wave of regret.

How had they forgotten this?

Pieces of such high completion and pleasant sound, very suitable for public performance, would likely become widely played once published. Many pianists would probably perform them at their concerts.

In that case, the names of the pieces would become very significant!

If they could participate in the naming, incorporating some symbols of themselves or their academies, as the pieces spread globally, wouldn't they or their academies also gain worldwide recognition?

This would be the greatest benefit...

Even if the pieces didn't spread globally, their popularity within China would still elevate the status of their schools domestically!

They both loved and had high hopes for the pieces, believing they would at least become popular within major Chinese conservatories.

Wang Qian hadn't expected to be so highly sought after.

At this moment, a group of foreigners approached.

It was Carl, Mike, and others from Berklee, as well as Dawson, Jason, and Taylor from Curtis Institute of Music!

Dawson walked at the front, directly approaching Wang Qian, and politely extended his hand, "Hello, Mr. Wang, finally, we can have a good conversation."

Wang Qian replied, "Hello, Mr. Dawson."

Wang Qian's fluent American English surprised the interpreter, who then translated the conversation for Yang Jiansen and the others.

Dawson said, "Your piece is fantastic. May I have the honor of playing it?"

Wang Qian nodded, "Of course!"

Then Wang Qian turned to Qin Xuerong, "Do you have any blank sheet music and a pen?"

Qin Xuerong was stunned, still immersed in the joy of Wang Qian's earlier explanation. She blanked for a moment.

Blank sheet music and a pen?

Jiang Yu and Murong Yue quickly understood.

Jiang Yu said to Yang Jiansen, "Director Yang, please have someone bring a blank sheet music book and a pen, quickly!"

Yang Jiansen immediately understood what Wang Qian intended, shouting to the back, "Get a blank sheet music book and a pen, quickly!"

Two middle-aged professors rushed out, returning breathlessly within a minute. One brought a thick blank sheet music book, and the other a pen, both eagerly handed to Wang Qian, their eyes filled with expectation and joy.

Everyone watched Wang Qian!

Wang Qian took the paper and pen and began writing on the blank sheet music in front of Dawson, Taylor, Yang Jiansen, He Chaohui, and the others.

Notes appeared under Wang Qian's pen.

Lines of music arranged themselves neatly on the paper.

The previously noisy auditorium fell silent once again.

Most people had left.

The remaining few gathered around the front row.

Many stood on their seats, tiptoeing to see what was happening in the center.


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