DAEYTT ### Chapter 43: Exchange Event and Song Upload

 ### Chapter 43: Exchange Event and Song Upload

The next morning.

Wang Qian was woken up by the sunlight streaming through his window. The bright rays forced him to open his eyes. Though he still felt cozy and wanted to sleep a bit more, he remembered that he needed to record a song today and had promised to upload "Those Flowers" on Weibo yesterday. Additionally, he was supposed to meet Jiang Yu's mother, so he couldn't afford to be late.

He quickly got out of bed, washed up, and got ready to leave.

As he exited his building, he saw a business van parked at the entrance. Qin Xuerong was in the driver's seat, holding a bun in one hand and soy milk in the other, enjoying her breakfast. When she saw Wang Qian coming out, she hurriedly put her breakfast on the passenger seat and grabbed a wrapped bun, a cup of soy milk, and a youtiao (fried dough stick) for him, steam still rising from the bun. "I knew you'd be coming down soon. Hurry up and have breakfast."

Wang Qian wrinkled his nose, hiding his surprise and gratitude, and took the bun, sitting in the back seat. "Why are you here so early? What about Jiang Yu and Aunt He? I could've taken a cab."

Qin Xuerong resumed eating her bun. "I've already dropped them off at Uncle Zhou's record company. Lao Zhao and Lao He are also there. We're just waiting for you!"

Wang Qian felt a bit embarrassed. "I told Lao Zhao I'd be a bit late yesterday."

Qin Xuerong started the car. "They thought you were just being polite."

Wang Qian ate his breakfast slowly. "You must have gotten up very early?"

Qin Xuerong smiled. "I'm used to it. No big deal."

She managed a company and had long grown accustomed to working from dawn to dusk. Recently, she had shifted her focus to Wang Qian, although she still handled company affairs remotely and wasn't as hands-on as before.

Wang Qian didn't say much else, not knowing what to say. 

Qin Xuerong, having finished her breakfast, continued talking to Wang Qian while driving.

"Last night, Aunt He and Jiang Jiang kept playing your piece and discussing it. I couldn't follow all of it, but Aunt He really values your piece and wants to talk to you in person."

"Aunt He thinks very highly of you, saying it's a masterpiece. Hehe."

"Jiang Jiang seemed a bit upset..."

"Aunt He said..."

...

Wang Qian listened attentively, occasionally responding. Qin Xuerong chatted happily throughout the drive.

They arrived at the company just before noon and quickly headed upstairs to the recording studio. The place was already bustling.

They heard beautiful piano music as they approached. He Fulin and Zhao Wei stood by the door, listening intently, looking like students. They didn't notice Wang Qian and Qin Xuerong's arrival.

Inside, Jiang Yu and Murong Yue were also quietly watching. A slender figure sat at the piano, her delicate hands dancing across the keys. From her back, one could sense her artistic aura, almost merging with the piano. 

Despite the ordinary piano, which Jiang Yu had deemed barely acceptable, the player exuded a sense of nobility in her performance. 

Impressive! Truly remarkable.

Wang Qian thought to himself. The piece, "Für Elise," was nearly perfectly rendered, reaching almost an international master level of performance.

As the final notes fell, He Fulin and Zhao Wei immediately applauded. He Fulin muttered, "A professor from the Central Conservatory of Music, indeed impressive!"

Zhao Wei nodded in agreement. Jiang Yu and Murong Yue also clapped, with Murong Yue excitedly praising, "Auntie, your playing is amazing."

Wang Qian joined in the applause.

The new claps drew everyone's attention, and they noticed Wang Qian and Qin Xuerong had arrived. He Chaohui's gaze fell on Wang Qian, filled with curiosity and surprise. Despite having seen Wang Qian's appearance and age from Jiang Yu, Qin Xuerong, and online videos, she was still astonished at how young he was in person.

In her experience, those who could compose such a complete piece were usually much older pianists and composers. Wang Qian, only in his early thirties, was exceptionally young. Moreover, she knew most of the well-known pianists in the country, and Wang Qian wasn't among them. And to top it off, Wang Qian had studied acting in university...

All these factors made Wang Qian's creation of this piece even more incredible.

Qin Xuerong immediately introduced them, "Aunt He, this is Wang Qian, the composer of the piece."

He Chaohui stepped forward to shake hands. "Hello, I'm He Chaohui. I really admire your piece. Please guide me."

Wang Qian gently shook her hand and then let go, humbly replying, "You're too kind, Professor He. I wouldn't dare guide you. Feel free to ask me anything."

He Chaohui nodded and directly asked, "Did you compose this piece? Is it called Wang Qian's Tenth Etude?"

Wang Qian nodded, "Yes, I wrote it during my spare time for piano practice, so I casually named it the Tenth Etude."

Jiang Yu, Murong Yue, He Fulin, Zhao Wei, and Qin Xuerong quietly watched, curious about Wang Qian's musical background. 

After all, they should be more professional than Wang Qian. But deep down, they knew they couldn't match his talent. He Fulin and Zhao Wei readily acknowledged this fact, while Jiang Yu and Murong Yue, despite knowing it, wouldn't admit it.

He Chaohui asked curiously, "Have you written other etudes?"

Wang Qian admitted, "Yes, I occasionally write them when I have ideas. Most of them are not organized, so they are fragmented. This Tenth Etude is the only complete piece I've recently organized since I started producing music."

Jiang Yu stared at Wang Qian and asked, "So, you actually don't have any other complete compositions?"

Wang Qian shrugged nonchalantly, "Yeah, sort of. I don't have any for now. I've been busy recording songs and shows recently, so I haven't had much time or energy to organize my piano pieces. I'll look through my old drafts and maybe put together a couple of complete pieces when I have time."

Jiang Yu secretly breathed a sigh of relief, muttering inwardly. If her mother weren't present, she might have let out a snort right then and there. Her mother's high praise for Wang Qian was putting too much pressure on her. Now, she felt slightly relieved.

Murong Yue also relaxed, though she felt a tinge of disappointment in her eyes.

However, He Chaohui, despite a hint of disappointment, continued to look at Wang Qian with an appreciative smile. "It's okay. Artists often work this way. You're still young and have plenty of time. If you organize any other pieces in the future, be sure to let me know. I really like your style."

Wang Qian nodded, "Sure, it would be my honor if you enjoy them, Professor He."

He Chaohui replied, "I don't deserve such respect. Just call me Auntie like Xue'er does."

Wang Qian smiled, "Alright, Aunt He!"

Jiang Yu turned her back, rolling her eyes, feeling utterly helpless, as if she had lost favor.

Murong Yue secretly laughed, patting Jiang Yu on the shoulder, enjoying her discomfort.

He Chaohui immediately started discussing piano with Wang Qian. Through years of learning and practice, especially with his innate talent, Wang Qian was able to converse at a professional level. Their discussion, lasting nearly an hour, was filled with insightful exchanges, particularly in performance depth, where Wang Qian's unique perspective from two lifetimes impressed He Chaohui.

Wang Qian also played the Tenth Etude in front of everyone. His technique matched He Chaohui's, and his emotional expression was even more profound and perfect. He Chaohui was full of praise, realizing she was outmatched. The piece wasn't difficult, so technical differences weren't evident, but Wang Qian's emotional delivery was more captivating.

Jiang Yu, Murong Yue, Qin Xuerong, He Fulin, and Zhao Wei listened attentively. Jiang Yu and Murong Yue, initially indifferent, found themselves learning a lot from their conversation.

They exchanged glances, surprised and silent.

He Chaohui, checking the time, reluctantly said, "I initially thought, knowing you hadn't studied music professionally, to invite you to the Central Conservatory for some advanced study. But it seems you don't need it. You could teach there; no one can teach you anymore!"

Wang Qian humbly responded, "You're too kind, Aunt He. I've just been reading and experimenting on my own."

This comment made Jiang Yu and Murong Yue roll their eyes simultaneously, while He Fulin and Zhao Wei felt slightly offended.

He Chaohui smiled, "Then you're a true genius. By the way, do you have time this weekend? There's an international music academy exchange event at Moyin. That's why I'm here. Jiang Jiang and Xiao Yue are also attending. If you have time, you should come. Interacting with top music students from home and abroad could be enlightening."

Wang Qian, genuinely interested in music, considered his schedule. Besides recording for "The Voice," he had no pressing engagements, and the show's recording dates were not yet fixed. So, he agreed, "Sure, if I have time, I'll definitely come!"

He Chaohui, full of admiration, said, "Great. I have to head to Moyin now, so I won't disturb your work any longer. If you need any help with music, feel free to contact me. I should be able to assist with most questions."

Wang Qian thanked her, "Thank you, Aunt He!"

He Chaohui then looked at Jiang Yu and Murong Yue. "Jiang Jiang and Xiao Yue are lucky to work with you right after graduation. It's their opportunity, and you have my gratitude."

Wang Qian glanced at the two, seeing their hostile glares, and quickly averted his eyes, smiling, "You're too kind, Aunt He. They've been a great help to me. I'm the lucky one!"

He Chaohui shook her head sternly, "No, I know their level. With your current expertise, you could easily be their teacher. And you're just beginning to realize your potential. You might even surpass me one day. For them, working with you is a golden opportunity. How much they learn depends on them."

Jiang Yu clenched her fists, unable to hold back, muttering, "Professor He, please stop!"

Murong Yue, also proud, held her head high, clearly displeased.

He Chaohui glared at her daughter, "Learn well from Wang Qian! And you too, Yue'er. Be humble and don't think you're already great. Wang Qian is more talented and just as humble and eager to learn."

Murong Yue quickly nodded obediently, "Yes, Aunt He!"

Jiang Yu reluctantly nodded as well.

He Chaohui smiled at Qin Xuerong, "Xue'er, thank you!"

Qin Xuerong felt proud and happy, as if He Chaohui's praise was for her, and smiled, "Auntie, it's no trouble at all. I'll take you to Moyin."

He Chaohui left with Qin Xuerong. Before exiting, she smiled politely at Wang Qian and gave her daughter Jiang Yu a final glare.

Wang Qian waved goodbye, relieved as they departed. He clapped his hands, addressing He Fulin, Zhao Wei, Jiang Yu, and Murong Yue, "Alright, let's get to work. It's almost lunchtime. I'll treat everyone later."

He Fulin and Zhao Wei had no objections, eagerly getting to work. Jiang Yu and Murong Yue pouted but still complied, knowing they couldn't resist and started the recording session, following Wang Qian's instructions diligently.

After lunch, they worked for a few more hours, completing the arrangement for "Those Flowers."

In the afternoon, Wang Qian recorded another accompaniment piece, working until nightfall.

Jiang Yu and Murong Yue barely spoke all afternoon, focusing intensely on their work to prove their skills to Wang Qian. However, Wang Qian gave no special acknowledgment, simply ending the day with, "Great job today, everyone. Let's go home and rest."

Jiang Yu and Murong Yue, seeing Wang Qian didn't use He Chaohui's words to pressure or tease them, felt relieved but also slightly disappointed as he didn't affirm their efforts.

Qin Xuerong intended to drop Wang Qian off first before picking up Jiang Yu and Murong Yue, but they protested strongly, threatening to cut ties if she did so. Plus, He Chaohui was waiting at home.

So, Wang Qian ended up taking a taxi home. "You all should head home. Don't forget, work continues tomorrow."

He wanted to record as many accompaniments as possible before the show.

Murong Yue responded with a reluctant "Okay," while Jiang Yu didn't reply.

Qin Xuerong waved to Wang Qian as the car sped away.

Wang Qian returned home by taxi, ordered takeout, and quickly uploaded "Those Flowers," fulfilling his promise to his fans. He checked the website's data and was a bit surprised at the higher-than-expected increase.

With that, "Those Flowers" was uploaded.

NEXT