Chapter 20

A new week began. The task for the first Chinese class was to write an essay, with the topic being "Let a flower bloom in your heart." This was almost the end of Yang Jingxing, but if it were about blooming intestines, he might have been able to write a long essay.

Yang Jingxing could only write incoherently, barely managing to put together seven or eight hundred words. His writing speed was incredibly fast, the pen scratching against the paper.

"Are you done? Let me see yours," Jiang Qing proactively extended her fair and tender hand to Yang Jingxing's desk, raising her elbow to make it easier for him to pass her his essay paper.

"Gratify your sense of superiority," Yang Jingxing said, bracing himself.

Jiang Qing gave Yang Jingxing a confident glance. She indeed wrote much better than him, and it seemed she had a good knowledge of flowers. She wrote about letting a carnation bloom in her heart to express gratitude to her parents and teachers, a lily to keep her heart pure and beautiful, and a chrysanthemum to be honest with others... It was as if she were a girl as beautiful as a flower herself.

Tao Meng suddenly found fault with Yang Jingxing again, tapping his desk lightly, "Can you not play with your pen during class!"

Yang Jingxing, who was not very good at playing the piano but was a master at pen spinning, spun the pen so fast and said, "Look, this is a pen flower."

Jiang Qing smiled. Tao Meng sat up straight, glaring with anger. Yang Jingxing, scared, quickly stopped.

Jiang Qing said, "You spin so fast, can you teach me?"

Yang Jingxing shook his head, "No flower can compare to you. Why don't you have a rose?"

Jiang Qing looked a bit resentful, "No one has given me one."

Yang Jingxing asked, "Do you want me to tell someone?"

This time, Jiang Qing ignored him.

In the second Chinese class, they were doing exercises on classical Chinese. "Lian Po is old, can he still eat... three times lost." They were asked to find the phonetic loan characters, and Yang Jingxing wrote "lost" as "shit."

Jiang Qing laughed so loudly that the teacher heard her, and she quickly lowered her voice to scold Yang Jingxing, "Impossible, how disgusting."

Tao Meng poked Yang Jingxing's elbow with her pen as a warning. Yang Jingxing showed her his academic research, and Tao Meng couldn't help but laugh. After laughing, she became suspicious, "It seems like... only you could think of that."

Yang Jingxing said, "I can't let you think of it first."

Tao Meng mocked, "Not as smart as you."

Yang Jingxing humbly said, "Today you are smarter than me, tomorrow I will be a little smarter than you."

Tao Meng rolled her eyes, "I dare not, genius."

Yang Jingxing finally got his chance, "Tao Meng, can you speak more seriously?"

Tao Meng immediately became serious and focused on the problems.

After five minutes, Yang Jingxing had to put on a thick face and asked Tao Meng, "Help me check, the word in option B is wrong... Okay, I was wrong, I apologize, and I won't spin my pen anymore."

Tao Meng looked at Yang Jingxing, a bit victorious, "You better keep your word... eager, not urgent." She wrote it on the draft paper for Yang Jingxing to see.

"Eager," Yang Jingxing repeated to deepen his memory, "I am eager to become smarter tomorrow."

It was really hard to guard against, and Tao Meng couldn't control herself, so she used her left hand to block her head and turned her face to the right, shaking her shoulders.

In the afternoon's physical education class, the teacher started to tally the sign-ups for the sports meet. Yang Jingxing, as usual, signed up for the shot put. This sport was the simplest; a few throws and it was over, and he could rely on his brute strength to get a good ranking.

The PE teacher, who was not very democratic, asked Yang Jingxing, "Freestyle swimming, fifty meters or one hundred meters? Best to do both!"

Yang Jingxing refused, which made the PE teacher very angry. Fortunately, Tao Meng came to his defense, saying that Yang Jingxing was preparing for the music college entrance exam and was quite nervous, so he didn't have time to train in the pool.

The PE teacher looked at Yang Jingxing in disbelief, "Music college!?" Looking at his well-built physique, he didn't seem like an artist.

In the evening, Hu Yiqing continued to teach Yang Jingxing, lecturing on the basics of harmony. Hu Yiqing was not only a good teacher but also a good student, and she could now find her old notes, which were very useful.

On Tuesday, the weather became even clearer, and the temperature rose, indicating the arrival of the Indian summer. However, Tao Meng's expression in math class remained gloomy, especially when it came to trigonometric functions, quadrant curves, and other topics, which gave her a headache.

From one problem, Yang Jingxing explained at least ten concepts to Tao Meng, acting as a teacher for the entire class. Tao Meng was very serious and finally understood, "Yes, yes, I get it."

Yang Jingxing said, "This is the mathematical mindset."

Tao Meng nodded, looking at Yang Jingxing and said softly, "Mr. Qin didn't explain it clearly to me last time... Find a similar problem for me to try."

Yang Jingxing said, "I'll find an easy one, so you can thank me."

Tao Meng couldn't stand it, "Oh, thank you."

Inspired by the atmosphere, Jiang Qing's enthusiasm for learning was also aroused, and she had questions for Yang Jingxing to explain. Jiang Qing didn't quite understand, "Why move to the right to negative two?"

"Then it equals zero," Yang Jingxing said, feeling a headache.

Jiang Qing nodded, somewhat understanding, "Oh... Are you going home for the break?"

Yang Jingxing shook his head, "Do you understand?"

Jiang Qing asked again, "What about this problem?"

Yang Jingxing said, "Wait until I finish, I haven't done it yet."

Jiang Qing huffed, "It's not like I'm taking up your time."

Yang Jingxing pretended not to hear, and Tao Meng seemed not to hear either.

When the bell rang, Yang Jingxing casually said to Tao Meng, "Take off your clothes."

This was too much, Tao Meng looked at Yang Jingxing with a dark face.

Yang Jingxing pointed outside, "It's hot!" They were doing calisthenics.

Tao Meng looked around and reluctantly took off her jacket.

Next was physics class, and Jiang Qing talked to Yang Jingxing about studying, "Boys are good at physics, Shao Lei is too, but he's not as good at math as you."

Yang Jingxing asked, "You two are pretty close, right?"

Jiang Qing smiled meaningfully, "Not really, he just likes to talk to me for no reason."

The class monitor glanced at Yang Jingxing, but he continued, "Then I can't talk to you, or he'll be even more jealous."

"Don't say nonsense," Jiang Qing wasn't very annoyed, "There's nothing going on."

"I don't believe it... He must have asked you to make me unable to focus on my studies," Yang Jingxing thought.

Jiang Qing got a bit angry, "What are you talking about! I don't like sitting by the aisle... Do you think you're someone special? Shao Lei is much more interesting than you!"

Yang Jingxing was delighted, "Tell him that, and he'll treat me like a brother."

Tao Meng really wanted to get Yang Jingxing into trouble but couldn't control herself. Her snort seemed particularly harsh, and Jiang Qing's face turned red as she slammed her book on the desk.

After class, the whole class noticed Jiang Qing slamming her desk and moving her seat back to Chen Xiyao's.

Tao Meng quickly went to the restroom, and Yang Jingxing went outside to receive Tan Dong's comfort. It turned out that the golden throne wasn't so enjoyable.

Actually, after Chen Xiyao moved to the left, Yang Jingxing felt much more relaxed and quiet. He could finish his problems, tutor Tao Meng, and quietly read a book.

The week before the break was hard for other students, but for Yang Jingxing, it passed quickly. He barely finished a book on the basics of harmony, completed the heavy tasks assigned by Li Yingzhen, and prepared "The Maiden's Prayer" for Liu Miao and Xia Xue.

On Saturday, which was also National Day, Yang Jingxing got a day off from Li Yingzhen to relax, and he had to pick up his parents in the afternoon. He heard that a famous professor wanted to meet him, and Yang Chengyi, who had put aside his business, was coming to Puhai with his wife.

But Yang Jingxing didn't relax himself. In the morning, he practiced the piano and listened to music. After noon, he called Liu Miao and Xia Xue, completed his tasks, and received praise.

At 2 PM, Yang Jingxing met his parents in the city. Yang Chengyi was quite tired, having driven himself. He really didn't believe his son could play the piano well, but Xiao Shuxia was optimistic, pulling Yang Jingxing into the mall to buy clothes and shoes for the future musician.

Yang Jingxing really wasn't used to wearing a pair of leather shoes that cost several thousand yuan. Yang Chengyi sympathized with his son, "Forget it, you're only in your teens, give him a break."

Yang Jingxing had a request, "Teacher Hu works very hard, buy something for her."

Xiao Shuxia was reluctant, "I haven't bought anything for your mother." Despite this, she picked out four very nice silk scarves, top brands. Two small ones were wrapped as gifts, one for Hu Yiqing, one for Zhang Chujia, and Xiao Shuxia kept one large and one small for herself.

These were simple, but what to give the professor required some thought. Yang Chengyi was also at a loss, asking his son, "Where do all these teachers come from!" Fortunately, they were all free.

In the end, Xiao Shuxia decided to buy a large box of bird's nest. Since Yang Jingxing said Li Yingzhen might not accept it, Xiao Shuxia wasn't worried about wasting it.

After a big dinner, Yang Jingxing actually wanted to go back to school, which surprised his parents. This semester, Yang Jingxing's spending had significantly decreased. He used to call home every half month for help, but now he didn't even ask for living expenses. When his parents called on weekends, they often heard him in the city, but now every call was about studying or reading.

The next morning, Yang Jingxing called Hu Yiqing, saying he would go with his parents to pick her up. Hu Yiqing was hesitant, "Do I really need to go today?"

Yang Jingxing wouldn't let her off, "You're my teacher, you need to be responsible."

Hu Yiqing laughed, "Okay, but you don't need to pick me up, I'll come myself."

They were supposed to meet Li Yingzhen at the music college at 3 PM, but Yang Jingxing's family arrived a little after 2 PM. They soon saw Hu Yiqing, and Yang Jingxing quickly invited her to the car to avoid the heat.

The parents thanked the teacher, especially since their child wasn't the most obedient. But Hu Yiqing said seriously, "Yang Jingxing is very smart, I teach him easily, I'm just afraid I haven't taught him well."

Yang Jingxing presented the gift, and Hu Yiqing politely declined but didn't argue too much, as she was a junior in front of Yang Chengyi.

At 2:45 PM, Yang Jingxing saw Li Yingzhen's car and quickly got out to wave. They greeted each other, and it seemed Li Yingzhen had a good first impression of Yang Chengyi and his wife, and was a bit surprised, "Little Hu is here too."

To Xiao Shuxia's disappointment, Li Yingzhen didn't refuse the gift.

"Mrs. Yang is so young, you and Yang Jingxing look so much alike," Li Yingzhen chatted.

"Disturbing Professor Li, Yang Jingxing has caused you trouble."

Li Yingzhen shook her head, "No, no. I just wanted to meet Mr. and Mrs. Yang and chat, thank you for coming."

After much politeness, Li Yingzhen asked, "Shall we go to my office, I was going to suggest a place for tea, but I was afraid you wouldn't find it."

What, looking down on country people! Xiao Shuxia said, "Let's go to No. 18, it's not far."

So they drove for a long time to the Bund, and it took a while to park. They had to wait for a table in the coffee shop, which made Xiao Shuxia feel embarrassed.

Finally seated, they ordered. Hu Yiqing and Xiao Shuxia ordered coffee, Yang Chengyi and Li Yingzhen ordered tea, Yang Jingxing ordered juice, and Xiao Shuxia ordered a lot of sweets and fruits.

Li Yingzhen couldn't wait to get to the point, "Yang Jingxing, I want to ask you, in your growth, have you been more influenced by your father or your mother?"

Yang Jingxing was at a loss, "Oh no, they both give me money."

Everyone laughed, and Yang Chengyi self-deprecatingly said, "A disobedient son, a father's fault."

Xiao Shuxia said, "He doesn't listen to me much, but sometimes his father's words have some effect."

Li Yingzhen's expression became serious, "Mr. Yang, what is your direction for your son's education? Can I ask?"

Yang Chengyi also became serious, looking at Yang Jingxing, "We just hope he will be a righteous and cultured person."

This was too broad, and Li Yingzhen asked, "I heard Yang Jingxing didn't receive much musical education before?"

Xiao Shuxia looked at her husband, and Yang Chengyi said honestly, "Professor Li, we are not that kind of family, we don't have much cultural or artistic atmosphere... the environment around us is also like that. But in Yang Jingxing's education, we are quite open-minded. Youth is fleeting, and we have given him a wide path, as long as it's the right path, we respect his choices. When he said he wanted to study music, I was actually against it, who can become a musician! But I heard from his homeroom teacher that he seems quite determined this time."

Among the many students Li Yingzhen had taught, such parents were rare, but thinking about Yang Jingxing, it was fortunate to have such parents. Li Yingzhen thought for a moment and said, "The college entrance exam is very important, I heard your requirement is to have a backup plan?"

Yang Chengyi said, "Because it's important, we can't let him do as he pleases."

"Why did Yang Jingxing suddenly decide to study music?" Li Yingzhen asked the parents, "Will you support him on this path?"

"Actually, he wasn't hasty," Yang Chengyi finally spoke up for his son, "Looking back, he has always liked music, but we didn't pay much attention."

"Interests change every day," Xiao Shuxia interjected, calling Hu Yiqing, "Teacher Hu, have some food."

Yang Chengxi continued, "He must have realized he's not young anymore, and made this decision. I know nothing about music, but his mother likes Kunqu opera. I also asked him, and he said music is the easiest to share with others, and I think that's true."

Li Yingzhen looked at Yang Jingxing, who was still eating, and nodded in approval.

After a long conversation, Li Yingzhen had a better understanding and let everyone rest, drink something to moisten their throats, and then began her explanation, "When I first met Yang Jingxing, I really wanted to scold him for playing the piano so badly, but I could see his talent... his talent for the piano, no one can match, I'm not afraid he'll be arrogant, I can see he has this confidence."

This really stunned Yang Chengyi and Xiao Shuxia, who quickly became humble. If Yang Jingxing's talent for mischief was unmatched, they could believe it.

Yang Jingxing was also embarrassed, "I still have a long way to go."

Li Yingzhen continued, "Of course, talent is just one, the size of achievement depends on your effort. The key is, in these few days, I found this child is particularly hardworking. This combination of talent and effort means he can achieve in a month what others take two or three years to achieve. If he wants to apply for the composition department, his current piano level is already sufficient!"

Li Yingzhen was a bit excited, looking at Yang Jingxing, and said with pain, "But the composition department... that's just a beautiful wish. How many great pianists has our country produced! But how many composers? Especially now... the environment! Composing, writing songs, talent is really useless."

Yang Chengyi was shocked, "Professor Li, what do you mean?"

Li Yingzhen calmed down and said, "I suggest you let Yang Jingxing study the piano department, so his talent and talent can be best utilized, and he can achieve the greatest success."

Yang Chengyi and Xiao Shuxia, who hadn't thought about their son achieving any musical success, were quickly tempted by Li Yingzhen, but Yang Chengyi still remembered to be humble, "Can he do it?"

Li Yingzhen glared, "Why not! Even if not with me, we have Professor Zheng, Professor Su, Professor Sun, Professor Lin, all of whom have trained world-class pianists!"

Xiao Shuxia was intimidated into laughter, "Piano is not easy to learn." Hearing from the homeroom teacher that Yang Jingxing practiced day and night, she felt quite heartbroken.

Li Yingzhen was almost angry, what kind of parents are these! She raised her hand and called, "Vetter, over here." When the waiter came, she said without hesitation, "We'll use your piano later."

"What piece would you like to hear?"

"We'll play ourselves."

"Okay, please wait."

Li Yingzhen took out a sheet of music from her bag and gave it to Yang Jingxing, "Beethoven's 'Pathétique,' just the first movement, have you heard it? Play this later."

Yang Jingxing was scared, "Here? Professor Li..."

"Don't talk nonsense, play well, don't embarrass your parents!" Li Yingzhen pushed him, and then analyzed the sheet music, explaining many points.

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