Chapter 28

Xiaoshuxia originally wanted to stay and accompany Yang Jingxing for the exam, but both her son and husband opposed it, so on the morning of the 12th, she went home with Yang Chengyi.

After a winter break without seeing each other, the students missed each other a bit and were chatting in the classroom. The girls took the opportunity to show off their new looks, while the boys played and fooled around.

During the evening self-study, as usual, they had to change seats. Tao Meng and Yang Jingxing didn't move, nor did they ask each other's opinions. The head teacher, as usual, gave a lecture and then, under the silent gaze of the entire class, struggled to paste the words "Struggle" on the back wall of the classroom, along with the countdown to the college entrance exam.

After doing this, Teacher Jiang had more to say: "Everyone knows that Yang Jingxing will be taking the professional exam at the music college in a couple of days. Last semester, his efforts were evident to all. Effort always pays off. He started from zero in his major courses and achieved excellent results. His cultural courses not only didn't fall behind but also improved significantly. Classmates, I suggest that we all go to listen to Yang Jingxing play a piano piece tonight to share in his achievements and cheer him on, okay?"

Of course, the students all agreed, so a group of them went to the music room. In fact, the head teacher wanted to warm up Yang Jingxing to prevent him from getting nervous during the exam, even though Hu Yiqing suspected that Yang Jingxing didn't know what nervousness was.

The students gathered around the piano, and Yang Jingxing sat down and said, "Thank you all. I'll play the third movement of Beethoven's 'Pathétique Sonata.' I think this piece is full of strength and confidence, just like our classmates." Look, after sitting with the class president for a semester, he was influenced.

In C minor, 4/4 time, allegro. The piece has over two hundred measures, and Yang Jingxing played it very seriously and well. After five minutes, Teacher Jiang led the applause, and the students followed enthusiastically.

Seeing the good reaction, Teacher Jiang announced that they would do the same tomorrow night and the next night until the 16th when Yang Jingxing would go for the exam.

Then the students and the teacher returned to the classroom, leaving Yang Jingxing alone to practice the pieces for the exam and review the exam materials just in case.

Hu Yiqing also came and reminded Yang Jingxing to rest well over the next two days. Hu Yiqing also told Yang Jingxing that the material for her teaching paper last semester was him.

On Monday, many students came to the classroom for self-study at around six in the morning, truly working hard. Observing the whole day, Yang Jingxing was actually still serious about his cultural courses, which was really puzzling.

Before the afternoon class, Tao Meng asked Yang Jingxing, "Are your parents still in Puhai?"

"They went home."

"Aren't they going to accompany you for the exam?" Tao Meng was a bit surprised.

Yang Jingxing was dissatisfied, "Do I still look like a child to you?"

"You played really well yesterday," Tao Meng praised him now. "Let's make it seven o'clock tonight, I'll inform them."

Yang Jingxing teased, "Actually, I wanted you to inform only yourself."

Tao Meng didn't bother to argue.

After school, Tao Meng quickly went up to the podium, "Everyone, wait a moment. After dinner, gather at the music room at seven o'clock. That's all, thank you."

Shao Lei shouted, "Can we skip it and play basketball?"

Tao Meng stopped, frowned, and said, "No, this is a group activity."

Saying it was seven o'clock, Ren Chuyu arrived at 6:30, not much later than Yang Jingxing, and a few girls also came early. Tao Meng was relatively on time and said, "I'll take attendance."

Yang Jingxing smiled, "Forget it."

Tao Meng gave up, feeling a bit too serious.

Tonight, Yang Jingxing played Beethoven's 'Appassionata Sonata,' the third movement. The students liked it勉强, but Ren Chuyu hoped, "Can you play two songs?"

Others expressed support. Tao Meng suggested, "Play 'Slam Dunk.'"

Okay, Yang Jingxing played 'Until the End of the World.' After finishing, he realized that the applause from the students before and yesterday was fake, but now it was real! Ren Chuyu clapped proudly, even Jiang Qing was generous enough to clap a few times.

The students were still not satisfied, but Hu Yiqing intervened, "Go back to self-study, come again tomorrow night, Yang Jingxing needs to prepare for the exam."

On Tuesday, February 14th, Valentine's Day, the weather was clear, and there was a lot of undercurrent in the school, as if something was happening in the senior year. During the break, Yang Jingxing was sending text messages, and Ren Chuyu suddenly scared him from the front, "Happy holiday!"

Yang Jingxing looked sad, "You're mocking me!"

Ren Chuyu laughed and asked, "Who are you texting?"

Yang Jingxing said, "My single brother."

Ren Chuyu said, "I want to request a song."

Yang Jingxing was generous, "Sure, as long as I know it."

"Rain's Imprint, do you know it?"

"No problem."

After Ren Chuyu left satisfied, Tao Meng scolded, "You're about to take the exam, and you're still requesting songs!"

Yang Jingxing said, "It's a holiday."

Tao Meng asked, "You're going to request a song for everyone!?"

Yang Jingxing wasn't afraid, "Sure, what do you want?"

Tao Meng became serious, thought for a moment, and said, "Love Story."

Yang Jingxing was at a loss, "I don't know it, sing it for me."

"Fine, forget it!" Tao Meng wasn't going to fall for it.

Still at seven o'clock, they gathered at the music room.

Yang Jingxing became more pretentious, "Today, I'll play two holiday songs to pay tribute to all the students who are under the pressure of the eighteen rules. I hope that next year at this time, everyone will be in their ideal university, sending and receiving roses."

The students cheered, and Hu Yiqing laughed along. But as soon as Yang Jingxing started playing, the music room became quiet. He really played 'Love Story.' His arrangement skills were getting better.

It was a very romantic and melancholic piece, and these young boys and girls were pitiful, cursed by the eighteen rules. Tao Meng and Yang Jingxing's eyes met, and she gave him a slight smile.

On the evening of the 15th, at Hu Yiqing's suggestion, Yang Jingxing played the pieces he had prepared for the exam for the students, but no one really liked them. The next day, Yang Jingxing was going to the music college, and the students cheered him on before leaving.

At 8:30, Tao Meng came again and asked Yang Jingxing, "Are you going directly tomorrow morning?" Actually, the next day was the first day of registration, and the exam would start on the 18th, but many people were so serious that they arranged it this way for Yang Jingxing.

Tao Meng asked again, "Have you packed everything? Student ID, ID card, photos."

Yang Jingxing smiled, "Thanks, don't worry."

Tao Meng nodded, looked at Hu Yiqing, and said to Yang Jingxing, "Wish you a successful exam."

Yang Jingxing was puzzled, "I feel a bit nervous now."

Tao Meng scolded, "What's there to be nervous about! You play so well, just bring out your usual confidence."

Yang Jingxing nodded, "Okay!"

"Then I'll go."

On Thursday morning, Yang Jingxing and Hu Yiqing arrived at the music college, filled out the forms, and registered. There were so many people, and their expressions made the atmosphere quite tense.

Yang Jingxing received a text message from Yu Xinting: "Wish you a successful exam."

Yang Jingxing replied, "You too, have you registered? I didn't see you."

He didn't receive a reply for a long time, so he called, but no one answered for a long time, and the second call was rejected. After waiting for half an hour, Yang Jingxing called again, but still no one answered, so he called Geng Xidong.

"… She hurt her hand," Geng Xidong finally said after a long pause.

Yang Jingxing couldn't even have lunch with Hu Yiqing and rushed to a small music room, where he found five people comforting Yu Xinting. Yu Xinting's red and swollen eyes welled up with tears as soon as she saw Yang Jingxing, and her lips trembled, "I'm sorry…"

Yang Jingxing squeezed in and gently took Yu Xinting's right hand, which she had hidden behind her back, and found that her ring finger was wrapped in thick bandages.

Yang Jingxing asked, "Is it serious?"

A girl said, as if she was in pain herself, "Her nail is black and swollen…"

Yang Jingxing asked, "Does it still hurt?"

Yu Xinting cried, "I can't touch it…" There were many macadamia nuts and walnuts on the ground.

A boy suggested, "Get an anesthetic, maybe you can still play."

Yang Jingxing asked, "When did it happen?"

Geng Xidong helped answer, "Last night."

Another boy said, "We only found out this morning when she didn't come out."

"Didn't you register yet? Go register quickly!" Yang Jingxing was also quite anxious.

In this state, why register at all! The others didn't say anything, and Yu Xinting's tears fell in large drops.

Yang Jingxing gripped Yu Xinting's arm and said firmly, "No matter what, you must take the exam, you must!"

The girl said, "Yes, you should still take the exam."

Yu Xinting shook her head, and her tears flew out.

Yang Jingxing tried to be gentler, "Where's your confidence! Is it gone just like that? All your hard work will be in vain!" As he spoke, he rummaged through the room, found Yu Xinting's bag, and the neatly prepared registration materials, hung them on her shoulder, and said loudly, "Stand up!"

Yu Xinting stood up, crying and looking at Yang Jingxing fearfully.

Yang Jingxing didn't know what he was doing, almost giving orders, "We're going to register now, and we'll go with you."

The others also agreed and surrounded Yu Xinting as they left. On the way, Yu Xinting tried to back out several times but was forcibly pulled forward by Yang Jingxing.

After finishing the registration procedures under the surprised gazes of others, Yang Jingxing arranged, "Geng Xidong, take her to the hospital again, get a good look, and try to remove the bandages. If it's not possible, get an anesthetic."

Geng Xidong nodded.

Yang Jingxing asked Yu Xinting, "Does it still hurt?"

Yu Xinting pouted, "Can't touch it."

"Go to the hospital first." Yang Jingxing took out all his cash and handed it to Geng Xidong, "One thousand six, pay me back later. Go quickly, and wait for me in the music room after you're done."

After sending Yu Xinting and the others away, Yang Jingxing bought a stack of sheet music paper and then went to a music room without a bed, paid for 24 hours of rental, ordered a few meals, and got to work.

Yang Jingxing received a call from Geng Xidong at 6 PM, saying they had just left the hospital. The doctor said there was no special medicine for this kind of injury, and it would take half a month to heal. Playing the piano was unlikely, and even with an anesthetic, the sensitivity of the fingers would be greatly reduced.

Yang Jingxing instructed Geng Xidong, "Comfort her and help her relax."

Geng Xidong was anxious, "Do you think I don't want to comfort her!"

Yang Jingxing said, "Then take good care of her."

From noon on the 16th to noon on the 17th, the piano music in Yang Jingxing's room never stopped. Others thought he was cramming too crazily, playing a lot of wrong notes, and was probably too nervous.

At 1 PM on the 17th, Yang Jingxing appeared in Yu Xinting's music room, bringing her a new version of the pieces she had prepared for the exam. Two etudes, a fugue, a sonata, and a large piece, all completed, with fingerings clearly marked, and none of them required the use of the right ring finger. The changes were really significant, and no normal person would do such a foolish thing.

Yang Jingxing looked at Yu Xinting's fingers; the bandages were thinner, so he could see the condition inside. The finger pad was swollen, and the nail was mostly black. It must have been very painful, and she endured it for a whole night before others found out.

Yang Jingxing gently put down Yu Xinting's hand and said, "You must be strong!"

Yu Xinting nodded.

Yang Jingxing placed the thick manuscript on the music stand and said, "Try it out."

Yu Xinting looked at the manuscript, drawn in pencil, with many erasure marks but still clean and neat. She looked at Yang Jingxing, adjusted her posture and breathing, and raised her hands to the piano. As soon as she played the first key, tears welled up again.

Although only the right-hand part was changed, and some of Yang Jingxing's methods were very ingenious, the pieces she had practiced for half a year suddenly changed, and she was missing a finger, making it very difficult for Yu Xinting to play. She had to look at the score and the fingerings Yang Jingxing marked.

Yang Jingxing helped turn the pages. After Yu Xinting played Chopin's etude, he asked, "How does it feel?"

Yu Xinting didn't speak, focusing on the score, and started playing Liszt's piece on the next page. So Yang Jingxing continued to turn the pages.

They all remained silent, listening to Yu Xinting play for over half an hour, finishing Yang Jingxing's manuscript. On the last page, the piece ended, and on the blank page, it was written: "Effort never fails, cheer up."

The short-haired girl spoke first, "It's pretty good." Looking at Yang Jingxing, "Really!"

They were all small experts here and could tell that the new pieces were indeed good. If you didn't listen to the original every day, you wouldn't notice any dissonance. Yang Jingxing's inspiration had flowed last night.

Yu Xinting suddenly stood up and said to everyone, "Thank you all, you can go now, I need to practice."

Yang Jingxing nodded, "Okay, let's have dinner together tonight."

Yu Xinting didn't have the face to eat, shaking her head, "You eat, I'm not hungry."

Geng Xidong said, "I'll bring you some."

Yu Xinting nodded, "Thank you."

Outside, they introduced themselves. The short-haired girl asked Yang Jingxing, "When did you and Xiaoting meet?"

Yang Jingxing said, "Two years ago."

Geng Xidong couldn't help but laugh. Another boy who knew said, "Indeed, two years, from last December to now."

The short-haired girl sighed, "You both really like her… She was always smiling, but this morning, she cried so much it scared me."

Yang Jingxing called Li Yingzhen and told her about Yu Xinting's situation, requesting, based on this special circumstance, whether Yu Xinting could be allowed to play with the score.

Li Yingzhen was quite angry, "Take care of yourself first! She's so careless, why play the piano at all."

Yang Jingxing pleaded, "She's really not easy, you've heard her, she plays very well."

"That's not good enough! It won't help, you'll see on the exam day!"

Yang Jingxing persisted, "I think she's a talent."

Li Yingzhen was blunt, "You like her because she's pretty, don't think I don't know what you're like at your age, and you're no different!"

In the evening, Yang Jingxing and Geng Xidong had dinner together, and Yang Jingxing packed a bowl of rice and a soup for Yu Xinting. Geng Xidong didn't want Yang Jingxing to pay.

They listened outside Yu Xinting's door for a long time, and Yang Jingxing heard many problems, but for a girl with an injured hand, these problems were no longer problems.

Yu Xinting had been hungry all day and didn't want to eat in front of the two boys, so she shooed them away, not forgetting to say to Yang Jingxing, "I'll pay you back after the exam." The hospital was really expensive.

Yang Jingxing said, "See you at the exam tomorrow, rest well tonight."

"Are you leaving?"

Yang Jingxing nodded, "I need to rest early too."

"Be careful on the way."

Yang Jingxing turned back, "Smile."

He could smile, but Yu Xinting pouted and forced out two dimples, which looked terrible.

On the 18th, the 2006 undergraduate professional exam at Puhai Music College officially began. Yang Jingxing had three exams today. In the morning, it was music theory and melody writing, and in the afternoon, it was song writing. He received over ten calls from his parents, teachers, and friends, and Hu Yiqing even came to the scene, along with Zhang Chujia, who came to watch, which was quite exaggerated.

Around 8 AM, he met with Yu Xinting and the others. Yu Xinting was holding Yang Jingxing's manuscript, her hair neatly tied, wearing a short down jacket, jeans, and boots, but the bandage on her finger was noticeable.

Yang Jingxing meddled, "Remember to apologize to the teacher first."

Yu Xinting nodded.

Yang Jingxing boasted, "The rest is no problem, believe me, with such a good score, you can play even if you're blind."

Yu Xinting said, "I'll play well."

Zhang Chujia boasted to Hu Yiqing, "I told you, he's a genius in many ways."

Hu Yiqing only cared about the exam, "Just play steadily, win by stability."

Zhang Chujia was still worried, "Our school is going to have a genius!"

The composition department had a written exam first, but the piano department had to play first. The order of entry for the candidates was randomly shuffled to prevent cheating, but there was no curtain. This was Yu Xinting's luck, otherwise, the teachers and professors wouldn't see her appearance and would only hear how well she played.

Yu Xinting's turn was relatively early, the tenth to enter the exam room. The examiners were shocked to see a candidate enter the Puhai Music College piano department exam room with a score in hand.

Li Yingzhen was there, looking at Yu Xint