Chapter 46

Yuxinting still had to go back to school to change her clothes. After changing into a pair of pants that Yang Jingxing bought for her, she confessed, "Anxin lent this to me, does it look good?"

Yang Jingxing smiled, "This time you're wearing the right person."

Yuxinting chuckled, "The waist is a bit big, but the length is just right."

She didn't go home and met up with her parents and teachers at the same place they had dinner yesterday. Yuxinting also said, "The ribs from yesterday were delicious."

Yang Jingxing agreed, "Yeah, I'll order one."

After meeting up, Li Yingzhen asked Yang Jingxing, "A reporter went to the school this morning, did you know?"

Yang Jingxing replied, "They called me, but I didn't go."

Xiao Shuxia was unsure, "What kind of reporter? Interviewing you... Why didn't you go!?"

Yang Jingxing said, "No time."

Xiao Shuxia scolded, "You have no time for important things..." and glanced at Yuxinting.

Li Yingzhen said, "If you don't want to go, it's fine."

After lunch, they went to the concert hall, where a few reporters were still waiting. Yang Jingxing said, "Sorry, I still need to practice, no time."

Yang Chengyi stepped forward to try to stop the reporters, but almost got entangled himself. He turned back and scolded Yang Jingxing, "How can you be so impolite? At least say hello."

Yang Jingxing said, "I don't like talking to strangers."

Xiao Shuxia threatened, "Professor Li will criticize you!"

Li Yingzhen was lenient, "Forget it, don't force him."

On the second floor, Yeromil and Le Xian were waiting with another white man around fifty years old. They introduced each other, and the man was indeed Cliff, the music director of the Lincoln Center. Cliff was a bit overweight, only about 1.7 meters tall, with a head of sparse white hair neatly combed.

Cliff clearly valued interpersonal relationships, greeting and smiling at everyone. Yang Jingxing thanked him, and Cliff smiled, patting Yeromil's shoulder, "I believe my old friend won't let me down."

Yeromil emphasized, "Never, especially this time."

Without much small talk, they started practicing! After Yang Jingxing and the orchestra finished playing the third movement of a piece, Cliff also came to hug him, but not as dramatically as Yeromil did that day. He was just a bit excited, "Why did I only discover you today! This is our fault!"

Next, they started a discussion. Le Xian said Cliff had to return to New York the next day, so he wanted to reach a cooperation agreement as soon as possible. The Americans were very professional, even preparing standardized documents, including Chinese versions, for Yang Jingxing to review. Of course, the details could be negotiated.

Le Xian explained to Yang Jingxing that the New York Philharmonic was based at the Alice Tully Hall, and they had a contractual relationship. As a pianist like Yang Jingxing, he could either join a management company and follow their arrangements for performances and promotions, or sign with an orchestra and become a member, aligning with the orchestra's performance schedule.

Although both were commercial collaborations, working with an orchestra would be relatively more flexible and conducive to long-term musical development, without the need to constantly change orchestras and re-adjust. Of course, in terms of income, it wouldn't be as high as the dense commercial performances and advertising activities arranged by a management company.

Regardless of which path Yang Jingxing chose, Cliff could provide cooperation because the Lincoln Center had its own management company.

It was a great honor for the head of the organization to come and talk to him directly, but Yang Jingxing didn't even show interest in understanding the details. He said directly, "Mr. Cliff, thank you for your valuable time and sincerity, but I am a composition student, so I must continue my studies. Thank you and Mr. Yeromil, your recognition is the best affirmation of my teacher, Professor Li, and that is my goal. Thank you."

Seeing the disappointed expressions of Yeromil and Cliff, Xiao Shuxia knew something was wrong and couldn't help but ask Yang Jingxing, "What did you say?" Yang Chengyi held his wife's hand to stop her from interfering.

Cliff wouldn't beg, slapping his thigh, "Alright, good luck."

Yeromil still couldn't believe Yang Jingxing's decision, "Why? You can't do this!"

Yang Jingxing said, "There are so many good performers in the world, they don't need me..."

Yeromil boasted, "But you are the best!"

Yang Jingxing said, "There is no best, I don't want to be the best, I just want to do what I want to do."

This wasn't a pleasant outcome, but Yeromil couldn't force someone to do something they didn't want to do. Yang Jingxing respectfully saw Cliff off, who said he would come back in the evening to wish him success in his performance.

The family and friends had a brief discussion afterward. Xiao Shuxia apologized to Li Yingzhen, saying Yang Jingxing was stubborn and she didn't know what he was thinking.

Li Yingzhen said it was fine, "It's the same wherever you are, we don't need others' recognition."

Yang Chengyi also said, "Although a man should have big ambitions, taking steady steps isn't bad either."

Even though Yang Jingxing was considered ungrateful, he still had to perform that evening. He practiced two more times in the afternoon, and Yeromil was still very diligent.

Before dinner, Yang Jingxing received a call from Tao Meng, who said, "Is Cliff here? Even if you really don't want to go to America, you should still perform well."

Yang Jingxing laughed, "We already talked this afternoon."

Tao Meng was surprised, "How did it go? Why didn't you tell me?"

Yang Jingxing said, "He came unexpectedly, so I said I didn't want to go."

Tao Meng didn't believe it, "That simple? Why didn't you call me!"

Yang Jingxing said, "How complicated could it be? Would you support me?"

Tao Meng was upset, "But... you should have been more careful... I thought it would be after tonight!"

Yang Jingxing said, "Tonight is my farewell performance."

Tao Meng scolded, "Don't talk nonsense... I don't think it's good... What did they say? Were they sincere?"

Yang Jingxing laughed, "There are so many pianists, who can't do without whom? What am I?"

Tao Meng was still worried, "I don't know what you said... Maybe there could be a compromise, you don't have to go abroad but can still collaborate with them, think long-term!"

Yang Jingxing said, "What kind of collaboration? Just following others' arrangements, I like freedom."

Tao Meng said, "There's no absolute freedom... No matter what, you still need to perform well tonight. That's it, we're leaving now."

After dinner, Yang Jingxing went back to prepare and welcomed Tao Meng's grandmother on the second floor. They chatted for a while, complimenting her on her good health and youthful appearance.

Knowing Hu Yiqing was coming, Tao Meng left her grandmother and went with Yang Jingxing to greet her. Yuxinting wasn't following them today and was waiting for Anxin at the concert hall entrance.

Yuxinting praised Tao Meng, "You look so beautiful."

Tao Meng said, "Thank you, you too."

Yang Jingxing said, "Both of you are beautiful."

Yuxinting said seriously, "I'm not as pretty as her."

Tao Meng said to Yuxinting, "You've been working hard these days."

Yuxinting shook her head, "No, I didn't do anything."

Tao Meng asked, "Are you free next weekend? I'll come to your school."

Yuxinting was surprised, "Me? I have to go tutoring. You go, Yang Jingxing wants you to go."

Yang Jingxing laughed, "How do you know I want you to?"

Yuxinting said, "Really, really!"

Tao Meng smiled, "Let's have dinner together then, he should thank you too."

Yuxinting shook her head, "No, no, really."

Zhang Chujia arrived first and, after meeting Tao Meng, exaggeratedly scolded Yang Jingxing, "You, you're so weird, doing secret work, I'll tell the professor!"

Tao Meng smiled, "I already know Professor Li."

Zhang Chujia said to Tao Meng, "He's super honest at school, no scandals at all."

Tao Meng still smiled, "It's none of my business."

Yang Jingxing was angry, "You two work well together!"

Zhang Chujia laughed.

Anxin also arrived early with another roommate from the drama department. They both thanked Yang Jingxing. Yuxinting went in with Anxin and said goodbye to Tao Meng.

Tao Meng said to Yang Jingxing, "Your friends don't have much artistic temperament."

Yang Jingxing laughed, "What is artistic temperament?"

Tao Meng said, "You can tell from the way they speak."

Yang Jingxing said, "Good, I don't have much either."

Tao Meng looked at Yang Jingxing, "You don't have to be so sensitive."

Yang Jingxing said, "I'm being realistic."

They were silent for a while before Tao Meng spoke, "I didn't say it was bad."

Yang Jingxing nodded.

Another silence, Tao Meng asked, "What are you thinking?"

Yang Jingxing said, "I'm cultivating artistic temperament."

Tao Meng was sensitive, "Are you mocking me? I didn't criticize anyone, can't I comment?"

Yang Jingxing said, "Sure, you have the right."

Tao Meng was angry, "Don't be so sarcastic, okay?"

Yang Jingxing imitated a female voice, "This is sarcasm."

Tao Meng had a cold face, "I can't laugh!"

Yang Jingxing said, "Let me tell you a joke: A beggar's wallet was stolen by a fool, a blind man saw it, a mute shouted, a deaf man was startled, a hunchback stepped forward, a cripple kicked, a madman said, 'Everyone be rational,' and a pockmarked man said, 'For my sake, let it go.' Tao Meng laughed, this joke is mine!"

Tao Meng, who had been frowning, suddenly laughed for a brief second, then forced her expression into a grimace, raised her fist at Yang Jingxing, but didn't hit him, and turned away, ignoring him.

Yang Jingxing continued, "The deaf man said, 'It was Tao Meng who laughed,' the blind man said, 'I saw it,' the mute said, 'She laughed so beautifully...'"

Tao Meng turned around and scolded Yang Jingxing, "You're blind, you're mad, you're deaf, you're pockmarked..."

Yang Jingxing sneered, "No artistic temperament at all."

Tao Meng stomped her foot, "I'm leaving!"

Yang Jingxing pleaded, "Be rational, be rational."

Tao Meng was furious, "I'll let it go for your sake!" Then she couldn't help but laugh, laughing for a while before saying, "You haven't made me laugh in a long time."

Yang Jingxing said, "Laughing is up to you."

Tao Meng said, "There has to be something to laugh about. You must have been entertaining others, or are you too busy? I told you not to put too much pressure on yourself."

Yang Jingxing said, "Yeah, I'll reflect."

Tao Meng rolled her eyes, "I'll come to your school on Saturday next week? I'll bring a brooch for Yuxinting or something?"

Yang Jingxing said, "No need, her birthday is coming up, I'll give her something."

Tao Meng asked, "When?"

"Next Wednesday."

"How do you know?"

Yang Jingxing explained, "I saw her ID when we were taking the exam."

Tao Meng was stunned, "No, I don't have time on Wednesday."

Yang Jingxing said, "No need to make it so formal."

Tao Meng said, "I see you making it formal!"

Yang Jingxing humbly, "It's what I should do, she's so far from home."

Tao Meng asked, "What are you going to give her?"

Yang Jingxing said, "A cake."

Tao Meng said, "I'll try to make time, in the evening?"

Hu Yiqing arrived, holding hands with her boyfriend. Hu Yiqing was dressed beautifully and happy, "Tao Meng, where are the other students? Have they arrived?"

Yang Jingxing said, "I only invited one."

Hu Yiqing nodded and introduced her boyfriend. Her boyfriend was cheerful, "I don't understand music, just here for the fun."

Yang Jingxing laughed, "Then we're the same."

Tao Meng chuckled, "Teacher Hu looks more beautiful."

Hu Yiqing said, "You look even better, you seem much more mature."

After welcoming all the guests, Tao Meng examined Yang Jingxing and reminded him, "Clean your shoes, keep the same state as yesterday."

Yang Jingxing said, "You're getting more beautiful, I need to work hard too."

When Yang Jingxing went on stage that day, the applause was more enthusiastic than yesterday. After finishing the third movement, the applause was like a storm, and the audience slowly stood up.

Yeromil hugged Yang Jingxing tightly, as if they were parting, and said, "You should go and benefit more listeners."

The New York Philharmonic was leaving the next day, and the audience was reluctant to let go, so they played the first movement of Mozart's Symphony No. 40 as an encore. Yang Jingxing waited by the piano and then played a nocturne, ending the performance.

After saying goodbye to * and Le Xian, Yang Jingxing joined the family and friends. A large group was waiting in the first-floor hall, including Xia Jia and her father. Xia Jia gave Yang Jingxing a bouquet of flowers, which made him very happy.

As they were talking, a young man about the same age as Yang Jingxing but smaller in build walked over and said, "You played well."

Yang Jingxing nodded, "Thank you."

The young man snorted, "But don't you think it's despicable?"

Yang Jingxing was surprised, "Sorry, what's wrong?"

The young man's anger flared, "What's wrong? What do you mean what's wrong!"

Xiao Shuxia said, "How do you talk to my son?"

The young man glared at Yang Jingxing and warned, "Don't be so arrogant!"

Yang Jingxing was helpless, "What are you saying? I really don't understand, how did I offend you?"

Li Yingzhen spoke to the young man sternly, "Yang Jingxing doesn't know you, don't cause trouble here."

The young man stretched his neck and stared at Yang Jingxing, "You don't know me?"

Yang Jingxing shook his head, "Who are you?"

The young man shouted, "You don't know me? Don't be so arrogant!"

Xiao Shuxia asked, "Who are you?"

Li Yingzhen stepped forward and said to the young man, "Shen Wuchen, Yang Jingxing really doesn't know you, calm down."

Yang Jingxing quickly said, "Shen Wuchen, I know. Sorry, I haven't seen you in person, my apologies."

Tao Meng tugged at Yang Jingxing's arm to stop him from being too humble.

The young man roared, "Don't be so arrogant! Who do you think you are? What are you?"

Yang Chengyi pointed at Shen Wuchen's face and said in a low voice, "I warn you, get lost!"

Xiao Shuxia also warned, "Don't push your luck!"

Shen Wuchen was a bit scared, "What do you want? You're just a group, do you want to beat me up?"

Yang Jingxing said, "Let's be rational... What did I do to you? Such deep hatred."

"Still pretending? You have so many connections, right? It was supposed to be my turn! When I played the third movement, you were still in diapers!" Shen Wuchen shouted.

Li Yingzhen scolded, "Only say that if you play better than him, you're just jealous!"

Yang Jingxing asked, "It was supposed to be his turn?"

Li Yingzhen said, "Ignore him, let's go."

Yang Jingxing said, "You go first, I'll talk to him."

Tao Meng pulled Yang Jingxing, "Let's go, what to talk about!"

Yang Jingxing waved his hands to the family and friends, "You go first, wait for me outside, Tao Meng, you and your grandmother go home first."

Tao Meng's grandmother also spoke, "Let the young people handle it themselves." She looked at Shen Wuchen and advised, "Don't be so hot-headed, this isn't the place to act out."

Shen Wuchen looked up disdainfully.

After everyone left, Yang Jingxing looked at Shen Wuchen sincerely, "It really should have been your turn, I didn't know at all."

Shen Wuchen was still angry, "You didn't know? They notified me a month before the New York Philharmonic came."

Yang Jingxing said, "I'm really sorry, why didn't you tell me earlier?"

Shen Wuchen's mouth twisted in anger, "Tell you earlier... You would have the nerve... Are you feeling particularly smug now? Genius, master... I am too!"

Yang Jingxing said, "No, I'm really sorry, it was a misunderstanding, I apologize."

Shen Wuchen sneered, "Do you think I care? I don't care at all, such a small stage..."

Yang Jingxing breathed a sigh of relief, "That's good, let's pretend nothing happened, okay?"

Shen Wuchen said, "I'm upset about your methods!"

Yang Jingxing said, "Be magnanimous, come on, shake hands, give me a chance."

Shen Wuchen looked at Yang Jingxing for a few seconds and finally extended his hand slightly.

Yang Jingxing patted Shen Wuchen's shoulder, "Alright, men, I'll see you out."

Shen Wuchen asked,