King of Classical Music

Chapter 2- Returning to orchestra?

Huaxia B City, early morning.

"Ding Dong— ding dong—"

The unending doorbell has been ringing for 3 minutes, the sound feeling very abrupt in the quiet corridor. The knocker was obviously very patient; even if there was no reaction from the house, he continued on tirelessly.

A youth in the room struggled against the wall and staggered to open the door, startling the handsome man outside the door. The handsome man adjusted the silver glasses on his face as he looked at the youth in surprise.

"Qi Mu… Why do you look like that?!!!"

While saying that, the man entered the room while Qi Mu slowly walked to the sofa and sat down weakly.

"How many days have you not slept? Why are you so haggard?" The man frowned and said, "If teacher knew that you've become like this, she would be very sad. You are her only son, so I hope you can live well."

Qi Mu looked up and glanced at the man. His tired eyes looked at the other person for a moment, then gently shook his head and said, "I'm in rehab." He paused, and added: "Er… I'm rehabilitating from marijuana. What are you doing here, Zheng Weiqiao?"

Qi Mu quickly searched for his memory for this man's name–

Zheng Weiqiao.

Zheng Weiqiao was the apprentice of Qi Mu's mother. He studied under her for more than 10 years but had an accident a few years ago, resulting in a bone fracture and him being unable to pick up the violin. Since then, he had switched to being a music critic and was famous in the industry.

Over the years, many old friends of his father and mother gave Qi Mu help, but they had been indifferent about him and didn't get involved with raising him; however, Zheng Weiqiao was an exception. His family was poor, but because Qi Mu's mother gave him a chance to learn violin, he tolerated Qi Mu's attitude and past.

Zheng Weiqiao listened to Qi Mu's words and frowned at him in disgust: "Marijuana?! When did you do drugs? Didn't I say that you shouldn't associate with those foolish friends again? How could you not listen? They want you as their wallet, not their friend."

Qi Mu stretched his hand to rub his temple without answering.

Zheng Weiqiao understood the situation and sighed: "You are still young, and your parents left early. It is normal for you to not know this. But Qi Mu, I do not want you to continue this way. You are wasting your talent. Once you said you could reach your mother's 40 year old achievement at the age of 20, but what about the you now?"

In response to withdrawal symptoms, the most obvious thing that Qi Mu felt was insomnia.

For three days, he hardly slept. His mood was awful, he felt like he was restless and suffocating, but he could not say from what. Once it was night, he could not sleep and often felt hunger, but could only vomit after each meal.

He really wasted himself away to nothing.

Fortunately, the original owner seemed like he had not been smoking marijuana for a a while, so on the third day, Qi Mu felt a lot more comfortable and also a bit sleepy. When he was about to sleep, he heard a loud doorbell. He got up despite his weak body and saw Zheng Weiqiao. He even listened to his lengthy reprimand.

"Qi Mu, if you really don't like the violin that much, then I won't force you. I recently found a good job for you. It's to be an assistant stage manager in "The Sound of Music." [1], if you're willing to have a chance to climb up again."

[1] It's a musical. Assistant stage manager seems to do a lot of misc. tasks according to wiki.

Hearing this, Qi Mu raised an eyebrow and asked: "Haven't you arranged for me to work as a music teacher before?"

In the original owner's memory, Zheng Weiqiao had been constantly working to help Qi Mu earn money. He found a ton of different kinds of work to introduce to him. In the end, he was rejected by the original Qi Mu, who was too tired or hated it too much to go work. Last month, Zheng Weiqiao also introduced a good job- violin tutoring students at a university; he didn't expect to change jobs again after half a month.

After listening to Qi Mu's words, Zheng Weiqiao was surprised: "I thought you didn't want to play the violin? This job is only an assistant, so it's perfectly fine if you don't play."

As he said this, Zheng Weiqiao shook his head helplessly.

He believed in his teacher's words and understood what kind of talent this youth has. However, his teacher was probably too strict with Qi Mu when he was a child. None of them thought it would backfire and he would actually become so rebellious. Nowadays, he was not willing to play the violin again.

However, Zheng Weiqiao assumed wrong.

Qi Mu knew that the original owner was not really repulsed by the violin, but instead worried.

He was worried that even if he tried hard, he would not be able to achieve his former glory. He worried that even if he picks up the violin again, he could only be an ordinary violinist, and would be ridiculed as a just former music child prodigy. This was what the original owner was most afraid of.

Therefore, it may have been better to simply never play again, maintaining the glory of his past.

"Qi Mu, you should also do something different. Although you are only an assistant now, you can still become a stage manager later. You could even become the production stage manager, if you are willing to work hard. I believe you can certainly…"

"Has there been any news in the music industry, lately?"

"…do well in "The Sound of Music"……Wh, what did you just say?" asked Zheng Weiqiao in amazement.

The handsome youth smiled as he looked at him. Although the delicate face was exhausted, it was hard to hide its brilliance. Qi Mu laughed and said, "Do you know what's been going on recently? Small concerts, even family concerts are fine [2]. Well… It would be better if there was news of a large orchestra recruiting people."

[2] I'm guessing small concerts are like ones that are in a small concert hall, while family concerts would be ones in public areas like civic centers, performed to an even smaller audience.

Zheng Weiqiao did not react for a moment, but then asked blankly: "You want to go to a concert?"

Qi Mu laughed as he shook his head and said:"I want to audition for a position."

"If you want to go to a concert, recently the B City Movie Orchestra… you said you want to audition?!!!" Zheng Weiqiao eyes bulged unbelieving, as he asked horrified: "You actually want to audition? What are you auditioning as?"

Qi Mu frowned slightly and answered with a question: "Aren't I… a violinist?"

Zheng Weiqiao was expressionless for a long time before he nodded: "Aren't you…" In the next second, he immediately responded: "Qi Mu, why do you suddenly want to apply? Have you had any financial difficulties recently that you would actually pick up the violin? If you have anything you want to tell me, I will try to solve it for you."

In the original owner's memory, Zheng Weiqiao has always been a calm and clearheaded person. Therefore, seeing the unbelieving appearance of the person now, Qi Mu feels both ridiculous and helpless. He said, "I really want to go back, Brother Zheng, you don't have to worry. If you know of any recent openings, can you contact me?"

"If you have anything you want to tell me, I can…"

"I really do not have financial difficulties!" Qi Mu immediately interrupted Zheng Weiqiao's words, slapping away Zheng Weiqiao's hand as he reached into his wallet. He could not help but cry out: "You can trust in me this once, brother Zheng. I really want to go back."

Hearing that said, Zheng Weiqiao's hand faltered. He stared suspiciously at the youth in front of him for a long time before confirming that the person was not deceiving him, and said: "I will look more into this matter when I go back. You… really didn't think that the assistant's position was too much for you, that it was too disgraceful that you wanted to return to music?"

The other person had been suspicious of Qi Mu's behaviour since he had entered the door. Qi Mu merely shook his head earnestly and determinedly stated: "Even if you wanted me to be the stage manager of "The Sound of Music", Brother Zheng, I would have told you the same thing. If you know somewhere that's recently started hiring, please be sure to contact me."

Zheng Weiqiao looked at him with a complicated expression for a long time. Although he agreed to it, he still did not fully believe him in the end, that Qi Mu really wanted to go back.

Before he left, he hesitated over and over, before finally saying: "If it really is because you lack money… you can call me, Qi Mu…"

These words made the beautiful young man want to cry, as he repeated himself once more: "Yesyesyes, if I really lack money, I will certainly contact you."

It was the first time in Qi Mu's long life that someone asked him to borrow money from them.

After Zheng Weiqiao left, Qi Mu remembered that he hadn't eaten yet. When he finished filling his stomach, he had not left the table when he received a phone call from Zheng Weiqiao.

Zheng Weiqiao's efficiency was surprisingly high. He was also a bit of a celebrity in the classical music circle of B City, so he quickly found some inside news.

"Recently, the B City Orchestra has been hiring people. In two months they will have a New Year concert at B City's city hall. You'll only have two months… Qi Mu, you haven't touched the violin in years right?" Zheng Weiqiao's worries could be heard over the phone. He sighed and said. "Would you like me to look for other jobs?"

"Two months?"

As Qi Mu's low and pleasant voice came through on the other end of the phone, briefly distracting Zheng Weiqiao. Then he said, "Yes, there's only two months. A violinist of the 2^nd violins [3] is currently recovering from an illness; they had a member in mind for substitution but they can't seem to agree with the conductor so they will be recruiting people to audition instead." Zheng Weiqiao paused and added: "I can only get you an audition through a recommendation. I got a referral from my friend, but Qi Mu, I think it's better if you come back after a few more months of practice… it's for the best."

[3] It said something like the 2^nd violinist of the 2^nd violins, but there's not really a specific role for that. The part didn't seem that important, so I just took out that.

Bathed in bright and warm sunshine, Qi Mu looked out the window at the endless sky.

Seeing such a blue sky with cotton clouds rolling by, this sort of rare weather in B City seemed like it was a sign of a bright future. He smiled and spoke into the phone: "Brother Zheng, I remembered three years ago… I left a violin at your house, didn't I?"

Zheng Weiqiao was stunned: "Left… at my home?!"

How did he remember three years ago, Qi Mu undoubtedly bid his career farewell, giving him his precious violin, how was it left…

"I. A-C-C-I-D-E-N-T-A-L-L-Y L-E-F-T I-T. At your house." Qi Mu said firmly.

"……"

"Brother Zheng?"

At the end of the call, Zheng Weiqiao was in a good mood.

Although it was an expensive violin, and Qi Mu was now asking him to give it back, Zheng Weiqiao did not feel reluctant, but comfortable instead. It was like the frustrations of the past few years had just cleared away.

"I'll send it to you tomorrow, Qi Mu. Wait no… I'll send it to you tonight! Forget it forget it, I'll go back and get it now!!!"

Qi Mu: "……"

What was Zheng Weiqiao thinking about?

He was thinking that this matter could not be delayed at all. What if Qi Mu had a fever and suddenly did not want it?

Zheng Weiqiao remembered last year, when Qi Mu was bankrupt he still bought a long desired Ferrari. However, after getting his hands on it, this young man quickly sold it in just two days.

What did he say then?

― ―"Well, I had a bit of fun, but I'm already tired of this thing."

Zheng Weiqiao would not dare take this risk, but if Qi Mu told him the next day "Well, I had my fun, I'll give this violin to you again." Zheng Weiqiao would really cry like a dog.

The call had not yet ended; Zheng Weiqiao asked with curiosity: "Qi Mu… why did you suddenly want to rejoin the music industry?"

On the other side of the phone, the young man whose hunger had been affected by marijuana expressionlessly picked up today's 20^th piece of toast and shoved it straight into his mouth. Swallowing up the bread, Qi Mu thought wistfully and said, "Why do I want to go back? Well after a period of rebellion, it should be time to go back to normal."

Listening to his munching, Zheng Weiqiao asked: "Have you… been eating something recently?"

Qi Mu stuffed another piece of toast into his stomach and thought for moment, and pondered: "Marijuana?"

"……"

It was a mistake to eat that.

This bad thing……

Was it that good to eat!

Zheng Weiqiao's face was blank as his heart cried with sorrow.

Today, B City's clear skies were really blue.

Zheng Weiqiao, who has always been calm and clearheaded, was rushing back and forth, sweat soaking his clothes. Finally, the precious violin had been sent to Qi Mu. Qi Mu, who had just poured hot water into some instant noodles, simply invited Zheng Weiqiao to dinner while smiling.

Well, for Qi Mu, it was his second serving of instant noodles, though he did change the flavor――

From braised beef to mushroom stew chicken.

It became dark while the two enjoyed the hot, fragrant taste of instant noodles. Zheng Weiqiao was lingering at the door, as he could not help but say: "Qi Mu, I'm really glad you said such a thing today. I haven't seen you in more than half a month, but you've changed a bit. However, I want you to know that once you've enter the orchestra there might be a lot of things that might make you change your mind. Have you… really resolved yourself into doing this?"

Under the bright entrance lights, the young man slowly stretched his face into a smile, and seriously said to him: "Brother Zheng, are you worried that I've changed too much today… that I simply thought of this pretense just for fun?"

Actually, Zheng Weiqiao and Qi Mu weren't in contact much, only meeting more frequently in recent years. In the past few years, Qi Mu had been tormented by life; he may not be as renowned now, but people were not as ignorant of him as before. But even if Qi Mu's previous temperament had vanished, what was said today had been very surprising to Zheng Weiqiao.

Zheng Weiqiao quietly glanced at the hand gently placed against the door.

It's a wonder how such a pair of beautiful hands could possibly exist in this world; if Zheng Weiqiao didn't know Qi Mu, he would've thought he had plastic surgery for them.

With a sigh in his heart, Zheng Weiqiao shook his head: "Maybe it was something you had encountered in the past month that completely changed you. Qi Mu, you also have a lot of plasticity; for you to bounce back into such a person today makes me very happy. I'm not worried you're just playing around. These are your own choices. I only hope… that you can take this seriously."

Hearing Zheng Weiqiao earnestly looking after him made Qi Mu a bit stunned,

Zheng Weiqiao finally revealed a smile for the first time today. He raised his hand to adjust his silver glasses and said: "This is not the same as the past. Your parents have been dead for many years and have no way of helping you. I will try to help you, but Qi Mu, everything still depends on you. Only you can decide your future, and you must take each decision very seriously. I will try to help you along but… the final decision is all up to you in the end."

It was not until Zheng Weiqiao disappeared around the corner that Qi Mu closed the door. He leaned against the cold, metallic anti-theft door for a long time, and then suddenly laughed. "Why… are you so different from others?"

"The heavens are really too blind, devouring up your potential like this. Zheng Weiqiao suffered an accident and hurt his fingers?"

"Luo Yu Sen-ah… Make sure you protect your fingers."

As if he thought of something funny, Qi Mu gave a low laugh and said: "Yes, you must remember to protect your fingers well, Luo Yu Sen."

TL Notes:

1. I believe that Lu Ziwen is now called Qi Mu; so instead of Qi Mu referring the original, it actually means Lu Ziwen.
2. I looked up stage management on wiki and used the US terms. The levels from most to least important are: Production Stage Manager, Stage Manager, and Assistant Stage Manager. I don't think this will come up again though.
3. I'm pretty sure Min Chen is the ML btw, not Zheng Weiqiao. After seeing all those scenes between ZWQ and QM, I thought I should clarify lmao..
4. Here is the first draft of them enjoying instant noodles: "The two enjoyed a hot, steamy moment… of instant noodles."
   

   And: "Only you can decide your future, and as you decide on each step you take, try to make it into a nice stroll as well. I will try to walk with you but… everything really is all up to you in the end."

   
   

   Google made this so romantic… Sadly, when I looked into it more this wasn't what it actually said, so I had to change it.

5. Auditioning is how you apply for positions in orchestra.

—

…Zheng Weiqiao is… really cute… if he ends up betraying Qi Mu in the future or smth I'll be so mad LOL.

People on the KoCM forums have pointed some stuff out for me! There are actually 312 chapters. I've also found out the titles of each chapter so that has been updated as well!

See you next week~