WT Chapter 63

Chapter 63: Salon Concert – Giving This Piece to Him, As My…

The quiet rehearsal room was filled with laughter at Wen Shixi’s words.

The conductor also smiled and said, “Alright, since you’ve said so, I won’t criticize you for being distracted. Focus.”

Wen Shixi nodded, “Okay, sorry.”

As he spoke, he lowered his head to look at the familiar black and white keys.

The next second, a familiar melody rang out again.

Wen Shixi’s fingertips moved lightly, his heartbeat soft and steady, merging into the grand torrent.

He was busy until the end of the rehearsal, when the orchestra disbanded for a break.

Yesterday, after Song Nanxing chattered away on the phone, Wen Shixi remembered the salon concert Song Nanxing had mentioned, which should be Tang Xu’s concert.

Having watched so many videos of Tang Xu, Wen Shixi also really wanted to hear a live performance.

He and Song Nanxing had agreed that after the rehearsal, they would go to the International Art Salon together.

With some time before they had to leave together, Wen Shixi sat at the piano, resting his mind while his right hand practiced finger exercises in the high register.

The high notes he played were always beautiful, like constantly flickering shards of light.

Seeing that the orchestra members were almost all gone, Song Nanxing walked to Wen Shixi’s side with his violin.

Sitting on the piano bench, Wen Shixi sensed the approach and stopped playing, looking up at Song Nanxing.

Song Nanxing: “There’s still some time. Can senior practice with me a little longer?”

Song Nanxing was going to perform a duet with Tang Xu, and although he had rehearsed with Tang Xu several times, since Wen Shixi was present, it was a good opportunity to practice again.

Wen Shixi asked, “What are you going to play?”

“Schubert’s Grand Duo.” Song Nanxing asked, “Have you played it before, senior?”

Wen Shixi: “No, but do you have the sheet music?”

If it was just for practice, with his sight-reading ability, he should be able to play it directly.

“Yes, senior, wait a moment.” Song Nanxing walked back to his seat, retrieved his music folder, flipped to the corresponding page as he returned, and handed it to Wen Shixi.

Wen Shixi took the music folder and looked at the sheet music inside.

He said, “Okay, let’s try.”

Before long, intertwined music emanated from the rehearsal hall.

The sounds complemented each other, the violin sonata melody lyrical and delicate, lifting the clear piano notes, blending together in a winding harmony.

In the corridor outside the rehearsal hall, unseen, a figure stood by the window.

The figure listened to the music coming from the room, revealing a hint of hesitation.

Then, after standing for a long time, the figure gradually lost its vibrancy, merging into the still darkness.

Footsteps slowly echoed, heading towards the silent distance.

–

In the evening, Wen Shixi drove Song Nanxing to the International Art Salon.

In the parking lot, Wen Shixi parked the car, and Song Nanxing, sitting next to him, looked at the time and said, “I have to go in first to prepare.”

“Okay,” Wen Shixi said, “Go ahead.”

“My performance is very early on the program. I’ll sneak out after I’m done and find you in the audience area,” Song Nanxing said as he got out of the car, “See you later, senior.”

Tang Xu’s concert had been heavily promoted and would run from eight o’clock in the evening until ten o’clock, with a twenty-minute intermission in the middle.

Wen Shixi ate something nearby by himself and walked into the art salon as the time approached, arriving at the floor where the concert hall was located.

The ticket Song Nanxing gave him was in the front row of the outer hall, which was considered a very good seat, second only to the inner hall.

The decor inside the art salon was novel everywhere. Wen Shixi walked around, arriving at the entrance of the concert hall.

In the distance, he saw a familiar figure standing at the entrance of the concert hall, talking to a staff member.

Jiang Quanyu originally couldn’t have come.

He had already returned to the country and no longer needed to listen to Shen Chuji’s rhetoric, forcing himself to listen to the music of other pianists.

But if it was to listen to a concert with Wen Shixi, he felt it was acceptable.

Jiang Quanyu knew that Tang Xu was a very popular performer in recent years, and the better seats had long been sold out, making it impossible to buy them.

But if Wen Shixi wanted to listen, he could get the best for Wen Shixi.

Tang Xu’s manager heard that Jiang Quanyu wanted to bring someone to see the performance, took two special invitation letters, personally came to the door to pick them up, and even wanted to take them directly to the backstage.

But Jiang Quanyu only wanted the tickets and had no intention of going backstage to see Tang Xu.

Just as the manager was about to say something more, Jiang Quanyu suddenly felt a slight impulse and looked behind him.

Beside the huge streamer landscape of the art salon, Wen Shixi was holding a cup of coffee, standing not far behind him, looking at him with puzzled eyes.

Jiang Quanyu’s heartbeat suddenly slowed, his thoughts surging for a moment, then quickly sinking back into his heart.

His gaze softened, and from the moment they met eyes, he never left Wen Shixi’s eyes again, only raising his hand to signal to Tang Xu’s manager not to say anything more.

Then, Jiang Quanyu stepped forward and walked towards Wen Shixi.

On the other side, Wen Shixi thought for a moment, and seeing Jiang Quanyu getting closer and closer, his expression slightly receded.

With a slight frown, Wen Shixi gently squeezed the cup in his hand.

As he approached, Jiang Quanyu looked at Wen Shixi’s slightly furrowed brows and asked in confusion, “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” Wen Shixi said blandly, “I almost forgot that brother is a good friend of Mr. Tang Xu.”

Jiang Quanyu tilted his head slightly, inexplicably feeling that Wen Shixi’s words were a bit sarcastic.

Jiang Quanyu held out the invitation letter in his hand, “For you.”

Wen Shixi’s eyes moved down, looking at the invitation letter, but he didn’t reach out to take it.

“I have a ticket,” Wen Shixi refused, “I came with a friend. He’ll come find me after his performance.”

Jiang Quanyu frowned slightly upon hearing this, his thin lips parting, his voice a little cold.

“…Song Nanxing?”

Wen Shixi was slightly stunned. After a moment, he hesitated and said, “You’re spying on me again?”

Jiang Quanyu’s breathing faltered slightly, and he said steadily, “No.”

“Then how did you know? Oh…” Wen Shixi said, realizing, “Did Chen Jiale tell you?”

He knew it, Chen Jiale was on Jiang Quanyu’s side.

Wen Shixi: “Brother, you can sit in the front by yourself. My friend and I will just listen in the back.”

As Wen Shixi spoke, he stepped forward, intending to bypass Jiang Quanyu and enter the venue.

At this moment, a hand grabbed his wrist.

Jiang Quanyu frowned, a bit of suppressed impatience surfacing in his eyes, desperately trying to restrain himself.

“Aren’t we here to listen to a concert? What difference does it make where we sit?”

Wen Shixi: “But I’ve already made plans with someone.”

“So what?” Jiang Quanyu said, “Besides listening to music, is there anything else you must do, that you can only do if you’re sitting next to that person?”

Wen Shixi frowned slightly upon hearing this. After a moment, he replied, “Yes, we can listen together while leaning close and discussing our opinions on the music.”

The hand gripping his wrist tightened slightly, and Jiang Quanyu tilted his head slightly to the side.

His breath carried a scorching heat, exhaling little by little.

Wen Shixi picked up his cup and took a sip of iced coffee.

He said in a calm tone, “I can’t go through the VIP channel. It’s almost time to line up. Can you let me go?”

Jiang Quanyu lightly gritted his teeth upon hearing this, his tongue pressing against his teeth, his hand slowly loosening… He didn’t want to mess everything up like before.

Jiang Quanyu silently took a deep breath, and after a moment, said to Wen Shixi, “After the performance, wait for me in the lobby on the first floor. I have something to say to you.”

Wen Shixi was puzzled, “What is it? Can’t you say it now?”

Jiang Quanyu turned his head, a hint of darkness surfacing in his eyes.

“If you want to be late for the entrance, that’s fine too.”

Wen Shixi showed a hint of annoyance upon hearing this and changed his mind, “Then let’s wait until after.”

He didn’t want to be late for the entrance and receive everyone else’s attention; he’d rather not watch it at all.

Jiang Quanyu squeezed the invitation letter in his hand slightly and said softly, “Go ahead.”

Wen Shixi moved his wrist and walked forward with his cup.

He soon reached the entrance of the concert hall, showed his ticket, and walked through the soundproof door.

The person left behind watched the direction of the entrance until Wen Shixi’s figure completely disappeared, then slowly withdrew the surging tide from his eyes, returning to his original dead sea.

Inside the venue, Wen Shixi arrived early. He sat in his seat, waiting for the time to slowly pass, until the concert hall was filled with the audience.

Because it was a salon concert, the entire concert hall wasn’t large. Many people came in groups, chatting and laughing with those around them after entering.

Wen Shixi sat alone on the soft chair, listening to music with his headphones.

He searched online and found the program list for Tang Xu’s performance.

It was indeed as Song Nanxing said; Tang Xu had invited many performers and would be attempting various styles.

In the midst of the bustling voices, the time came to the opening.

Wen Shixi’s gaze swept forward, looking at the figures in the VIP seats one by one, but he didn’t see Jiang Quanyu’s figure.

He was a little puzzled: Did Jiang Quanyu suddenly have something else to do and leave?

At this time, on the side of the salon stage, a person stood behind the curtain, also looking into the inner hall.

Tang Xu didn’t see the figure he wanted to see, and his expression gradually sank, showing some disappointment.

But the manager clearly told him that Jiang Quanyu had come.

Before long, the lights in the hall dimmed one after another.

The salon concert officially began. Tang Xu came onto the stage from the side and, after a brief opening speech, introduced the guest he was collaborating with for the opening piece.

Wen Shixi took off his headphones and looked at the young man on the stage.

Compared to most delicate omegas, Tang Xu gave the impression of being very modest and gentle.

After the performance began, Wen Shixi quickly became extremely focused.

Tang Xu’s style was varied, and the selection of pieces was carefully arranged. No matter what instrument he collaborated with, he could bring out the greatest charm of the ensemble.

More than a piano performance, it was more like a very intimate exchange, full of the uninhibited style of a salon concert.

Song Nanxing was the third to take the stage. He seemed to have a good relationship with Tang Xu. The two adjusted the arrangement, the faint presence of the piano resonating in the violin’s sound, like accompanying Song Nanxing, constantly lingering in his ears.

Next was a duet with the cello, and even a trio with the flute and oboe.

Time slipped away in the constantly changing sounds of the instruments, until the intermission, when Wen Shixi slowly regained his sense of breathing from the intense focus.

Tang Xu’s piano was like a beautiful kaleidoscope.

He had no style, but he could master any style.

During the intermission, Song Nanxing finally appeared from the crowd and sat down next to Wen Shixi.

Song Nanxing originally wanted to sneak over as soon as he finished performing, but the backstage wouldn’t let him, so he had to wait until now.

The two chatted casually until the lights dimmed again.

Although Wen Shixi told Jiang Quanyu that he was going to lean close to Song Nanxing and talk about music,

Tang Xu’s piano left him no time to be distracted.

The opera performed with the singer had gorgeous colors, the piano and vocals climbing together, reaching the highest peak.

Then, the stage finally became empty, leaving only Tang Xu himself.

Because of the long performance, Tang Xu had some sweat on his forehead, which looked like it was glowing under the lights.

Tang Xu stood in the center of the stage, calmed his slightly panting breath, and said to the guests of the concert,

“Today, there was originally a friend who said he would come to this salon concert. But for some reason, he didn’t come.”

Tang Xu lightly exhaled.

“I really wanted to thank him in person. Since I took to the stage, he has been giving me support all the time. Without him, maybe I wouldn’t be standing on this stage all the time.”

In the dim crowd, Wen Shixi was slightly stunned upon hearing this.

The coffee cup in his hand lightly dented as he squeezed it.

“Although he’s not here, I still want to dedicate the following piece to him, as my—”

Tang Xu smiled slightly as he spoke, but didn’t continue.

The deliberate white space was like a suspense, hidden in his song.

Then, Tang Xu walked back to the piano and sat down quietly.

The next second, the dimmed stage was filled with only soft blue light, outlining the piano and the figure.

The melody slowly rose, like a narration flowing out from the music.

In the audience, Wen Shixi listened to the peaceful and tranquil melody, gently pursing his lips.

Liszt – Liebestraum (Dream of Love) No. 3

The unique nocturne style of Romantic music, affectionate and moving.

The third movement chosen by Tang Xu, based on the poem by the German poet Freiligrath, was full of sadness for some reason, even the bright high notes were full of unspeakable wailing.

Although Tang Xu didn’t say it, Wen Shixi could feel the emotion in the music.

This piece was Tang Xu’s… confession.

Wen Shixi listened to the music and felt that this was a bit too nonsensical.

Jiang Quanyu didn’t come, but he was sitting here, listening to Tang Xu’s confession.

Wen Shixi felt the emotions in the music so directly for the first time. At a certain moment, even the tip of his heart trembled slightly.

The constantly climbing arpeggios folded back on the keys.

But deep water gradually filled his ears, making it impossible to distinguish the composition of each chord.

The night was like water, and large patches of thin clouds floated in the sky.

Sometimes passing by the moon, smudging a gentle mist of light.

When the concert ended, Tang Xu bowed to the audience again and left the stage amidst applause.

Wen Shixi got up and walked in the crowd, slowly moving towards the exit.

Song Nanxing needed to go backstage to retrieve his violin. The two temporarily separated at the exit, agreeing to meet in the parking lot.

Listening to the noise around him, Wen Shixi didn’t know why, but suddenly didn’t want to see his brother.

No matter what his brother had to say, he didn’t really want to hear it.

In Wen Shixi’s mind, he had always kept a respectful distance from the alphas that other omegas liked.

Wen Shixi came to the first floor all the way, wanting to take advantage of the crowd and leave the hall directly.

But unexpectedly, Jiang Quanyu was standing at the entrance, as if waiting for him to come out.

Wen Shixi didn’t look sideways, only looking ahead, pretending not to see anything, and walked out of the door.

Beside the exit, Jiang Quanyu, standing in the night, was slightly stunned when he saw Wen Shixi not walking towards him.

Then, Jiang Quanyu chased after the fast-walking figure and, in the position where the crowd was about to disperse, grabbed Wen Shixi’s hand again.

“Wen Shixi.”

Two pairs of footsteps stopped, Jiang Quanyu frowned in confusion, looking at the back of Wen Shixi’s head, who refused to turn around.

“Didn’t you see me?”

He was standing there, so obvious, it was impossible not to see him, right?

Wen Shixi turned his head, without any expression on his face.

“No, I didn’t see you,” Wen Shixi said.