Chapter 61: The Symposium

Zhang Chao sat in the corner of the café, his gaze fixed on Liao Yuan and Fu Xiaoci as they conversed. When he saw them preparing to leave, he hurried over. "Mr. Liao, Mr. Liao!"

"Mr. Zhang? What brings you here?" Liao Yuan turned, surprised.

Rubbing his hands together, Zhang Chao spoke with excitement, "Do you have a moment? I have some personal matters that might take up a bit of your time."

"Personal matters?"

Before Liao Yuan could answer, Fu Xiaoci stepped forward. "Handsome, if you have anything to discuss, talk to me. I'm Mr. Liao's agent now."

At first, Zhang Chao looked at her as if she were out of her mind—he didn't believe her at all. But when Fu Xiaoci proudly waved the contract in her hand, he stiffened, looking up at Liao Yuan.

"Yes, I'm her artist now," Liao Yuan replied, hands in his pockets, smiling at the scene.

Cool beyond words!

Fu Xiaoci gave a thumbs up, then turned to Zhang Chao. "Just say what you need."

Zhang Chao hesitated, then pointed at the seats. "Shall we sit?"

The three sat down at once.

After the waiter brought fresh coffee, Zhang Chao began, "To be honest, I'm a pianist as well. Not a piano seller, but a player—and I hold a Grade Ten Amateur Piano Certificate!"

Now it was Fu Xiaoci's turn to be skeptical. She sized him up. "You?"

Annoyed, Zhang Chao retorted, "Of course it's me!"

Liao Yuan waved a hand. "Mr. Zhang, please continue. Ignore her."

Fu Xiaoci, hearing this, became teary-eyed, o(≧口≦)o!!

Zhang Chao spoke with anticipation, "I have some friends in Donghai—they often gather for piano sessions, each holds a place in the music world. Two among them have won first and third place at the Chopin International Piano Competition. Their reputation is unmatched and their skill extraordinary..."

"The Chopin International Piano Competition? Is it impressive? Is it more prestigious than the Imperial and Four Kings Piano Tournament?" Fu Xiaoci asked curiously.

Zhang Chao shook his head. "They're different kinds of competitions. The Chopin International Piano Competition focuses on classical music, held once every five years—a grand gathering of pianists. The newer Imperial and Four Kings Piano Tournament, held annually, leans toward improvisation and is a cradle for original musicians in the pop music sphere..."

Fu Xiaoci snorted, "I've never heard of the Chopin Competition. I've only heard of the Imperial and Four Kings Tournament!"

Zhang Chao considered and replied, "As for current fame, the Imperial and Four Kings, being global with hefty prizes, attracts more attention from pianists. But its heritage is nowhere near as deep as the Chopin International Piano Competition."

Liao Yuan nodded.

In his previous life, classical pianists and pop pianists belonged to distinctly separate worlds.

For example, Lang Lang, who plays classical music, versus Maksim, performer of 'Exodus,' in terms of global popularity among the masses, Maksim easily surpassed Lang Lang. Yet in terms of performance prowess and prestige within the circle, Lang Lang left Maksim far behind.

Even without any compositions of his own, Lang Lang's performance ability was world-class, an unreachable peak for pop pianists.

Yet in this life, classical music, though not fallen, is overshadowed by other factors. Unless you're a top classical pianist, generally speaking, the status and speed at which pop music pianists gain fame and fortune far outpaces the former.

Just as the Chopin Piano Competition is held every five years, while the Imperial and Four Kings Tournament is annual.

The former needs time to unearth genius classical pianists. If held yearly, the pool of contestants would be the same each time—awkward, to say the least.

The latter, however, is different.

As long as you can compose, whether you're old or just learning to speak, you can participate, and the prizes are even more generous.

This drives more and more pianists to flock to it.

Fame and fortune, side by side—what reason is there not to join?

"My friends, having heard about you recently, wish to listen to the complete version of 'Journey to the Western Regions.' Of course, even if you refuse, it's fine—we can simply meet and play together, exchange ideas."

Zhang Chao felt a bit guilty.

To be frank, it was his vanity at play.

Recently, in the music world, he's been singing Liao Yuan's praises to the heavens, arousing suspicion—many believe Zhang Chao is exaggerating. But the use of certain chords in 'Journey to the Western Regions' stunned them.

So, in this atmosphere of half-belief, Zhang Chao's life became uncomfortable.

He desperately wanted Liao Yuan to perform live, to prove that he, Zhang Chao, never exaggerates.

But upon hearing it was a small, private gathering for mutual boasting and commercial praise, Liao Yuan instantly lost interest.

Yet he was curious about those who had won first and third place at the Chopin International Piano Competition.

Anyone who achieves such ranking at an international event is no ordinary figure, each possessing the skill of a great pianist.

Does Zhang Chao really know pianists of that caliber?

Liao Yuan was skeptical, (￢_￢)

Seeing this, Zhang Chao scratched his head, then straightened and said, "Mr. Liao, I guarantee knowing them won't do you any harm. As the saying goes, more friends, more ways forward, don't you agree?"

"And what if it turns out to be more enemies?" Fu Xiaoci tilted her head.

Zhang Chao was exasperated. "That’s impossible! Pianists are elegant, refined. Miss, you mustn't measure the world of pianists with your impure thoughts!"

Fu Xiaoci responded with an 'oh,' then looked ready to flip the table, (#-_-)┯━┯!

Liao Yuan waved his hand and smiled. "All right, let's leave it to Mr. Zhang's arrangements. But it's best to schedule for the weekend—I'm busy during the week."

"Understood!" Zhang Chao rubbed his hands in excitement. "Mr. Liao, now that you've agreed, I'll spread the word. Soon, all the great pianists across Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai will gather and share in the glory!"

Liao Yuan asked directly, "Can I change my mind?"

"What?"

Zhang Chao was stunned.

"Weren't you saying it was a small exchange?" Liao Yuan frowned.

Zhang Chao grinned awkwardly. "Mr. Liao, I never said it was a small exchange. I only said we'd meet through music… We do have private sessions among piano enthusiasts, exchanging skills. But lately, with the first and third place winners of the Chopin Competition coming to Donghai together—a rare event that's shaken the entire music scene of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai—this exchange is their initiative, inviting the region's renowned musicians. Mr. Liao, if you shine at this event…"

"Wait, do you actually know those first and third place winners?"

Again, Fu Xiaoci posed the most pointed question.

Zhang Chao, caught up in his own enthusiasm, paused, then coughed, "Yes, I know them, of course I do… but, well, not very well..."