KOCM

76-80

Chapter 76

The Huaxia classical music industry was a quiet, waveless pool. Apart from the occasional headline that read, "S City Symphony Orchestra about to start tour," or, "Who won the huxia youth group?", the industry remained stagnant.

Until. . . the《Music Hall》 May 2016 edition came out.

As one of Huaxia's top classical music magazines, and having been in print for over 30 years, they were the well-deserved big brother of the industry. Compared to their peers, 《Music Hall》 had state support and branches in Vienna, Berlin, Paris, New York, and more. They delivered the best information at both home and abroad.

Photos of Chinese musicians or shows often graced their covers. This issue, though, surprised everyone with--

A recital?!

The photo of a beautiful youth holding a violin and wearing a smile took up the cover's largest section. A third of the picture, however, was relegated to a handsome, profound face almost obscured by the shadow under the stage.

Most lighting in the photograph focused on the stage, so few could recognize the man under it. But. . . they knew the center of attention, and several cried out, "Qi Mu?!!!"

In large font, the title read--

《Huaxian Violinist, Qi Mu, Wins First Place of the Paris' Conservatory of Music's Assessment》.

This seemingly small stone was cast quietly into the long silence of the Huaxia classical music industry. Ripples spread, bit by bit. . . and in just four hours, the news turned into a massive wave!

"He really became Reed Akkad's student!"

"Sure enough, he went to Paris' Conservatory of Music. I didn't expect to be right..."

"It's amazing he can be Reed Akkad's student!"

. . .

"What?! First place in the college's assessment?! The Paris' National Conservatory of Music, at that? Is this true?!"

"Haha, I know Xiao Qi is the most powerful. First place is nothing unusual!"

"You know a fart, this is the assessment for the entire university. Did you not see the report? They mentioned that the one in the second place, who played the piano, accepted the invitation of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. After graduation, he'll serve as their resident pianist!"

. . .

All kinds of voices rang throughout Huaxia, and their discussions were heated.

When Qi Mu left Huaxia that year, he left without revealing his college, nor which professor he would study under. Many wondered if he was going to the Paris' Conservatory and whether Reed Akkad was even in Paris.

When it turned out to be a reality, the musicians were shocked by the news.

Not only did he enter the Paris' National Conservatory, he was also Reed Akkad's student. And. . . in a little over a month, he won first place in the college's assessment.

A rocket jetting into space was slower than his progress.

After 《Music Hall》 's smooth report, many people cursed Zhou Kang Sheng's words--

"Who wants to know how spectacularly Qi Mu played? Don't your pictures tell us that already?! And! Why don't you tell us more on how Qi Mu is doing?!!!"

Some people focused on Qi Mu's recent sensation in Paris, but others... were interested in something else.

". . ."