81

In the rehearsal room of the Presbyterian Church, Ya-Xin was concentrating fully on playing “Turkish March.” At this moment, the sound of a violin duet came from outside the door. Ya-Xin thought the visitor was Si-Yang, but unexpectedly it was Li Zi-Xuan. Ya-Xin was stunned for a moment, and Zi-Xuan signaled with a smile for her to continue playing. The duet between the two was very smooth. Just as the piece ended, there was a crisp round of applause at the door—the person who came was Si-Yang.

Si-Yang imitated the accent of a beverage commercial and said: “It’s this light, it’s this light!”

Zi-Xuan asked: “Oder brother, how long have you been here?”

Si-Yang smiled and said: “I followed right behind you and came in. When I saw you take out the violin, I knew your hands were itching and you wanted to play this ‘Turkish March’ with Ya-Xin. With such a beautiful duet to enjoy, of course I had to listen with cleansed ears! So I stood at the door and listened slowly.”

Zi-Xuan said: “Oder brother, give us a comment on our duet.”

Si-Yang said: “Didn’t I already give it just now? Your coordination is truly excellent, and that was without any prior rehearsal.”

Zi-Xuan said happily: “Haha! I feel the same way too!”

Si-Yang said: “Alright then, if you are free, come and practice duet with Ya-Xin, to exchange techniques.”

Ya-Xin blushed and said: “Big brother, my level is not enough yet!”

At this moment, Candy appeared at the door: “Ya-Xin, your level is no problem, you must have confidence in yourself!”

Si-Yang turned around with a shocked expression: “Ghost woman, you scared me! When did you sneak in?”

Candy said: “When I saw you standing at the door listening intently, and heard the duet inside the rehearsal room, I just stood outside by the window watching the show!”

Si-Yang said: “Then how do you rate their duet?”

Candy said: “How should I put it? They are simply a perfect match, a super perfect combination.”

Si-Yang said: “So that means, heroes see the same thing?”

Candy said: “It’s heroines! Who’s talking about heroes and bears with you?”

Si-Yang said: “Alright, alright, heroes and heroines see the same thing.”

Candy smiled: “That’s more like it.”

Ya-Xin continued practicing piano, and the two played Chopin’s “Nocturne in C-sharp minor.”

Si-Yang pulled Candy aside and whispered: “Ya-Xin is the first student I have ever taught formally. Although she started a bit late, her musical talent and effort have exceeded my imagination. I think if she can study abroad in the future, her achievements will definitely far surpass both you and me.”

Candy said: “I certainly believe that. It’s just that with her family background, it will probably be difficult to achieve what we expect.”

Si-Yang said: “In the future, she will be a rare and extraordinary talent in the music world. Although my ability is limited, I truly want to help Ya-Xin have the opportunity to study abroad.”

Candy said: “I understand your thoughts. Let’s do this—I still have some private savings. When she gets into the National Taiwan Normal University Music Department, if she wants to study abroad in the future, I will provide it for her use.”

Si-Yang said: “Candy, I thank you on behalf of Ya-Xin.”

Candy said: “What are you thanking for? Don’t forget Ya-Xin is also my beloved student, not only yours. Don’t think you can monopolize her.”

Si-Yang said: “Haha! That’s true.”

82

Li Zi-Xuan appeared at the entrance of Taipei First Girls High School. Zhang Xue-Ye and several members of the “Princess Club” saw Zi-Xuan walking toward them.

Princess A said: “Xue-Ye, your white horse prince is here to find you!”

Xue-Ye said: “Don’t talk nonsense. My father does not allow me to date at this time. He and I are just friends who get along well.”

“Hi, Xue-Ye.” Zi-Xuan greeted proactively.

After greeting, Zi-Xuan walked forward again and waved to the newly exiting Qiu Ya-Xin.

Princess B asked in confusion: “What? He is not here to find you? Xue-Ye.”

Princess C said: “Why is he looking for that deaf girl? Could it be that they…”

Xue-Ye also looked puzzled: “How would I know?”

Princess A said: “Someone stole your white horse prince. Why aren’t you reacting at all?”

Xue-Ye said somewhat downcast: “Don’t think too much…”

Zi-Xuan said: “Ya-Xin, I went to listen to the Bor-Maria Orchestra concert. I just happened to pass by here and came to pick you up to go back to Tamsui.”

Ya-Xin did not expect Zi-Xuan to appear here and said, blushing: “Okay.”

Zi-Xuan said: “Let’s take the MRT together and go back.”

The two walked side by side as Zi-Xuan talked about the concert.

Princess C said: “They are dating! Talking and laughing, so intimate!”

Princess B said: “Xue-Ye, aren’t you angry at all?”

Xue-Ye said, unable to hide her disappointment: “There is nothing to be angry about…”

83

Ya-Xin was playing piano in the Presbyterian Church. Si-Yang and Teacher Tang sat nearby listening. After the performance ended, both applauded, and Ya-Xin stood up and bowed to them.

Candy said: “Ya-Xin, your playing is truly outstanding. I believe in your school, aside from Zhang Xue-Ye, there should be no other opponent.”

Si-Yang said: “Yes. These competition pieces, you have mostly practiced them to perfection. Technically, there is nothing that needs special improvement anymore.”

Ya-Xin happily asked: “Really? Am I really that good?”

Si-Yang said: “Yes. What you need to overcome now is only how to face the audience. Ya-Xin, remember, every pianist performing on stage for the first time in front of hundreds of spectators will inevitably feel nervous. You just need to tell yourself to stay calm, as if you are playing in church, and there will be no problem.”

Candy said: “Actually, just grasp one principle—find your resonance with music, maintain real communication with music, then there is no such thing as needing to overcome anything.”

Ya-Xin said: “Thank you. I will work hard.”

Ya-Xin looked out the window, her face showing a determined expression.

84

At the competition venue of Taipei First Girls High School, the audience gradually took their seats. The Yu family sat together, and Si-Yang and Teacher Tang sat together.

Xue-Ye played the piano attentively on stage. The judges whispered to each other and affirmed her ability. After the performance ended, the audience applauded, and Xue-Ye bowed to thank them.

Another contestant performed on stage. Ya-Xin, standing at the side of the stage preparing, could not stop her hands from trembling.

Yong-Lai asked: “Ah, when will it be our Ya-Xin’s turn?”

Yu-Ling said: “Shh, Dad, don’t rush.”

The contestant finished and bowed off stage. Ya-Xin went on stage, trembling continuously when facing the audience. When she bowed, her hearing aid was revealed, causing the audience to whisper and discuss. Seeing such a strong reaction, Ya-Xin became even more nervous, and the entire audience seemed to spin in her vision.

Si-Yang worriedly asked: “Ya-Xin, is she really okay?”

Candy said optimistically: “Don’t worry, she will definitely make it.”

Ya-Xin sat at the piano. The moment her hands touched the keys, all surrounding sound disappeared. She closed her eyes, as if she were touching the piano in church. She felt the same tranquility as when playing in church. Her trembling stopped, and she began to play fluidly. Si-Yang and Teacher Tang looked at each other and smiled. The audience was immersed in the beautiful sound. Xue-Ye at the side stage showed an expression of astonishment and disbelief.

After the performance, Ya-Xin sat and exhaled deeply. After a moment, the audience erupted into thunderous applause.

Xue-Ye thought: “When did that deaf girl become this good…”

Later, the final contestant finished. The chairman asked all contestants to stand on stage. The judges announced the results, and the audience held their breath.

The judges announced: “Third place, Class 3-1 Lin Jia-Jing. Second place, Class 2-1 Zhang Xue-Ye. First place is… Class 2-1 Qiu Ya-Xin!”

The Yu family cheered loudly in the audience. Si-Yang and Teacher Tang embraced joyfully. Zhang Xue-Ye on stage looked extremely unpleasant.

The principal awarded certificates and trophies to the three winners.

85

Zhao Mu-Bai parked his car at the entrance of the competition venue, leaning lazily against the car door. People came out one after another. After seeing Xue-Ye, he immediately went forward holding a bouquet of flowers.

Mu-Bai said: “My dear princess, I didn’t make it in time for your competition. This bouquet is my apology.”

Xue-Ye had no reaction at all, walking like a statue of plaster.

Mu-Bai said: “I’ve shown so much sincerity, just forgive me.”

Xue-Ye glanced coldly at Mu-Bai and turned to leave. Mu-Bai quickly followed.

Mu-Bai asked: “What’s wrong? What exactly is wrong with you?”

Xue-Ye continued walking as if she had not heard.

Mu-Bai grabbed her arm: “Cousin, don’t ignore me. At least let me drive you back.”

Xue-Ye shook off his hand and shouted: “Don’t touch me! Let me alone!”

Her action attracted everyone’s attention.

Mu-Bai awkwardly said to the crowd: “It’s nothing, nothing. I’m just joking with my cousin.”

Xue-Ye quickly left.

Mu-Bai shouted behind her: “Cousin! Cousin!”

Later, Ya-Xin’s family walked out happily chatting. Mu-Bai noticed the trophy in Ya-Xin’s hands and immediately realized she was the one who defeated Xue-Ye. Then he also saw Si-Yang beside Ya-Xin talking with her.

Mu-Bai muttered: “Hmph. Just wait and see.”

He threw away the bouquet and drove off.

86

Ya-Xin placed the trophy on a shelf in the music room. She turned around, walked to the piano, sat down, and began to play. Outside the courtyard wall of the traditional three-section compound, Xue-Ye leaned against the wall and closed her eyes, listening to Ya-Xin’s piano sound.

In her mind, Xue-Ye said to herself: “Ya-Xin has just won the championship, and not only did she not show any pride, she immediately came home and practiced the piano. What about me? I am only immersed in past glory, arrogant and neglectful of practice. Sigh, losing to her this time, I truly accept defeat wholeheartedly.”

Yu-Ling came home carrying a shopping bag and ran into the thoughtful Xue-Ye: “Oh, you are Ying-Ming’s daughter, right? You also play very well.”

Xue-Ye said: “Thank you, auntie.”

Yu-Ling asked: “Are you here to look for Ya-Xin?”

“I…” Xue-Ye did not know how to answer for a moment.

Yu-Ling said: “You and Ya-Xin became good friends because you played piano together, right?”

Xue-Ye awkwardly said: “Oh… yes.”

Yu-Ling said: “That’s wonderful. Ya-Xin has been unable to hear since she was young because of illness. I know she has always had a hard time at school. Every time I ask her whether she has made friends, she always tells me yes, but I have never seen her bring any friends home. During holidays, she always stays at home. She just says that so I, her old mother, will not worry.”

Xue-Ye responded guiltily: “Oh.”

Yu-Ling said: “But ever since she started playing the piano, she has become a completely different person. She is happy every day, and she has made several good friends like you. Seeing her like this now, I am really very happy. Ah, sorry, I was just talking. Come in and sit.”

Xue-Ye quickly said: “No, no need. I am about to leave. Auntie, goodbye.”

Xue-Ye left hurriedly. Yu-Ling went to the music room.

Yu-Ling said: “Ya-Xin, just now your friend was standing at our door. I thought she came to look for you, but when I invited her in to sit, she suddenly ran away. Very strange.”

Ya-Xin asked: “Friend? Who?”

Yu-Ling said: “The daughter of Ying-Ming, ah, I think her name is Xue-Ye.”

Ya-Xin stood up and ran outside, but she could no longer see Xue-Ye’s figure.

87

Ying-Ming was holding the second-place piano competition trophy, walking angrily toward the music room.

Ying-Ming shouted loudly: “Xue-Ye, Xue-Ye! Look at you, you actually left the trophy at the venue. They even specially….”

Ying-Ming saw Xue-Ye sitting blankly in front of the piano. He felt very curious, so he quietly stood by the door and watched Xue-Ye. After a while, Xue-Ye opened the piano lid and began to play. After listening for a while, Ying-Ming left with a satisfied smile on his face.

88

In the rehearsal room, Ya-Xin and Zi-Xuan were playing “Für Elise” together. Candy, who was sitting nearby, listened with an intoxicated expression. When the melody ended, Candy stood up: “A sound like heaven’s music, it sounds very comfortable! Not inferior to Si-Yang and me!”

Zi-Xuan put down his violin and walked over: “Cousin, thank you for your praise.”

Ya-Xin smiled shyly.

Candy said: “Your duet coordination is completely seamless, already at the level of performers. As the ancients said: talented people emerge in every generation. I see this in you two.”

Zi-Xuan smiled and said: “You are praising us too highly.”

Candy said: “This should be what is called fate, right? Your combination is like Si-Yang and me, with mutual understanding.”

Zi-Xuan heard the implication and asked: “So does that mean we might get to drink your and Big Brother Si-Yang’s wedding wine?”

Candy said: “What do you think? That still depends on Si-Yang taking the initiative to propose!”

Zi-Xuan laughed: “So cousin has already been waiting for Big Brother Si-Yang to propose?”

Candy said: “In the vast sea of people, if you meet a soulmate who connects with your spirit, you should cherish it. So when you meet the right person, a girl should let go of reserve.”

Zi-Xuan turned and looked at Ya-Xin’s back, thinking: “Ya-Xin, you are my soulmate…”

89

Ya-Xin and Zi-Xuan were drinking coffee at the café inside Fort San Domingo.

Zi-Xuan said: “On the day of your competition, unfortunately my father returned from the United States. I went with my mother to Taoyuan Airport to pick him up, so I did not go to school to cheer for you. You are not angry with me, are you?”

Ya-Xin said: “No.”

Zi-Xuan said: “That night, my cousin called me and told me you won the piano championship. I was really happy for you. You defeated the strongest opponent Zhang Xue-Ye. I think her mood must be very frustrated now. I heard she and those girls often bullied you. This time she became your defeated opponent, it should dampen her arrogance and make her reflect.”

Ya-Xin said: “Actually, I did not think that much. I just wanted to gradually accumulate stage experience from competitions.”

Zi-Xuan said: “Ya-Xin, you are really kind.”

Ya-Xin said: “Zi-Xuan, I cherish being able to study music.”

Zi-Xuan said: “Ya-Xin, after graduating from high school, I want to apply to the Maria Music Academy in the United States. My parents fully support me.”

Ya-Xin said: “That ambition of yours is great. Studying music in America is something I would not even dare to dream of.”

Zi-Xuan said: “Will you wait for me to return after I finish my studies? Ya-Xin.”

Ya-Xin asked: “Wait for you to come back? You mean…”

Zi-Xuan took Ya-Xin’s hand, his eyes full of tenderness: “I consider you my future wife, Ya-Xin.”

Ya-Xin was flattered and startled. After a moment she slowly said: “If you do not mind that I am deaf…”

Zi-Xuan said: “Of course not. Ya-Xin, don’t think too much.”

90

Members of the Princess Club surrounded Xue-Ye.

Girl A asked: “Xue-Ye, after school shall we go shopping and watch a movie together?”

Girl B said: “I also want to go.”

Xue-Ye said: “Not today. I have no time. You all go yourselves.”

Xue-Ye walked alone to Ya-Xin’s side and spoke to her proactively.

Xue-Ye said: “Ya-Xin, how are you preparing for the recent performance pieces that need practice?”

Ya-Xin said: “I practice every day, but I am worried that I am not playing well enough.”

Xue-Ye said: “Me too. I think… when you are free, you can come to my house. We can practice together.”

Members of the Princess Club whispered among themselves.

Girl A asked: “Why has our princess suddenly become so close with that deaf girl?”

Girl B asked: “Did she get some kind of shock?”

Girl C said: “Could it be related to the competition last time, when that deaf girl won the championship?”

Girl D said: “But this doesn’t seem like her usual style at all?”