Yingming said, “Yuling, these years must have been very hard for you, right?”
Yuling said, “It’s been alright. At least now the children have all grown up. Although Yaxin has some problems with her ears, she is very sensible; Meiyin and Youji are also very well-behaved. I think when children grow up, it’s not necessary that they must be very good at making money or achieve great success—so long as they don’t go astray, that’s enough.”
Yingming praised, “You’re really very strong.”
Yuling said, “Aren’t you the same? Striving upward to become a councilor. With no woman at home to help with the household, for a grown man to manage both inside and outside is not easy.”
Yingming said, “Speaking of that, I feel ashamed. My daughter Xueye has turned into a spoiled young lady because I didn’t teach her well. Last time she even bullied your daughter at school. I really…”
Yuling said, “Let bygones be bygones… The weather seems to be getting a bit colder.”
Yuling wrapped her arms around her chest. Yingming immediately unbuttoned his coat and, like a gentleman, draped it over her shoulders. A gust of cold wind blew by, and he himself felt the chill. Suddenly he had an idea: “Wait a moment.”
Yingming hurried back to the car: “A-Shan, lend me your windbreaker.”
A-Shan said, “Huh? No problem.”
Yingming returned to Yuling wearing A-Shan’s windbreaker, and the two continued strolling along the beach.
Meanwhile, A-Shan leaned by the car watching them, shivering all over from the cold.
“I really can’t stand watching this anymore!” A-Shan quickly got into the car.
Yuling said, “I think… I’m really not a good mother.”
Yingming said, “What’s wrong? Why say that all of a sudden?”
Yuling said, “Yaxin has never asked for anything. She took the initiative to say she wants to learn piano, but I truly don’t have the ability to buy her a piano. I feel very sorry for her.”
Yingming said, “Hey, my Xueye also plays the piano. There’s an old piano in the practice room that she used before, and it’s rarely used now. How about letting Yaxin come to our house to practice? Every Tuesday and Thursday, Xueye’s piano teacher comes over—Yaxin could learn together as well.”
Yuling said, “No need, thank you for your kindness. I’m worried that if Yaxin goes to your house to play piano, it will disturb you, and I would also feel embarrassed toward Xueye.”
Yingming said, “You don’t need to worry about Xueye.”
Yuling said, “Really, there’s no need. As for buying a piano, I’ll think of a way to solve it.”
“Alright then, if that’s the case, I won’t force you. But if you really need anything, don’t hesitate—call me anytime.” Although Yingming said this, he had already made up his mind.
Yuling said, “I will. Thank you.”
Inside the car, A-Shan sneezed several times in a row.
42
In the living room of Zhang Yingming’s mansion, Zhang Xueye and the piano teacher Wu Meihua had just entered.
Xueye said, “Dad, you must come to tomorrow’s Yamaha Cup music competition!”
Yingming asked, “What time does it start?”
Xueye said, “Check-in is at 9 a.m., and it’ll probably be my turn on stage around 10.”
Yingming said, “I see… The council will be in session tomorrow morning, and I’m the convener. I’m afraid I won’t be able to leave immediately.”
Xueye said, “I don’t care! Dad, you must come tomorrow to cheer me on.”
Yingming said, “As soon as I’m done, I’ll rush over. Teacher Meihua, how is Xueye’s preparation?”
Meihua said, “With Xueye’s ability, entering the semifinals shouldn’t be a problem.”
Yingming said with satisfaction, “Then that means she’ll take one of the top three, right?”
Xueye said confidently, “Dad, don’t worry!”
43
Candy, Zixuan, and Yaxin walked into the competition venue together: the Taipei City Cultural Affairs Bureau Auditorium. At the registration desk, they ran into Zhang Xueye and Wu Meihua.
Zixuan said, “Zhang Xueye, we meet again.”
Xueye said in surprise, pointing, “Yes! Li Zixuan—how come Qiu Yaxin is here with you as well?”
Zixuan said, “Yaxin is your classmate. We met at church.”
Xueye muttered to herself, “What is this mute doing here joining the fun… honestly…”
Xueye asked, “Is Qiu Yaxin also registered for this competition?”
Zixuan said, “No, she’s here to observe.”
Candy said, “Zixuan, let’s complete the registration first.”
Zixuan said, “Okay, cousin.”
Candy said, “Yaxin and I will be in the audience. After the competition, remember to come find us.”
Zixuan said, “Alright, I’ll come find you afterward.”
After a while, the competition officially began. The host, Wei Dapeng, went on stage to give a speech:
“Director Cai of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, distinguished guests, and all contestants: On behalf of our company, I would like to thank the Cultural Affairs Bureau for its long-term support of this music competition…”
At this moment, Zhao Mubai entered with a group of subordinates.
Mubai took the initiative to greet Xueye: “Hi, cousin, I came specially to cheer you on.”
Xueye asked in surprise, “How did you know I was here?”
Mubai said somewhat proudly, “I went to your house to look for you. You weren’t there, so the housekeeper told me.”
Honghou and Wuya saw Li Zixuan and whispered complaints to Mubai. Mubai led three subordinates to Zixuan’s seat.
Mubai pointed and said, “You kid, quite arrogant, huh! You actually dared to beat up my men.”
Zixuan said disdainfully, “So those three lackeys are your subordinates? What, as their boss, you want to stand up for them?”
Mubai cracked his knuckles, looking domineering: “Brat, looks like no one’s ever taught you a lesson, that’s why you’re so arrogant…”
Seeing that a physical conflict might break out, Zhang Xueye rushed over to stop them: “What are you trying to do, Zhao Mubai!”
Mubai said, “Cousin, don’t interfere. This is between me and him.”
Xueye said firmly, “He is my friend. This is a competition venue—I won’t allow you to lay a hand on him.”
Zixuan asked, “Xueye, what? This scoundrel is your cousin?”
“Mm…” Xueye felt embarrassed.
Zixuan said, “Your cousin seems to be itching for a beating, right?”
Xueye persuaded, “Zixuan, don’t stoop to his level.”
Mubai said unwillingly, “Cousin, why are you boosting his morale instead?”
Xueye replied, “Zhao Mubai, I’m actually pleading for you—don’t be ungrateful.”
Mubai said dismissively, “Why plead for me? I’m not afraid of him.”
Xueye got angry, her expression turning stern: “Enough! You’d better leave immediately, or I’ll call my father right now to deal with this.”
“Alright, alright, don’t be like that—we’re leaving now.” Mubai, still unwilling to yield, pointed and said, “Damn! Surname Li, we’ll meet again. Don’t let me catch you outside.”
Zixuan said, “Hahaha! A small-time thug like you—I’ve never been afraid!”
Mubai said, “We’ll run into each other again—just wait.”
After leaving his threats, Zhao Mubai took his men and left.
Xueye apologized, “Sorry about earlier, Zixuan. Don’t mind it.”
Zixuan said, “I don’t mind—just a bit surprised. For this competition, you registered for the piano category?”
Xueye smiled, “Yes. That way I don’t have to compete head-on with you in the violin category. I’ve already seen your strength before.”
Zixuan said, “Oh, what a pity!”
Xueye said, “Let’s go to the contestant area and take our seats.”
Zixuan said, “Alright.”
44 (Day Scene)
Li Zixuan, carrying a violin case, walked onto the performance stage. He first bowed to the judges on one side, then bowed to the audience, took out his violin, took two deep breaths, and began to play.
In the audience, the entire hall fell silent, listening to the violin performance. After the performance ended, applause erupted. Zixuan bowed and walked off the stage.
Yaxin asked, “Teacher, the piece Zixuan just played—whose work is it?”
Candy said, “It’s Schumann’s Träumerei, Op. 15 No. 7. It is the most exquisite piece in that suite.”
Yaxin said, “In terms of technique, this piece feels quite difficult…”
Candy said, “You will learn this piece by Schumann in the future as well.”
After a while, the piano competition began. When it was Zhang Xueye’s turn, she went on stage, bowed to the judges, then to the audience, sat at the piano, and began to play. After finishing, applause rang out. Xueye bowed and left the stage.
Yaxin said, “Teacher, I’ve heard you play this piece before—it’s Mozart’s Turkish March.”
Candy said, “That’s right. The rhythm is lively and the melody flows smoothly—it should convey a majestic momentum.”
Yaxin asked, “To practice this piece, one must already have a considerable level, right?”
Candy said, “Don’t worry—step by step, you’ll be able to do it in the future as well.”
Yaxin thought to herself, “I didn’t expect Xueye’s level to already be this…”
45
In the classroom, several members of the “Princess Clique” surrounded Zhang Xueye.
Girl A praised, “Xueye, you’re amazing! You won first place again in the piano competition, beating all those music-class contestants.”
Girl B said, “Xueye, since you won a big prize, we benefit too—you should treat us!”
Xueye said generously, “It’s nothing. After school, I’ll treat you to McDonald’s…”
The class bell rang, and students returned to their seats.
Homeroom teacher Yan Ruyu entered the classroom, and class monitor Lin Yijun gave the command:
“Stand up, attention, salute…”
“Good morning, teacher.”
“Sit down.”
Ruyu said, “First of all, the teacher would like to congratulate Zhang Xueye for bringing honor to our school by winning first place in this year’s Yamaha Piano Northern District preliminary competition. Let’s give her a round of encouraging applause.”
The students clapped together.
Ruyu said, “Besides studying, you can develop your own interests. Usually treat them as entertainment, but when the opportunity arises, you can show your skills—like Xueye in music and Yaxin in literature, both have performed quite well…”
Zhang Xueye maintained a composed and graceful expression; such honor had long been something she was accustomed to.
46
A group of students gathered in front of the bulletin board in the hall. Zhang Xueye and the Princess Clique occupied the front, while Yaxin stood at the outer edge.
Girl A said, “The school is going to hold a piano competition next March!”
Girl B said, “Oh come on, there’s no need to compete—it’ll definitely be Xueye who gets first place.”
Girl C said, “Exactly. Xueye has already won the national youth piano competition before. Is there anyone in our school who can compete with her?”
Girl D asked, “Xueye, you’ll participate, right?”
Xueye said, “Of course. Every competition is training. Whether I win first place or not doesn’t really matter.”
Girl A said, “As expected of Xueye—that was well said!”
Girl B pointed behind her and said, “What is this deaf girl doing here joining the fun?”
Girl C said, “Ignore her—she doesn’t even have the qualifications to participate.”
The Princess Clique burst into laughter. Yaxin seemed deep in thought and quietly walked away.
47
Yaxin was playing the piano. Teacher Candy stood behind her giving guidance, while Xi Yang sat on a bench nearby, listening attentively. When the piece ended, Xi Yang applauded.
Xi Yang praised, “Yaxin, you played very well. It’s hard to imagine that just a year ago, you couldn’t play the piano at all.”
Candy said, “Your progress has been incredibly fast. If this continues, I’ll soon have nothing left to teach you!”
Yaxin said happily, “No, it’s because the teacher teaches well.”
Xi Yang asked, “However, today your playing seems a bit more intense than usual. Did something happen at school?”
Yaxin said, “Today, our school announced that there will be a piano competition next March.”
Candy said, “A piano competition? That’s great. Do you want to sign up and give it a try?”
Yaxin said, “I—I can’t…”
Xi Yang said, “Yaxin, music, by its nature, is meant to be performed for people to hear. Music without listeners is lifeless; only music that is heard by others truly has life.”
Candy said, “Yaxin, when it comes to playing in front of a crowd, you must feel afraid right now. But this is something every musician must overcome. This is a very good opportunity. Don’t worry about rankings—just present your truest self in front of everyone.”
Yaxin remained silent for a moment, then slowly nodded.
48
Yuling was ironing clothes in the living room when Yaxin walked over to her side.
Yaxin said, “Mom, I want to sign up for the school piano competition.”
Yuling asked, “A piano competition? That’s great. Mom supports you. Do you need money to register?”
Yaxin said, “No. If I get a good result in the school competition, I can represent the school in the city competition.”
Yuling said, “Ah-Xin, then just participate with a calm mindset. It’s your first time competing, so it doesn’t matter if you don’t win a prize. Treat it as gaining experience. When the time comes, I’ll bring your younger brother and sister to cheer for you.”
Yaxin said, “Thank you, Mom.”
Their conversation was overheard by Zhigan as he passed by.
Yaxin returned to her room and silently played her “soundless piano.” Yuling walked to the doorway and watched her.
Yuling murmured to herself, “This child, Ah-Xin, really makes one feel so touched.”
49
Zhang Yingming called Yuling. Zhigan happened to pass through the living room and overheard Yuling talking.
“Hello~ Yuling, it’s Yingming. How have you been recently?”
“As for me, still the same… it’s just that… my eldest daughter says she wants to participate in a school piano competition.”
“That’s very good.”
“It is good… but I can’t provide her with a proper environment. I don’t even know how she’s supposed to practice. The child says I shouldn’t worry, but how could I not worry?”
“That’s nothing for you to worry about. After school, Yaxin can come directly to my house to practice.”
“That wouldn’t be appropriate. I heard Xueye is also participating in the competition—it would be disturbing.”
“Don’t worry. My house has two pianos; there will absolutely be no problem. I’ll instruct the driver that the day after tomorrow, when he picks up Xueye from school, he can also pick up Yaxin to come to my house to practice.”
“I’m really sorry to trouble you.”
“We’re old friends—no need to be so polite.”
50
In the dining room of the Qiu family’s sanheyuan house, the whole family of Qiu Yonglai sat together eating.
Zhigan deliberately started a topic: “I really can’t figure it out.”
Aijiao, in perfect coordination, chimed in, “What is there to not figure out while eating a meal?”
Zhigan said, “It has nothing to do with eating! I just can’t figure out how a deaf person is supposed to play the piano.”
Aijiao deliberately raised her voice, “What~ stop joking, okay?”
Zhigan said, “Not just that. A deaf person even wants to participate in a piano competition—now that’s the real joke of the century.”
Aijiao said, “That’s ridiculous. Who are you trying to fool?”
Zhikun, finding this harsh, interrupted unhappily, “Brother and sister-in-law, what nonsense are you two talking about again?”
As Zhigan and Aijiao continued their back-and-forth, Yaxin lowered her head more and more, until it was almost touching her rice bowl.
Yonglai said with displeasure, “Can you two talk a little less?”
Zhigan said, “I’m not talking nonsense! You don’t believe me? Ask big sister!”
Laichun tried to persuade, “A-Gan, don’t make your father angry.”
Yuling felt very uncomfortable.
Zhikun asked, “Sister, is what brother said true—that Yaxin is going to participate in a piano competition?”
Yuling answered awkwardly, “Yes.”
Hearing this from Yuling, Yonglai and Zhikun did not find it strange; instead, they were very happy. Their reaction greatly surprised Zhigan and his wife.
Yonglai asked, “Yaxin is going to a piano competition? Where is it held? Has she registered?”
Yuling said, “It’s a school competition. If she wins, she will represent the school in outside competitions.”
Yonglai said, “That’s great! Ah-Xin, Grandpa supports you.”
Zhikun said to Yaxin, “Your uncle supports you too.”
After speaking, Zhikun thought for a moment and felt something was off. He asked, “To compete, you need practice. Does Ah-Xin have a teacher guiding her?”
Yuling said, “Ah-Xin said there’s a teacher at the Presbyterian church teaching her.”
Yonglai said, “I don’t think that’s appropriate. A free teacher—will they really teach wholeheartedly? Forget it! Let’s find a piano teacher to teach Ah-Xin.”
Zhikun agreed, “Dad, that’s a good idea. I agree too.”
Yuling said, “No need! That would cost a lot of money.”
After hearing this, Meiyin became jealous: “If you’re going to let that deaf sister learn piano, you might as well let me learn singing—that’s more practical.”
After hearing Meiyin’s words, Yuling became very displeased: “How can you talk like that? Your sister has never caused me trouble with her studies. If only you had half her diligence. All day long you only think about singing. I’ve told you singing won’t get you anywhere, but you just won’t listen.”
After being scolded by Yuling, Meiyin was full of resentment. She put down her bowl and chopsticks, got up in a huff, and left.
Yuling muttered, “This child… already almost sixteen, and still so immature, not understanding things at all—really troublesome.”
Yaxin thought to herself, “That’s right, my younger sister’s birthday is coming soon.”
Yaxin returned to her room. Meiyin was already lying down angrily, pretending to sleep. Yaxin took out a small tin box and carefully counted the coins inside.
Silently, Yaxin murmured to herself, “I wonder if the money here is enough…”
