Chapter 151: Magpie Bridge Immortal
The difference in how much the same tune could be played was how precise the person who played the zither had been in controlling the string.
The high pitched sound in the melody was actually better than the low notes. When the low notes were played, they needed to be suppressed. When the pressure was suppressed to a certain extent, the sound of the zither would become extremely calm and without fluctuations.
Hence, to many people who knew the zither, watching a person’s skills was equivalent to listening to their ability to control the low notes.
What Guo Tian had just played was a very famous ancient zither song—the latter part of Magpie Bridge Immortal.
The difficulty of playing this Magpie Bridge Immortal was considered average in the ancient zither melody. Guo Tian had never taken Xia Wanyuan seriously, so he casually played a song that was not difficult. In any case, beating Xia Wanyuan was too easy.
After playing a part, Guo Tian, who was leisurely waiting for Xia Wanyuan to make a fool of herself, gradually stiffened from the moment Xia Wanyuan played the first note.
An extremely low voice sounded from Xia Wanyuan’s fingertips. Although it was extremely soft, it made one’s heart tremble.
Most of the audience present were not people who knew the ancient zither, but they could actually hear a hint of pressure from this light sound.
The first paragraph described how the Heavenly Courts had sensed the fairy’s private descent into the mortal world and were sending troops to the mortal world to capture the fairy.
Xia Wanyuan gently played it, and one smooth melody after another was released.
It was clearly the same song as Guo Tian’s, but Xia Wanyuan could bring everyone into a real scene.
As the zither notes became more and more dense, mixed with the chaotic sounds of wind and rain, everyone seemed to see thunder rolling in the sky and clouds surging.
Xia Wanyuan suppressed the sound of the zither to a very low volume. The entire Imperial Capital Theater was enveloped in an extremely low pressure, making it difficult for one to breathe.
Gradually, the sound of the zither began to rise. Lightning and rain intermingled, and the world began to tear apart. It was as if people could see the two bitter lovers forcibly separated by the heavenly soldiers.
Her lover was so close, but it was as if he was far away.
Xia Wanyuan’s hands quickened as she strummed the zither. The silver vase broke and thunder roared.
Her lover was escorted away, leaving only one person on the ground. As she looked at the thunderstorm that filled the sky, overwhelming sorrow spread from Xia Wanyuan’s hands, gradually infecting everyone in the theater.
That sorrowful and painful emotion wrapped around the zither melody and entered his heart.
Although the audience did not know much about zither music, they had the ability to sense emotions.
Guo Tian’s zither music sounded beautiful, but to ordinary people who did not know ancient zithers, they did not understand the meaning behind it.
But Xia Wanyuan’s zither music had truly poured her emotions into the sound of the zither, unfolding a magnificent epic tragedy in everyone’s hearts.
After a while, someone in the theater applauded.
Gradually, more and more people applauded. Everyone was touched by the emotions in Magpie Bridge Immortal. A minute later, the applause gradually subsided.
Guo Tian looked at Xia Wanyuan in disbelief. How was this possible?!! Even the most top-notch master might not be able to transform emotions into sound. How could a little girl like Xia Wanyuan achieve it?!
Not only him, but the others in the Guqin Association were also shocked, especially the president of the association. His eyes were shining as he looked at Xia Wanyuan excitedly, as if he had seen the hope of tomorrow.
“Continue, Master Guo. There’s still the last part.” Guo Tian had been stunned for too long, so Xia Wanyuan could not help but remind him.
Chapter 152: The Princess Won!!
The comments were also stunned.
[… Is this real? ]
[ Then, am I the one who doesn’t know how to appreciate it? Why do I feel that Xia Wanyuan played it better? ]
[ Bring me along, the one in front. I think Xia Wanyuan’s performance is more infectious. ]
[ Master Guo probably underestimated the enemy? I didn’t expect Xia Wanyuan to really have some skills. However, I still think highly of Master Guo. Master Guo must have not played seriously just now. ]
On the stage, Guo Tian looked at Xia Wanyuan, who was sitting calmly in a long dress, and suddenly felt a little guilty.
The gazes of his colleagues and audience were a little strange. Guo Tian composed himself and became serious.
“I wasn’t serious just now. Now, please follow me.” As Guo Tian spoke, he started playing the zither. Compared to before, he was indeed much more serious.
Almost at the moment Guo Tian rose, Xia Wanyuan strummed the zither and followed him.
The second half of the song was more relaxed than the first half. With the help of everyone, the Cowherd could meet the Weaver at Magpie Bridge once a year with the permission of the celestial heavens.
At this moment, the rhythm was relatively faster. In order to show off his skills, Guo Tian had specially changed his tone in many places. However, Xia Wanyuan’s zither music had always followed closely behind him and could not be shaken off.
Although they had the same tone and rhythm, everyone could clearly hear two different voices.
Guo Tian’s melody was very good. He was skilled and his music was smooth. As expected of a member of the National Guqin Association.
Unexpectedly, Xia Wanyuan’s zither music followed Guo Tian closely. No matter how he flaunted his skills or how he changed them, Xia Wanyuan’s zither music did not stop.
It was smooth and natural.
As time passed, the Cowherd finally welcomed their first meeting with the Weaver. The Milky Way was their foil, and all the magpies in the world flapped their wings to build a long bridge for them.
At that moment, the sound of their zither gradually became lighter. Guo Tian followed the rhythm of the melody. The sound of the zither was smooth, but it lacked a few genuine emotions.
As for Xia Wanyuan’s zither music, it naturally made one feel relieved, grateful, happy, reluctant, emotional, and a series of other mixed emotions. It was as if everyone had become the main characters, experiencing the ups and downs of his life.
After the song ended, Guo Tian’s expression was extremely ugly.
He had originally thought that Xia Wanyuan had faked her live-stream, but from her performance just now, Xia Wanyuan did have some ability.
“Little Friend Xia is indeed not bad. I believe that your music was composed by yourself. I believe the netizens also believe it.” Guo Tian restrained the emotions in his eyes and wore a smile on his face. He did not mention the outcome at all and instead put on the posture of an elder.
“So, who won?”
Xia Wanyuan retracted her hand from the zither strings and looked at Guo Tian coldly. Her cold gaze made Guo Tian’s heart turn cold.
“For little friend Xia to be able to keep up with my pace means that you have true ability. For a young person to reach your level is truly not bad. Let the competition be considered a draw. I am also considered an old person in the ancient zither world. If I continue to compete, won’t others say that I don’t give young people space to grow? Haha.”
Guo Tian looked unhappy, but he endured it in the face of the roomful of audience and the cameras in the live-stream.
Just after hearing Xia Wanyuan’s zither music, he knew that her skills were not inferior to his. If he continued to compete, everyone would probably laugh at him.
However, he could not admit that he had lost. Back then, he had said that he had used his career as a bet.
As a result, he could only consider himself as an older generation, hoping that Xia Wanyuan would be sensible and give both parties an out.
“I’ll play first in the next round, you follow.”
Xia Wanyuan completely ignored Guo Tian’s gaze. Her red lips parted slightly, causing Guo Tian’s heart to turn cold.
[ A little… So valiant, I love her. ]
[ Actually, Xia Wanyuan has already proven herself to be capable. There’s no need to chase after him relentlessly. Isn’t this too disrespectful to your senior? ]
[ The person in front, what’s wrong with you? It’s that so-called Master Guo who insisted on fighting with Yuan Yuan to win, okay? So he was allowed to casually say that she was faking it and not allowed others to challenge him? ]
[ Isn’t Xia Wanyuan a little too arrogant? She challenged him just like that? Who gave her the confidence? ]
Amongst the audience, when they heard Xia Wanyuan’s words, they also began to stir.
The fact that Xia Wanyuan could keep up with Guo Tian’s pace meant that she was capable. However, if Xia Wanyuan’s skills were better than Guo Tian’s, that would be too much.
After all, Guo Tian had been famous for a long time, while Xia Wanyuan was only 20. Everyone was somewhat suspicious.
Ignoring everyone’s doubts, Xia Wanyuan placed her hands on the zither and looked at Guo Tian. “Please.”
Guo Tian had no choice but to sit back down.
The lights in the theater dimmed, leaving only two beams of light on Xia Wanyuan and Guo Tian.
An extremely high note of the zither cut through the darkness, making one’s heart tremble.
Following that, Xia Wanyuan’s ten fingers danced as the deep and melodious sound of battle rang out. An army of thousands marched over on the smoke of war.
As the battle began, the sound of the zither became even faster. Xia Wanyuan’s hands, which were playing the zither, could no longer be seen, only a blur.
In the beginning, Guo Tian could barely keep up with Xia Wanyuan’s pace. But from the moment Xia Wanyuan increased her speed, Guo Tian clearly felt that his strength was insufficient.Xia Wanyuan’s speed had changed too quickly and the rhythm was too strong. Sweat broke out on Guo Tian’s face as he tried his best to keep up with Xia Wanyuan’s tune.
As a result, although the melody could barely keep up, his aura did not follow at all.
Xia Wanyuan’s zither melody was like a war song that urged thousands of troops on the battlefield, stirring up the hot blood in everyone’s hearts.
On the other hand, Guo Tian’s playing was stuttering, as if he was a defeated general who had been beaten up.
After the song, there was no need for words. Everyone knew who was better and who was worse.
“I hope that Master Guo will keep your promise.” Xia Wanyuan smiled and stood up to leave.
The president of the Guqin Association had been reveling in the sound of the zither. By the time he reacted, Xia Wanyuan had already walked away.
On the stage, Guo Tianzheng looked indignantly and awkwardly at Xia Wanyuan’s back.
President Cai Qin walked onto the stage and bowed to the audience. “Thank you for your support. Since the member of the association have agreed to a bet, we should keep our promise. From now on, Guo Tian will be removed from the Ancient Zither Association.”
Upon hearing Cai Qin’s words, Guo Tian suddenly raised his head. Flames flickered in his eyes, but he had said those words himself. It was useless to say anything now, so he could only leave the scene dejectedly.
Initially, the outcome of this match was without a doubt in everyone’s eyes.
Hence, when the topic “Xia Wanyuan, Guo Tian, PK zither skills” appeared on the trending topic, everyone was calm.
It was obvious who won and who lost.
Chapter 153: The Princess’s Album
There were also netizens who casually clicked on it with the mentality of watching a drama unfold before being shocked out of their minds.
[?????? Did they write it backwards? Is it confirmed that Xia Wanyuan won? ]
[ I’m afraid that there’s a bug in my Weibo. I logged out to take a look once. Xia Wanyuan won?? Are you kidding me? ]
[ I was at the scene at that time. I can testify that Xia Wanyuan is really too amazing. None of you know that Xia Wanyuan’s dazzling skills at the end. That so-called ancient zither master didn’t even keep up with the rhythm. She’s simply on the level of torture. ]
[ Why are you saying it so mysteriously? Why don’t I believe it? Guo Tian is a master of the Guqin Association after all. Why are you saying it like it’s a three-year-old child? Are you afraid that Xia Wanyuan bought the Internet Water Army? ]
Obviously, no one believed what the netizens in the comments said.
But very quickly, the video of Xia Wanyuan and Guo Tian’s competition was played.
A three-minute video was edited and the camera was pointed at their hands.
To prevent netizens from nitpicking, the video blogger even specially prepared the words “original speed”.
[ If the blogger didn’t mention the words’ original speed ‘, I might have already started scolding… ]
[ Oh my god, is that hand speed serious??? I was just asking if you saw how Xia Wanyuan’s hand moved? ]
[ No… I only saw an afterimage… F*ck, how fast is this speed! ]
[ If I had this hand speed, I would have been a King of Glory long ago (dog) ]
[ I originally thought that Xia Wanyuan was useless, but I didn’t expect her to be the king. She’s too amazing. Although I don’t know any skills in the zither, I can feel that Xia Wanyuan’s melody is so infectious. Although that Guo Tian is from the Ancient Zither Association, he can’t keep up with Xia Wanyuan at all. ]
[ It turns out that the pot is calling the kettle black. I guess that Guo Tian is trying to make use of the popularity of this matter to sell his works. I could tell from the way he posts the payment link every day. He just didn’t expect to kick an iron plate like Xia Wanyuan this time. ]
While the netizens were heatedly discussing, there were also people who expressed their curiosity about the tune Xia Wanyuan had played. They ran to search for it, but the music app showed that “the tune you searched for doesn’t exist.”
Hence, everyone had a strange guess. “Could it be that Xia Wanyuan composed all the songs herself?”
[ I think so… Since it’s proven that Xia Wanyuan has the ability to play such a profound melody, it means that the live-stream where she composed songs on the spot last time was real. ]
[ I think my worldview has changed… I suddenly feel that Xia Wanyuan is a little amazing… ]
[ I’m a student of the ancient zither. I don’t think Xia Wanyuan is a little amazing. She’s really amazing. She’s the kind that has never been seen before and will never be seen again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You don’t know how excited our teacher was when he played Xia Wanyuan’s tune for us in class today. ]
[ If she’s so amazing, why didn’t she show it in the past? ]
[ Perhaps it’s because she keeps a low profile? I’m sorry, I already denied myself when I typed this line. If Xia Wanyuan keeps a low profile, I don’t think anyone will dare to say that they’re high profile anymore. ]
These few waves of popularity not only allowed the netizens to see Xia Wanyuan’s ability, but also allowed Chen Yun to see the tremendous power Xia Wanyuan had.
Since Xia Wanyuan could play, sing, and write her own lyrics, perhaps he could get her to release an album?
Chapter 154: Picking up the Call of the Love Rival
He said he would do it and he did. However, Chen Yun alone would definitely not be able to do it.
Hence, Chen Yun called the company and told them that Xia Wanyuan was very popular now. In addition, Xia Wanyuan herself could write and sing, so he wanted to apply to the company to create a personal album for her.
CEO Wang, who had always been difficult to talk to, actually agreed readily this time. “But Xiao Chen, you know too. After all, we still have to review it first. When the time comes, bring the lyrics and songs over for me to read before we decide whether to release the album.”
“Okay, CEO Wang.” Chen Yun was a little puzzled, but he hung up the phone after chatting with CEO Wang as usual.
Not long after, Chen Yun suddenly thought of something. He picked up his phone and looked at the memo. He patted his head. “Aiyah, I forgot something important!!”
Chen Yun had been paying attention to Guo Tian these few days and had forgotten that the publicity phase of the drama “The Long Ballad” was about to begin.
There was a watermelon television station in China that made variety shows extremely outstanding and had a large number of viewers.
Every episode, they would also invite some celebrities to help out. Over time, many production teams of television dramas and films that were waiting to be broadcast would arrange a variety show with the Watermelon TV Station before their works were released into the market to promote their works in advance.
This time, he had also benefited from Director Yang. Director Yang and the host of the popular variety show “Happy World” at Watermelon Platform were good friends, so he had obtained a chance for a variety episode for “The Long Ballad”.
Chen Yun had been too busy recently that he had forgotten the time. Now that he saw it, he was shocked. Tomorrow was the recording time, and he had not informed Xia Wanyuan.
Oh no!
Chen Yun hurriedly called Xia Wanyuan to inform her about this.
Xia Wanyuan had seen those variety shows on television before, and everyone was quite natural. All they needed to do was chat and play games. Hence, Xia Wanyuan was not too nervous. On the other hand, Chen Yun was extremely worried. He was afraid that if anything went wrong tomorrow, Xia Wanyuan would be criticized by the entire internet again.
The last time he had sent Xia Wanyuan an invitation to a meal, it had sunk into the sea like a rock. Qin Wu felt that he might have been a little rash.
Over the past few days, Qin Wu did not dare to disturb Xia Wanyuan anymore. He could only read all sorts of news about her online.
Qin Wu was extremely impressed by Xia Wanyuan’s talent. Thinking of the bad rumors about Xia Wanyuan he had heard before he met her, his pity for her grew.
Since the variety program was going to start filming tomorrow, Qin Wu wanted to use this opportunity to contact Xia Wanyuan. She shouldn’t reject me, right?
Hence, Qin Wu simulated what tone he should speak in and how he should start. He even thought of a few reactions that Xia Wanyuan might have.
He coughed lightly and cleared his throat before calling Xia Wanyuan.
“Beep-beep.”
The phone rang a few times. Thinking that Xia Wanyuan might be busy and that her phone was not by her side, Qin Wu prepared to hang up.
At that moment, the call connected.
“Hello, Wanyuan, are you busy?”
On the other end of the line, Jun Shiling gradually frowned when he heard this excited voice.
Xia Wanyuan went upstairs to take a shower. Her phone was on the table on the first floor. Jun Shiling had come over to take a look because her phone had been ringing non-stop.
In the end, he saw the name Qin Wu on her phone.
Thinking of the WeChat message that invited Xia Wanyuan to eat dessert, Jun Shiling couldn’t help but press the answer button.
Chapter 155: Daddy, Do You Love Mommy?
“Wanyuan? Are you listening?” Qin Wu asked curiously.
He took the phone and glanced at it to confirm that the signal was still connected. He could not help but wonder why no one spoke when the call connected.
“She’s in the shower. What’s the matter?”
A low and magnetic male voice sounded from the phone. Qin Wu was stunned.
“Is this Xia Wanyuan’s phone?” Qin Wu asked with the last bit of hope.
“Mm.”
A deep voice sounded from the other end. Just one word destroyed Qin Wu’s mental defenses. “I’m sorry, I’m her colleague. I didn’t know… I just wanted to remind her not to be late for the variety show recording tomorrow. I didn’t mean to disturb you. Goodbye.”
After speaking, Qin Wu hung up the phone.
It was late at night and Xia Wanyuan was taking a shower when a man picked up the phone. It was obvious what their relationship was.
Qin Wu had a look of disappointment and frustration. It was unknown who had obtained Xia Wanyuan’s beautiful heart.
Hearing the disconnected sound on the phone, Jun Shiling raised his eyebrows slightly, picked up her phone, and went upstairs.
The moment he opened the bedroom door, he saw Xia Wanyuan massaging Xiao Bao’s legs with her hair half wet.
Xia Wanyuan had just taken a shower inside and was about to blow dry her hair when she heard a thud from outside.
When she pushed open the door, Xiao Bao fell onto the carpet with his legs crossed. His big eyes were filled with tears. “Boohoo, Mommy, I fell.”
Xiao Bao played Ultraman and the big monster on the bed, each playing two roles. One moment, he would run to the bed to play Ultraman, the other moment, he would run to the end of the bed to play the monster, and he would even fight with himself.
While he was having fun, he accidentally tripped on the blanket and fell to the ground. Fortunately, the wool blanket on the ground was thick enough. It was just a little red from the fall and he did not bleed.
Amused, Xia Wanyuan picked Xiao Bao up and examined him. There was nothing wrong with him, so she gently massaged him.
“Mommy, treat me well. Mommy, I love you. Do you love me too?” Xiao Bao nestled in Xia Wanyuan’s arms, feeling the warmth and care that came from her.
“Mm, I love you.” Xia Wanyuan kissed Xiao Bao’s forehead. Xiao Bao jumped up happily and looked up to see Jun Shiling walking into the house.
“How can you fall down from the bed at such an old age?” Jun Shiling glanced at Xiao Bao coldly.
“Daddy, you said yesterday that I was too young and had no self-control. You didn’t let me keep the milk candy can myself!”
“……..”
Jun Shiling, who had always been successful in the business world, choked for once.
After comforting Xiao Bao, he went to read the comic book happily. Xia Wanyuan touched her hair. It was still wet.
Just as she was about to get the hairdryer, she saw Jun Shiling coming over with it.
“Sit tight.”
Seeing that Jun Shiling was about to blow dry her hair, Xia Wanyuan did not decline. Since it was not the first time, she sat on the sofa by the bed.
Jun Shiling gently grabbed Xia Wanyuan’s wet hair while drying it with the hairdryer.
After reading a comic, Xiao Bao looked up and saw Jun Shiling standing behind Xia Wanyuan, gently blowing her hair.
“It’s done.” Jun Shiling put down the hairdryer.
Xia Wanyuan reached out to stroke her hair. It was almost dry, so she prepared to go to bed.
However, when she turned around, she saw Xiao Bao staring at her and Jun Shiling with his big eyes.
“What’s wrong?” Xia Wanyuan thought that Xiao Bao’s leg was hurting.
“Daddy, do you love Mommy?”
Xiao Bao did not answer Xia Wanyuan’s question but asked Jun Shiling a question.
In Xiao Bao’s world, Xia Wanyuan’s gentle care meant that she loved him.
When he saw Jun Shiling gently blow dry Xia Wanyuan’s hair just now, he felt as if it was like Xia Wanyuan taking care of him.
“Sleep.” Jun Shiling clenched the hairdryer in his hand slightly. He did not show it on his face, but he was shocked by Xiao Bao’s question.
“Daddy, I’ll sleep after you answer my question, okay?” Xiao Bao looked at Jun Shiling pleadingly.
“Mm, love. Go to sleep,” Jun Shiling said as he walked out with his back facing Xiao Bao and Xia Wanyuan.
After receiving Jun Shiling’s affirmative answer, Xiao Bao happily snuggled under the blanket.
Xia Wanyuan looked helplessly at the mischievous Xiao Bao, thinking to herself that Jun Shiling really cared about Xiao Bao. He must have said that just now to not make Xiao Bao sad.
What she did not know was that Jun Shiling was sweating as he held the hairdryer.
The next morning, while eating breakfast, Xia Wanyuan was drinking soup. Jun Shiling, who was beside her, seemed to suddenly remember something. “I helped you answer a call yesterday when you were showering. I think it was your colleague. His surname is Qin, and he reminded you not to be late for the variety program recording today.”
“Oh, okay.”
When Jun Shiling spoke, he had been paying attention to Xia Wanyuan’s expression. Seeing that Xia Wanyuan did not show much emotion at the mention of Qin Wu, Jun Shiling took the last custard bun on the table with ease.
Ignoring Xiao Bao’s accusing gaze, Jun Shiling placed the custard bun in Xia Wanyuan’s bowl.
The fuming Xiao Bao stopped caring about it, after seeing the custard bun being placed into Xia Wanyuan’s bowl.
In the backstage of Watermelon TV, everyone was busy preparing for the upcoming variety recording.
“Excuse me, where is the dressing room?” Chen Yun pulled a staff member and asked.
A long time ago, Chen Yun had led a few gold medal celebrities under him. Now that they were also A-list celebrities in the entertainment industry, he had been to Watermelon TV before.
Unfortunately, over the years, the artistes that Chen Yun had taken care of had become more and more muddled. He had no chance to come here, and he no longer knew the way inside.
“Turn left at the end.”
“Alright.”
Chen Yun brought Xia Wanyuan to the dressing room, where only Ruan Yingyu and the others were.
“The Long Ballad” was originally a male genre production with only two main female roles, so only Xia Wanyuan and Ruan Yingyu were on the list of actors involved in the publicity of the drama.At that moment, there was a circle of people standing around Ruan Yingyu. Those in charge of makeup, hair, nails, and clothes were all very busy serving her.
Seeing Xia Wanyuan enter, Ruan Yingyu glanced in the mirror, jealousy flashing in her eyes.
Chen Yun made Xia Wanyuan sit on the chair. The two of them waited for a while, but no makeup artist came to help Xia Wanyuan with her makeup.
“It’s almost time. Someone come and put on makeup for us.”
Going on stage was different from day-to-day makeup. One needed a professional makeup artist, a stylist, to correspond with the image of the artiste according to the theme of the variety show.
“There are clothes over there. Pick one and try it on first. I’ll do it for you when we’re done here.”
Beside Ruan Yingyu, a man with exquisite makeup was painting Ruan Yingyu’s eyebrows while perfunctorily brushing Chen Yun off without even turning his head.
“Then let’s look at the clothes first.” Chen Yun moved the clothes rack over.
When he looked at it, Chen Yun’s thick eyebrows furrowed. Even a straight man like Chen Yun would find the clothes on it unsightly.