Free Web NovelChapter 343: Chapter 342: An Invitation to Go Abroad, an Infiltration of the Orchestra
The next morning, Xiao Ya and Jiang Shishi, sated in body and soul, arrived at the traditional music orchestra.
Xiao Ya was then called into the orchestra leader’s office.
"This is Ms. Estelle Zoe," the orchestra leader introduced. "She’s a piano professor at the Juilliard School of Music in Huaqi Country, and also the vice-dean of the World Ethnic Music Branch."
A middle-aged blonde woman in a khaki suit, who looked gentle and refined, stood up from her seat. She smiled and nodded warmly at Xiao Ya, her eyes full of admiration.
Xiao Ya was momentarily stunned. ’A thousand thoughts flashed through my mind,’ but she kept her expression neutral.
"Aren’t you going to say hello?" the orchestra leader urged.
"Hello, Ms. Zoe," Xiao Ya said, snapping back to her senses and greeting her politely.
"Hello, Miss Xiao." Estelle walked over to Xiao Ya, extended her right hand, and shook Xiao Ya’s lightly. She spoke in fairly standard Mandarin, "I heard your performance yesterday. It was outstanding."
"Thank you," Xiao Ya smiled humbly. "I still have a lot of room for improvement."
"That’s precisely why Ms. Zoe is here," the orchestra leader chuckled, speaking as if sharing in the glory. "She came to Yangcheng for an exchange with our orchestra. After watching your performance yesterday, she thinks you’re a promising talent and wants to invite you to Huaqi Country for advanced studies."
"Huh?" Xiao Ya was startled, and a shock ran through her.
If she had heard this news a few days ago, she might not have agreed, but she would have undoubtedly felt a sense of joy. However, after learning the truth from Gu Zhao, her heart was now filled with nothing but vigilance.
Estelle’s smile was gentle, full of goodwill and warmth. "Xiao, your guzheng playing is filled with excellent technique and beautiful artistry. You are the most soulful musician I have ever seen.
In my opinion, your future shouldn’t be limited to the Yangcheng orchestra. You should be on a much bigger stage, performing at Carnegie Hall, the Mi Qi Royal Opera House, and the Vienna Golden Hall, letting the world hear your voice."
Xiao Ya maintained her smile. "Thank you for your praise, but I don’t think I’m at that level yet."
’I play traditional folk instruments, and while I know some top international musicians, I’ve never heard of this Estelle Zoe. But anyone who can be a piano professor at the Juilliard School of Music has to be a giant in the music world.’
’If she’d praised me like this a few days ago, I might have been confused, but I also would have felt honored, proud, and deeply grateful. Now, I just feel disgusted.’
Estelle smiled. "Of course, not right now. You only have potential, but I can help you realize your full potential and soulfulness."
Xiao Ya asked, "By going to the Juilliard School of Music?"
"Yes." Estelle nodded. "Don’t think that the Juilliard School of Music only teaches Western instruments. As one of the world’s most prestigious music academies, it also delves into the famous traditional music of various countries.
Your foundation in guzheng is excellent, so I may not be able to teach you much more about technique. However, at the school, you can experience traditional music from all over the world, learn from the top musicians, and be exposed to the most cutting-edge musical concepts.
Believe me, in just one or two years of studying at the Juilliard School of Music, your soulfulness, experience, and expertise will improve dramatically.
By then, you can join the school’s ensembles on world-class stages. Carnegie Hall and the Vienna Golden Hall will open their doors for you."
"Xiao," Estelle’s voice was filled with temptation, "you will become a world-class Celestial Xia performer."
GULP! The orchestra leader swallowed hard, his eyes filled with anticipation.
"You don’t need to worry about tuition," Estelle said with a smile, seeing Xiao Ya hesitate. "As the vice-dean of the World Ethnic Music Branch, I have recommendation slots for full-ride scholarships.
In my opinion, your musical talent makes you more than qualified for a recommendation. In the future, when you’re on a world-class stage, I, as your mentor, will also share in your glory."
"Good heavens!" the orchestra leader couldn’t help but exclaim. Seeing that Xiao Ya was still deliberating, he wished he could just accept on her behalf.
Xiao Ya looked up and saw the expectant, probing look in Estelle’s eyes. She responded by showing just the right amount of joy and excitement, mixed with a hint of nervousness and apprehension.
"Thank you for thinking so highly of me." Xiao Ya clenched her hands, nervously fiddling with the hem of her clothes. "But your invitation is very sudden. I can’t give you an answer right away."
"That’s fine, it’s perfectly normal," Estelle said with a gentle laugh. "You can discuss it with your parents. I’ll be in Yangcheng for a few more days. This is my number in Celestial Xia; you can come find me anytime."
She took out a business card and handed it to Xiao Ya, winking playfully. "Seize the opportunity. I hope to see your guzheng solo at the New Year’s Concert in the Golden Hall."
"Thank you," Xiao Ya said, accepting the business card.
After bidding them farewell, Xiao Ya left the office. She held the business card near her Golden Gang Bracelet to test it, then folded it and tore off a corner, confirming it was just an ordinary paper card.
Xiao Ya breathed a sigh of relief and hurried to the practice hall.
Jiang Shishi waved to Xiao Ya. As she approached, Jiang Shishi asked curiously, "What did the leader want with you?"
"A piano professor from the Juilliard School of Music invited me to Huaqi Country for advanced studies, promising I could perform on world-class stages, like Carnegie Hall or the New Year’s Concert at the Golden Hall."
"What?" Jiang Shishi’s eyes went wide, and then she immediately understood. "They’re targeting you?"
Xiao Ya nodded. "Looks like it."
Jiang Shishi then huffed indignantly, "Why not me? Are they looking down on me? I was the proactive one when it came to the two of us and Gu Zhao!"
"What are you thinking!" Xiao Ya tapped her lightly. "Don’t forget the connection between my grandfather and White Cloud Temple. They’re targeting White Cloud Temple."
Jiang Shishi pouted. "Tch, so it’s all about connections!"
Just then, another orchestra leader walked into the hall and clapped her hands, interrupting everyone’s practice and quiet chatter. "Quiet down, everyone. I have an announcement to make."
Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked over at her.
She gestured, and a tall, pretty blonde woman walked in. The newcomer gave a polite half-bow to everyone as a greeting.
"This is a top student from the Berklee College of Music, Erin Lawrence," the orchestra leader introduced. "Erin has a keen interest in Celestial Xia’s traditional instruments and has taken the initiative to join our orchestra for an exchange and study period. Let’s all give her a warm welcome!"
Everyone applauded, especially the men in the orchestra, whose eyes were practically shining.
The orchestra leader then looked toward Xiao Ya and Jiang Shishi. "Erin is particularly interested in the guzheng and the pipa. She saw your performance yesterday and was very impressed. She’d like to learn from you two, so please take her under your wings."
Xiao Ya and Jiang Shishi exchanged a look.
"Another one?" Jiang Shishi grimaced.
"This time you’re included," Xiao Ya snickered.
