Chapter 317 - 316: Professional Level
Chapter 317 - 316: Professional Level
Everyone, including Li Ying, was surprised by Beisitian’s choice.Li Ying’s eyes flickered, staring at Beisitian without blinking, unable to comprehend what she intended to do. Seeing the smile on her face made Li Ying suddenly uneasy.
However, remembering that she had passed the Guzheng level ten exam last year, her heart settled down, believing that no matter how skilled Beisitian was, she couldn’t surpass her. Right now, it was just a bluff... no, it wasn’t a bluff.
Li Ying sneered inwardly, convincing herself that Beisitian had chosen her strong suit because she knew she couldn’t compete across the board. Everyone was aware of Beisitian’s high Guzheng skills, so even if she lost, it wouldn’t be too embarrassing!
However, seeing Beisitian’s shimmering eyes, Li Ying felt uncertain again. Did she look confident enough to defeat her?
Li Ying’s smile slightly faded as she scrutinized Beisitian, noticing her gaze directly locked onto herself, wearing a confident smile. It was apparent she truly believed she could win.
Li Ying laughed in anger, thinking that having a mere rural woman with some talents dare imagine defeating her was utterly delusional!
Although she had voluntarily suggested competing with Beisitian, the fact that Beisitian began to challenge her made Li Ying displeased.
Anyway, it was good this way. If Beisitian was confident, she planned to deliver a major blow, shattering her confidence so thoroughly that she wouldn’t dare challenge her again!
Thinking of this, Li Ying’s face beamed with a smile; defeating her this way would be truly satisfying!
Li Ying had her own Guzheng, one she personally purchased, whereas Beisitian could only use the Guzheng from the art troupe.
Having a handy instrument is very important, especially in a competition.
Beisitian had her own requirements for the Guzheng, but as those conditions were unavailable, she had to make do. Fortunately, it wasn’t against those elegant young ladies; otherwise, without her accustomed instrument, defeat was certain.
The previous duos’ artistic contests were perfunctory at best, but now, seeing sparks between Li Ying and Beisitian, the audience became excited.
Nonetheless, most thought Li Ying would win, being the art troupe’s prideful star with high Guzheng skills, possessing a national exam certificate undoubtedly stronger than a woman from the countryside.
Although this rural woman was talented.
Many muttered ’rural woman’ concerning Beisitian, but unlike before, they felt guilty each time they spoke the words, irrationally lacking confidence.
A rural woman was not only a military doctor but possessed many skills. Compared to city folks, who seemed capable of only cooking for men in dormitories, barely singing in tune, they no longer had the gall to mock Beisitian’s roots.
Due to being an interactive segment, the talent display was something the two could discuss and plan, and Li Ying humbly granted Beisitian this privilege.
No matter what Beisitian chose, Li Ying was confident she could play it.
Beisitian smiled slightly, "Let’s each choose our own piece, play what we wish."
Li Ying was taken aback, "Isn’t it difficult to measure if you do that?"
If the compositions differ, how would it be judged who played well and who didn’t?
"It won’t be." Beisitian smiled gently.
The level of skill, even to an untrained ear, could be apparent, but she aimed to play to that recognizable extent.
Li Ying sneered inwardly, nodding in agreement. Since it was free-form, she planned to choose a Guzheng level ten piece to show Beisitian what level ten truly meant!
Li Ying opted for "Fantasy Grassland Trip," a classic among Guzheng level ten pieces and notoriously challenging. It took her months to master.
She didn’t believe Beisitian could surpass her.
Li Ying placed the Guzheng in position, sitting gracefully, her hands gently resting on the strings, maintaining a serene smile throughout.
Li Ying’s fingers moved delicately, transitioning the arpeggio intro from soft to strong, showcasing mystery and apt dynamics.
Many struggle with this part, holding level ten certificates but lacking the skill.
In the prelude, Li Ying employed her left hand as support and the right hand dominantly.
Professionals such as Yuan Guiling and Beisitian, and even a few guests in the audience were quite satisfied with Li Ying’s Guzheng performance.
Li Ying, in her early twenties, exhibited extraordinary skill, indeed worthy of being the art troupe’s pride.
Once "Fantasy Grassland Trip" concluded, the hall erupted in enthusiastic applause.
Li Ying stood up and bowed lightly, displaying a flawless smile, then her gaze fell on Beisitian.
Beisitian was already seated at the Guzheng. Seeing the instrument before her, she gently grazed it, preparing to play a piece she had performed before in her past life, unlike the mood during "Xiyun."
This tune brought nostalgia, no longing, just reminiscence.
Beisitian’s hands softly landed on the Guzheng, naturally lifting the corners of her mouth into a gentle smile.
Many below suddenly experienced an odd sensation, as if Beisitian presented a different aura—a shift in temperament, elegantly poised in every move, and nobly refined in every smile.
Yuan Guiling’s expression subtly changed; such shifts typically occurred only in professionals, yet Beisitian, a family member from rural origins, exhibited this refined aura?
The music began with a melodic, graceful tone and a soothing tempo, painting a picture of a sunset reflecting on a vast expanse of water.
Then the composition gradually descended, lively and charming, employing a pentatonic scale, swirling a beautiful melody that declines layer upon layer.
Yuan Guiling grew more astounded; though she had significant Guzheng expertise, her broader musical exposure revealed Beisitian’s technique and emotional depth, which could only be described as professional!
Such professionalism, without comparison, might be imperceptible to the untrained, but following Li Ying, the contrast was clear—anyone, expert or novice, could discern the quality difference in their performances.
The composition reached its lively climax, elevating everyone’s spirits—a sensation Li Ying couldn’t elicit!
Li Ying watched Beisitian playing the Guzheng, stunned. She had never heard this piece before but recognized its complexity, not something she could play, not even simplified!
Her skill level seemed above concert-grade... no, possibly even higher... she couldn’t quite grasp it!
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