Chapter 27

"Master Liszt, what special ability does this Huaguo man have to earn your attention for his performance?"

A French loli with golden hair and blue eyes, dressed in a Lolita princess dress and looking extremely kawaii, was now curiously watching Song Mo's back.

He's certainly handsome.

But he's so young—how could Piano Master Liszt possibly value him?

"Adelin, don't underestimate this young man."

"Look into his eyes—what do you see in them?"

Master Liszt burst into laughter, showing an elder's fondness and tolerance toward this lovely French lady.

Adelin carefully studied Song Mo's eyes.

She shook her head, looking deeply troubled: "Master Liszt, I've looked for a long time—besides noticing his eyes are black, and seem noble and beautiful, I haven't seen anything else."

This made Master Liszt laugh so hard his beard trembled; he pointed at the young man beside him and said:

"Sheldon, your sister is simply too innocent—hahaha, I haven't met such an interesting young man in a long time."

The handsome young man beside him, also with golden hair and blue eyes nearly identical to Adelin's, sighed helplessly: "Master Liszt, when you speak like that, I don't know whether you're complimenting my sister or mocking her—poor my innocent, pure-hearted sister."

"She probably thinks you're praising her and is secretly delighted!"

"Hey! Sheldon!" Adelin, delicate as a Barbie doll, pouted indignantly: "Sheldon, you can say I'm innocent, but ignorant?"

"Do you think I won't take away your favorite estate and turn it into a giant public toilet?"

Sheldon looked helplessly resigned.

"You mean Xuesong Gongyuan? Adelin, that's a 2.5-square-kilometer estate once lived in by Drama Master Zhuobielin and Beast-Painting Master Ti!"

"Turning it into a toilet is an insult to the Masters!"

Adelin puffed out her cheeks: "If the Masters truly disapprove from heaven, then let Sheldon go apologize to them—and make him respect Adelin from now on!"

Sheldon had absolutely no way to deal with his sister, who had an angelic appearance but a heart as cruel as a demon's.

Master Liszt even laughed so hard his cane fell from his hand.

He roared with laughter: "I think that's a great idea!"

"Why can't a place once lived in by a Master be turned into a toilet?"

The group laughed and chatted merrily, momentarily forgetting Song Mo, who was already seated at the piano—until suddenly, a jarring piano note rang out.

Conversation instantly fell silent.

Master Liszt's body trembled.

His gray beard quivered like rustling leaves.

He picked up his cane from the floor and gripped it tightly in his palm, his gaze sharpening on Song Mo.

"Sheldon, don't think I don't know—you were the one who stole Father's prized wine..."

"Adelin!" Master Liszt called out.

Adelin's voice cut off instantly.

"During someone's performance, maintaining quiet is a courtesy—and a sign of cultivation."

Master Liszt spoke gently.

Meeting his kind gaze, Adelin nodded.

She immediately realized the mysterious Easterner seated at the piano was no ordinary person.

Her eyes then regarded him like a timid fawn.

Sheldon also began to reexamine Song Mo.

Song Mo had not yet begun playing—he had only tuned a few notes.

"Dear Adelin, earlier you asked me what was in this Huaguo youth's eyes? Now I can tell you."

Master Liszt spoke slowly: "His gaze carries the aura of a sovereign—like a fierce beast, even in an unfamiliar land, he remains calm and composed."

"It is not the ignorance of a child, but the serene confidence of a master. He is not anxious, he is perfectly still—because his skill is in his hands, his strategy is in his heart; this is his absolute self-assurance."

Adelin exclaimed in surprise: "This mysterious Huaguo man is so young!"

Her tone carried skepticism.

Liszt did not answer; he simply made a quieting gesture with his hand.

"The performance has begun, Adelin—listen well."

"He will astonish you."

Hearing Master Liszt so confidently affirm the Huaguo youth's talent,

Adelin's curiosity grew ever stronger.

And Sheldon, Adelin's brother, had remained silent since Song Mo began tuning.

His deep eyes fixed on Song Mo, as if trying to discern something hidden within this Huaguo man.

Song Wanrou had not revealed her identity as Xia Shuqin's student.

Even if she had, it would have meant nothing.

She only needed to remain silent, like everyone else.

And Song Mo's upcoming performance would be the most powerful reply.

And indeed, as Song Wanrou had anticipated,

the moment the music began,

Master Liszt suddenly clenched his cane, veins bulging violently on his hand, gripping it so hard it seemed he would pierce the floor!

Sheldon, who had just been gazing deeply at Song Mo, now had his gem-like blue eyes filled with stunned awe.

Of all those present, the one least knowledgeable about art was the doll-like Adelin—but even she, relying purely on instinct, felt Song Mo stood on the same level as Master Liszt!

The music surged like a mountain collapsing, like a tidal wave, like a sudden catastrophe.

Suddenly, the impassioned, heroic melody took another sharp turn.

A gentle breeze and fine rain, the air thick with the warmth of spring.

Liszt Master's other left hand unconsciously groped about for something, and only after finding his walking stick did he seem to have a support.

His aged hands steadied on the walking stick; Liszt Master gently closed his eyes, listening to the thunder of sound pouring into his ears!

The piece ended.

Liszt Master stepped forward briskly.

Like an affectionate elder, he straightened Song Mo's tie slightly, then offered a gentleman's bow.

Song Mo hurriedly returned the courtesy.

"Liszt Master, what are you doing?"

Liszt Master raised his head, his gaze sweeping about like an old eagle, while Song Mo, meeting his eyes, showed not a hint of timidity—his look was calm and gentle.

Liszt cried aloud: "Great god of music and wisdom, Bolachi—is it you who have bestowed divine grace upon the mortal world? If not, how else could such an outstanding young man exist?"

"Young man of Huaguo, you are a true genius, an unprecedented genius!"

"Your level no longer requires you to take me as your teacher. Once you gradually come into your own, in the not-too-distant future, you will surely be renowned the world over!"

Song Mo said softly: "Mr. Liszt, if possible, I still hope to be able to take you as my teacher."

"But you're already on the same level as me…" Liszt could not understand.

"We in China have a saying: 'There is order in who learns the Way first, and each craft has its own mastery'; another saying is 'He who has attained it is the teacher.'"

Song Mo said earnestly: "Only you are qualified to be my teacher, and besides, I also need a teacher."

Liszt caught the unspoken meaning behind his words.

This was an absolutely fair transaction.

In fact, Liszt was getting the better end of the deal by far.

"Very well, young man, you shall have what you desire."

(End of chapter)