Chapter 1596: The Fake Young Master Will Be Pampered by the Real Young Master 26

The concert was Parichel's domestic performance debut, with many media outlets in attendance, and that day they also announced a major news item—the concert's final closing act would be a duet performed by Gustav, who is already the concertmaster of a world-class orchestra and a behind-the-scenes figure, bringing his sole closed-door disciple, the legendary youth prodigy concertmaster.

Upon hearing the news, the music academy students who hadn't been selected and hadn't managed to get tickets all felt regret—who could have imagined a small concert would actually invite Mr. Gustav!

If Parichel is the leading figure, then Gustav is a world-class master!

Parichel himself hadn't expected it, and even Gustav himself had sent an email saying he wanted to participate; only after inquiring did he learn that Gustav's student was actually from the Music Academy of Starlight University. For this connection he could make use of, Parichel wished the master would play a few more pieces.

Backstage before the concert, Parichel was giving cautions to the orchestra providing full accompaniment; the conductor listened very seriously, as this opportunity was hard-won for their orchestra and more important than anything.

Zhou An sat beside Parichel, and even before going on stage he had already accepted several interviews, feeling elated.

He should be living like this, not lingering in obscurity where no one knows him and he gets no respect.

Zhou An absentmindedly thought about it, not really listening to Parichel's instructions at all, just occasionally responding with an assent.

Just then, Jin Chen and the performing students came backstage to run through the program one last time with Parichel.

Seeing Jin Chen hidden among the crowd, perhaps there wouldn't even be a solo camera shot of him later, Zhou An felt a hidden thrill and proactively greeted him.

The conductor also glanced over, suddenly froze, then widened his eyes in surprise.

"You… sir… what are you doing here?"

"Shouldn't you be preparing the duet with Mr. Gustav?"

Zhou An then recalled having run into Jin Chen at the hotel, where he was working part-time with the orchestra, while he himself was the main performer the orchestra needed to accompany.

"Yes, I remember you two should know each other; Jin Chen worked part-time here, and he's probably quite good."

Conductor:???

"What are you saying! How could they allow Gustav's disciple to intern in the orchestra?!"

He wiped his cold sweat, about to explain, but Jin Chen gave him a look; he inexplicably understood and echoed, "Yes… yes, it's quite good."

Parichel increasingly felt that Jin Chen's claim that his disciple plagiarized was nonsense; looking at Jin Chen with a hint of contempt, he said, "Young man, I never expected you to actually participate in this concert—perform well and don't embarrass me."

Jin Chen lowered his head to tidy his cuffs, hearing this he gave Parichel a meaningful look and said, "Then you'd better get ready."

Parichel: "…" What does that mean.

The conductor kept wiping his sweat, thinking that if Parichel knew Jin Chen's identity, daring to say that would truly be impressive.

It was obvious he was unaware and still mistook Jin Chen for just an ordinary student.

Before the official waiting period, Zhu Suisheng and Jiang Wen each came once, both to cheer on Jin Chen.

Zhu Suisheng came and didn't want to leave; he secretly observed Zhou An's condition and smiled satisfiedly.

"Dad and Mom will watch the livestream at home, you need to do your best."

Zhu Suisheng didn't tell Jin Chen his plan, just handed him a rose and sweetly said, "Today you'll go smoothly."

"Don't run around." Jin Chen cautioned, taking the rose and gently touching Zhu Suisheng's cheek with a petal, "I'll give you a surprise after the performance."

"What surprise? Is it a gift?"

Zhu Suisheng immediately looked forward to it; he liked the gifts Jin Chen gave.

Jin Chen decided to keep it secret, so no matter how Zhu Suisheng asked afterward, he couldn't get an answer; he could only continue waiting with anticipation.

As for Jiang Wen, he came representing the Student Union to cheer on the music academy students participating in the performance, so he had ordered a bouquet for each person, which was originally nothing special.

Jin Chen glanced at Zhu Suisheng, seeing he didn't mind, then accepted the bouquet Jiang Wen handed over, "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Jiang Wen remained in his gentle manner, as he always is toward anyone, greatly easing Zhu Suisheng's wariness of him; he smiled and said, "I just came from the side of the stage, and already many spectators have seen the performance poster, guessing whether you're some celebrity coming to perform."

Jin Chen looked toward Jiang Wen's side where Zhou An silently appeared, and seeing his resentful expression, he clicked his tongue inwardly.

The protagonist (as the receiver) treated him as a tool.

Zhou An noticed Jin Chen's gaze, glared at him angrily, and just as he started walking toward Jiang Wen, he saw him bid farewell and turn away.

"Senior…" Zhou An's words hadn't even left his mouth when Jiang Wen had already left the waiting room.

Zhou An: "..."

Jiang Wen did it on purpose!!

He glared at Jin Chen again.

Zhu Suisheng was embraced by Jin Chen, his tone cool yet smiling, "Do you want to become blind?"

"We'll see." Zhou An spat out three words viciously.

——

Zhou An's solo performance was placed before the music academy's ensemble piece, which he arranged out of selfishness; of course, outwardly he said it was to better connect their relationship.

He thought it would be a clear-cut judgment of superiority.

After all, besides the repertoire, during this time following Parichel he had learned quite a few techniques and considered himself much stronger than those at the school.

In fact, that was indeed the case—after the performance ended, applause thundered from the audience below; Zhou An stood on stage watching, and the media cameras focused solely on him.

Just then, Gustav, seated in the first row downstairs, picked up the microphone and asked, "This piece is quite good; did you compose it yourself?"

He actually received praise from the master!

Zhou An was overjoyed, completely unaware that Gustav only praised the piece and not his skill, "Yes, sir, it's an honor to receive your appreciation."

He answered without even a hint of guilt, his excitement plainly visible.

Fame was within reach; he intended to pocket all the money and glory!

Gustav chuckled happily twice, said nothing more, and gestured for the next piece to continue.

Immediately after came the performance of the music academy students.

Before going on stage, the vice dean leading the team still sighed, "Zhou An is truly amazing—Parichel and Mr. Gustav both praised him abundantly; who knows how smooth his path in artistic music will be from now on."

Hearing this, the other students couldn't help but show envious looks; Jin Chen stood apart from their sighs, glancing from backstage at the audience seats below.

Zhu Suisheng sat there waiting, well-behaved, today dressed like a steamed bun.

As if sensing something, Zhu Suisheng suddenly lifted his head to gaze through the gap in the heavy red curtain at the side, but the lighting and shadows prevented him from seeing Jin Chen.

Thinking that Jin Chen would be going on stage for the next piece, Zhu Suisheng turned off his chat interface and became serious.

At the same time, Shi Qian and Zhu Chengde, who were guarding in the live broadcast room, also paid attention and watched; they had previously gathered many videos of Xiao Chen's performances to view, and today was still the first time they watched a live broadcast, which they took very seriously.

"I don't know if Xiao Chen will be nervous or not." Shi Qian then became nervous, holding her red tea and took a sip, "But with Shengsheng there keeping him company, it should be much better."

"Xiao Chen is calm; he definitely won't be nervous."

Zhu Chengde had already witnessed more than once his unflappable, expressionless indifference.