Chapter 1321: The Creator

A piece of music, stunning the entire room.

As the music ended, Yousefu looked at those still immersed in the notes and smiled sincerely.

This was true art; a sense of pride welled up within him.

He looked at Liu Zheng, knowing this achievement was thanks to him, and tipped his hat in tribute.

Clap, clap, clap!

Just at this moment, Count Austin took the lead in applauding to show his respect.

The small coffee house was suddenly filled with thunderous applause.

"Thank you to this young man for bringing us such a moving piece of music."

Austin expressed his respect, and someone recognized his identity.

"That is Count Austin, a great Noble of Vienna."

"I never expected him to come here to drink coffee; this is an honor. That musician is so fortunate to receive his appreciation."

"He deserves such recognition."

Amidst the surrounding discussions, Yousefu learned that this man was a famous Noble of Austria, and his own attitude became somewhat respectful.

"Respected Count, thank you for your praise."

Count Austin's wrinkled face broke into a smile; he waved his hand, and after some mutual professional flattery—

Count Austin got to the point: "Mr. Yousefu, there is a gala at my castle tonight, and I would like to invite you to be my guest."

Once these words were spoken, the coffee house was shocked.

To be a guest at Count Austin's gala meant one's status and standing would rise accordingly.

After all, the guests who could attend this gala were no ordinary Nobles, and countless artists would break their necks trying to become a performer at Count Austin's gala.

Yet, not a single person had ever had such an opportunity.

No one expected Yousefu to receive such a chance.

They could foresee that a great artist was about to be born.

Having the fortune to hear a great artist perform, choosing to come to this coffee house today was worth it.

Amidst the harmonious atmosphere, that arrogant waiter felt like dying.

He really wanted to slap himself twice; why had he offended Yousefu just now? He had originally been the person with the best chance to make amends with Yousefu.

Now, everyone was waiting for Yousefu's answer.

It was the first time Yousefu had faced the gazes of so many people, and he felt somewhat awkward; he looked at Liu Zheng.

This piece of music was created by Liu Zheng; he was merely the performer.

"Respected Count Austin, please allow me to decline your suggestion."

As soon as the words fell, the entire room fell into astonishment.

"What, did I hear that right? He refused Count Austin?"

"This is an opportunity! Does he not know that Vienna's top Nobles will be at Count Austin's gala?"

"This is an opportunity others wouldn't get in a lifetime."

Facing the buzzing discussions, Yousefu remained indifferent, but the waiter sneered repeatedly.

Good, a vagrant is just a vagrant, refusing even Count Austin.

Let's see how you soar to the heavens now; Yousefu, you are only fit to be a vagrant.

Austin was slightly stunned; he had never imagined this young artist would reject his proposal.

He did not understand, and even couldn't help but ask subconsciously.

"Why?"

This was also the question on everyone's mind: why not accept Count Austin's proposal?

Yousefu smiled slightly, looked at Liu Zheng, and said:

"Respected Count Austin, please allow me to introduce to you an artist from Longyan. Although I do not yet know his name, his musical attainments have already conquered me."

Saying this, he introduced Liu Zheng to Count Austin.

Liu Zheng's name was known to almost everyone in Europe, but in this era, there were no cameras, let alone photographs; no one knew what Liu Zheng looked like.

Even Count Austin

did not know, nor was he clear on it.

Everyone's gaze fell upon Liu Zheng, carefully scrutinizing this artist from Longyan.

Count Austin had long known that this piece was written by Liu Zheng, but he believed more strongly that the reason it was so moving was the performer's merit.

"A composer cannot play such moving music; Yousefu, you are the true great artist."

Yousefu, however, disagreed and continued: "No, I am just the performer; any performer could do it, but this piece is truly unique."

"He is the creator; I am not."

Among those present, there were quite a few who did not know the ins and outs of the whole matter, and looking at this merchant from Longyan, they could not help but be curious.

Many of them were regulars at this coffee house and knew Yousefu's temperament; although he was living under someone else's roof,

deep down, he always revealed the arrogance of an artist.

To be able to make such a fellow bow his head, this person from Longyan was no simple character.

Count Austin frowned slightly, faced Liu Zheng directly, and said with an unforced authority: "You composed this piece, although Lord Yousefu believes you are the artist."

"But I do not think so. Unless you can play to Yousefu's standard, don't even think about attending my ball."

Hearing these words, Liu Zheng laughed.

It seemed he had no intention of attending his ball anyway.

"Count Austin, I think you have misunderstood something. First, music is merely my hobby, and I have no intention of becoming an artist."

Yousefu revealed a look of shock; such a person actually only treated music as a hobby.

"Second, the piece was played by Yousefu at my request. His level of performance is extremely high, but the pieces he writes himself lack a certain creativity."

Count Austin was unimpressed, but Yousefu lowered his head in shame; this was also the reason why he could only perform in such a small coffee house.

"Third, I have no intention of attending your gala."

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire room fell into silence.

What, you also don't want to attend Count Austin's gala?

What is wrong with these two people, daring to snub Count Austin like this? Do they really not know, or are they pretending not to know?

How many people want to attend Count Austin's gala but have no way in.

Count Austin was so angry he laughed; his cultivation was usually excellent, but at this moment, it vanished completely.

"What do you take my gala for?"

"Is it a banquet that can be refused at will?"

"Or what else!"

Count Austin let out a cold shout; to be refused twice in one day was something that had never happened before.

This was a gala that even the Archduchess of Austria, Teresa, would attend.

Now, it was actually being refused by a down-and-out artist and a Longyan merchant!

Although Yousefu was arrogant, he was not stupid, so he immediately said, "Respected Count, we absolutely have no intention of offending you, but the greatest essence of art is creation, not interpretation."

"There will always be people who interpret better than me, but not necessarily anyone who creates better."

"If this Longyan gentleman does not attend, then I will absolutely not perform this piece at the banquet either."

Count Austin was stunned, and as he looked at Liu Zheng, his eyes gleamed with a fierce light.

This hateful Longyan person, could the piece he composed really be that important?

"Count, if you don't believe it, you can let this gentleman demonstrate what it means to create a piece."

Liu Zheng glanced at Yousefu, understanding in his heart that this fellow wanted him to attend this gala as well.