Chapter 406: Forcefully Slapping Face
s.h.i.+ Jin ignored her hateful gaze and said to Ramos, “Mr. Ramos, you wanted to ask me how this piano piece was composed, right?”
She spoke in Polish and was fluent. There was no need for translation and everyone present could understand her.
“That’s right. Previously, I gave s.h.i.+ Xuexin that score instead of full marks because I felt that her song sounded a little out of place. The emotions she expressed were very different from what she said. Of course, the other judges also noticed this problem. However, since this compet.i.tion was meant to encourage young people to compose cla.s.sical piano music, they were not too strict.”
Ramos briefly explained to everyone why he had given s.h.i.+ Xuexin a score of 9.9.
It was only then that everyone recalled that Ramos had been frowning ever since s.h.i.+ Xuexin finished her performance. He seemed unhappy, but also puzzled. It was also him who had asked s.h.i.+ Xuexin several questions.
Ramos continued, “However, after listening to your performance, this sense of dissonance disappeared, and the emotions were no longer severed. However, s.h.i.+ Jin, you also know that your performance is very similar to s.h.i.+xue’s, so we were unable to give you a score back then. This requires you to prove that this is your original composition. However, I believe the situation is already very clear.”
It was very clear.
s.h.i.+ Xuexin’s face was pale as she stood by the side, pinching her palms. She had nothing to say.
s.h.i.+ Jin maintained her usual expression, just like when she came in.
She held the microphone and said confidently, “Everyone knows that Beethoven’s original composition of Ode to Joy was a melody composed by a German poet with the same name. The original poem was Schiller, and Beethoven’s melody was magnificent. Although it was called Ode to Joy, in reality, it was majestic and magnificent. Beethoven himself was Schiller’s loyal admirer. This Ode to Joy was also one of Beethoven’s favorite poems. The desire for freedom and equality of life expressed by Schiller in the poem was actually Beethoven’s ideal of peace.”
Everyone nodded in agreement.
“Therefore, my Ode to Music is actually a tribute to Beethoven’s Ode of Joy. However, because I was still young when I composed it, I could only compose a light and cheerful tune. I have yet to grasp the majestic mood.”
This was true. When s.h.i.+ Jin composed these piano pieces, she was only twelve years old. It was the darkest period of her life and she was still young. Hence, the overall tune was more cheerful and simple, but she hid her bitterness in the opposite play of the tune.
Later on, her score ended up at home. She did not pay much attention to it and did not even think about what to do with it.
Who knew that s.h.i.+ Xuexin would pick up these ma.n.u.scripts? After she picked them up, she did not know what kind of variations s.h.i.+ Jin had hidden in these songs, and the ma.n.u.scripts were written so carelessly.
She had no choice, but to copy them all down and make up for the parts that were not smooth. Therefore, when s.h.i.+ Jin played, whether it was playing along or backwards, it was very natural and relaxed.
As for s.h.i.+ Xuexin, after two years of repair, filling, and adaptation, she had indeed made up for all the parts that were not smooth previously. Coupled with s.h.i.+ Jin’s original overall tone, many people thought highly of her. However, Ramos was a professional, so he could tell that something was off.
s.h.i.+ Jin continued, “That’s why this song of mine comes with a poem. He is a poet that I like very much. My favorite lines from him are: ‘A great person can dilute sorrow, a deep color can cover a light color’. Back then, when I wrote this song, I had contacted him on Weibo and showed him my score.
“As for s.h.i.+ Xuexin, I have never authorized her to use my things, nor have I ever given her anything. I believe that no one, be it me or everyone present here, can tolerate their efforts being taken by others.”
Ramos nodded. When he heard s.h.i.+ Jin’s words, he finally understood why the score was not too different. s.h.i.+ Jin’s performance was a feeling, while s.h.i.+ Xuexin’s performance was another feeling.
“s.h.i.+ Jin, your music is really outstanding. It’s especially rare for you to be able to make different changes to the same tune and make it as melodious and pleasant to listen to. Piano music is a spiritual enjoyment for people, and it’s also a spiritual belonging for us. It can surpa.s.s words, transcend nations, and bring everyone a beautiful enjoyment, but this doesn’t mean that someone can use it to trample on others,” Ramos said solemnly.
The people below stage also agreed unanimously. “Yes, exactly.”
“Good point.”
“Music belongs to everyone, but it’s definitely not stolen.”
s.h.i.+ Xuexin’s body was on the verge of collapse. She just stood there, not daring to move and not knowing what to do.
Xiuli gave her a huge livestream tonight and arranged a huge celebration party for her. After that, Chu Ling had to announce their relations.h.i.+p to the public, but it was all ruined. She didn’t know what to do. The stage was like a giant cage, locking her in.
Compared to s.h.i.+ Jin who was receiving all kinds of compliments, she was like a trapped beast.
s.h.i.+ Jin looked at s.h.i.+ Xuexin coldly and said in a cold voice, “I have indeed lived with the s.h.i.+ family and lived with you. What can this prove? s.h.i.+ Xuexin, the fact that we were switched at birth indeed caused trouble in our lives, and it also caused us to take many detours. However, this was not an excuse or reason for you to steal my things and mock me. I’m telling you seriously, no matter who you are or what family you come from, I am me, s.h.i.+ Jin. This has never changed. There’s no need to prove it with anything.
“As for you, it’s time for you to stop. Stop using these ridiculous tricks to show your superiority in front of me.”
The audience erupted into applause.
This was because the interpreter was enjoying the translation too much. She translated what she said immediately so that everyone could understand what she was saying.
With every word that s.h.i.+ Jin said, s.h.i.+ Xuexin would instinctively retreat, s.h.i.+vering and looking pitiful.
When Jin said the last sentence, s.h.i.+ Xuexin fell to the ground with her head lowered. Her hair was disheveled and she did not dare look at anyone.
s.h.i.+ Jin took a few steps back, as if she was walking away from a pile of rubbish.
Ramos stepped forward and said, “s.h.i.+ Jin, it’s time to present the award to you. I believe you deserve the trophy of the original composition compet.i.tion.”
He held up the trophy. The four judges below the stage stood up and expressed their agreement.
He pa.s.sed the trophy to s.h.i.+ Jin.
s.h.i.+ Jin took it from him and said to everyone, “Although the results of tonight’s award ceremony is different from what you expected, everyone, I still want to say this. Although Country S has thieves who use other people’s things as their own to make themselves look good, just like how a big tree has a withered branch, there are very few people like them in Country S. She can’t represent the general standard of Country S nor can she represent Country S or any of its people.”
Everyone applauded in understanding.
s.h.i.+ Jin’s words also reminded them not to rank s.h.i.+ Xuexin and Country S on the same level. It would also stop the reporters from gossiping, lest they use this matter to extend to the entire country.
“I hope that everyone will focus more on the piano piece. Music has no boundaries. Everyone, thank you again.” s.h.i.+ Jin raised the trophy and waved at the crowd casually.
Everyone thought of her more valuable Chopin trophy and couldn’t help, but stand up and applaud.
s.h.i.+ Jin didn’t stay on stage for long. She went down the stage and went backstage.
s.h.i.+ Xuexin was dragged off the stage by the security guards. Her legs were too weak to walk.
Back in Country S, because of the large-scale live broadcast thanks to Xiuli Entertainment, this exciting performance was showcased in front of everyone. Hu Lai didn’t even have time for public relations.
Before the live broadcast ended, a few trending topics were already uploaded.
# s.h.i.+ Jin Jade #
# s.h.i.+ Jin Chopin Award #
# s.h.i.+ Jin Face Slaps s.h.i.+ Xuexin #
# s.h.i.+ Jin Satisfying #
# Xiuli Entertainment Plagiarism Nest #
The contents were all discussing this matter.
s.h.i.+ Jin’s fans had already heaved a sigh of relief. However, when they saw the name ‘Jade’, they were shocked.
“I cracked open.jpg, s.h.i.+ Jin is actually Jade.”
“Actually, I should have thought of it when I saw s.h.i.+ Jin playing the piano.”
“Wuwuwu, I’m a fan of some G.o.dly artist.”
“Daughter, I don’t deserve to be your mother. I can only kneel down and watch your live stream.”
The pa.s.sersby also saw s.h.i.+ Jin winning the award.
“s.h.i.+ Jin won the Chopin Award? Can the fans not make things up? Do you know what award that is? Can you not…” Then, they saw the joint Weibo posts of the Warsaw Philharmonic Music Hall and the National Piano a.s.sociation. “The Chopin Award, which should have been awarded a month ago, has been delayed until now because of the death of a member of the organizing committee. We would like to congratulate s.h.i.+ Jin @Little Stone for winning the international compet.i.tion finals. Sheng Tian @Sheng Tian has won fifth place in the international compet.i.tion.”
“Ah… s.h.i.+ Jin really won the champions.h.i.+p…” The pa.s.serby stopped talking.
The value of this award was enough to shut anyone up.
It had been fifteen years since the last winner of the Chopin Award appeared.
After fifteen years, another champion was born. Furthermore, she was from Country S. The value of this award was naturally incomparable.
At the same time, the Ivy League match was also officially brought into the list of important compet.i.tions – everything had been a blessing in disguise.
Among the people watching the live broadcast, there were many who were dumbfounded.
Wei Zai was one of the most confused ones.
“How could this be? How could this be?” He stood up and muttered to himself.
The others looked at him sympathetically. Speaking of which, although everyone had liked s.h.i.+ Jin and disliked s.h.i.+ Xuexin previously, they had never imagined that s.h.i.+ Xuexin would do such a thing and be slapped so ruthlessly on the spot.
Facing the desperate Wei Zai, no one dared to say anything.
Gu Jingyuan wanted to invite everyone to a meal to celebrate, but he swallowed his words after glancing at Wei Zai.
Gla.s.ses Boy, on the other hand, heaved a huge sigh of relief. It was good that s.h.i.+ Jin was fine.
***
At the Philharmonic Music Hall, after s.h.i.+ Jin got off the stage, she walked towards the back of the stage.
She did not need to remove her makeup or change her clothes. Hence, she walked past the backstage and headed out.
She held the trophy in her hand and avoided the countless reporters that followed behind her.
The black dress made her look like a ghost in the dark night. She walked backstage, leaving behind only a shadow before disappearing without a trace.
Many contestants witnessed her arrival and departure. They were still immersed in the shock she brought, but she had already disappeared.
Outside the door, things were not calm.
Xiuli Entertainment and Chu Ling had prepared a grand celebration for s.h.i.+ Xuexin. After going through all sorts of rehearsals, they were already prepared.
When Chu Ling went out, the waiting staff lit up hundreds of lanterns outside the venue and opened the gift box in their hands.
With several bangs, the confetti floated in the air and landed on Chu Ling’s head.
The colorful lights shone on him.
“Congratulations!” the staff shouted excitedly.
They were preparing outside and didn’t dare to make any mistakes. Hence, they didn’t watch the live broadcast nor did they leave. They didn’t know what was happening inside.
They only knew that after Chu Ling came out, they had to light all the lights and release the confetti. Just as they rehea.r.s.ed, they would deliver a huge bouquet of roses to Chu Ling.
These staff members were all Poles. Although they didn’t know what Chu Ling wanted to do, they could imagine that Chu Ling would definitely confess to his girlfriend in such a romantic scene. Furthermore, they had heard that his girlfriend was a very popular contestant.
Being able to witness and partic.i.p.ate in such a romantic scene, the staff members were also filled with antic.i.p.ation.
The lights were s.h.i.+ning brightly, and none of them noticed the exceptionally dark expression on Chu Ling’s face.
At the same time, Chu Ling held the roses. A mocking and regretful smile appeared on his face.
He thought back to the time when he found out about his engagement with s.h.i.+ Jin. He had thought that the heavens were really kind to him to be able to marry such a cute and loving girl, but later on, s.h.i.+ Xuexin intervened.
She would look at him gently every time, and her words were sweet and touching. She would speak ill of s.h.i.+ Jin carefully and pretend that nothing had happened after saying that. She would even advise him not to take s.h.i.+ Jin’s willfulness and insensibility to heart.
In her words, s.h.i.+ Jin was always insensible. She would disturb her while she was playing piano, she would deliberately ruin her violin and destroy the things she liked.
And when s.h.i.+ Jin’s face was scratched and she cried and said that it was s.h.i.+ Xuexin’s doing, Chu Ling’s disgust towards her reached its peak. He even felt uncomfortable when he looked at her, but was that really the case?
s.h.i.+ Xuexin’s words had been proven to be lies one after another in the past… This time, it was focused in a one-time outburst.
The overlay of lies made him wonder at that moment if all her gentleness and generosity were nothing more than masks.
He admitted that he had his own selfish reasons for choosing s.h.i.+ Xuexin. He wanted to make use of her to change his career. He wanted to get popularity from announcing their relations.h.i.+p and gain fans who liked them as a couple. However, the current s.h.i.+ Xuexin… probably could not bring him anything else. However, s.h.i.+ Jin had everything that s.h.i.+ Xuexin could not give.
Every time s.h.i.+ Jin achieved something, s.h.i.+ Xuexin would not be able to achieve it even if she spent a few more years.
As for s.h.i.+ Jin, compared to s.h.i.+ Xuexin, her looks were like a rich flower walking on earth. She was bright, resplendent, and dazzling…
Chu Ling clenched his fists until a staff member pushed him. “Sir, your girlfriend is out!”
Chu Ling instinctively wanted to throw the roses away. He raised his lifeless eyes and looked backstage. His eyes were filled with thoughts.
It was s.h.i.+ Jin!
s.h.i.+ Jin walked out of the backstage as per normal. When she reached the exit, she did not see her car. Instead, she saw Chu Ling holding roses in his hand.
She immediately turned around to leave from another direction. However, the Polish staff, who could not distinguish Asian faces at all, thought that she was the person Chu Ling was waiting for. Hundreds of staff held roses in their hands and stopped her.
“Mister, hurry up and confess!” They urged Chu Ling.
Out of kindness and out of duty, they could not let s.h.i.+ Jin leave.
s.h.i.+ Jin frowned slightly and her expression turned cold. Under the illumination of the colored lights, this coldness was ignored.
She stopped in her tracks and watched as Chu Ling walked towards her with the roses in his hands.
At that moment, Chu Ling had already thought things through. Since s.h.i.+ Jin was good in every aspect and affected his heart in every aspect, why did he have to stick to s.h.i.+ Xuexin? He had never promised s.h.i.+ Xuexin anything. Even if he had given her hope, she was the one who had shattered their future and hope.
Only s.h.i.+ Jin in front of him was where he truly belonged. He realized that his heart could still beat faster. It turned out that he had never truly given up on s.h.i.+ Jin.
With a pained expression, he walked up to s.h.i.+ Jin.
“s.h.i.+ Jin.” His voice was hoa.r.s.e, but he knew that he would never let s.h.i.+ Jin down again.
s.h.i.+ Jin looked at him. She controlled her emotions. After all, other than the staff, all the reporters had gathered around.
She could get rid of sc.u.m like s.h.i.+ Xuexin on the stage, but she definitely did not want the matter to be blown out of proportion at a time like this.
The staff saw this scene and played the pre-prepared music. It was a romantic and pa.s.sionate dance song.
According to the pre-set rehearsal content, at this time, the girl should have accepted the man’s confession and started dancing with him.
s.h.i.+ Jin’s expression was cold and distant. She raised her eyebrows slightly, looking flirtatious and wild.
“s.h.i.+ Jin, please accept my blessings. Congratulations on winning the Chopin Award and the Ivy League champions.h.i.+p.” Chu Ling held the roses forward.
s.h.i.+ Jin sized up the dazzling bouquet of roses.
Chu Ling said in a low voice, “Take it as my celebration for you as a fellow countryman. s.h.i.+ Jin, please accept my blessings.”
Although that was what he said, if s.h.i.+ Jin accepted the rose in front of everyone, the media’s photos and reports would not be written like this.
s.h.i.+ Jin was well aware of their way of doing things. She made up her mind and her eyes turned colder.