Symphony's Romance Episode 10 Recap
> Symphony's Romance Recap
Fang Xiaowo complained that she was hungry, and Li Zhenyan, after noticing how close she was, teasingly asked if she had tried to kiss him. He then promised to go home and cook for her. Meanwhile, Editor Bay interviewed Li Zhenyan, who reflected on Group S’s last performance, hoping everyone felt happy, and believed his choice was correct.
Editor Bay asked if he was referring to Master Fisher as his teacher, but Li Zhenyan said Fisher was a different important teacher and that the teacher he was referring to was "not convenient to say." Li Zhenyan further explained that conducting had been his most important dream since childhood. When Editor Bay brought up Li Zhenyan’s father, the famous pianist Li Yazhe, Li Zhenyan requested not to mention him, a request Editor Bay respectfully understood.
After giving Li Zhenyan his business card, Editor Bay departed. Director Meng later discussed the "Listening to Classics" magazine featuring Li Zhenyan with Principal Lin. Director Meng was pleased, noting the school’s performances were now innovative, even with a piano student as conductor. She admitted Editor Bay chose Li Zhenyan over her suggestion of Tian Yisong and Master Fisher. Seeing the positive impact, Director Meng concluded that keeping Group S would greatly benefit the school.
She then inquired about Fisher's return, and Principal Lin surmised he would be back soon to complete "unfinished business" at the school. Elsewhere, Lin Yumian attempted to persuade Elise to allow Fisher to return to the school, but Elise refused to budge. During their conversation, Fisher, feeling like a "meat ticket" held by a "kidnapper" Elise, seized the opportunity to escape the hotel.
He had complained about hunger and being restricted from eating braised pork, with Elise reminding him of his health. Elise had also questioned his real reason for returning, suspecting it was for his "first love," which he denied. Upon discovering Fisher's escape, Elise became furious, cutting short her conversation with Lin Yumian, who, interestingly, allowed herself a small smile.
Earlier, Lin Yumian had argued that Fisher’s true value transcended mere monetary loss, emphasizing his potential to positively influence aspiring musicians' lives. In a bookstore, Jiang Caiwei and Tian Yisong encountered Sasha. Jiang Caiwei observed Sasha’s evident fondness for Tian Yisong, though he feigned ignorance. Sasha provocatively suggested to Jiang Caiwei that since Group A won, Li Zhenyan shouldn’t have gotten the magazine interview.
Jiang Caiwei, pulling Tian Yisong away, later confronted him about the incident where Sasha was locked in the rehearsal room. Jiang Caiwei had been unfairly blamed and asked if Tian Yisong was involved. He dismissed the matter, saying it wasn't important since she had secured her study abroad spot. Jiang Caiwei insisted she didn't want to be suspected for something she didn't do and hoped the same for him, reiterating their mutual trust.
Later, Sasha approached Tian Yisong privately, offering to help him secure an opportunity to study under a master in Europe, mentioning that Fisher wasn't the only master. Tian Yisong declined, stating he didn't need her help and that a relationship with her was impossible because of Jiang Caiwei, but Sasha remained persistent. Li Zhenyan and his friends were still struggling to locate Fisher.
Qin Ba, overhearing their concern about Group S's dissolution, revealed that Fisher and Principal Lin were once Baiqi's "golden couple," suggesting Lin Yumian would know his whereabouts and that Fisher’s return was likely for her. The group rushed back to school, where they found Fisher with Lin Yumian, a sight that brought them relief.
Fisher explained to Lin Yumian that Elise was pushing him to return for tours, but he reaffirmed his commitment to Lin Yumian, promising to fulfill his obligations to her. As they headed to Qin Ba’s for noodles, Elise suddenly reappeared. She intercepted Lin Yumian, informing her that Fisher's return was not solely for her, as someone else had made a request earlier, a fact Lin Yumian seemed to already know.
Elise ultimately agreed to give Fisher another month at Baiqi but then requested Lin Yumian's assistance with a significant task Fisher intended to undertake: taking on a student. Fisher later confirmed to Tian Yisong that he was still considering his previous promise to take him as a student and would choose between him and Li Zhenyan after a "special test." Tian Yisong, feeling it was unfair given Li Zhenyan's team lost the competition, vowed to pass any test.
He later confronted Li Zhenyan, confirming the selection process. While Tian Yisong was determined to surpass others, Li Zhenyan calmly explained his philosophy of success as surpassing oneself. Acknowledging their differing viewpoints, Tian Yisong reiterated his commitment to passing the test and becoming Fisher’s student. Li Zhenyan's old friend, Song Ran, arrived from abroad looking for Fisher. She met Fang Xiaowo at Baiqi, who enthusiastically offered to guide her to Group S’s rehearsal hall.
On their way, Song Ran recognized Li Zhenyan’s piano playing from a distance, identifying various pieces by composers like Bach and Brahms. She excitedly rushed into the practice room and hugged Li Zhenyan upon seeing him. Fang Xiaowo, observing their warm reunion and familiar interaction, including Song Ran affectionately calling him "Brother Zhenyan," felt a pang of sadness and insecurity.
Song Ran, realizing Fang Xiaowo was Li Zhenyan’s junior sister, asked them to play a four-hand piece they used to perform as children. Though Li Zhenyan initially hesitated, he eventually joined. Fang Xiaowo watched their tacit understanding and skillful performance, feeling a sense of emptiness. After their performance, Li Zhenyan, making an excuse, promptly left with a visibly upset Fang Xiaowo, leaving Song Ran behind.
On their way home, Fang Xiaowo, usually boisterous, was unusually quiet, prompting Li Zhenyan to ask what was on her mind. She tentatively asked if he had many ex-girlfriends, like Song Ran and Jiang Caiwei, and whether she could even "win" against such excellent people. Li Zhenyan dismissed her worries, saying she was unique. Fang Xiaowo then described playing piano with him like being on a swing, with him perfectly pushing her forward.
But seeing him with Song Ran, she felt like they were on the swing together, while she was just an observer. Fang Xiaowo asked if she was "much worse" than Song Ran, to which Li Zhenyan replied they weren't on the same level and couldn't be compared, which further disheartened her.
Later, as they were having dinner at home, Song Ran unexpectedly arrived, intending to stay at Li Zhenyan’s place, claiming her booked hotel couldn't accommodate a piano and that Fisher had told her Li Zhenyan’s home was her "hotel." Fang Xiaowo nervously signaled Li Zhenyan not to agree. Li Zhenyan tried to turn her away, citing limited space, but Song Ran persisted, reminding him of their childhood bond.
Li Zhenyan then asked Song Ran why Fisher invited her, and she explained it was to give lectures and share her learning experience at Baiqi. The next day, Fisher and Song Ran conducted a class for Group S. Fisher introduced Song Ran as a famous pianist, in Shanghai for a recital, here to share her experiences. Students whispered about Song Ran's global tours and achievements as a "Chinese genius piano girl," making Fang Xiaowo feel more out of her depth.
Song Ran began by discussing challenging Chopin etudes, specifically “torrent in C minor,” and sought a student to assist. She called out "Brother Zhenyan," but Fisher stepped in, explaining that Li Zhenyan was now focusing on conducting and suggested giving the opportunity to someone else. Fisher then called Fang Xiaowo to the stage. Fang Xiaowo admitted she had never heard the "torrent" piece before but played it nonetheless, making several mistakes.
Song Ran, while acknowledging Fang Xiaowo’s good technique for a first attempt, gently pointed out issues with her rhythm and her habit of not reading the score. Song Ran then flawlessly demonstrated the piece herself, explaining that the musical score acts as the initial "conductor" of the piano's "orchestra," and a player must understand the composer's intentions before interpreting the music freely.
She advised Fang Xiaowo that overcoming the habit of not reading the score would lead to a significant improvement in her playing. Fang Xiaowo was deeply disheartened, feeling that Song Ran was a true genius capable of mastering any piece.
Fisher, noticing her low spirits, approached her, emphasizing that Song Ran's talent came from immense effort from a young age (recitals at 13, international awards at 16), and paraphrasing Rudolf Buchbinder, noted that "premature fame is dangerous for a musician" due to the pressure involved. Fang Xiaowo realized Song Ran’s advice was meant to be helpful. Later, Song Ran gave Fang Xiaowo tickets to her upcoming recital, inviting her and Li Zhenyan.
She praised Fang Xiaowo's potential and expressed a desire for them to perform together someday. Song Ran then tried to invite Li Zhenyan out for Australian lobster to celebrate, but he declined, stating he had an appointment, and quickly pulled Fang Xiaowo away. Song Ran then asked Fisher if Li Zhenyan liked Fang Xiaowo, and Fisher subtly confirmed it, stating, "We all like him very much." That evening, Li Zhenyan took Fang Xiaowo for hot pot.
Fang Xiaowo playfully questioned why he hadn't denied being her "senior brother" to Song Ran earlier. Li Zhenyan turned the question back, asking if she was his "girlfriend," which Fang Xiaowo shyly confirmed. He reassured her not to compare herself to Song Ran, emphasizing that she was unique and didn't need to be like anyone else. At Song Ran's recital, Fang Xiaowo was mesmerized by Song Ran’s radiant performance, feeling she was "born for the stage."
Fang Xiaowo shared her envy and wish to hold her own recital. Li Zhenyan expressed confidence that she would perform on even bigger stages in the future. Fang Xiaowo then asked if he would "see this world" with her.
