Symphony's Romance Episode 11 Recap
> Symphony's Romance Recap
Fang Xiaowo felt deeply affected by Song Ran's piano performance, perceiving her own playing as messy and unrefined in comparison. She disheartenedly concluded that she was unworthy to stand by Li Zhenyan's side. Li Zhenyan, noticing her change in mood, comforted her by saying that she was unique and that one day she would also perform on a much larger stage, inspiring the world with her beautiful music. This made Fang Xiaowo feel a little better.
However, Fang Xiaowo remained troubled. Seeing her low spirits, Ji Mo brought her some food. As they happily chatted, Fang Xiaowo expressed how much Song Ran's recital had affected her, making her feel like a mere elementary school student compared to Song Ran's brilliance. Ji Mo, in turn, praised her "childlike" playing style as free, romantic, and vivid, noting that children play for joy, not grades.
They playfully agreed that if Ji Mo didn't go to Europe, they would become kindergarten music teachers together, sealing it with a pinky promise. Just then, Li Zhenyan arrived at the piano room, also bringing food for Fang Xiaowo. Seeing her close interaction with Ji Mo, he turned and left abruptly, appearing upset. Fang Xiaowo chased after him, asking if he was angry and if he was jealous.
Li Zhenyan denied it, but Fang Xiaowo teased him about how cute he looked when he was jealous. Meanwhile, Qin Fen was searching for Li Zhenyan on campus when he unexpectedly witnessed a student proposing to Lin Qingshang with flowers and tickets to a Jenny Janssen violin solo concert. Although initially reluctant to interfere, Qin Fen stepped in when he saw the student grab Lin Qingshang's hand. Lin Qingshang pulled Qin Fen aside and asked why he had helped.
He claimed he was merely "helping out" because they both played the violin and she was Chen Zheng's cousin. Lin Qingshang, disappointed by his answer, then probed him, asking what he would do if she had accepted the suitor's proposal. Qin Fen, failing to grasp the hidden meaning, stubbornly replied that it would not concern him. Lin Qingshang, clearly frustrated, called him "brain-dead" and left. That night, Qin Fen reflected on the incident, realizing Lin Qingshang might have been upset.
The next day, he sought her out to apologize. Lin Qingshang repeated her question from the previous day, but Qin Fen still shied away from acknowledging his true feelings. This left Lin Qingshang even more disheartened, and she walked away. Later, during S-Team practice, Qin Fen tried to glean insights from Chen Zheng about Lin Qingshang's preferences. He specifically asked about the effectiveness of traditional romantic gestures like sending flowers and concert tickets, and why Lin Qingshang had seemed angry.
Chen Zheng dismissed such methods, noting many people had sent flowers to his sister without success, and jokingly asserted that it would be impossible for Qin Fen to win her over, advising him to stay away. Later that evening, Fisher unexpectedly visited Qin Fen at his family's noodle shop. Qin Ba warmly welcomed Fisher, but Fisher expressed a desire to taste Qin Fen's cooking. Qin Fen admitted he had never cooked noodles, as his father always did.
Fisher insisted, suggesting Qin Ba teach him, simply stating he, a "lonely old man," just wanted a satisfactory bowl of hot noodles. With his father's guidance, Qin Fen cooked bowl after bowl until Fisher was finally pleased. Fisher then used the arduous task to teach Qin Fen about the patience required for dedication, subtly hinting that Qin Fen, as a chief, needed to develop this quality to overcome his impulsive nature and "settle down."
Fisher summoned Tian Yisong and Li Zhenyan, offering them the chance to become his disciples. Tian Yisong eagerly accepted without hesitation, but Li Zhenyan appeared puzzled, asking about Fisher's true intentions. Lin Yumian explained the immense opportunity: becoming Fisher's student meant studying music with him in France and potentially signing with his agent, leading to recognition as a rising star in international classical music. Tian Yisong vowed to do his best.
Fisher emphasized that the competition between them should be without reservations. Li Zhenyan, growing impatient with Fisher's rambling, tried to leave, but Fisher stopped him. Fisher then revealed the unique assessment method: they would exchange orchestras, with Li Zhenyan conducting A团 and Tian Yisong conducting S团, and the assessment would take place in three days. Li Zhenyan flatly refused.
Tian Yisong, upset by Li Zhenyan's refusal, expressed his envy for Li Zhenyan's privileged background and ease in obtaining resources, while he himself had to "fight hard" for every opportunity. He asserted that this was a crucial chance for him and demanded that Li Zhenyan either accept the challenge or provide a valid reason, showing respect as an opponent. Li Zhenyan merely apologized, maintaining he could not participate, prompting Tian Yisong to declare he would not give up.
Song Ran, who was back in the country for a graduation performance with Fisher, sought out Li Zhenyan, asking why he wouldn't become Fisher's student. Li Zhenyan stated that Wainda was his teacher. Song Ran dismissed this, believing he was reluctant to go to Europe and that something was "fettering" him.
She then questioned if Fang Xiaowo was the reason for his hesitation, warning him that a conductor's life was on stage, and he would surely regret abandoning this opportunity to go to Europe. Fang Xiaowo, who had been listening from behind a pillar, overheard their conversation. Later, as Li Zhenyan walked, lost in thought, he reflected on the words of Lin Yumian and Song Ran, recalling the grand opportunities and questioning his own fears, reliving a fearful childhood memory.
Fang Xiaowo quietly followed him home. When he stopped, she asked why he was unhappy, sensing he wanted to be Fisher's student and go to Europe. Li Zhenyan admitted he didn't know the reason for his reluctance. Fang Xiaowo then confessed her mixed feelings: she was happy he wouldn't leave if he didn't go to Europe, but she also worried he might "run away."
She pointed out his recent absent-mindedness, like leaving milk uncovered, not scolding her for spilling water, or not noticing his wet foot, concluding that he must be burdened by something important. She playfully warned him not to "jump in the river" if he were to run away, as she couldn't swim, recounting her own childhood escapades to avoid piano lessons. Taking his hand, Fang Xiaowo earnestly assured him that she would stand by him no matter what decision he made.
Comforted by her words, Li Zhenyan's mood brightened, and he declared he was hungry, leading her home for dinner. His resolve strengthened, he decided to participate in the competition with Tian Yisong. Fang Xiaowo secretly resolved that if he were to go to Europe, she would follow him like a loyal wife. News of the impending competition between Li Zhenyan and Tian Yisong, involving a conductor exchange, quickly spread among the S团 members.
The S团 members were conflicted, initially confident that Li Zhenyan would win and stay with them, but then realizing he would be conducting A团, making him their opponent. They expressed their reluctance to "fight their senior brother." Fang Xiaowo tried to reassure them, claiming Li Zhenyan wouldn't go to Europe because he was pursuing graduate studies under Wainda. When Li Zhenyan arrived, the members expressed their relief, thinking he wouldn't join A团.
However, Li Zhenyan then apologized and confirmed that he had accepted the offer to lead A团. The members were outraged and vehemently protested. Li Zhenyan explained that in a true professional orchestra, conductors and ensembles have a cooperative relationship, with no eternal companions or enemies. He specifically addressed Qin Fen, reminding him that he was the S团's chief, not Li Zhenyan's, and urged him to understand the true meaning of "chief."
Qin Fen responded that they simply didn't want to become his enemies. Li Zhenyan then clarified that while those words were from him as the S团's conductor, he had more to say as their companion.
