Symphony's Romance Episode 23 Recap
> Symphony's Romance Recap
The morning began with Li Zhenyan diligently preparing breakfast in the kitchen. Fang Xiaowo teased her father, Fang Dajiang, saying he was "stealing skills" as he watched Li Zhenyan cook. She proudly declared that Li Zhenyan's beef curry was the best in the world. Fang Dajiang, observing Li Zhenyan's practiced movements, asked if he often cooked for his family.
Li Zhenyan explained that he used to cook for himself when he lived alone, and more recently, he cooked for Fang Xiaowo. He expressed that it was his pleasure to cook for her, and mealtimes with Fang Xiaowo were the happiest part of his day. Fang Dajiang approved of the cooking, and after breakfast, they all changed clothes to help Wang Popo collect fishing nets. It was Li Zhenyan's first time doing such work, and he was quite clumsy.
Fang Dajiang instructed him to remove debris from the nets and roll them up neatly. Fang Xiaowo, seeing Li Zhenyan's disheveled appearance, found his struggles amusing and playfully told him he had a bug on him, causing Li Zhenyan to jump in fright. After he frantically asked her to remove it, she confessed it was a trick, laughing at his reaction and his obvious discomfort at the thought of bugs, finding his fear endearing.
That evening, a tired Li Zhenyan was approached by Fang Dajiang, who wanted to talk. Fang Dajiang commented on Li Zhenyan's delicate appearance, surprised he endured the day's hard labor, noting he hadn't needed to help. Li Zhenyan clarified that he wasn't doing it to accommodate Fang Dajiang, but rather to please Fang Xiaowo, explaining that seeing her happy brought him joy, and her sadness made him sad. He suggested that accommodating her sometimes was a good thing.
Fang Dajiang then shared insights into Fang Xiaowo’s past, revealing that her mother had died when she was young, leaving him too busy to properly care for her. He recalled finding her asleep with breadcrumbs on her face and feeling like an inadequate father. He discovered her musical talent when she could play melodies from a toy musical instrument after hearing them just once.
However, when he enrolled her in piano lessons, strict teachers labeled her untalented and unable to read music, which only made her more resistant. It wasn't until Xiang Xiang, the daughter of a piano company owner, befriended Fang Xiaowo and allowed her to play freely that her passion for piano was rekindled. Fang Dajiang asked Li Zhenyan if Fang Xiaowo was truly suited to be a professional pianist, worried that it might constrain her free spirit.
Li Zhenyan reassured him, stating that a person's true passion will always endure, no matter what, and that he deeply loved Fang Xiaowo's piano playing. Later that night, Fang Xiaowo tried to talk to Li Zhenyan, but Fang Dajiang was still in the living room and sent her back to her room. Undeterred, Fang Xiaowo texted Li Zhenyan, eagerly discussing their future life in Paris, describing it with a "newlywed" feeling.
Li Zhenyan thanked her for the hypnosis, admitting he had only pretended to be hypnotized by her. Fang Xiaowo was surprised by this revelation. Reflecting on her past confession to him, she felt a profound happiness, concluding that regardless of his feelings, she liked him more than anyone else in the world, which made her incredibly happy. Li Zhenyan then asked if she could finally sleep peacefully.
The next morning, Fang Xiaowo and Li Zhenyan packed their bags to return to Shanghai. Fang Xiaowo suggested taking a train due to Li Zhenyan's fear of flying, but he insisted on taking a plane, implying her presence helped him. On board, a tense Li Zhenyan was comforted by Fang Xiaowo, who held his hand and applied hand cream, promising that its scent would remind him of her and alleviate his anxiety. She pledged to always be by his side.
Meanwhile, in France, Jiang Caiwei called Tian Yisong, expressing her longing for him. Tian Yisong shared exciting news: his orchestra's schedule had been adjusted, and he would be performing in Paris that weekend, meaning they could finally meet. Jiang Caiwei, however, was in a predicament; she had a crucial appointment with her teacher to attend an opera and meet with agents, which she couldn't miss.
Tian Yisong understood and told her that such opportunities would come again, and they would overcome this period of separation. After his performance that weekend, Tian Yisong received a life-changing offer from Wainda, a renowned master. Wainda, impressed by Tian Yisong's performance and passion, offered to take him as an apprentice and include him in his world tour. Overjoyed, Tian Yisong rushed to tell Sasha, and in his excitement, he suddenly embraced and kissed Sasha in celebration.
At that very moment, Jiang Caiwei arrived, holding flowers to surprise Tian Yisong, but witnessed the kiss. Heartbroken, she dropped the flowers and left. Realizing she had been there, Tian Yisong frantically called her, but she refused to answer. He then received a text message from her, ending their relationship. He rushed to her apartment in Paris, only to find she had moved out, leaving behind only the ring he had given her.
Back in Shanghai, Li Zhenyan met with He Shengliang. Aware of He Shengliang's recent setback with the A-group, Li Zhenyan, preparing for his own departure, straightforwardly invited He Shengliang to join the RGroup S. He acknowledged He Shengliang's talent, noting that among all conducting students, only he and Tian Yisong had left a lasting impression. Li Zhenyan particularly praised He Shengliang's professional demeanor and team spirit, believing it would bring order and new musicality to the RGroup S.
He confessed his "selfishness" in wanting to secure He Shengliang's talent for their orchestra. He stressed that this was not merely a call for a "rescue" but a genuine desire for He Shengliang to be a long-term conductor for the RGroup S. He Shengliang agreed to seriously consider the offer. At the RGroup S, Chen Zheng inquired about Lin Qingshang's preparations for going abroad. Qin Fen overheard their conversation, learning about her impending departure.
Though he tried to hide his dismay, Lin Qingshang noticed his troubled expression. That night, Qin Fen stayed late to practice his cello alone. Lin Qingshang waited for him, and when they finally spoke, Qin Fen affirmed his support for her decision to pursue advanced studies abroad. He vowed to practice diligently to become a capable chief, waiting for her return.
He told her she was destined for a grander stage than the RGroup S, a sentiment that brought a smile to Lin Qingshang's face. The following day, Li Zhenyan announced to the RGroup S members that he and Fang Xiaowo would be going to Paris, where Fang Xiaowo would study with a master. Qin Fen expressed concern for the orchestra's future with so many key members leaving, including Lin Qingshang and Ji Mo.
Li Zhenyan then appointed Qin Fen as the new chief, expressing confidence in his abilities, and suggested He Shengliang as his successor for conductor. At that moment, He Shengliang arrived and sincerely apologized for any past negative impressions. He pledged to lead the RGroup S to be even more outstanding than before, explaining that the members' passion for music had moved him to accept the position.
Despite initial skepticism from some members, including Qin Fen, He Shengliang's earnest apology and commitment convinced them to welcome him. Everyone congratulated Li Zhenyan and Fang Xiaowo on their new journey, promising to work hard in their absence. In a private moment, Fang Xiaowo playfully asked Li Zhenyan if he was jealous when she spent time with other people. While he admitted he didn't like her clinging to "that guy," he quickly denied being jealous. She then teased him, wondering if he would miss her when she went to Paris.
