Symphony's Romance Episode 24 Recap
> Symphony's Romance Recap
The RGroup S gathered as the new conductor was announced, confirming that Li Zhenyan was indeed heading to Europe. With their farewells, the members blessed Li Zhenyan, and seeing their slightly downcast mood, he offered to treat everyone to a large meal. Li Zhenyan clarified the new leadership, proposing Qin Fen take over Lin Qingshang's chief position.
He explained that among many conducting students he had observed, only He Shengliang and Tian Yisong left a deep impression, and He Shengliang's professional qualities were particularly surprising, making him sincerely hope He Shengliang would become the conductor. He Shengliang then arrived, accepting the role. He apologized for any past negative impressions, promising that under his baton, the orchestra would not be worse than under Li Zhenyan, but only more outstanding, inspired by the members' passion for music.
Despite initial doubts from Qin Fen and others, He Shengliang's sincerity won them over. The members then congratulated Li Zhenyan on his upcoming journey, with Lin Qingshang explicitly stating she would see him in Paris. Meanwhile, Fang Xiaowo went to bid farewell to Mr. Zhang. He handed her several music scores, urging her to memorize them thoroughly before leaving for Paris to ensure she made a good impression.
He passionately assured her that if anyone in Paris ever forced her to play the piano in a way she disliked, she should call him immediately, and he would fly over to defend her. Touched, Fang Xiaowo jokingly remarked that no one but him would ever be so strict with her. She acknowledged that his past tough methods were aimed at helping her achieve first place and promised to work hard.
She handed him back the "Pippi exercise" sheet, expressing sadness that they couldn't practice it together anymore. Their emotional farewell was interrupted by Mr. Hu, who came to take photos for a year-end summary, comically instructing Fang Xiaowo to smile more brightly. After Fang Xiaowo left, Mr. Zhang lamented losing such a talented student. Mr. Hu offered a comforting shoulder, which Mr. Zhang brushed off, instead making Mr. Hu practice the "Pippi exercise" himself.
Later, Qin Fen was with his father, who seemed to show more affection to Fang Xiaowo, even preparing a "daughter-in-law package" meal for her. Qin Fen jokingly complained about his father's favoritism and Fang Xiaowo leaving for France. They reminisced about their musical journey, with Fang Xiaowo crediting Li Zhenyan for her path into classical music. Separately, Ji Mo met Fang Xiaowo outside a convenience store and congratulated her on her impending trip with Li Zhenyan.
Fang Xiaowo admitted she was simply happy to be with Li Zhenyan in Paris, regardless of her goals. Ji Mo, with a hint of sadness, advised her to always live for herself and maintain her "first heart." Fang Xiaowo was thrilled to learn Ji Mo would also be going to Paris later, as her French was rudimentary, and she felt relieved knowing she'd have him, Lin Qingshang, and Li Zhenyan there.
Fang Xiaowo then urged Ji Mo to confess his feelings to the girl he liked before it was too late. After a moment of hesitation, Ji Mo confessed his love to Fang Xiaowo, revealing he had been smitten since he first saw her play piano as a child. Fang Xiaowo, stunned, was speechless. Seeing her reaction, Ji Mo quickly clarified that those words were meant for the "other girl."
Relieved, Fang Xiaowo said she would be deeply moved if she were that girl and encouraged him to confess. Ji Mo sadly replied that they had already missed their chance, and all he wished for was her happiness. Just then, Li Zhenyan walked by and called Fang Xiaowo away. Li Zhenyan questioned her about her conversation with Ji Mo. Fang Xiaowo evaded the topic, playfully asking if he was jealous, which he vehemently denied.
She then teased him by saying Ji Mo would miss her and wanted to stay in touch in Paris. Li Zhenyan, feigning indifference, then enthusiastically spoke about their plans to eat crepes and see the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Soon after, Li Zhenyan and Fang Xiaowo packed their luggage and embarked on their journey to Paris. Upon arrival, they entered their rented apartment. Fang Xiaowo excitedly explored the spacious apartment, noting the piano, study, kitchen, and coffee machine.
However, Li Zhenyan quickly realized there was someone else in the apartment. He called the driver, who informed him that the landlord had also rented the apartment to an "international friend" named Dalia. By the time Li Zhenyan returned upstairs, Fang Xiaowo and Dalia were already chatting animatedly. Fang Xiaowo introduced Dalia as their new roommate and Li Zhenyan as her boyfriend.
Dalia, who spoke fluent Chinese and had studied piano, explained that the generous Chinese landlord usually rented only to compatriots but made an exception for her due to her love for Chinese culture. She also warned them about a locked storage room that the landlord had forbidden them from entering. Li Zhenyan then urged Fang Xiaowo to unpack quickly, chiding her for her messy packing.
He briefly translated a carved French phrase on a furniture piece as "just a normal French phrase." He reminded Fang Xiaowo that his preliminary competition was in two days and he needed to focus on practice, suggesting she get some good rest. Disregarding Li Zhenyan's advice, Fang Xiaowo ventured out alone into the Parisian streets the next day. She soon found herself lost and called Li Zhenyan, sending him a picture of a street sign.
While on the phone, two men approached her, asking if she was lost. Li Zhenyan, hearing the exchange, told her to stay put and rushed to find her. He quickly located Fang Xiaowo, who was being bothered by the two men, and pulled her away. Fang Xiaowo then introduced him as her boyfriend. Li Zhenyan scolded Fang Xiaowo for her recklessness, especially trying to buy hotpot ingredients in Paris.
Fang Xiaowo, delighted by his arrival, turned the situation into an impromptu date, pulling him along the streets and excitedly listing places like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre Dame. Li Zhenyan reminded her to focus on learning French and practicing piano, emphasizing the importance of this opportunity.
He explained that his upcoming conducting competition, known for its rigor, would test their on-stage mentality and unique musical interpretation, with contestants having only 120 minutes to prepare after drawing their piece. Fang Xiaowo, undeterred, reassured him of his brilliance. They enjoyed a lavish dinner with Blackcurrant cocktails, smoked salmon, Baked snail with vanilla, and Boston Lobster. Fang Xiaowo struggled with the French dessert menu, leading Li Zhenyan to tease her about her limited French vocabulary.
The restaurant was a crowded, familiar place that Li Zhenyan used to frequent. After dinner, Li Zhenyan carried a tired Fang Xiaowo on his back as they headed home late. The following morning, Li Zhenyan departed early for the competition venue, leaving Fang Xiaowo a note to find Dalia if she felt hungry.
When Fang Xiaowo woke up, ready to leave with him, Dalia informed her that Li Zhenyan had already gone, humorously mentioning he had expressed concerns about Fang Xiaowo's cooking abilities the previous night. Surprised, Fang Xiaowo immediately rushed out. At the competition, Li Zhenyan learned he had drawn Beethoven's Symphony No. 5, "Fate," a widely recognized piece, and began contemplating his presentation.
Joe Mott, a renowned French conductor and nephew of Pierre Mott, who had previously won a competition in Berlin, was announced as contestant number 17 and also drew "Beethoven's Fate." Fang Xiaowo arrived at the venue but was held back by security, who required an admission ticket. Despite her attempts to communicate in Chinese and broken English, the security struggled to understand her.
