Symphony's Romance Episode 27 Recap
> Symphony's Romance Recap
Li Zhenyan called Qin Fen, informing him that he was back in China to perform with Master Fisher and suggesting they meet. Qin Fen, excited, greeted Li Zhenyan as "Martial Brother." Upon meeting, Qin Fen congratulated Li Zhenyan on his championship, teasing that Fisher was now dependent on him. Li Zhenyan inquired about Lin Qingshang in France, specifically her well-being and if she had any suitors.
Qin Fen reassured him about Lin Qingshang's eating habits, noting Fang Xiaowo was there, and boasted that no French man could compare to him in handsomeness, implying Lin Qingshang missed him greatly. Qin Fen then asked about Li Zhenyan's performance schedule. Li Zhenyan clarified that the upcoming weekend performance was actually for Song Ran and Fisher, and he would only be an assistant, not performing on stage. Despite this, Qin Fen insisted he would attend.
Li Zhenyan shifted the conversation to the RS Orchestra, asking about their recent activities and rehearsal location. Chen Zheng began to reveal their financial struggles, explaining they had taken many commercial gigs due to funding issues. Qin Fen quickly interrupted, emphasizing their goal of reaching the Shanghai Concert Hall and portraying these commercial engagements as necessary steps. He spoke of a lucrative upcoming gig that weekend.
Li Zhenyan offered to visit them, but Qin Fen declined, claiming the location was too far and urging Li Zhenyan not to treat himself as an outsider. Finally, Qin Fen, wanting to change the subject, asked about Fang Xiaowo's absence, but Li Zhenyan hesitated, unsure how to explain why she hadn't returned with him. In Paris, Dalia grew worried when Fang Xiaowo refused to leave her room for her first lesson with Professor Vogri, blaming Li Zhenyan for her unhappiness.
She feared Fang Xiaowo would be disqualified. However, Lin Qingshang remained composed, recalling Li Zhenyan's instructions before his departure. He had anticipated Fang Xiaowo's emotional state and told Lin Qingshang to remind her that he would definitely return to see her recital. He also gave Lin Qingshang a dress he had bought for Fang Xiaowo as a recital gift, entrusting Lin Qingshang with her care.
When Lin Qingshang conveyed Li Zhenyan's message and presented the dress, Fang Xiaowo was immediately re-energized, realizing he hadn't forgotten their promise. She quickly prepared to leave for her class. Unfamiliar with the city, Fang Xiaowo struggled to find her way to the classroom, encountering language barriers while asking for directions. Meanwhile, Professor Vogri waited patiently for her arrival, despite an assistant suggesting she might not come.
Fang Xiaowo eventually arrived, apologizing for her lateness, and was surprised to find that Professor Vogri was a Chinese national, who was, unbeknownst to Fang Xiaowo, Li Yazhe. Back in China, Fisher feigned illness to avoid conducting his concert with Song Ran, trying to force Li Zhenyan into his place. Li Zhenyan adamantly refused, asserting his role as an assistant conductor, not Fisher's apprentice, and accusing Fisher of trying to manipulate his public image.
He insisted Wainda was his only teacher and stormed off. Song Ran then tried to persuade Li Zhenyan, asking if his reluctance stemmed from not wanting to share the stage with her. Li Zhenyan denied this, explaining that he refused to become Fisher's apprentice and that he had already promised Fang Xiaowo he would perform a piano concerto with her, a commitment he did not want to break.
Song Ran acknowledged his feelings but reminded him that professional musicians must collaborate with many people, and their music couldn't be exclusive to just the two of them. She then left to prepare for the concert, leaving Li Zhenyan to ponder his decision. During her lesson, Fang Xiaowo played a Mozart piece for Vogri.
He commented that while her playing showed dedication, it lacked the lively and spiritual quality he remembered from her competition performance, which had a "seriousness and aura." He guessed that a male observer might have been her inspiration then. Fang Xiaowo, impressed by his perception, confirmed that Li Zhenyan, her boyfriend and the conducting champion, had indeed been watching her. She proudly mentioned his promise to perform his first piano ensemble with her.
In the middle of the lesson, Li Zhenyan called Fang Xiaowo. She enthusiastically updated him on her studies, expressing her delight that Vogri (Li Yazhe) was Chinese and could speak Mandarin. She reiterated her goal of a recital and reminded him to return. Li Zhenyan reassured her he would come back for her recital, but before he could tell her about his decision to perform, Ilise, his manager, urged him to the stage, abruptly ending the call.
Fang Xiaowo, only hearing his renewed promise, was thrilled and returned to her piano with renewed passion, fantasizing about performing a Brahms piano concerto with him. Vogri also encouraged her determination when she asked about applying for a recital. After his performance, Li Zhenyan bypassed the after-party to find Qin Fen. He discovered Qin Fen and the RS Orchestra performing at a barbershop opening, feeling guilty that he had left them with such difficulties.
Qin Fen, however, remained optimistic, affirming that the orchestra was their dream and expressing his happiness performing with them. He downplayed their financial and adjustment challenges, assuring Li Zhenyan that things would improve and specifically asking him not to inform Lin Qingshang of their struggles. Chen Zheng clarified that the main issues were funding and member integration. Qin Fen vowed to keep the RS Orchestra alive and reserved the conductor position for Li Zhenyan if he ever returned.
Later, Li Zhenyan discreetly gave Chen Zheng his prize money from the conducting competition, insisting it was his own earnings and should be used to help the orchestra through its hardest times, despite Chen Zheng's initial reluctance. Li Zhenyan later called Fang Xiaowo, who recounted her piano studies and praised her "gentle" teacher, Vogri (Li Yazhe). Li Zhenyan, in turn, spoke about the RS Orchestra and Qin Fen's growth.
However, Fang Xiaowo was exhausted from her rigorous practice and fell asleep during their conversation. For some time, Fang Xiaowo diligently continued her piano studies with Vogri in Paris, while Li Zhenyan dedicated himself to his commitments in China, occasionally checking in on Qin Fen and Chen Zheng. Fang Xiaowo's hard work eventually earned her the eligibility for a recital. Meanwhile, Li Zhenyan's reputation and skills grew significantly during his tour with Fisher.
Fisher, however, repeatedly introduced Li Zhenyan to reporters as his apprentice, which deeply annoyed Li Zhenyan, who considered Wainda his sole teacher. Ilise then showed Li Zhenyan a video of Wainda acknowledging Li Zhenyan as Fisher's student and commending Fisher for acquiring a "good apprentice." To Li Zhenyan's dismay, he discovered that the contract he signed wasn't merely for the tour, but a ten-year management agreement with Ilise and Fisher.
He was furious at being misled but realized he was bound by the terms. Ji Mo arrived in Paris and visited Fang Xiaowo at her apartment, bringing her a "Little confused mask." Lin Qingshang, who was also there, seemed interested in Ji Mo and invited him to stay for dinner. During their conversation, Ji Mo mentioned Li Zhenyan's recent performances, inadvertently revealing to Fang Xiaowo that Li Zhenyan had been performing with Song Ran.
Fang Xiaowo was crestfallen and hurt that Li Zhenyan had not told her about this. She expressed her deep desire to share the stage with him. Concurrently, Qin Fen and Chen Zheng received another call from the barbershop owner, who now recommended the RS Orchestra to a funeral home to play dirges. Qin Fen initially rejected the offer, finding it unsuitable, a sentiment shared by Chen Zheng.
Immediately after his refusal, Mr. Wang, their previous sponsor, called to withdraw his sponsorship. Facing this new financial crisis, Qin Fen reluctantly decided to accept the funeral home engagement. When he announced this to the orchestra members, they strongly objected, with some even threatening to quit if forced to play dirges, leading to a tense confrontation.
Qin Fen's father, the noodle shop owner, encouraged his son to persevere, assuring him that his noodle shop would always provide for them and emphasizing the importance of unwavering commitment. One member echoed sentiments previously expressed by Fang Xiaowo, stressing that "making money" should not overshadow the joy of performing music for an audience, which should be their true motivation. As Fisher and Song Ran's tour concluded, Li Zhenyan began packing for his return to Paris.
Fisher noticed a beautiful piece of jewelry Li Zhenyan had with him. He then probed Li Zhenyan about Fang Xiaowo's reaction to his performances with Song Ran. Li Zhenyan remained silent, prompting Fisher to remark that "jealousy can sometimes ignite the spark of art." Back in Paris, since learning of Li Zhenyan's collaboration with Song Ran, Fang Xiaowo had begun to mimic Song Ran's piano-playing style.
She practiced obsessively, determined to play flawlessly like Song Ran, convinced that this was her only path to sharing the stage with Li Zhenyan. Vogri presented her with a piano recital application form, acknowledging her renewed determination, though Fang Xiaowo still harbored doubts about her own abilities.
