Symphony's Romance Episode 31 Recap
> Symphony's Romance Recap
Li Zhenyan expressed his heartfelt feelings to Fang Xiaoye, telling her she was the most special and best person in his heart. At a Lumalie Orchestra rehearsal, Li Zhenyan meticulously guided the musicians, highlighting issues with the cello and violin sections, and explaining specific dynamics and phrasing. Some musicians grew frustrated with the slow pace, fearing it would delay their overall progress. Shelly intervened, acknowledging the validity of their concerns but emphasizing the necessity of resolving these fundamental issues.
She urged Li Zhenyan to continue, which he did. Later, Shelly revealed that several orchestra members had conflicting work schedules and were forced to prioritize their other jobs to make a living, even asking her to pick up their children due to extended rehearsals. One musician, Ji Mo, asked Shelly to pick up his daughter, Lusa.
Shelly brought Lusa back, and the little girl recounted her father's struggles, calling the new conductor, Li Zhenyan, a "super bad guy" for his demanding rehearsal schedule. Ji Mo shared with others that while Li Zhenyan's attitude during rehearsals could be harsh, he believed it was more important for musicians to focus on their craft than on interpersonal relationships.
Lusa also shared that despite the conductor being annoying, her father respected his musical direction and was practicing diligently to keep up. Meanwhile, Jiang Caiwei continued to advance in her pop music journey, now much more at ease than before. Her bond with Yan Yan also strengthened. During a practice session, Yan Yan praised Jiang Caiwei's performance and encouraged her to relax, even offering her candy, saying that a good mood from sweets would improve her health and singing.
Jiang Caiwei, who used to avoid sweets for her voice, tried it and found it surprisingly pleasant. Later, she received a concerned text from Tian Yisong, who was in Paris. He mentioned hearing about her dropping out due to vocal issues and asked her to reply, but Jiang Caiwei read the message and chose to ignore it, focusing instead on her music studies. Tian Yisong, determined to resolve his lingering relationship issues, invited Sasha to dinner.
Sasha, seeing a ring box in her imagination, mistakenly believed he was about to propose, especially since it was her birthday, a detail Tian Yisong was unaware of. She joyfully reminisced about her past birthdays and how she hoped he would be a permanent part of her life, even imagining a proposal and a cake. However, Tian Yisong gently but firmly told her that he owed her a lot but was not in a place for a relationship.
He explained he was entirely focused on developing the Butterfly Shang orchestra and did not want to delay her. Sasha, heartbroken, reproached him for breaking up with her on her birthday. Tian Yisong apologized, reiterating his sincerity about not wanting to hinder her. Sasha, though hurt, insisted he shouldn't feel burdened by her expectations and hoped that one day, after forgetting "her" (implying Jiang Caiwei), he might remember Sasha.
Tian Yisong later approached Li Yazhe, inviting him to perform Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 1 at Butterfly Shang's music season premiere. Li Yazhe was hesitant, citing his retirement and prior association only with the Lumalie Orchestra. Tian Yisong passionately articulated his ambition, admitting past jealousy of Li Zhenyan for having a pianist father like Li Yazhe, while he relied solely on his own desperation and hope.
He assured Li Yazhe that Butterfly Shang was no less capable than Lumalie and that his invitation was purely musical, unrelated to Li Zhenyan. He also cited Fisher as teaching him this principle and spoke of an "eternal" performance by Li Yazhe and Fisher from twelve years prior, hoping to create another such classic. Li Yazhe, visibly moved, seemed to accept the invitation. News of Butterfly Shang's attempts to recruit musicians, including Li Yazhe, reached Lumalie Orchestra.
Shelly expressed concern to Li Yazhe, fearing that Lumalie would lose confidence if he joined their competitor. Li Zhenyan then burst in, angrily declaring that Lumalie did not need Li Yazhe's help and that he would find a better pianist. Shelly urged Li Zhenyan to calm down and be respectful. Li Yazhe requested a private conversation with Li Zhenyan, advising him not to be complacent given his young age and the significant challenges of leading Lumalie.
Li Zhenyan adamantly rejected any help, asserting his independence and refusal to be controlled by his father again. Li Yazhe responded that he was trying to help his son, but Li Zhenyan blamed him for causing distress to Fang Xiaoye, saying their relationship was fine as long as Li Yazhe didn't appear. Shelly later reassured Li Zhenyan that he was capable of finding an even better pianist.
Afterward, Li Yazhe met with Fisher, who was still listening to music with headphones despite his fluctuating hearing loss. Li Yazhe expressed concern, but Fisher defiantly stated he needed to listen now before his hearing deteriorated completely. Fisher downplayed his condition, mentioning doctors had described it as only fluctuating and without recent major issues.
Fisher reflected on his past performance with the Berlin Philharmonic, lamenting it wasn't perfect, and confessed his fear about losing his hearing, comparing a conductor losing his hearing to a pianist losing his hands. Li Yazhe tried to comfort him, and Fisher then asked about Li Yazhe's relationship with Li Zhenyan, suggesting he arrange a meeting.
Li Yazhe sighed, acknowledging that years of misunderstanding could not be resolved in a single meeting and that he would have to face the challenge alone. Qin Fen secured a new commercial performance: a grand wedding. He excitedly announced it to the RS orchestra members, emphasizing it was not a funeral or low-end event.
While the members initially welcomed the idea of playing traditional wedding music like Mendelssohn's "Wedding March," Qin Fen revealed the groom's special request for popular and lively music. This sparked an outcry from the members, who deemed Qin Fen's gigs increasingly "unreliable" and unsuitable for their classical training.
Frustrated, Qin Fen lashed out, reminding them of the financial demands of performing at venues like the Shanghai Concert Hall and accusing them of enjoying the benefits without contributing to the difficult work of securing funds and gigs. He then stormed off, upset and feeling his efforts were unappreciated. He Shengliang quickly defended Qin Fen, revealing how Qin Fen had tirelessly sought sponsorships, rented venues, and even performed a funeral gig alone after others refused.
He criticized the other members for sitting idly by while Qin Fen carried the financial burden, suggesting they dissolve the orchestra if they weren't willing to contribute. Another band member also acknowledged Qin Fen's crucial role in keeping the orchestra afloat. Overwhelmed by emotion, Qin Fen texted Lin Qingshang, declaring himself useless and suggesting she find a better boyfriend, ending with a breakup message. Lin Qingshang, sensing something was wrong with the RS Orchestra, immediately called Chen Zheng for answers.
Back home, Qin Fen locked himself in his room, refusing to open the door when Chen Zheng and He Shengliang came to check on him. Qin Ba, worried, offered his son encouragement through the door, reminding him of his past musical experiences and suggesting that if his efforts with the orchestra weren't yielding results, he could always return to the family noodle shop. Later, Lin Qingshang video-called Qin Fen.
She immediately scolded him for disappearing and for trying to break up with her, firmly stating that she had the final say in their relationship. To cheer him up, she proposed an immediate "date" via video call, complete with an itinerary, explaining it was her way of compensating for her absence while studying abroad and for his hard work with the orchestra.
During their virtual date, Qin Fen reflected on his feelings of being a "junior brother who repeated grade 2" and a failure compared to Lin Qingshang's growing success. He questioned if their love could overcome distance and time. Lin Qingshang reassured him, acknowledging the pressures he faced with the newly formed RS Orchestra but reminding him not to give up on his initial dream. She shared her own challenges in Paris and emphasized the importance of mutual encouragement and support.
Qin Fen felt much better, expressing gratitude for her presence. The next morning, Qin Fen received a frantic call from Chen Zheng, who claimed people were moving their equipment and their practice venue was no longer available. Qin Fen rushed to the venue, only to discover it was a prank by the other RS members. They had gathered there to show their support and understanding for his struggles.
At the wedding performance, the RS Youth Symphony Orchestra, with Qin Fen adding rock elements to their repertoire, surprised the guests. Initially taken aback, the attendees soon embraced the lively music, dancing with joy. Witnessing the joyous scene, Qin Fen felt a surge of excitement, reconnecting with his original passion for making music and sharing it in his unique way. He realized their persistence had finally found an outlet, and it was time to play with full enthusiasm.
