Symphony's Romance Episode 32 Recap
> Symphony's Romance Recap
The RS Orchestra's performance at the wedding was a resounding success, igniting the atmosphere and the passion of its members. The groom was so pleased that he increased their performance fee to 50,000, bringing them closer to their dream of playing at the Shanghai Concert Hall. The members were overjoyed, with one exclaiming that their blood was boiling, and another saying it was the most exciting time he had played drums.
They celebrated their success, having incorporated rock elements into the performance, which initially surprised guests but soon had everyone dancing. Qin Fen, as the leader, thanked everyone, admitting he had worried they wouldn't return after his previous harsh words. The members apologized for their past mistakes and revealed they had spent an entire night preparing for the wedding gig, choosing videos, reviewing audio, and conceiving the stage, which ultimately reignited their passion.
They gathered at Qin Fen’s noodle shop, where his father, Qin Ba, generously offered to treat them to noodles every day. To promote the Lumalie Orchestra and attract more attendees, Fang Xiaowo, Dalia, and Lin Qingshang diligently posted flyers around the city. Dalia emphasized the great power of publicity in encouraging people to support the orchestra. Li Zhenyan, seeing the posters, smiled, understanding Fang Xiaowo’s dedication. Soon after, Fisher approached Li Zhenyan, and the two went to a cafe.
Fisher acknowledged Li Zhenyan's apparent hesitation to face Tian Yisong at Butterfly Jean. Li Zhenyan, however, maintained that his concerns had nothing to do with Tian Yisong. Fisher then spoke of his own past, admitting that while his piano talent surpassed an "old thing" (referring to Wainda, his rival), his ambition lay in conducting. He expressed his long-standing resentment towards Wainda, who defeated him in Berlin by employing piano conducting.
Fisher, seeing an opportunity for his "disciple" Li Zhenyan to triumph over Tian Yisong, suggested that Li Zhenyan use piano conducting, a strategy that had once led to Fisher's own defeat by Wainda. Li Zhenyan, realizing the potential, gratefully accepted the advice and for the first time formally addressed Fisher as "Teacher."
Li Zhenyan also inquired about Li Yazhe's reasons for retirement, but Fisher declined to answer, telling him it was a question Li Zhenyan should pose directly to Li Yazhe. Fisher also mentioned he was very "bullish" on Fang Xiaowo. That night, as the Lumalie Orchestra prepared for its performance, some audience members expressed their disappointment with previous shows, seeing this as their last chance to impress.
Rumors circulated about Li Yazhe being invited by both Butterfly Jean and Lumalie, leaving everyone to wonder which orchestra he would join. However, it became clear Li Yazhe was not present, leaving the audience curious about the piano soloist. To everyone's surprise, Li Zhenyan walked onto the stage. He had made a bold and ambitious decision to serve as both conductor and pianist for the concert.
He had expressed his apologies to Shelly and Taio for such a sudden request, explaining his personal attachment to the chosen piece and his belief that the Lumalie Orchestra had a "third possibility" beyond failure. His sincerity won over Shelly, who inquired if he was indeed the piano soloist. Li Zhenyan then delivered a spectacular performance, exceeding all expectations. Afterward, a proud Fang Xiaowo presented him with a chocolate cake and black coffee, telling him he had worked hard.
Li Zhenyan found her thoughtfulness surprising. She left, reminding him to eat. Li Zhenyan then found a note from Li Yazhe, asking him to meet at a cafe the next morning to discuss many things. The following morning, Fang Xiaowo kept checking the time, wondering if Li Zhenyan would meet Li Yazhe. He eventually decided to go, taking Fang Xiaowo with him to the cafe.
While waiting, Fang Xiaowo pointed out a heart-shaped tree outside, but Li Zhenyan was clearly preoccupied. After a long wait, Li Yazhe never arrived. Unbeknownst to them, Li Yazhe had received an urgent phone call from Elise, informing him of Fisher's accident, prompting him to rush to the hospital. Li Zhenyan grew increasingly disheartened by Li Yazhe's absence. Fang Xiaowo tried calling Li Yazhe, but couldn't reach him.
As Li Zhenyan prepared to leave, he saw a video playing on a nearby customer's phone. It was an interview with Tian Yisong, who announced with great honor that although their initial collaboration hadn't materialized, Butterfly Jean had secured Li Yazhe for their next performance. This news deepened Li Zhenyan's disappointment and misunderstanding of Li Yazhe's actions. At the hospital, Fisher regained consciousness.
Elise informed Li Yazhe that Fisher was suffering from Meniere's disease and was "insane" to insist on performing next week. Li Yazhe confronted Fisher, asking how he could still plan to go on stage in his condition, especially considering an upcoming tour with the Berlin Philharmonic. Fisher calmly revealed that in about a year, he would be completely deaf. He even made a dark joke, calling himself a "Contemporary Beethoven" and an "ill-fated grandmaster."
Li Yazhe was shocked, asking when the illness began and if it was before Fisher went to Baiqi. Fisher admitted he had concealed his condition for a long time, even playfully blaming loud conversations for permanent damage to his ear. He explained that his plan to continue touring with Li Zhenyan was not just about music, but also a hope that the change of environment might alleviate his symptoms, though he confirmed the disease was incurable.
Fisher expressed his desire to use the remaining time with his hearing to discover and nurture as many talented young musicians as possible, stating that his life would then be worth it. He strictly warned Li Yazhe not to disclose his condition to Lin Yumian, threatening to make him deaf too if he did. When Fisher asked about Li Yazhe's relationship with his son, Li Yazhe sighed, saying, "Let it be."
Later that night, Fang Xiaowo woke from a dream to find Li Zhenyan lost in thought in the living room. Sensing his sadness and anger, she suggested that Li Yazhe must have had a valid reason for missing their meeting and performing for Butterfly Jean instead, especially since he hadn't even attended piano lessons recently. Fang Xiaowo urged Li Zhenyan to meet with Li Yazhe to clarify any misunderstandings.
However, Li Zhenyan was deeply pessimistic, recalling a painful childhood memory where he had carved the words, "One day I will grow up, but I will not become an adult like you," vowing never to be like Li Yazhe and declaring that he would never forgive him. He dismissed the idea of clearing up misunderstandings, stating that it wouldn't change the current situation. He then asserted that he now only cared about music and Fang Xiaowo, and nothing else mattered.
Fang Xiaowo playfully responded to his declaration, feigning anger and teasing him about being so important and having such a formidable "love rival" in music. Despite the recent successful wedding performance, the members of the RS Orchestra still grappled with harsh realities. Fan Chen recounted how he had been rejected by several companies and shared He Shengliang's struggles with Qin Fen.
He Shengliang, under pressure from his family to find a stable job, admitted that he and other graduates felt like "ants on a hot pan," stressing how difficult it was for music students to secure legitimate employment. After much consideration, Qin Fen decided to temporarily suspend all orchestra activities.
He explained to He Shengliang and Chen Zheng that while their previous performance was a success, they needed to "calm down" and address their individual difficulties, acknowledging that the financial problems the orchestra faced were insurmountable at the moment. He took full responsibility for the situation, asking He Shengliang and Chen Zheng to inform the other members to focus on finding jobs or continuing their studies.
Qin Fen promised to rethink the orchestra's future and reassemble everyone once he had a clear plan. Demonstrating his commitment to his friends, Qin Fen then called Director Meng to recommend He Shengliang for a part-time job, highlighting its good pay and manageable workload. Separately, Lin Qingshang called Qin Fen, informing him of an upcoming international competition in Paris and expressing her hope that he could attend.
Qin Fen, feeling dejected, told her he couldn't afford to go, but she encouraged him, saying her heart is with him. Qin Ba, having learned of Qin Fen's financial woes and his inability to visit Lin Qingshang, handed him a bank card, urging him to go to Paris so he would have "fewer regrets when he's older." Qin Ba emphasized that a good mood made everything go smoothly and that the money was a loan.
Qin Fen, touched, apologized, thinking his father wanted him to inherit the noodle shop, but Qin Ba reassured him, saying "Don't regret it." Qin Fen, overwhelmed with emotion, hugged his father and said, "I love you." Qin Ba playfully told him to show it through actions and put him to work.
