Symphony's Romance Episode 34 Recap
> Symphony's Romance Recap
Li Yazhe expressed his profound remorse to Li Zhenyan, acknowledging the years of neglect and hoping for an opportunity to make amends. Li Zhenyan, however, firmly rejected his offer, stating that it no longer mattered. He was returning home and believed they would likely not meet again. He wished Li Yazhe well, hoping he would remain "the pianist on top of the world" before telling him to leave. Back in his apartment, Li Zhenyan watched an old video.
In the recording, Li Yazhe confessed that his impulsive act of breaking Li Zhenyan's baton was a mistake. He revealed he was always very proud of Li Zhenyan, admitting his own accomplishments at the same age were far less. Li Yazhe explained that while he understood Li Zhenyan's passion for conducting, mastering the piano was an essential, foundational step for any great conductor.
He urged Li Zhenyan to advance steadily, step by step, acknowledging his son's tendency to pursue only what he liked without fully grasping the difficult journey. As a father, he had aimed to be a guide, protecting Li Zhenyan's path, and believed that despite his extreme methods, Li Zhenyan would not blame him in the future.
He also humbly admitted it was his first time being a father and he was still learning, hoping his fatherly love would foster courage and resilience in his son. Li Zhenyan was left with a complex mix of emotions after watching the video. Yan Yan accompanied Jiang Caiwei to the hospital, where, under his persistent encouragement, she finally agreed to undergo surgery.
The doctor instructed Jiang Caiwei to remain silent for a month to allow her vocal cords to heal, and Yan Yan eagerly took on the role of her supervisor. Later, at Jiang Caiwei's home, Yan Yan's attempt to cook was unsuccessful, prompting him to suggest ordering takeout. Just then, Jiang Caiwei's mother arrived. Having been told that Yan Yan was Jiang Caiwei's agent, she questioned his motives, given her daughter's current vocal condition.
Yan Yan candidly confessed to being "in love at first sight" with Jiang Caiwei's voice and expressed his unwavering belief in her future. Impressed, Jiang Caiwei's mother invited him to sit. Unable to speak, Jiang Caiwei wrote a note asking Yan Yan if he intended to be her agent or her mother's son-in-law. This direct confession from the woman he admired deeply caught Yan Yan by surprise, and he excitedly embraced her.
Li Zhenyan, Qin Fen, and Lin Qingshang returned to China, and despite the distance, Li Zhenyan found himself missing Fang Xiaowo more than he had imagined, describing himself as "terminally ill" with longing. Their hopes of reviving the RS Orchestra were dashed when they found their old factory rehearsal space in disarray and the landlord unreachable. Qin Fen felt guilty, admitting that previous attempts to gather members had failed. Li Zhenyan, however, encouraged them to find solutions.
He proposed they split tasks: he would focus on securing investment, while Qin Fen would concentrate on re-engaging the former orchestra members. Li Zhenyan then met with his sister-in-law, President Gu, to request investment for the RS Orchestra. As a CEO, she initially declined, citing the high risk and niche market of classical music for her company.
However, setting aside her corporate persona, his sister-in-law offered personal financial support, acknowledging the difficult path Li Zhenyan faced and emphasizing that while she would provide funds, the success of the endeavor rested entirely on their own efforts. To Li Zhenyan's joy, she also revealed that she had purchased Fang Xiaowo's old apartment, believing it to be a special place that made Li Zhenyan "less annoying," and handed him the keys.
He was overjoyed with both the secured investment and the preservation of Fang Xiaowo's former home. Thanks to a successful surgery and Yan Yan's dedicated care, Jiang Caiwei's voice was completely restored, allowing her to resume singing. In the recording studio, Jiang Caiwei expressed her admiration for the "sunshine-like warmth" and confidence she heard in Yan Yan's songs. She confessed to sometimes doubting her own voice, feeling embarrassed after losing competitions or singing incorrectly.
To reassure her, Yan Yan showed her a video of his own past "awkward moment"—a nervous, stammering performance in a bar where he botched chords and lyrics before leaving the stage in embarrassment. He explained that such moments are merely feelings of awkwardness, distinct from music itself, and should never be a reason to abandon one's passion. He argued that it was unfair to music to associate it with personal embarrassment.
Lin Qingshang successfully renegotiated the rental for their old warehouse space. The landlord, facing financial challenges, initially intended to rent it out, but accepted Lin Qingshang's offer of an annual rent of 120,000, payable in two installments. The second half was to be paid upon their first performance, with a maximum three-month grace period. Lin Qingshang confidently assured the landlord that their return from the world stage meant they were "not to fail."
With funding and a venue secured, the trio hoped to reunite their members. Qin Fen had messaged everyone for a meeting at the warehouse, but after a disheartening wait, no one showed up. Later, to their surprise, the RS members had gathered at Qin Fen's noodle shop instead.
However, the reunion was bittersweet: Lan Bo announced he had joined a professional orchestra, and He Shengliang revealed he had found a job, meaning neither could continue rehearsing with RS Orchestra due to scheduling conflicts. Qin Fen was deeply disheartened by these departures. Li Zhenyan, however, rallied the group, acknowledging the harsh realities and individual choices, but emphasized that every problem would be tackled one by one.
He offered a toast "to the future," believing that RS's current state was not a true dissolution, and they would ultimately come together stronger. Tian Yisong met with Jiang Caiwei upon his return home, noting her changed demeanor. Jiang Caiwei shared that she had moved on from their past, remarking that Tian Yisong seemed to be dwelling on it.
She spoke of her new ambition to become a pop singer, explaining that she had always pursued Tian Yisong's dream of the Golden Hall, which had caused her to lose sight of her own desires. She revealed that she had met someone who taught her that life needed both goals and a passionate career, inspiring her to "start over." Tian Yisong, surprised by her transformation, offered his blessings.
Jiang Caiwei, in turn, advised him to cherish Sasha's genuine affection, reminding him that "valuable things are often disposable." Elise contacted Li Zhenyan by phone, informing him that his first performance upon returning home would be a collaboration with renowned pianist Song Ran at "Song Ran's Recital." She stressed it was with a world-renowned orchestra and he had "no reason to refuse" before abruptly hanging up.
Li Zhenyan felt conflicted, but Qin Fen encouraged him to accept the opportunity, believing it would significantly benefit the RS Orchestra. That evening, Li Zhenyan received a video call from Fang Xiaowo. She happily reported that her piano studies under Li Yazhe were progressing smoothly, while Li Zhenyan confessed his struggles in reuniting the RS Orchestra members, acknowledging the harsh realities of their individual choices.
Fang Xiaowo offered words of encouragement, likening life's different paces to Paris Daylight Saving Time – everyone moves at their own speed, and everything will come in its due course. She then enthusiastically shared her excitement about a new favorite piece, Schumann's A minor Piano Concerto, expressing her strong desire to play it with him. Li Zhenyan realized this was the exact encore piece Elise had assigned for his performance with Song Ran.
Feeling a mix of longing and apprehension, and pondering whether to reveal the coincidence to Fang Xiaowo, Tian Yisong unexpectedly called, inviting him to meet. Li Zhenyan met with Tian Yisong, who reflected on how they had both matured, while the streets seemed unchanged. Tian Yisong confessed that he had always viewed Li Zhenyan as a rival, only to realize his true opponent was himself.
After discussing the RS Orchestra's progress and its plans for recruiting new members and securing commercial performances, Tian Yisong asked if Li Zhenyan still aspired to be Wainda's apprentice. Li Zhenyan revealed that while he once believed meeting Master Wainda was his life's greatest fortune, he now understood that the luckiest thing was encountering the people around him—including Tian Yisong, Fisher, and the RS Orchestra—who constantly inspired his growth and progression.
Tian Yisong then announced his decision to let go of the past and return to Paris, wishing Jiang Caiwei happiness. Later, Li Zhenyan called Elise, hoping to switch the encore piece, Schumann's A minor Piano Concerto, from his upcoming performance. Elise firmly rejected his request, emphasizing that this was a professional engagement, not a school project, and could not be swayed by personal emotions.
She stressed that changing the piece would disrupt all staff and rehearsals, reminding him that "any performance is due to teamwork. This is not your stage alone." Left speechless, Li Zhenyan was left to wonder if Fang Xiaowo would understand his difficult position. Meanwhile, in Paris, Li Yazhe gave Fang Xiaowo a new score, promising that if she mastered the piece, she could return home sooner.
