Standing up and opening the door, Xiwang looked at the person who came in...it was the person he least wanted to see - Eden.
"Sorry to interrupt your practice."
There was a hint of apology on Eden's face, but there was a hint of pride in his pupils that were as dazzling as gold.
As expected, I finally caught you~ - That’s probably what she thought.
"It's really not easy to find you... [Xiwang] classmate~"
"…I'm more curious about how you found this place?"
"I just need to ask the teacher for help. After all... I have some music theory questions that I want to discuss with you, and the teachers are happy to do so, right?"
"……All right."
Xiwang sighed, in the end it was the teacher who "sold" himself... Never mind, this day will always come.
"You won't invite me in? Well... don't worry, I just want to talk to you for a while."
"…It was my oversight. Please come in."
Xi Wang looked down at the violin case that Eden was carrying. Although he anticipated what might happen next, he still stepped aside to let Eden in out of politeness.
"So... Eden, what do you want to talk to me about? Logically, you shouldn't have any problems with music theory, right? My talent is much worse than yours, and problems in this area should be asked to teachers or... um... your parents?"
After closing the door again to block out the outside sounds, Xiwang pulled over a chair and sat down, keeping a suitable distance from Eden.
"Don't be so self-deprecating, Xiwang. Your talent is not inferior to mine... In some aspects, it is even better than mine."
Eden, who was sitting upright in his seat, noticed the distance that Xiwang kept from himself. His evaluation of him improved a little, and then he shook his head, denying Xiwang's words.
"Before discussing other things...I want to ask, why do you keep avoiding me? Am I annoying you in some way? You don't even want to meet me."
"...No, it's better to say that you are very likable."
"Then why..."
"Because you are too dazzling, Eden-san."
"……Eh?"
This answer surprised Eden.
"You are more dazzling than you think. In comparison, I seem... a little overconfident. Just like the stars and the moon in the night sky, no matter how many stars there are in the sky, they are still not as brilliant as the moon."
"You'll make people...envious, you know."
Having said that, Xi Wang pondered for a moment and then asked again.
"Student Eden, what do you think of the school atmosphere?"
"It's... it's okay? Although we have some conflicts, they are all small matters."
"So...what do you think of my reputation in school?"
"The teachers really like you, right? As for your classmates... it's a little strange, right? They like you, but they also dislike you..."
"……what?"
This time it was Xi Wang who was a little surprised.
"Don't you know? In the list that everyone privately ranked, you have the title of [The Boy I Most Want to Date]? You are also ranked second in [The Easiest Person to Get Along With]... But everyone's attitude towards you seems to be a little wrong..."
At first, Eden was still talking about some "good news" that Xiwang didn't know, but after recalling it carefully, he found something was wrong.
"I see... it's pretty much the same."
Xi Wang shook his head and did not pay too much attention to these small "good news"... "Good evaluation" and "disgust" are not mutually exclusive, and this is even more so when it comes to attitudes towards people. What's more, he did not feel any friendliness commensurate with these "good news" at all.
"So... that's why, Eden-san."
Xi Wang didn't complain, let alone get angry... Besides, it was useless to lose his temper or complain in front of Eden. Eden couldn't solve this problem. If she even got too close to her... Xi Wang might suffer more targeting.
What's more, they are not that familiar yet.
"Our experiences and encounters with each other have meant that it is difficult for us to understand each other's current situation."
Xiwang said so.
No... maybe I'm the only one who doesn't understand... - Eden looked at Xiwang's etiquette, which was fine, and some thoughts flashed through his mind.
She found that she might not really understand Xiwang's current situation... He was so "similar" to herself, doing similar things, and also had the same talents to be proud of, so Eden naturally thought that Xiwang's experiences should be similar to hers, and everything Xiwang received should be similar to hers.
It was based on this logic that Eden wondered why Xi Wang had to restrain his emotions in music so much, even erasing his own "color" from the music for a time.
But now it seems...it's not what I thought.
And more importantly, Xi Wang didn't seem to want to tell me... Would it have any impact on him if I told him? Or... did he simply not want me to know?
"Do you have any other questions?"
Xiwang's voice gently brought Eden out of her thoughts. It was clearly a polite inquiry, but Eden heard a hint of wanting her to leave.
"Let's try another way of communicating."
Eden bit his lip and decided to use a method that would be more "direct" for them.
"Maybe we don't understand each other's situation, maybe we don't know each other well enough, but this is the only thing we all have in common."
Eden took out the violin and picked up the bow and said so.
“Music is our universal language and should be a simpler and more direct way for us to communicate.”
"...Can I understand that you want to occupy my piano practice time?"
"I'll pay for it."
Eden said seriously.
"I'll pay half of it for you... No, I'll pay the rent for you this time. As for now... Just consider it as me inviting you to practice the ensemble in advance."
"...Okay, but only give half. There are two of us after all."
Saving money would naturally be the best - Xiwang thought so.
And what Eden said was not wrong. After all, the school does have ensemble assessments, so it’s not a bad idea to practice in advance.
"But I hope you can bring out your most original music."
Seeing Xiwang sitting back in front of the piano, Eden put the violin around his neck and spoke.
"I've heard that piece of music that has [color]."
So this is why you came here... Xi Wang understood.
But the answer to this question...is the same as the previous question.
"Then... Mr. Eden, do you still remember the circumstances under which that song appeared?"
"……Um?"
Eden was stunned.
If you recall carefully, you will notice that the song appeared in an internal school test not long after you entered the school, and Xiwang's result that time was the same as it is now, also ranking second, just behind her... Hmm?
A detail flashed through Eden's mind.
The music she played at that time also had a considerable degree of "personal color", and if we really compare them, her performance at that time should be comparable to Xi Wang's, so the results of the two should be the same. Even if there is a difference, it should be a very slight difference.
But in the end... Xi Wang had opened up a "huge gap" of two points between her and her. Although Xi Wang was still ranked second, there must be something wrong with this judgment.
It was a similar performance, but the evaluations they received were completely different... Eden had a guess.
It's like playing the song exactly according to the score, which can be described as "loyal to the original song" or "rigid."
Music that adds "color" can naturally be divided into two types: "adding distinct personal understanding" and "personal subjective expression is too obvious."
I see… Is this why you changed your playing style? To erase your personal “color” and stay completely “faithful to the original song” in exchange for higher and more stable evaluations and grades…
Eden pursed her lips, feeling a little sorry for Xiwang because this was not Xiwang's problem at all...but she soon had new doubts.
Obviously, based on your performance at that time, you could have done well even if you added "color"... Then why...
But soon, Eden put these thoughts aside... because Xiwang's performance had already begun.
Hearing the music that was slightly different from the original and obviously had some "color", the corners of Eden's mouth slightly raised.
Xi Wang no longer used those overly "standard" pieces of music in front of her... Did it mean that he recognized her a little bit? Or... was he simply satisfying her expectations?
No matter which one it was, it meant that Xi Wang took the initiative to take a small step closer to her, and the relationship between them became slightly... closer.
In this case, she should also take the initiative to respond to his recognition and expectations, express her thoughts and doubts through music, and convey her emotions to him through music.
Believe him... He will be willing to respond to me in the end, right?
So Eden lowered her eyes slightly, pressed the strings lightly with her fingertips, and then... slowly pulled the bow, allowing her own voice, along with her emotions and thoughts, to slowly step into Xiwang's music.
The melodious music echoes in the room. The good sound insulation prevents the outside sound from coming in, and also prevents the sound inside from escaping.
The two of them immersed themselves in this small world created by music, communicating with each other in a unique way.
Occasionally, I can feel the doubt in the music, the alienation in the sound of the piano, and even vaguely feel the irritability and comfort in the music... But as time goes by, as one song after another ends, only a little helplessness and... lightness are left in the music.
As if moved by her persistence, or influenced by her brilliant talent, Xiwang adjusted his mindset slightly, and slowly began to... accept her songs, and sometimes even took the initiative to slow down his own music to set off Eden's part. Eden also gladly accepted it and showed herself as much as possible.
Just like what was said before, Xiwang didn't reject Eden, he just envied her... He had been avoiding her before because he didn't want to be portrayed as too "failed" by Eden and didn't want to be too hit.
After actually getting in touch with them, you will find that... they are indeed very "similar".
Obviously, they didn't exchange much words, but the two of them seemed to have talked a lot. Obviously, they didn't do anything unnecessary, but the two of them seemed to be quickly familiar with each other... The music of the two people gradually blended and became harmonious, so that in the end, even the emotions expressed in them became similar.
"........."
The two opened their eyes silently, their sights drawn by the notes and the beats. They looked at each other as if they had telepathic connection and smiled at each other.
Sure enough, for them, music is a simpler and more direct way of communication.
In the future, should we communicate more with him/her? — They both thought so at the same time.
Then, with a smile on her face, she continued to sing the melody that belonged to the two of them, letting the joy of meeting each other and the relaxed mood of understanding each other echo along with the music.
…………
………………
“…I’m late.”
Outside the piano room, Elga looked through the small glass window on the door at the two people who were immersed in the music and whispered softly.
"…I should have been here first."
The scarlet eyes stayed on Xi Wang for a long time, and then before he noticed anything, they moved a few steps to the side and avoided his sight.
"I'm late..."
She whispered to herself again.
"Um...Elga, be normal. I'm scared of you..."
"...With your bold personality, you're still afraid?!"
After a moment's silence, Elga began to mock her best friend mercilessly again.
"Huh... I feel much more relieved when I hear you say that to me."
"Are you looking for a scolding?"
"Well... well... if it's you, it's not impossible..."
"Go away, I don't want to be drawn in your book."
"How did you know? Wait, don't go away. How about I draw you prettier? I also support changing your figure~"
"roll!!!"
Chapter 6467 Rain, Falling at Night ()
[Although you were eventually "caught" by Eden, but... it was somewhat unexpected, or perhaps not surprising, that you two got along very well. Although you didn't communicate much verbally, your relationship was rapidly getting closer.]
[That makes sense. Your daily behaviors are very similar, your personalities are compatible, and you both share a passion for music. It makes sense that you became close so quickly.]
[But even so, you still keep your distance from Eden... Just as you said, she is too dazzling and it is not suitable for you to get close to her. Besides, the gap in status between you is there. If you get too close... it will be bad for you.]
[You know very well that if you get too close to Eden in your current situation... you will definitely get yourself into trouble. Others may not look for Eden because of her identity and family background. At most, they will gossip about her in secret. But if it's you, they can bully her at will.]
