msmithbooks Chapter 499: Masters from the same school
Chapter 499: Masters from the same school
Chapter 499: Masters from the same school
Seeing that everyone seemed to be getting involved and was about to get up...
She quickly waved her hand, a friendly smile on her face, and said hurriedly, "Don't be so polite, everyone, please sit down! I'm just here to join in the fun, so please don't be so formal."
As she spoke, she followed behind Lin Yourong with unhurried steps.
The two of them went to the two empty seats next to Yu Huan and gracefully bowed as they sat down.
Lin Yourong stood close to Yu Huan, gently straightened her clothes, and then took off her mask, revealing a beautiful face.
Her skin was as white as snow, and her eyes were bright and lively.
She smiled gently at everyone and said in a calm tone, "Everyone, perhaps you don't know yet, but Zhang Ye is actually my senior sister—"
Before the words were even finished, Hu Jiyan's eyes widened instantly, his pupils seemingly about to pop out of their sockets.
His face was filled with astonishment, his mouth involuntarily opened slightly, and he couldn't help but let out a soft gasp.
"what?"
His gaze was filled with doubt and surprise, shifting back and forth between Lin Yourong and Zhang Ye, trying to connect these two seemingly unrelated people through this sudden relationship as fellow disciples.
"Teacher Zhang Ye is Teacher Lin Su's senior sister?" Hu Richa couldn't help but repeat, his voice rising several octaves in disbelief.
Lin Yourong smiled faintly and answered calmly and naturally, "Yes."
Zhang Ye smiled and picked up the conversation, saying succinctly, "You Rong and I are indeed from the same school."
Hu Jiyan originally thought that Lin Yourong and Zhang Ye were just friends, but he never expected that they were actually from the same sect, which really surprised him.
Upon hearing this, he couldn't help but ask, "Could it be... that you are all students of Teacher Li Guyi?"
“That’s right, we are all Li Guyi’s students.” Zhang Ye nodded, giving an affirmative answer.
The initial surprise on Hu Jiyan's face gradually receded like a tide, replaced by admiration.
He couldn't help but slap the table, his face beaming with smiles, and said, "Teacher Li Guyi is undoubtedly a towering figure in my country's music world, and Teacher Zhang Ye is also a pillar of strength! Both of you are representative figures in the field of folk singing! I've never heard of Lin Su having this teacher-student relationship before—no wonder her singing is so good, it turns out she received the true teachings of Teacher Li Guyi!"
Yu Huan listened from the side, and a bright smile gradually appeared on her face.
He picked up the conversation at the opportune moment, saying, "She has always been quite low-key and has never mentioned these things in previous interviews."
Lin Yourong nodded slightly, her expression full of humility, and said softly, "What Teacher Li Guyi taught me was more about understanding and attitude towards music. I am always grateful for her teaching, but I also hope to forge my own path."
Upon hearing this, Hu Jiyan smiled knowingly.
No wonder Yu Huan chose a Mongolian folk song for Lin Su to adapt for her performance on "I Am a Singer"...
After all, Lin Su has always been active in the public eye as a pop singer. Who would have thought that she was actually a disciple of Li Guyi?
In this way, her sudden performance of a folk song didn't feel out of place at all.
Liang Qiaobo was naturally familiar with Li Guyi's name.
Upon learning that Lin Yourong, like Zhang Ye, was one of her students, she said with a touch of respect, "Teacher Li is a household name as a superstar of folk vocal music. I never imagined that you, Lin Su, would be her outstanding student."
With the revelation of this mentor-student relationship, the atmosphere in the private room instantly became even more lively.
Several members of the Hanggai Band also expressed their respect.
Hu Richa, in particular, spoke with a touch of emotion in his somewhat broken Mandarin: "I've watched so many Spring Festival Galas, and Li Guyi always performs as the finale, singing 'Unforgettable Tonight.' Her voice has accompanied several generations of us! And Zhang Ye, your voice is like the wind blowing across the grasslands, carrying a power that can instantly calm the heart—"
Zhang Ye quickly reached out and waved his hand repeatedly, interrupting with a smile: "Please don't flatter me like that. Teacher Li is the real senior we should respect. Besides, I'm not the main character today. I'm just here for a meal at your invitation."
Hu Richa hurriedly said, "Teacher Zhang, you are too modest. Your singing is loved by every household."
Looking at Hu Richa's earnest and sincere smile, Yu Huan felt the traditional impression of the straightforwardness and enthusiasm of Mongolian men.
He thought to himself, no wonder Hu Richa often speaks on behalf of the band; his enthusiasm is infectious.
"Thank you for your appreciation." Zhang Ye smiled and paused before continuing, "That's the charm of music. It can transcend geographical limitations and overcome language barriers, connecting people from different places who speak different languages, allowing everyone to feel each other's inner emotions."
As soon as she finished speaking, a burst of enthusiastic applause rang out in the private room.
Even the usually taciturn Liang Qiaobo couldn't help but nod in approval, saying, "Well said! Music truly is a language without borders."
With a broad smile, Hu Jiyan chimed in, "Isn't that the charm of music?"
Just then, the waitress who had been quietly standing in the corner walked forward with light steps.
She bowed slightly, a professional smile on her face, and politely asked in a soft voice, "Distinguished guests, the meals have been carefully prepared. Would it be convenient to serve the dishes now?"
Sister Ru looked up, glanced at the waitress, smiled and nodded, saying, "Okay, thank you for your help."
The waitress nodded slightly, then turned and quickly walked out of the private room.
Not long after, she led several people in neat uniforms in single file.
Two handcarts were slowly pushed into the private room.
One vehicle was neatly arranged with a set of exquisite tableware, while the other was filled with steaming hot dishes.
Yu Huan watched with great interest as the waiters worked skillfully and methodically.
Everyone wore a perfectly measured, formulaic smile, their eyes focused and unwavering.
Whether it was the gentle and precise movements when setting the tableware or the brief introductions when serving the dishes, every gesture revealed her well-trained manner. Yu Huan secretly pondered that compared to last time, the level of hospitality this time was clearly much higher.
Last time, perhaps it was because they only found out about Lin Su and Liang Qiaobo's arrival at the last minute, but this time, from Shen Gang's advance phone call to the restaurant's arrangements in terms of food and service, everything was clearly carefully planned.
At Yu Huan's suggestion, the waiter filled the Mongolian men's cups with Moutai, while he himself drank red wine with Liang Qiaobo and Zhang Ye.
The waiters worked quickly and efficiently, soon serving all the dishes. They then bowed politely and quietly withdrew.
Yu Huan casually picked up the hot towel before the meal and wiped her hands.
As the host of the gathering, he cleared his throat, preparing to raise his wine glass and offer a warm welcome.
At this moment, the reserved captain, Ilich, took the lead and stood up with his wine glass in hand.
Ilich looked directly at Yu Huan, and as if he had a prepared speech, he spoke repeatedly with sincerity and fervor:
"Teacher Yu, all of us in the band really want to thank you today. You have recognized our music so much and given us such a valuable opportunity to participate in the program 'I Am a Singer' and to present the Mongolian folk song 'Night in Ulaanbaatar' to the audience in a brand new way together with Teacher Lin Su. Take today's rehearsal for example, the sparks that were generated by the collision of different musical styles make me firmly believe that this collaboration will be a great success."
The other members of the Hanggai Band also stood up.
These people are not inexperienced youngsters; they have been through many trials and tribulations and naturally understand the ways of the world.
No sooner had Ilich finished speaking than Hu Richa eagerly chimed in, a sincere smile on his face, and said loudly, "Teacher Yu, we cherish this opportunity immensely. We will do our utmost to live up to your trust!"
It was obvious that they all knew that they had gotten this opportunity entirely because of Yu Huan.
Upon seeing this, Yu Huan quickly stood up.
With a humble and gentle smile on his face, he waved his hand and said, "You're all too kind! To be honest, I'm not a big drinker, so I can probably only have one glass of wine with you all. Without further ado, let's have a toast to celebrate this good start to the day, and I hope that the recording of the show will go smoothly in the future!"
Everyone responded enthusiastically and raised their glasses.
For a moment, the clinking of glasses in the private room was crisp and pleasant.
Hu Richa held a full glass of baijiu, the glass appearing unusually small in his strong hands.
He tilted his head back, downed the liquor in his glass in one gulp, then wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, a hearty smile spreading across his face, and said, "Drinking Moutai is truly exhilarating!"
After everyone sat down, Yu Huan was still holding a wine glass that was only half-empty.
He turned slightly to look at Zhang Ye, who was sitting next to Lin Yourong, and said with a smile, "Sister Zhang's presence today has truly added a lot of luster to our meal. As a pillar of our nation's vocal music, Sister Zhang, please share your experience with Susu this time."
Seeing this, Zhang Ye smiled and picked up his cup, saying, "It's only right that I share my experience with my junior sister, especially since You Rong is someone I've watched grow up."
The age difference between these two female disciples is indeed quite significant. Upon closer examination, Zhang Ye is almost from the same generation as his mother-in-law.
Of course, after their last encounter in Jingdezhen, Yu Huan knew that Zhang Ye and his mother-in-law must have a very good relationship.
Yu Huan, still wearing a warm smile, raised her glass again: "Sister Zhang, then I must take this opportunity to toast you properly. Su Su is so lucky to have such an outstanding senior sister."
After saying that, he tilted his head back and drank the remaining half glass of red wine in one gulp, then sat down unhurriedly.
"In my opinion, having someone like you who understands and supports her, and who can also help her career, is her true blessing," Zhang Ye replied with a smile.
Huricha understood immediately upon hearing this, and turned his head to smile at Batu Bagan beside him with a knowing look, everything was understood without words.
Zhang Ye was about to bring the rim of the cup to his lips and take a sip in response.
Lin Yourong picked up a glass of orange juice at the right moment, gently clinked glasses with her, and said with a smile, "I am especially grateful to my senior sister for sacrificing her holiday time with her family to help me."
Zhang Ye smiled and took a big gulp in sync with Lin Yourong, then replied, "There's no need for us to be so formal between us, fellow disciples. Since you've made up your mind to try different musical styles, I will definitely support you wholeheartedly without reservation. Take this 'Night in Ulaanbaatar' for example. After hearing your description on the phone, I thought it was full of creativity, and I was very interested in it myself, so I wanted to come and see it."
Liang Qiaobo, who had been listening quietly, picked up a piece of fresh ginger and scallion baby squid with his chopsticks and put it in his bowl, then slowly took over the conversation.
"After listening to Xiao Yu's ideas for adapting this song today, and seeing everyone's performance during rehearsals, I truly see the potential for the integration and innovation of ethnic music. If this song can shine on the show, it might set off a new music trend and get more young people to pay attention to ethnic music."
Hu Jiyan stroked his mustache thoughtfully, nodding repeatedly, agreeing with Liang Qiaobo's point of view.
As everyone toasted and drank, their spirits rose, and they began to chatter freely.
Holding chopsticks, Ilchi smiled and said, "Since our band was formed, we have always been improvising. We sit together and discuss, and when we have an inspiration, we write it down with our ears and brains. We are not afraid of being laughed at by the teachers. Several of us have never been in contact with sheet music before. This is the first time we have seriously looked at sheet music."
Yu Huan's cheeks were flushed from the alcohol, and upon hearing this, she nodded in understanding.
No wonder they were chattering away and discussing things enthusiastically during the afternoon rehearsal, and it turns out some of them didn't even know how to read the score...
Curiosity piqued, Sister Ru couldn't help but ask, "So, when your band doesn't have any performances planned and needs to compose and rehearse, where do you usually choose to go? Is it in Beijing?"
"We put all our creative work and rehearsals in the Mongolian yurts on the Zhenglan Banner grassland," Hu Richa, his face flushed and neck red from drinking, replied.
Ilich picked up where Huricha left off, nodded, and said seriously, "On the grassland, you can immerse yourself in the music more and be more efficient. Unlike in the city, where everyone rushes to the rehearsal place from all directions, and the rehearsal is over in two or three hours, there is no way to fully devote yourself to it."
As everyone chatted amongst themselves, the dishes on the table were gradually devoured.
Yu Huan had informed Shen Gang beforehand that he had not asked the waiters to stand by, but instead came in to change the bone plates and refill the tea and wine.
After all, they are all public figures, so that everyone can chat freely and comfortably.
The meal consisted mostly of shellfish, and after everyone put down their chopsticks, the table looked rather messy.
(End of this chapter)