Chapter 47: Give the green light, high priority attention.

"Music is the common language of all humanity."

Professor Xu Qing calmed his emotions, his face filled with deep gratification.

This sentence was something he had once taught Li Can.

True mastery of art requires the prior cultivation of moral character.

Throughout his career, Professor Xu Qing had always placed the utmost importance on nurturing the moral integrity of his disciples.

He vaguely remembered the words he had spoken to Li Can back then.

"Music is a precious spiritual wealth shared by all mankind. Such wealth transcends the material world; music can transcend the shackles of race, culture, language, and even time itself, because it represents the instinctive pursuit of the beauty of the universe's origin by living creatures like humans."

"True musical art must possess a grand perspective and a people-centered historical view."

Now, it seemed.

There was seemingly no need to worry at all.

An artist must surely be a philosopher; the further development and progress proceed, the more complex it becomes.

Yet through deconstruction and a return to one's true self, the Great Dao simplifies itself.

Xu Qing was already anticipating the day of the official performance.

That would be the moment when a new human star shone brightly.

...

However, Li Can paid no attention to any of this.

The clamor of the world had nothing to do with him.

Taking advantage of the orchestra's individual rehearsal period, he still needed to finish the remaining tasks.

The easiest one to resolve was the "art song."

Using music to portray poetry, utilizing the human voice as an instrument, and forming a neat texture.

This was actually not all that difficult.

What made it somewhat complicated were the requirements.

It demanded the use of Western musical idioms to express the aesthetics and mood of ancient Xia classical poetry.

Once any Xia musical elements, techniques, textures, or instruments were directly used, it would instantly ruin the entire piece.

Yet upon this foundation, it was still essential to vividly portray the emotions the poetry sought to convey.

After consulting with Lin Feng and Han Jiayin,

the qualification for the premiere was ultimately given to Han Jiayin.

The piece was not particularly difficult.

Han Jiayin spent less than three days practicing the song before reaching a level where she could perform it alongside Li Can's accompaniment.

Following that came the refinement of details.

During these three days, the National Philharmonic also held a seminar on the work submitted by Li Can, attended by several professors from the National Conservatory of Music.

For those engaged in music, having only the score without the performed track was hardly an obstacle at all.

Ordinary music students possess the ability to mentally reconstruct melodies and harmonic textures, let alone these titans of the field.

The quality of the work could be understood almost at a single glance.

The score-management assistant sat exceptionally straight.

Surrounded entirely by industry giants, she did not dare to relax even a fraction.

After a long wait, the meeting finally commenced.

The man at the head of the table spoke in a steady voice.

"The gold content of this work is exceptionally high, but that is not the most important thing. The most crucial aspect is that the ideological depth expressed by the music aligns so perfectly with our core values. With such a magnificent perspective, I believe we should elevate the priority level of this work."

"I second that."

"I agree."

"I object!"

Everyone looked toward the source of the voice and saw an elderly man frowning deeply, giving the table a light tap.

"Elevating it by one level is not enough; elevate it by two levels, and make it a key focus!"

"..."

Hearing the old man say this, the others lowered their heads in contemplation for a moment, then raised their heads and nodded in unison.

"Agreed."

"Approved."

Seeing that there were no objections from anyone, the leading man nodded, signaling for the meeting to continue.

"Student Li Can is currently busy with his graduation project. If I remember correctly, he also has to perform at the joint gala and run a studio under Starlit Entertainment; his time might not be quite sufficient."

A middle-aged man wearing glasses pondered for a moment and said in a deep voice.

"Why not persuade him to focus all his energy entirely on this piece?"

Upon hearing these words, a female professor immediately raised her hand in rebuttal.

"I object."

As gazes shifted toward her, the female professor spoke slowly.

"Young people should have the lives of young people. I believe such a musical work should not be used as a bargaining chip; we can open a fast-track channel for him within the rules."

"There is no need to rush his graduation project. Given his achievements and grades, issuing his certification ahead of schedule is entirely acceptable, but we must demonstrate our attention and high regard for him."

The female professor's words caused everyone to frown slightly at first.

After a moment of thought, they nodded in agreement.

For certain geniuses, a certificate is merely a procedural formality. With his success guaranteed, opening a few green lights posed no problem at all.

The middle-aged man in glasses was not annoyed by the rebuttal; instead, he looked at the female professor and asked with a smile,

"Li Can was originally eligible to graduate early, but he wasn't in a hurry. Instead, while ensuring his professional coursework was solid, he developed his hobbies and accumulated knowledge. If I recall correctly... didn't he often come to your classes to audit them, Professor Lin?"

"Yes, he frequently came to attend my lectures on 'Introduction to Aesthetics' and 'Philosophy of Art'."

Professor Lin nodded with a smile.

In reality, university professors warmly welcome students who audit their classes, and often even favor those who are eager to do so.

This represents an affirmation of the teacher and embodies a genuine love for learning.

As long as a student is willing to audit while at university, the professors are more than willing to teach.

Professor Lin truly adored a student like Li Can, who so often came to audit her classes.

"My suggestion is... let his graduation concert be held independently, and let the cooperative orchestra be handled by the National Philharmonic."

"That works. Special circumstances call for special handling. Given Li Can's ability and academic record, this cannot be considered pulling strings."

The assembled heavyweights nodded, and the matter was promptly finalized.

Witnessing these titans give such high praise, the score-management assistant felt the vast disparity in the world.

For a student to manage to stir the leadership of the national orchestra with a single work and prompt a formal meeting—

it was something she was witnessing for the very first time in her life.

"Alright, then I shall make the announcement."

Seeing that a consensus had been reached among everyone, the man presiding over the meeting nodded and announced to the group,

"All rehearsals and work of the National Philharmonic within the near future... within the next three months, are to be postponed to make way for this work. Schedule the performance at least five months from now!"

"For the next three months, everyone is to immerse yourselves entirely in this piece and remain on standby at all times. The moment Li Can has time, have him come over to guide the orchestra."

"Understood!"

"Meeting adjourned!"

With the conclusion of the meeting, everyone briskly set about executing their tasks.

The score-management assistant followed the troupe leader out, her mind somewhat blank.

The National Philharmonic was one of the top orchestras in the country.

Since its establishment, the occasions on which the National Philharmonic had been placed on standby were numerous.

For instance, performances for major national holidays, inspection tours by national leaders, welcoming foreign guests, diplomatic cultural events, or hosting world-renowned masters as guest conductors for performances, and so forth.

Yet, to cause such a tense mobilization merely for a twenty-year-old young man...

This was truly the first time since the orchestra's founding!

"Although Li Can is young, his strength is formidable. Based solely on this work, his name will undoubtedly secure a place in the Hall of Fame."

Seeing that the score-management assistant seemed somewhat absent-minded, the orchestra leader said with a warm smile.

"Do not underestimate him. I hope all of you can give him your absolute, full cooperation."

Halfway through his sentence, the leader glanced at the dazed assistant and shook his head repeatedly.

"...Never mind, I'll address them myself when I get back."