as always in the class learning something new everyday Wang Yibo sat at the piano, his fingers poised over the keys. Frustration etched his face as Chopin's Nocturne eluded him.
Xiao Zhan noticing Wang Yibo's struggle. "Struggling?" he asked in his usual gentle tone.
Wang Yibo nodded, releasing a deep sigh. "This piece is killing me."
Xiao Zhan smiled sympathetically. "Let's break it down." He sat beside Wang Yibo, their shoulders touching.
Together, they analyzed the composition, Xiao Zhan explaining subtle nuances. Wang Yibo listened intently, his eyes locked on Xiao Zhan's hands.
"Today, we'll tackle the entire nocturne," Xiao Zhan announced, his eyes sparkling.
Wang Yibo's determination grew. "I won't disappoint."
The morning passed in a whirlwind of music theory and technique. Xiao Zhan's patience guided Wang Yibo through challenging passages.
As they worked, Wang Yibo realized Xiao Zhan's dedication went beyond teaching.
As lunchtime approached, Xiao Zhan noticed Wang Yibo's fatigue. "You look exhausted. you should take a break it's lunch time you should go eat something"
"i don't feel like eating, I'm just feeling lazy to go grab something to eat". he said in a tiring tone.
"Let's grab lunch together," Xiao Zhan suggested, his smile warm. "My treat."
Wang Yibo hesitated, then nodded, "okay i don't say no to free food" he giggled.
They walked to a nearby café, its cozy atmosphere welcoming.
Over steaming noodles, Wang Yibo opened up about his struggles. Xiao Zhan listened attentively.
"I feel like I'm not good enough for music," Wang Yibo confessed.
Xiao Zhan's expression softened. "Music is about passion, not perfection."
'well easy for you to say' he thought to himself forgetting that in the starting everyone makes mistakes.
As they finished lunch, Xiao Zhan asked, "Would you like to attend a concert with me this weekend? The Beijing Symphony Orchestra is performing Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 2 at the National Centre for the Performing Arts."
Wang Yibo's eyes widened, his face lighting up. "That sounds incredible! I've always wanted to see a live performance of Chopin's work."he said excitedly.
Xiao Zhan smiled, pleased with Wang Yibo's enthusiasm. "I'll get us tickets. It'll be a great opportunity to see professional musicians perform and gain inspiration for your own playing."
The afternoon piano lesson resumed, with Wang Yibo's fatigue forgotten. Xiao Zhan guided him through intricate fingerwork, offering words of encouragement.
"Remember, Wang Yibo, focus on expressing the music's emotion, not just technical accuracy," Xiao Zhan advised, his hands gently adjusting Wang Yibo's finger placement.
Wang Yibo nodded, taking a deep breath. His fingers danced across the keys, the melody flowing with newfound passion.
As they practiced, the music room filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers from the nearby garden. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow on Xiao Zhan's gentle smile.
As Wang Yibo's fingers moved deftly across the keys, his mind wandered. He couldn't believe his luck – learning from Xiao Zhan, attending a concert together... It felt surreal.
"Wang Yibo, you're lost in thought," Xiao Zhan said softly, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
Wang Yibo snapped back to attention. "Sorry, professor Xiao. I was just thinking about the concert."
Xiao Zhan nodded. "I'm glad you're excited. Music has a way of connecting us, doesn't it?"
Just then, the door creaked open. professor Zhan, may I interrupt?" Li Ming, the school administrator, asked.
"Of course, Li Ming," Xiao Zhan replied.
Li Ming's eyes sparkled. "I have exciting news – our uni's music department has been invited to perform at the Beijing International Music Festival. it's in two months and we were just selecting from the new students for this year. every uni is selecting from their newcomers then by not us."
Wang Yibo's heart skipped a beat.
Xiao Zhan's expression turned thoughtful. "That's wonderful news. We'll need to select our best performers."
Li Ming smiled. "I thought of Wang Yibo for the piano solo. His progress has been remarkable."
Wang Yibo's face flushed with surprise, but doubts crept in. "Me? Perform at the Beijing International Music Festival? I'm not good enough."
Xiao Zhan's expression turned reassuring. "Nonsense, Wang Yibo. You've made tremendous progress. With dedication and hard work, you'll shine on that stage. and you are only student over practicing here."
Li Ming nodded in agreement. "professor Zhan will guide you every step of the way. You'll be our uni's pride."
Wang Yibo's anxiety lingered, but Xiao Zhan's confidence was infectious.
"Starting tomorrow, we'll intensify your training," Xiao Zhan announced. "We'll practice from dawn till dusk, honing your skills."
Wang Yibo's eyes widened. "That's... intense."
Xiao Zhan smiled. "Champions aren't made overnight. Trust me, Wang Yibo. You have potential."
And so, their rigorous training began. Xiao Zhan pushed Wang Yibo to his limits, refining every nuance of his playing.
As they spent long hours together, their bond grew stronger. Xiao Zhan's patience and encouragement chipped away at Wang Yibo's self-doubt.
One afternoon, exhausted but determined, Wang Yibo asked, "professor Xiao, do you really think I can do this?"
Xiao Zhan's eyes locked onto his, filled with conviction. "I don't think, Wang Yibo. I know. You have the heart of a true musician."
Wang Yibo's doubts began to fade, replaced by a sense of purpose. 'it feels different when he say something like this' he thought to himself.
as they continue to practice "Relax your shoulders, Wang Yibo," Xiao Zhan guided, his hands gently adjusting Wang Yibo's posture. "Let the music flow through you."
Wang Yibo nodded, focusing on the intricate fingerwork. Xiao Zhan's patient encouragement fueled his determination.
"Better, Wang Yibo," Xiao Zhan praised, his eyes crinkling. "Your expression is more nuanced."
Wang Yibo was blushing, "Thanks, professor Xiao."
Their sessions stretched from dawn till dusk, with short breaks for meals and stretching.
in the afternoon, as they took a break, Wang Yibo noticed Xiao Zhan's fatigue. "professor Xiao, you're exhausted. Maybe we should stop for today?"
Xiao Zhan smiled warmly. "You're concerned about me? I'm fine, Yibo. We're not done yet."
Yibo's heart skipped a beat as Xiao Zhan called him Yibo for the first time . "I want to make you proud, professor Xiao."
Xiao Zhan's expression softened. "You already do, Yibo. Now, let's tackle that difficult passage again."
And so, their practice continued, a symphony of dedication and perseverance.
As the days turned into weeks, Wang Yibo and Xiao Zhan's practice sessions became more intense and intimate. Their mutual respect and trust grew, fostering a comfortable silence between them.
One afternoon, as they worked on a complex passage, Wang Yibo's fingers stumbled. Xiao Zhan's hand instinctively covered his, guiding him through the difficult section.
Their eyes met, and for a fleeting moment, they held each other's gaze. Wang Yibo's heart skipped a beat as he felt a spark of electricity.
"Sorry," Xiao Zhan said softly, releasing Wang Yibo's hand.
Wang Yibo shook his head, his face warming. "No need to apologize, professor Xiao." 'i liked it' he said in his mind. being naughty huh?.
As they continued practicing, their proximity became more pronounced. They sat side by side, shoulders almost touching, their hands occasionally brushing against each other.
During breaks, they would chat about music theory or share stories about their favorite composers. Laughter and smiles became more frequent, easing the tension between them.
Xiao Zhan began to notice Wang Yibo's quirks – the way he bit his lip when concentrating or his infectious enthusiasm when discussing music.
Wang Yibo, in turn, admired Xiao Zhan's patience and kindness towards everyone like he never insults anyone or punish. He found himself stealing glances at his teacher, who would catch his eye and smile.
Their interactions became more fluid, like a well-rehearsed dance. They moved in tandem, their bodies swaying to the rhythm of the music.
One day, as they packed up their belongings, Xiao Zhan suggested, "Why don't we practice at my place? I have a piano at home."
Wang Yibo's heart skipped a beat. "Really? That would be amazing, professor Xiao."
but deep down he was nervous.
Xiao Zhan smiled. "Call me Zhan when we're outside uni ok
and before you say anything it's completely normal for you to call me by name as you have my permission"
Yibo's face flushed and he nodded.
"let's get ready look carefully around don't forget your things here." Xiao Zhan said to him. and he himself went out to take his car from parking.