Chapter 56: The Young Proprietor Neglects His Duties

(Thank you all for your monthly and recommendation votes.)

Xiaochun's singing stirred the crowd's emotions to a frenzy, but the next performance gradually calmed that fervor. Watching the little girls singing and dancing on stage, peaceful smiles once again appeared on everyone's faces.

A small girl even, while dancing, suddenly plopped down and fell asleep right there, which drew laughter and applause from the audience.

After two more acts, Yang Qing returned to the stage. Li Wanxiao, whose heart had settled, looked at Yang Qing with gratitude in her eyes. She hadn't expected that simply attending her son's Children's Day performance would untangle her own inner knots, and open up little Nian Nian's heart as well.

All of this was thanks to the man on stage. She was grateful, and so she looked forward eagerly to his next performance.

Meanwhile, the little ones were beside themselves with excitement at Yang Qing’s return. One giggling child tried to rush the stage, only to be grabbed by his older sister.

Tan Jin'er shot a sideways glance: "Where do you think you're going now?"

Little Xier giggled, "I just wanted to see if you could catch me, giggle..."

Tan Jin'er replied, "Sit properly, or I'll make you wash Dong'er’s little underwear!"

Then she turned to Xiao Qiuer and Xiao Bai: "Qiuer, Bai, I’m giving you a glorious and difficult task—watch over this silly one."

"All right!" The two immediately felt a surge of responsibility, their little bodies swelling with pride as they escorted Xier back to her seat.

Xier, however, found it all tremendously fun, giggling and begging them to let her go so she could be caught again.

Watching this scene, Wang Ke’er couldn't help but laugh. "Jin’er, it’s only been a few days—how did Xier get so mischievous? Is this her true nature coming out? She’s even more spirited than Bai!"

Tan Jin’er ignored Wang Ke’er, dark lines furrowing her brow. She herself was baffled at her younger sister’s sudden transformation. She used to be such a sweet, obedient, clingy little girl; how had she changed so quickly?

But then again… it wasn’t so bad. At least she was much more cheerful and happy now, and she still retained her kindness, diligence, and deep love for Jin’er.

She thought of Xier comforting a crying baby at the aquarium, always eager to help in the shop, and after getting new clothes, never forgetting to ask if her sister had any. Remembering all this, warmth flooded her heart, and a gentle smile returned to her face as she glanced at the stage.

"Let's watch the performance. I wonder what piece Qing-ge will play on the erhu?"

"Yes, I’m really curious," Wang Ke’er’s eyes lit up. Truthfully, she had always been endlessly fascinated by Yang Qing.

On stage, Yang Qing held his erhu and bowed slightly to the audience, smiling. "I’ll play an erhu piece called 'Galloping Horses' for everyone, and dedicate it to our little stars today. May our children always be happy, joyful, and healthy, and may they dash into a bright and glorious future like spirited steeds!"

Thunderous applause erupted, and the audience looked to the stage with anticipation. They wanted to see what wonders this man, who had already dazzled them with his music, could conjure with the erhu.

Yang Qing was seated at the center of the stage. He turned his head and nodded slightly to the left.

Instantly, the stage lights dimmed, and the hubbub below ceased. In that moment, as the lights went dark, a subtle tension enveloped the audience.

Silence. Even the air seemed to freeze, until—

A sudden sound, like a horse’s cry, rang out. The audience’s eyes widened in disbelief as they stared at Yang Qing.

Was that… a horse’s neigh? Was it really possible to produce such a sound with an erhu?

The parents were astonished, while the children excitedly shouted, "It’s a horse!"

After the neigh came the passionate rhythm of galloping hooves, and the stage lights blazed to life. Yang Qing was fully engrossed in his performance, his eyes narrowed, bow moving fast and slow with his arm.

Neighs, whinnies, hoofbeats, and the crack of the whip intertwined fiercely, conjuring a vivid scene of a horse race in the minds of the audience.

In Ke’er’s livestream room, silence reigned. The fans were stunned, until someone finally spoke up in awe:

"This… was really played on an erhu? I can’t believe it! How could an erhu depict such a scene?"

"Exactly! Listen to those hoofbeats—so incredibly real! And the horse’s cry—my god, is this the erhu I thought I knew?"

"You’re right, but what’s most shocking is that I searched online and couldn’t find this erhu piece called 'Galloping Horses.' So…"

"So… you’re saying this is an original composition? Come on, maybe it just has a different name and the boss renamed it?"

"No, that would be terrifying!"

"No! 'Galloping Horses' is an original!"

As the viewers debated furiously, a user named "Erhu Successor" settled it:

"I’m a member of the Traditional Orchestra of the Chinese Music Association. Professionally, I can confidently tell you this erhu piece, 'Galloping Horses,' has never existed before. So it’s original!"

"And yes, the horse’s cry and hoofbeats are all played on the erhu!"

His message was tinged with excitement: "Thanks to Ke’er’s high-definition livestream setup, I can clearly watch the boss’s performance!"

"From my observation, he used at least four techniques in this piece: bow spraying, vibrato, staccato, and plucking!"

"The hoofbeat sound is simulated by plucking the strings, not bowing. Every time you hear hoofbeats, he’s plucking with his fingers!"

"This is groundbreaking! I have a feeling this technique and this piece will cause a sensation!"

Stunned by this professional analysis, the viewers in the livestream could only gape at Yang Qing still playing on stage.

An original erhu composition, an innovative technique—was he mad? Wasn’t he a pancake vendor? How could he suddenly be so talented, so unconventional?

The audience, both online and in person, was overwhelmed. Listening live, the scene of galloping horses seemed to sweep them along, as if they were racing across the grasslands themselves.

In their awe, many parents whipped out their phones to record. Xiao Qiuer and Xiao Bai were jumping with excitement, their faces flushed.

Xier was utterly captivated by the music, her little hands waving, hopping and laughing, shouting, "Go! Go! My horse is fastest! Go!"

Nian Nian, the little princess, watched with bright eyes, thinking the sound was fascinating. She pulled her mother’s hand and whispered shyly, "Mama, is that a horse’s cry?"

"Yes," Li Wanxiao smiled, "Your brother Yang Qing imitates it very well."

"Mmm, mama, what are horses like? I’ve never seen a horse, I really want to see one."

Li Wanxiao paused, her gaze trembling as she looked at her daughter. "Nian Nian, you want to see a horse?"

"Mm," little Nian Nian nodded shyly.

"Alright, then mama will take you to see a horse."

Li Wanxiao smiled. Ever since Nian Nian’s father was gone, the little girl had never asked for anything, had lost her energy and shut herself away.

But now, at last, she spoke up.

All because of Yang Qing’s erhu piece, "Galloping Horses."