boyutpedia Chapter 174: Humility
Chapter 174: Humility
"Li Ming, your swordsmanship is becoming more and more proficient." Chen Fang looked up and exclaimed with a smile.
Li Ming stopped, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and said with a smile: "No, I still need to ask you for more advice. Your attainments in the art of playing the zither really put me to shame."
"I'm just an amateur. Compared with you, I'm nothing." Chen Fang shook his head, with a hint of humility in his eyes.
Seeing this, Li Ming secretly admired her and thought, "She is always so modest, which is rare." So he continued, "However, Fang'er, your piano sound is as moving as flowing water. If you can play it in the city, it will surely attract countless listeners."
"I just want to practice quietly in this mountain and enjoy the breath of nature." Chen Fang responded softly, his eyes cast towards the mountains in the distance, as if reminiscing about something.
Li Ming noticed her emotions and asked, "Fang'er, what are you thinking about?"
"I was thinking, how great it would be if I could face challenges bravely like you." Chen Fang's voice was soft, but with a hint of firmness.
"I'm just a martial artist, and what I face are just swords and knives. The real challenge may be the struggle of the soul." Li Ming said, with a hint of depth in his eyes.
"You're right." Chen Fang nodded, and her understanding of Li Ming became deeper. "I often feel that although my piano playing is beautiful, it cannot convey my inner feelings."
Li Ming was slightly stunned, then said: "Perhaps, the sound of your piano is a true reflection of your inner heart. Every note is telling your story."
"But I always feel that my story is not exciting enough." Chen Fang lowered her head and gently stroked the ancient book in her hand, as if looking for the answer.
“Everyone’s story is unique, just like every leaf in this mountain, which is a masterpiece of nature.” Li Ming encouraged, with a warm light in his eyes.
"You always find reasons to cheer me up." Chen Fang raised her head, her eyes sparkling with gratitude. "I hope I can be as brave as you and pursue my dreams."
"There will inevitably be thorns on the road to dreams, but as long as there is light in your heart, it can illuminate the way forward." Li Ming said firmly, his tone revealing an unquestionable power.
"I will try my best." There was a hint of determination in Chen Fang's voice, as if hinting at the changes in her heart.
At this moment, a melodious sound of piano came from the mountains, as if responding to her thoughts. Chen Fang smiled and her eyes sparkled with a lively brilliance.
"Listen, that's the sound of my piano." She said softly, as if she was talking to nature.
Li Ming listened quietly, feeling an indescribable beauty in his heart. He knew that Chen Fang's piano music was not just the interweaving of notes, but also the expression of her soul.
"Fang'er, your piano playing is like a clear spring, cleansing my soul." Li Ming sighed, with sincere praise in his eyes.
"Thank you, Li Ming. Your support makes me more determined." Chen Fang smiled slightly, feeling a warm feeling in her heart.
The two smiled at each other, as if at this moment, their souls were sublimated. The mountain wind blew gently, taking away their troubles, leaving behind their vision and hope for the future.
"Let's work hard together. Whether it's piano skills or swordsmanship, it's all a process of pursuit." Li Ming suggested, with a determined light in his eyes.
"Okay, I will move forward with you side by side." Chen Fang's voice was full of power, as if declaring her determination.
"Fang'er, how are you preparing for today's performance?" Li Ming walked up to her and asked with a smile, his eyes full of concern.
"I... I'm a little nervous." Chen Fang lowered her head and gently stroked the piano in her hand. Her voice was weak but firm. "But I know this is my chance to show myself."
"You can definitely do it." Li Ming encouraged, his tone firm, "Your piano sound is like the sound of nature, it will surely touch the hearts of every listener."
"Thank you, Li Ming." Chen Fang raised her head, her eyes sparkling with gratitude. "With you by my side, my confidence has been greatly strengthened."
At this moment, the door of the teahouse slowly opened, and several nobles in gorgeous clothes walked in. Everyone looked at them sideways and talked in low voices. Chen Fang's heart tightened, and she vaguely felt a little pressure.
"They are all famous literati in the city. They heard that you are quite accomplished in playing the zither, so they came here specially to see you." Li Ming observed her expression and said softly.
"I... I'm afraid I won't perform well." Chen Fang bit her lip, feeling uneasy.
"No matter what, just be the best version of yourself." Li Ming said firmly, with encouragement in his eyes.
"Okay, I'll try my best." Chen Fang took a deep breath and tried to calm herself down.
Soon, the atmosphere in the teahouse became more and more lively, and everyone sat down, looking forward to the performance that was about to begin. Chen Fang walked onto the stage, her heart pounding like thunder, her eyes swept across the audience, and finally stopped on Li Ming, as if she had gained courage from him.
"Dear guests, today we are honored to have Miss Chen Fang perform for us. Her piano playing will allow us to appreciate the charm of music." The teahouse owner announced loudly, immediately drawing warm applause.
"Please give me your guidance." Chen Fang bowed slightly, silently repeating Li Ming's words in her heart, trying to relax herself.
As the piano sounded, Chen Fang's heart gradually calmed down. The notes flowed in the air like a trickle, as if she was expressing her emotions one by one. Her fingertips danced on the strings, as if she was talking to nature. The piano sound was sometimes gentle, sometimes passionate, carrying her love for life and her vision for the future.
The audiences were immersed in the beautiful melody, and even the nobles held their breath and focused their attention. Li Ming stood quietly by the side, with a pleased smile on his face, feeling extremely proud of Chen Fang.
When the performance ended, applause surged like a tide, Chen Fang nodded slightly, and a bright smile bloomed on her face. She knew that her efforts had paid off.
"It's so wonderful!" A woman in gorgeous clothes stood up and said excitedly, "Miss Chen's piano playing is like heavenly music, it's intoxicating!"
"I think so too. Miss Chen's talent is truly amazing!" another scholar echoed, with admiration in his eyes.
"Thank you all for your support." Chen Fang smiled slightly, her heart full of gratitude.
After the performance, people came up to her, and compliments and praises poured in. Chen Fang felt more confident than ever before, and was secretly glad that she had not let this opportunity down.
"Fang'er, you are amazing!" Li Ming walked forward and said excitedly, "I knew you would win everyone's love."
"Thank you, Li Ming." Chen Fang's eyes sparkled with tears, and her heart was filled with emotion. "Without your encouragement, I might not be able to get to where I am today."