Chapter 170: Incorporated into Teaching Materials

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Fang Jiayi, feeling a bit more confident, responded to Mu Youlan’s question confidently. She explained that her piece “Sorrow” aimed to convey profound sorrow, using the metaphor of a person trapped in overwhelming grief, unable to break free.

Mu Youlan burst into laughter, her disdain evident. “You’ve completely misunderstood! Don’t take my word for it; ask everyone present. What did they think when they heard your climax?”

The host chimed in, sharing his perspective, “Initially, I felt a profound sadness, like a tidal wave overwhelming me. However, after a while, a ray of light appeared, offering hope and inspiring me to live well.”

The audience eagerly joined the discussion:

“I sensed the courage and strength to overcome grief.”

“It reminded me of the earthquake last year…”

“Yes, the earthquake in Wen City. As soon as the climax hit, the images of the disaster flashed in my mind.”

“I thought of natural disasters too!”

Mu Youlan seized the opportunity, stating, “Exactly! Last year’s Wen City earthquake brought immense suffering, and ‘Wish,’ composed by Senior Qingyin, was created to provide solace and hope to the survivors. It aimed to help them emerge from the darkness of despair.”

Fang Jiayi, lacking a deep understanding of music and guided by an insufficiently knowledgeable tutor, had perceived only the surface of Senior Qingyin’s composition. Unaware of the hidden message of hope within the climax, she now faced the revelation with a worsening expression. Mu Youlan’s revelation left Fang Jiayi exposed and her deception laid bare.

Mu Youlan continued with her damning revelation. “Why can I be sure that Senior Qingyin created ‘Wish’? It’s because in March of this year, her song passed through my hands and was included in the music teaching materials! New teaching materials have already been printed and are set to be published in September this year. Before that, it hasn’t been announced!”

The shock was palpable among the audience, Fang Jiayi included. The revelation left her in disbelief.

“Senior Qingyin’s complete creation is countless times better than your version!” Mu Youlan continued, unleashing a barrage of criticism. “If I’m not mistaken, you copied Senior Qingyin’s climax. Fearing exposure, you attempted to write it yourself, but your skill level couldn’t handle the majestic aura of the climax. It sounded strange, forced, and lacked the finesse of a masterful composition!”

“The judges wouldn’t have let you advance if it wasn’t for the climax. Your writing is ordinary, even poor. Second place is beyond reach; you wouldn’t even make it to twenty!”

Mu Youlan didn’t mince words, declaring, “Not only did you plagiarize Senior Qingyin’s work, but you also refused to admit it. You’re not worthy of this award, or even being in this industry! On behalf of the Piano Association, I reject your presence for the rest of your life!”

Mu Youlan’s words reverberated, leaving everyone in shock. Fang Jiayi, exposed and disgraced, struggled to maintain her composure. The public announcement by the Piano Association’s president that she was unwelcome in the industry was a harsh blow that surpassed any other form of rejection.

No! She couldn’t admit to plagiarism so easily! The potential consequences were overwhelming. Her piano career would crumble, and the second-place glory she’d achieved would vanish, drowned in the public’s condemnation. The halo surrounding her would disappear, replaced by scorn and ridicule. The stain of plagiarism would follow her relentlessly, a lifelong blemish that would make her the subject of mockery. Her admission to this act would disappoint her parents, shatter Lu Chen’s trust, and intensify the disdain from Mr. Lu and Mrs. Lu. Friends and supporters would turn their backs on her, and her life would be tainted by this irreversible disgrace.

Fang Jiayi gritted her teeth, determined not to surrender so easily. “These are just your baseless accusations. What evidence do you have about it being in the teaching materials? Was it even seen by anyone?”

“You!” Mu Youlan, angered by Fang Jiayi’s refusal to concede, decided to press harder. “Fine, I’ll make you admit your defeat!”

She promptly had someone bring a photograph of the latest teaching materials, projecting the score onto the big screen.

“This is Senior Qingyin’s ‘Wish’!” Mu Youlan announced to the audience. “Anyone with an understanding of music notation can immediately discern that the two compositions are identical.. It’s not a mere resemblance of one or two lines; it’s a complete plagiarism of the entire climax!”