Full-time Artist Chapter 1319: Ode to Joy

It was March, a time that should have heralded the arrival of bright spring days. However, that day, a persistent rain began to fall.

Lin Yuan was driven by his chauffeur to a residential community, his purpose for the visit being to see a particular individual.

The doorbell chimed.

A young girl answered the door. Upon seeing Lin Yuan, her eyes widened considerably, and with a touch of excitement, she exclaimed, "Daddy fish..."

From behind the girl, a young man also emerged, his expression one of profound astonishment. He hadn't anticipated encountering the renowned Blue Star artist, Lin Yuan, at his home. Nevertheless, he managed to compose himself more readily than the girl:

"Teacher Lin Yuan!"

The girl eagerly clarified, her gaze fixed on Lin Yuan, "Excuse me, are you here for Teacher Wei Shujing? I'm his daughter, and this is my brother!"

"Hello," Lin Yuan greeted with a smile, holding a gift of fruit. "I'm here to visit Teacher Wei Shujing."

His visit to Wei Shujing had two main purposes: firstly, the elder had been immensely helpful to him, and secondly, Lin Yuan and Qin Zhen were preparing for a musical battle, a symphony showdown that required the other's expertise. Visiting in person felt like the most sincere approach.

Indeed.

Lin Yuan had already composed a new symphonic masterpiece. What was currently missing was a conductor. Wei Shujing had previously led the orchestra for "Symphony of Destiny," and their collaboration had been exceptionally harmonious. Thus, Lin Yuan intended to partner with him once more for his latest work.

However.

Upon hearing Lin Yuan's words, the young man's eyes became clouded with sadness. "My father is ill."

The girl's expression also turned somber, yet she politely invited Lin Yuan inside. "Dad is resting in there. He’ll be thrilled to know you came to see him. He’s been talking about you to us a lot lately."

Ill?

A sense of concern washed over Lin Yuan. He set down the fruit and proceeded into a room.

Inside the room.

Wei Shujing was lying in bed, clearly unwell. His face was pale, and a thin oxygen tube was attached to his nose.

Seeing Lin Yuan, the elder managed a smile:

"You've come."

"Mr. Wei, your health..."

Lin Yuan's voice was filled with worry. He hadn't expected the illness to be so severe. The man who had appeared so robust just the last time he saw him now required an oxygen tube.

"As one ages, departure becomes inevitable."

Despite the oxygen tube, the elder maintained a cheerful disposition and a smile. He seemed genuinely pleased by Lin Yuan's visit.

His daughter, however, struggled to accept this.

"Dad, don't say that. Medical technology is quite advanced these days!"

The young man chimed in, "You can't approach this with such a mindset. Isn't it cancer? We'll head to the hospital this afternoon, and treatment can begin."

Cancer.

Lin Yuan let out a sigh, refraining from further questions. Cancer was an insurmountable foe on both Blue Star and Earth.

At that moment, Lin Yuan’s thoughts shifted away from the potential collaboration. He inwardly inquired of the system, "Is there anything I can do to help him?"

"Apologies, Host. The system is unable to provide assistance."

"Can I undertake a task..."

"Regrettably, no."

Lin Yuan felt a heavy burden settle upon him.

In the realm of musical direction, the elder had imparted nearly all his knowledge to Lin Yuan. He held the old man in the same high regard as Yang Zhongming, considering him a true mentor.

Witnessing Wei Shujing's current condition caused Lin Yuan considerable distress.

Wei Shujing spoke, "You don't need to comfort me. I understand my own body. I am quite old, and it's a shame I won't be able to hear Xiaolin's music in the future."

"If you wish to hear it, I will play for you anytime," Lin Yuan stated earnestly.

The elder appeared comforted. "Your intention is enough. You are here today; do you have other matters to discuss?"

"I have a new symphony and wished to collaborate with you, but I was unaware of your health condition."

"I have failed you. I am unable to assist."

"Please don't say that. Your health is the most important thing!"

Lin Yuan understood the gravity of the situation; their meeting had come at a difficult time. Without the system, he himself might not be alive today. It was unfortunate that the system could save him but not others.

Wei Shujing sighed.

"It's a pity I can no longer conduct your symphony. I don't even know if I'll get to hear your new piece."

"You definitely will!"

Lin Yuan declared with unwavering certainty.

A slight twitch formed on the corners of the old man's mouth. "I hope so. I can introduce you to several excellent conductors who are no less capable than I am."

"No, since it's inconvenient for you, I'll try conducting it myself."

It wasn't that Lin Yuan lacked the skill for conducting; rather, his proficiency simply didn't match that of the elder.

Nevertheless, a solution exists. Should the situation prove unworkable, he possesses the option to exchange for relevant abilities from the system and assume direct command.

Although, deep within his heart, Lin Yuan still harbored a desire to collaborate with the esteemed elder he admired most.

"Are you a lone operative?"

The old man's smile widened, his mood evidently improving: "You can truly endeavor on your own. The lessons I imparted previously, coupled with your inherent talent, are quite remarkable."

"So, you are indeed my teacher."

Only two individuals held the distinction of earning Lin Yuan's sincere acknowledgment as 'teacher': Yang Zhongming and Wei Shujing.

"With you as my teacher, I have no regrets."

Wei Shujing's smile grew even more radiant.

His disposition was exemplary; at his age, he had witnessed much of life and death. "This ailment was diagnosed some time ago. 'Symphony of Destiny' was the last occasion I led the orchestra, and I was aware then. Consequently, I cherish every moment, feeling deeply grateful and profoundly moved."

"Teacher."

Lin Yuan performed the disciple's formal address: "Please take good care of your health."

This continued until the arrival of the medical professionals.

Lin Yuan and Wei Shujing's children collectively assisted the elder into the hospital's intensive care unit.

Upon returning home, Lin Yuan's spirits grew increasingly somber: "System, I wish to exchange for master-level commanding skills."

"Understood."

Two minutes later.

Lin Yuan's eyes fluttered open, a new acquisition seemingly imprinted within his mind.

Without delay or fanfare, Lin Yuan promptly reached out to the orchestra he had previously collaborated with.

And then, a week elapsed.

Lin Yuan personally visited Wei Shujing in the hospital, presenting a recorded video.

This time.

Not only had Wei Shujing's physical condition not improved, but it appeared to have worsened, his speech noticeably weaker.

However, upon viewing the video Lin Yuan had created, the elder's laughter resonated with profound relief:

"Your command is exceptional. UU Reading"

"You have instructed me well."

"In comparison to conducting, your symphonic compositions are even superior. Particularly the fourth movement, with the incorporation of the chorus, is remarkably stirring—more resounding than fate itself. What is its title?"

"The fourth movement is titled 'Ode to Joy.'"

"'Ode to Joy...'"

The old man offered another smile: "A fitting title."

The Ninth Symphony, a magnum opus by Ludwig van Beethoven, was completed towards the conclusion of 1823.

This composition, also acclaimed as the Choral Symphony, comprises four movements and is widely regarded within musical circles as Beethoven's pinnacle achievement in the symphonic realm.

Its fourth movement features the celebrated 'Ode to Joy.'

Lin Yuan undertook overtime work to ensure the recording was completed, hoping the elder could experience this piece at the earliest opportunity.

As the saying goes, offering a gift with borrowed flowers, he wished to dedicate this immensely popular symphonic work to his mentor.