Chapter 56: Journey to Japan

  He's really cool, Fang Mo Nan blinked his eyes and had to admit that this little boy was very pleasing to the eye. He wondered if he would still be so cute after growing up, praying that he wouldn't become ugly. Long eyelashes, deep contours, sea-blue eyes, all of which added a lot of charm to their childhood and youth.

  Fang Mo Nan looked about twelve or thirteen years old, and his movements were very elegant. However, the arrogance that showed on his face greatly discounted the noble quality around him. His slender figure, long arms and legs, always walked with a slightly raised chin, proudly like a peacock.

  Ludwig? Olivier sat down at the position he walked to, but just with this appearance, he was already the focus of the backstage. Not to mention his performance, most of the contestants in the backstage couldn't help but observe him. It wasn't because of his good looks, but because of his previous performance, which was indeed a notch higher than the previous contestants. His presence had already announced a strong obstacle to his opponents.

  Meng Nan looked at Meng Bei, who was still wearing headphones and listening to music, unaffected by the commotion earlier. It wasn't until Leonard pulled her up that she walked towards the stage with him. Leonard was Meng Bei's piano accompanist.

  Fang Mo Nan stood at one corner of the stage, quietly poking her head out. Unfortunately, the lights were too bright and she couldn't see clearly below the stage. All she saw was Mo Bei standing upright on the stage.

  Fang Mo Bei stood on the stage, took a deep breath in and out, curved her mouth corners, revealed a hint of smile, and bowed to the judges below. Just like she said, treating the judges as ordinary people, nothing to be afraid of, she hinted, not intimidated at all, seeing only seven or eight people below the stage, five judges smiling, including one woman.

  The information of the five judges had been told to her by Renard before the competition. Fang Mo Bei only knew that they were very famous and could be called masters, but unfortunately, it was unimaginable for Mo Bei. So, just listen, no specific concept. Not having knowledge also has its advantages, ignorance is fearless.

  The first piece was Antonio Vivaldi's violin concerto "Spring" in E major, which Ludwig Olivier had played before.

  Mo Bei made a gesture, nodded slightly to Raynard, the first note sounded perfect, a good start, Mo Bei's heart was moved, and the fast-paced melody poured out like flowing water. She wasn't inferior to others, she had an understanding of the music. As long as it started smoothly, Mo Bei found her state, and everything else wasn't a problem.

  Renard's previous worries also disappeared with Mo Bei's performance. After listening to the first performance, Renard was even more excited, Mo Bei performed exceptionally well, it was great!

  The five judges under the stage were somewhat unexpected, after all, when they first received the information, they saw that this six-year-old Eastern girl was lovely like a doll. Instinctively, they thought she came to gain experience in the competition, get familiar with the scene and accompany the 'prince' to read books.

  They came here just to listen to Ludwig Olivier's performance, and indeed he didn't disappoint anyone. It was clear that he was at least one level higher than the other competitors. As a member of a musical family, he could be considered a familiar face. Ludwig Olivier also did not disappoint the five judges, with both power and emotion perfectly in place, already showing some musical style, with great potential. Although his technique is limited by his age and still needs improvement, he is indeed a rare talent. Originally thought that this time's champion was settled, who would have expected such a dark horse to emerge?

  All five judges slowly gathered the relaxed and pleasant smiles on their faces, and the action of drinking coffee also stopped. They lost their initial slowness and listened seriously.

  The piano accompaniment is also excellent, and upon careful listening, the pianist is obviously a master too. However, the violin's sound is in no way inferior to it, without stealing the show.

  "Spring" is divided into three movements, expressing:

  1. Spring has arrived, infinite joy. The little bird sings a happy song to welcome the spring. A gentle breeze stirs the clear stream, and the water gurgles along. Dark clouds cover the sky, lightning flashes, thunder rumbles. The thunder and lightning pass in an instant, and the birds sing again with a gentle melody.

  On the lush grassland where flowers are in full bloom, among the rustling grasses, the shepherd is resting, with his faithful sheepdog lying by his side.

  Three, accompanied by the cheerful sound of rural flutes, under the clear spring sky, the fairies and shepherds dance together.

  She was six years old, was she really only six years old? Not counting by the lunar calendar, she still lacked three months to be six years old. She perfectly interpreted this song.

  After the nine-minute performance, when Fang Mo Bei put down her violin and bowed, all five judges paused for a moment before exchanging glances, seeing the same look in each other's eyes. This skill, this artistic conception... if it weren't seen with one's own eyes, it would be hard to believe that it was performed by a six-year-old child. Even they had only achieved such finger dexterity after studying for over a decade. Still a bit immature, but when she masters the technique... it's really unimaginable. But what moved people was her expression of emotion... how old was she when she started practicing? Is there really a genius in this world who can succeed without hard work? This... if that's true, then God is too unfair.

  As Fang Mo Bei walked offstage, Fang Mo Nan hugged her, "You're a genius, an absolute genius."

  "I was born a genius" said Mo Bei with a smug expression.

  "Alright, the performance wasn't bad, but there were a few fingerings that should be like this..." Reynard said, to be honest, she was surprised. Mu Bei had no stage experience at all, and when he first taught her this "Spring" concerto, Mu Bei couldn't find the feel for it. Later, when they practiced on the farm, Mu Bei looked at the lush green fields, birds taking flight, and colorful butterflies fluttering about, she finally found the inspiration to express herself. Unexpectedly, during the finals, she improved a lot, and her performance was surprisingly outstanding, perhaps because she didn't have any ulterior motives.

  Just now showing the most pure and delicate music, hoping she can keep it up, or will she be like this in her next series of matches? Rennard is looking forward to it.

  When he stepped down, Mo Bei received the same treatment as Ludwig Olivier, or even worse, because Ludwig himself stared at Mo Bei with a gaze that seemed to burn him alive.

  Mo Bei turned his head, "Sister, what did he glare at me for? Did I offend him?" He asked innocently.

  "Oh, you're doing great, he's jealous of you," said Fang Mo Nan.

  "Jealous, he plays better than me, I should be jealous of him." Fang Mo Bei commented after comparison. Then she walked to Ludwig's side, "I'm also jealous of you." The childlike girl glared at him fiercely, just like him.

  Ludwig looked at her and burst out laughing. "You're 'cute'," he said in German.

  "What did he say?" Fang Mo asked, pulling Lan Lan's hand.

  "He said you're cute," Reynard said.

  At his busiest time, the match had already ended, a man over twenty minutes, not long, until the exciting moment.

  The final result is out, Mo Bei came in second, and the first place was indeed Ludwig Olivier. In response to this, Fang Mochen looked at Mo Bei and calmly accepted it, "He plays better than me, he deserves first place."

  Moore may have had the edge in terms of age, and although he was slightly inferior to him in technique, he won out in terms of emotional intensity, passion, and spiritual vitality, making his performance more infectious.

  After receiving the award, they sat on the return flight, Fang Mo Bei cried with a sad face, looking at the paper in his hand.

  "Done, and I'm not satisfied with the ranking." Reynard asked curiously.

  "No, the bonus was three thousand, but it became two thousand, a whole one thousand dollars less." Mo Bei clenched his fist and waved it, "Next time, next time I must strive to get three thousand dollars."

  "Ah," Renard rubbed his forehead, looking incredulous "You're still hung up on these things."

  "Of course, I calculated that after deducting accommodation and food expenses, we only have $100 left." Fang Mo Bei handed the paper in his hand to Leonard.

  Leonard looked at the paper with only a few days' worth of expenses written on it. "Alas, I'm telling you, it's good," he sighed.

  "For the first prize, I will continue to practice and must surpass that kid. The three thousand dollars is mine." Fang Mo Bei muttered.

  The game was met with complete silence domestically, and Fang Mo Bei and the others were quiet as well, lacking the excitement and bustle.

  It wasn't until the family saw the shiny medal that they were overjoyed. Everyone took a photo with Mo Bei to commemorate this, as it was Xiao Bei's first medal, which held great significance.

  For the next match, Fang Mo Bei and Leina started training again, torturing Grandma Ji and others who cried bitterly. As the weather got hotter, they finally drove them to the farm on the mountain to practice, and everyone's ears were no longer tortured.

  Two months have passed, and Renard is surprised to see that Mobei has made rapid progress, with more vivid and powerful emotional expressions, especially in the performance of songs and military anthems. Previously, her songs lacked strength and were soft and weak. In such a short period of time, her mental outlook has undergone a significant transformation, with clear and powerful tones, majestic momentum, distinct rhythms, and an inspiring spirit. Renard is deeply moved, feeling that competitions are indeed a great way to temper oneself.

  In June, Fang Mochen and others flew to the UK to participate in the Menuhin International Junior Violin Competition.

  As soon as she stepped onto British soil, Fang Mornan sensed the timid and fearful expression of Renard. During the match, Renard was so tense that he kept rubbing his hands together, with beads of sweat popping out on his forehead.

  "Lei, are you okay? You're even more tense and scared than I am." Fang Mo Nan tugged at his clothes, "You're afraid? This doesn't seem like you."

  "You're British, have you met anyone familiar? Don't jump to conclusions." Fang Mo Nan guessed, looking at his stiffened expression. "Really, there are familiar people, and judging from your appearance, the relationship doesn't seem good."

  "Leonard, my goodness where have you gone to. Can't find you anywhere." A middle-aged noblewoman exclaimed loudly while holding his hand. "And your beard isn't even shaved off, if I hadn't heard your voice, I almost couldn't recognize you."

  "Mother, let go first, this is very embarrassing." Renard said with a red face, pushing the woman away.

  "You're shy, aren't you? I'm not a stranger." She let go of Reinard and looked him up and down to see if he was suffering or pale, but he seemed very spirited. "Where did you run off to? Not one of them was there."

  "Mom, let's not talk about it now, I have a competition to go to." Reynard grabbed Mo Bei's hand and walked towards the stage together.

  The noble lady followed him up to the stage, standing on one side. This is a youth competition, what is he doing here? Ah, accompanying on the piano.

  Although she had a lot of doubts, she calmed down and listened to the performance. Wow, this kid has great potential. His style has become so simple and smooth, as if his level has improved.

  After Renard left, they found a cafe and the four of them sat down. The two adults ordered coffee, Fang Mo Nan and he ordered orange juice and cheesecake.

  The noble lady picked up her coffee and elegantly took a sip. "Speak, are you still angry with your father?"

  Fang Mo Nan and he both picked up their plates and ate cake, at this time just listen.

  "This is my mother, Theresa Stock. Renard continued, "And this is my violin student, who has been studying with me in China. They have come to participate in the competition."

  "Hello, Mrs. Stock." Fang Mo Nan and Mo Bei stood up and greeted her.

  "My goodness, you've sunk to this level." Theresa said with a heavy heart, "I'll definitely persuade your dad, let's go home"

  When Fang Mo Nan heard Theresa's words, he glared at her angrily but didn't interrupt her.

  "Mom, don't worry, I'm very happy now, and I'll call you later." But that didn't seem convincing enough, so Leonard added, "Mom, really, I'm doing great. You should be able to tell from the sound of my piano playing."

  Teresa looked at his serious face, just tearfully looking at him, no longer persuading him. As long as he was doing well, it didn't matter, both sides of the hand were flesh and blood, she was the most uncomfortable being stuck in the middle of their father-son quarrel.

  "Alright, you promise to hit me," Theresa said, maybe this was for the best.

  "I guarantee."

  "This apprentice of yours is quite good; with continued effort, he will have a bright future." Theresa said sincerely.

  "Really?" Renard laughed like a child.

  "You've changed, you used to be so refined and elegant, dignified like a statue, now you're lively and cheerful, like a big boy," Theresa said with a smile.

  "Mom, we're going to go see the results of the game now." Reynard said, getting up with a blush.

  The competition result is still second for Mo Bei, and the first place goes to Ludwig Olivier.

  After the game, Leonard and his friends played in England for three days before leaving under Mrs. Stoke's reluctant gaze.

  On the plane, Fang Mo Nan asked with difficulty: "Are we the reason you've fallen to this state?" She looked him up and down, checking if that piece of skin was loose and needed tightening.

  "You are my salvation," Renard said solemnly.

  "Lei, you're so glib and eloquent now, able to say pleasant things." Fang Mo'nan said.

  "This is called 'near the vermilion one becomes red, near the ink one becomes black'. You say I learned from whom." Reynard said with a complacent tone.

  "Fang Mengnan was choked by his words."

  "Haha......" Reynard laughed with great joy, finally seeing her embarrassed look.

  In September, Fang Mo Nan and his team embarked on a journey to Japan again. This time, however, they took separate actions, with Renard and Mo Bei competing in Kobe, while Cheng Shigui drove to pick up Fang Mo Nan at his residence in Tokyo.

  A Japanese-style villa, three floors with a small garden in the front and back, covering an area of approximately 270 square meters located in a quiet residential area in downtown Tokyo. Fang Mernan walked into the interior decoration with a fresh and natural, profound Zen atmosphere. Simple and natural Japanese home decoration style. The solid wood furniture is simple and unadorned, showing the introverted and elegant quality of the space. The entire house is decorated with traditional sliding doors and rice paper lamps. Through the sliding glass door and large windows, you can enjoy the view of the small garden. The master bathroom is designed in a traditional Japanese style, equipped with a shower facility with seating and a large hot spring water therapy bathtub.

  Fully functional is the exclusive right of a large house, kitchen, rest room, open-plan dining room, office and bathroom, audio-visual room, guest room, etc., providing residents with spacious living and working environment.

  "It's really beautiful." Fang Mo Nan sat in the house and looked around.

  "Haha... not as good as Junyue's hotel with Chinese design." said Cheng Shigui, when Junyue Hotel opened, he went there in person and was really shocked by the Chinese style in the room. He used to think that traditional formal style was thick and oppressive. But now it has completely changed, originally incorporating Chinese elements can also be so simple, bright, warm and comfortable.

  "It's been three months since the opening, and the results are not good." said Cheng Shigui. "Liangzi and his team have really worked hard, they can hold their own on the scene, they remember even the smallest details you mentioned, from room layout to personnel training; from a single dish to window design, everything is being executed meticulously."

  "Of course, 'details determine success or failure.' Think what the guests think, and worry about what the guests worry about." Fang Monan said. "Speaking of which, how's Xiao Mei doing?" Xiao Mei also went to the south at the end of last year, after all, there is more development space there. The farm only needs Uncle Pang, and with Fang Monan and others living on the farm from time to time, there are absolutely enough people.

  "He is very hardworking and diligent. He even enrolled in night school." said Cheng Shigui sincerely.

  "Uh-huh." Fang Mo Nan nodded, took out a bracelet from her bag. The pink pearls were uniform in size, like soybeans, and below them hung a gold silk jade ring. "This is the New Year's gift for Xiaomei." She really had a good heart, after the Lunar New Year, Fang Mo Nan received handmade cloth shoes and cotton shoe covers from Xiaomei.

  "Nan Nan, this pearl is truly rare!" said Cheng Shigui. "It's naturally formed, uniform in size, with a transparent luster, and has a precious glow, roundness, and smoothness. The quality is not ordinary."

  Fang Mo Nan smiled but didn't speak. The pearl was picked up during the last trip to the sea and was made after being sifted through.

  Cheng Shigui continued, "Now the land price in the special zone has risen sharply. The more than 100 acres of land we bought have increased by about 80%." Cheng Shigui said. "The special zone has policy support and will attract a large amount of foreign capital and talent, making this land increasingly scarce, so it's natural for the land price to rise continuously. I think this land will continue to appreciate in value." He asked if they would continue to buy more land.

  "No, the hotel's profits are all saved up, I have other uses for it." Fang Mo Nan said in a low voice.

  Cheng Shigui nodded, "But they didn't make as much money from speculating in the stock market. It's a pity you didn't attend the opening ceremony, it was unprecedented. Although the hotel isn't the tallest, it's the best." Cheng Shigui said without regret, "Even the mayor of the special zone and the head of Shekou district came in person."

  "That's just giving face to Yan Guangxing." Fang Mo'nan said with a sip of tea.

  "When it comes to Guangxing, he has now become a money-printing machine. In his own words, he is now carrying sacks of money to the bank every day." Cheng Shigui said with a smile. "What a great trick to swindle people out of their money, and he's playing it with such finesse!"

  "It's also necessary for him to have such a background." Fang Mo Nan sighed, it doesn't matter if you can't play around.

  "Right, as a token of gratitude for giving us fifteen percent of the shares," said Cheng Shigui, "you, me, and Han Zhikuan will each get five percent. Let's sign this document."

  "It's okay, the foreign products are in contact with you at this stage," Fang Mo Nan said. "I also have," she took over the file, what was supposed to be hers, and signed her name without hesitation.

  "We should get it." Cheng Shigui said matter-of-factly, her idea could be found from anyone with some energy on the mainland, especially now that many people from the mainland are doing business overseas.

  At this time, Yang Fan also came in from outside, "Ah, boss is here." Yang Fan saw the teapot on the tea table, poured a cup of tea, smelled it, sat down and took a sip, feeling relieved. Japan has already received over $200 million through normal channels, plus the government is now encouraging foreign investment, so don't worry about the government watching us." He paused for a moment and continued, "These funds have mostly been converted to yen because Japan is a resource-poor country. Many Japanese companies lose business due to insufficient US dollars when purchasing raw materials from around the world. Their funds are not lacking, but most of their funds are stored domestically in yen. So we provide US dollars for them through our branches in major financial cities worldwide and exchange them for yen.

  "It's not going well," said Fang Mengnan.

  "There, Matthew's idea is still good." Yang Fan said.

  "It's a reminder from Nanshan," said Cheng Shigui. "In addition, we also borrowed about $1 billion from major banks in Japan."

  "Alright, let's stop flattering each other," Fang Mo Nan said. "Next, Yang Fan will dump all the Japanese stocks we hold within three days."

  "After the market rose sharply, it's time to get rid of the unsuitable ones," said Yang Fan.

  "This kid dares to raise doubts at this critical moment, he's a real talent. 'Forget it, what we're going to do next will be much more profitable than this.'"

  "We must make more yuan and not waste a single character." said Cheng Shigui.

  "Go ahead and take the next step." Fang Mo Nan's eyes looked at him with admiration.

  "Cheng Shigui opened his mouth and came out with a string of data, starting from the 1980s. Japan's foreign investment grew rapidly, trade surpluses soared, and it leapt from being a debtor nation to a creditor nation. In 1985, Japan's outward direct investment balance was $44 billion, 2.3 times that of 1980, with a current account surplus of $50.3 billion, accounting for 3.7% of GDP. At the same time, the US economy was mired in difficulties due to high interest rates and a strong dollar. To extricate itself from this predicament, forcing the yen to appreciate was the fastest and most effective means. This is the conclusion our research team has reached."

  It is by