The time for the concert has arrived. Just as everyone was eagerly anticipating Gregory's performance, Gregory's assistant took the stage to inform everyone that due to health reasons, his performance would be delayed by half an hour.

During this half hour, domestic pianists would perform for everyone, serving as a prelude to the main event, which everyone gladly accepted.

The first to appear was Pianist Zhou.

In the music world, he is a well-known veteran in the country. Those familiar with him know he is very accomplished, belonging to the national team, often performing at important events, and his strength is undeniable.

Tonight, Pianist Zhou brought a rendition of Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 1, his most skillful piece, played almost perfectly, earning waves of applause from the audience.

"Elder Zhou truly lives up to being part of the national team, so impressive!"

"Listening to Elder Zhou play the piano is such an enjoyment!"

"Barring any surprises, this will be the best performance tonight except for Mr. Gregory's."

Praise overflowed from the crowd.

After finishing his piece, Pianist Zhou stood up, faced the applause, and said humbly, "I hope the audience forgives me. Playing the piano in front of Mr. Gregory, honestly, the pressure is immense. I hope everyone is satisfied."

The applause was overwhelming.

Pianist Zhou was very happy in his heart. He was extremely satisfied with his performance. It's said that pressure creates motivation. It was only in front of Gregory that he gave it his all. In his own view, having played this piece countless times in his life, this was the most satisfying attempt.

This performance could be said to reach the level of a world-class master. Pianist Zhou has spent his life seeking a place among world-class masters, and he believes that with tonight's performance, he has stepped into that realm.

Returning backstage, Pianist Zhou received applause from everyone there, praising his excellent performance.

Though there was some flattery involved, objectively speaking, Pianist Zhou's performance was indeed very good.

Even Gregory couldn't help but praise, "Mr. Zhou, my old friend, your performance was perfect. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and you have improved since before."

Pianist Zhou felt a sense of pride and quickly responded, "Mr. Gregory is too kind. Playing in front of Mr. Gregory is purely for skill display."

After Pianist Zhou's performance, two more pianists took the stage. They were top musicians in the country. Though slightly inferior compared to the domestic giant Pianist Zhou, they performed quite well.

It can be said that tonight they all delivered the best performances of their lives.

Seeing their excellent performances, Li Di was secretly pleased.

Because he was very confident that his performance would surpass theirs, making Lin Fan seem like a joke amidst such brilliance.

"Xiaoli, it's your turn to take the stage. Good luck!" Pianist Zhou cheered for Li Di.

Li Di smiled confidently, "Everyone, please bear with me then."

Li Di took a special glance at Lin Fan, as if to say, "Watch closely, little one."

Lin Fan sat aside, paying no attention.

Li Di then took the stage, eager for everyone present to recognize him. He wouldn't miss such a good opportunity.

"Good evening, everyone. My name is Li Di, a national first-class pianist and currently a special-appointed professor at Yun City Music Academy. I'm very happy to have this chance to perform for you tonight. I will perform Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata, and I hope you all enjoy it." 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Li Di sat down confidently and began playing.

It must be admitted, Li Di's performance was quite impressive. Intent on showing his best in front of Gregory, he put forth all his effort.

His performance was driven with strong intent, with the primary goal of gaining Gregory's favor, hoping to become Gregory's apprentice and using the title of Gregory's disciple to soar in the future.

The second goal was that tonight's performance was public, and he hoped it would spread, making him famous. One could say he was very hungry for fame and fortune. Although he was already somewhat well-known, it was not enough for him.

With these two goals in mind, Li Di performed with great dedication, delivering his most earnest performance to date.

After finishing, the venue erupted in applause.

Li Di stood up, confident, basking in the applause as if standing atop the world.

He was very confident in his performance, filled with pride. He believed he had succeeded, and this performance would certainly make him famous and satisfy Mr. Gregory.

He briefly thanked the audience below and hurriedly went backstage, eager to hear Gregory's praise.

What he didn't know was, listening to his performance, Gregory backstage frowned.

"Everyone, is this pianist very famous in your Huaxia?" Gregory asked.

Pianist Zhou replied, "He is considered one of the outstanding young pianists, although his ability doesn't quite match Lang Lang, saying he's right behind Lang Lang might be an exaggeration, but it's not far off. He's one of the juniors I have high hopes for."

Liu Mengjie asked, "Mr. Gregory, what do you think of Teacher Li's playing?"

Li Di is a teacher at Yun City Music Academy, so Liu Mengjie is quite interested in others' opinions of him. If Gregory praised Li Di, it would be a confirmation of having a good teacher at their school.

Gregory shook his head and said, "Lovely lady, is this pianist someone you hired to teach at the school?"

Liu Mengjie replied, "Not entirely. Our school was short of piano teachers, so we were always looking for suitable candidates. Teacher Li was recommended by one of our board members."

Gregory shook his head and said, "His performance left me feeling he isn't pure. A pianist needs a pure heart, a heart without ulterior motives..."

As expected of a world-class master, Gregory completely saw through Li Di's little intentions, leaving him unimpressed with Li Di. In fact, Li Di's previous obsequious behavior, always nodding and bowing, didn't sit well with him.

Before the translator had a chance to relay Gregory's words to everyone, Li Di returned backstage.

Considering Li Di's presence and feeling Gregory's words might be harsh, the translator chose not to repeat them.

Li Di walked in confidently, waiting for everyone's praise, especially from Gregory. He looked at Gregory expectantly.

"Earlier I was just showing off a bit. If there was anything not satisfactory, please feel free to criticize," Li Di said with a smile. Although his words seemed humble, Li Di was quite confident no one could find fault with him.

Pianist Zhou said with a smile, "Teacher Li played very well. Truly an outstanding representative of the younger generation!"

"I think it was excellent!"

"Very good, very good."

Others also complimented politely.

Li Di looked at Gregory with anticipation.

Gregory didn't say anything, just gave him a thumbs-up, sparing his dignity in front of Li Di.

Li Di was satisfied and turned his gaze to Lin Fan, smiling, "Teacher Lin, it's your turn to take the stage. Really looking forward to your brilliant performance."

With a calm expression, Lin Fan stood up and said to Gregory, "Your health has almost recovered, I'll be back shortly."