He turned and went back to where the judges were seated.
"Don't worry, gentlemen," he told his friends, "your jests are child's play to him."
Schlot was taken aback. He looked blankly at the pale-faced boy, somewhat worried. "Huai, if you're not feeling well, we can suspend the exam. You don't need to be so nervous."
"No, sir, I've never felt better." Huai Shi smiled at his audience. "No need to worry."
The sheet music was casually tossed aside, not even worth another glance. He lowered his eyes.
He felt his heart pounding wildly, invisible notes emerging in rhythm, as if becoming searing irons, turning his blood into molten lava, surging fervently through his veins.
In his left hand, pressing down on the strings, it was as if invisible currents flowed, piercing through each finger with unprecedented sensitivity, even distinguishing every fine scrape on the strings.
