Study Monster Cultivation System

Chapter 187: Mathematics Gives Birth to Everything

While Lin Yujing was lost in her thoughts, Li Zheng had already picked up the wooden guitar.

And lay it flat across his thighs.

Like a guzheng, he pressed the strings with his left hand and plucked with his right.

This move genuinely shocked Lin Yujing.

This way of playing the guitar wasn’t just a matter of being tone-deaf, right?

He lacked even the most basic music knowledge!

However, Li Zheng appeared totally composed.

In his melancholy,

he even emitted a bit of an imposing aura.

In his mind, this scene corresponded to the one in "Swordsman" where the Demon Sect elder Qu Yang and the righteous Sect Leader Liu Zhengfeng played together.

Therefore, he purposely held the guitar horizontally like it was a guqin.

The melody is high and lonely, hard to find a connoisseur.

Lin Yujing, consider this, think it over.

"Hmm..." Lin Yujing just sighed, feeling utterly bored.

She had actually started expecting something from this good-for-nothing just now, how crazy.

"You should go and compose music for Jiang Qinghua, I’m going to rest."

Lin Yujing flopped down on the piano and soon fell asleep again.

Seeing this, Li Zheng felt a bit let down, but after reflecting for a while, he brightened up again.

In "Swordsman", the piece played by Qu Yang and Liu Zhengfeng was a combination of piano and flute.

And Lin Yujing was not a flutist, Jiang Qinghua was.

That’s why she was jealous, saying she should be the one to compose music for Jiang Qinghua.

Li Zheng thought he had figured out the second layer, but Lin Yujing was already on the third layer.

In front of such masters, it’s better not to show off.

"Alright, let’s stop fooling around," Li Zheng said as he took off his leather jacket and hung it over the back of the chair, then rolled up his shirt sleeves with a flourish. "Let’s confirm, you want guitar accompaniment, right?"

Lin Yujing just lazily waved her hand and fell asleep again.

Li Zheng didn’t bother her anymore and began to explore the relaxation interface.

Lin Yujing clearly had become immune to his emotional tactics.

No choice, time to resort to inner strength.

[Li Zheng]

[Game Coin: 25]

[Relaxation Activity Detected: Instrument Playing]

[Vitality Recovery Rate: 0.3 (Playing Guitar).]

[Daily Recovery Limit: 60 minutes.]

[Coins can be used to acquire related skills—]

[Modern Music Theory: Fully master the knowledge of modern music theory.] (5 Game Coins)

[Breath of Phonation: Master instruments like the whistle, sheng, suona, flute, harmonica, and french horn, centered around ’vibration of air,’ on par with a professional performer’s level.] (5 Game Coins)

[Strumming Fingers: Master instruments such as the piano, erhu, guzheng, violin, and guitar, centered around ’vibration of strings.’] (10 Game Coins)

[Membrane Vibration Force: Master percussion instruments like the drum set, big drums, and hand drums centered around ’vibration of membranes.’] (5 Game Coins)

Li Zheng looked at these skills, putting aside other thoughts.

So imposing.

He really wanted to try them all.

Too bad, the Game Coins were limited.

It seems he’d have to go down the path of corruption to fully explore them.

For now, it seems a combination of [Modern Music Theory]+[Strumming Fingers] is necessary.

Although 15 Game Coins were somewhat painful to part with, having an additional daily relaxation activity was excellent.

Li Zheng no longer overthought it and stylishly threw in the coins, acquiring the skills.

[Instrument Playing Skill Level Increased]

[Daily Recovery Limit: 90 minutes?]

With the influx of new knowledge, Li Zheng’s eyes widened in realization.

A few seconds later, Li Zheng rubbed his chin and sighed lightly: "So that’s how it is…"

He had always thought music was a profound artistic discipline, and he strived to understand it emotionally.

But that was completely wrong.

Totally and utterly wrong.

The essence of music.

Is mathematics!

With a bit of physics and material science to boot.

The reason is simple; all sounds are based on material vibrations.

The quality of the material determines the tone.

The frequency of the vibration determines the pitch.

The interval of vibration determines the beat.

The mixture of vibrations forms music.

In this regard, excluding the material factor, everything else is merely a matter of simple geometric progressions.

For example, a piano octave encompasses 12 keys, from Do to Si, consisting of 7 white keys and an additional 5 black keys.

Among these, the first key, C, also known as Do, is universally accepted and pleasant to the ears as the starting point of the scale, and its vibration frequency can be measured as F0.

Thereafter, in accordance with human auditory habits, the first note of the next octave, the higher Do, should have a vibration frequency of 2F0, exactly double.

With the vibration frequencies of the beginning and the end determined, the next task is to evenly divide the frequencies of the intermediate notes into 12 parts.

Intuitively, one might think to use an arithmetic sequence to make the frequency of each note differ by 1/12.

However, in fact, the human ear discerns the pitch of notes based on the ratio of frequencies between them, not the difference in frequencies.

A normal person can easily distinguish between 50Hz and 55Hz, but finds it difficult to differentiate between 5000Hz and 5005Hz.

Therefore, a geometric progression must be utilized here.

According to middle school mathematics, the ratio of frequencies between adjacent notes should be the twelfth root of 2.

That is, 1.05946.

Using this ratio in a geometric progression, an octave of musical scales is created.

This is also exactly the twelve-tone equal temperament widely used in modern music theory.

Spearheaded by Zhu Zaiyu, one of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang’s descendants.

Speaking frankly, the twelfth root of 2 is somewhat terrifying.

To calculate it, they even devised an 81-digit abacus.

As to how long it took, no one knows.

Salute to the mathematical masterminds.

Incidentally, some of the earliest ancient musical scales, invented by Pythagoras, were also devised by a mathematical genius.

At this moment, Li Zheng recalled the musical staff, the beats, the key signatures.

Everywhere between the lines, inside and out.

It was all mathematics!

"Brilliant!" Li Zheng felt for the first time that music was so fascinating; he couldn’t wait to grab his guitar and begin tuning the strings.

For beginners, this process often requires a tuning fork or a tuner to determine the reference tone.

But for an ordinary professional like Li Zheng, his ears alone were sufficient for the task.

Thinking about each tightening of the guitar strings causing wondrous changes in the vibration frequencies, swirling with the beauty of mathematics, Li Zheng felt increasingly vigorous with each adjustment.

He repeatedly compared the "dang dang dang" sound of each string, his mind filled with geometric progressions.

Hearing these professional tuning sounds, the dozing Lin Yujing also twisted slightly, peeking through gaps just like in the classroom.

One could see Li Zheng’s face flush with excitement, twisting and turning the tuning pegs, muttering about square roots and such.

The man emanated an unusual aura of a Piano Demon.

Lin Yujing was no less astounded.

How could playing a guitar give one the impression of solving mathematical olympiad problems?

She couldn’t help but twist her head a few more angles, casually flicking her hair to expose her left ear, listening intently.

If it had been anyone else, they probably wouldn’t have noticed anything special.

But Lin Yujing shuddered the moment she listened.

Dang—

The first string, high-pitched mi.

Dang—

The second string, middle-pitched si.

Dang—

The middle-pitched so.

...

The sixth string, low-pitched mi.

Correct, all correct.

She had tuned it correctly!

In her astonishment, Li Zheng strummed the strings and suddenly looked up, his eyes demonically rolling, intuitively and precisely glaring at Lin Yujing’s peeking left eye from between her hair strands.

His inner strength was complete.

Bring on the battle!

This time, Li Zheng didn’t hold back and asked directly, "Did you find the music sheets?"

Lin Yujing’s heart raced and she feigned sleep in fright.

This wasn’t good.

Li Zheng frowned and said, "What’s the meaning of this, wasn’t it you who asked if I played guitar and wanted to have a session?"

"I... I..." Lin Yujing struggled for a moment, then suddenly clenched her fists and got up, heading straight for the door, "I’m thirsty, going to grab a water bottle."

Li Zheng hadn’t expected someone who was seemingly asleep to disappear so suddenly with a "swoosh."

However, he had just grasped the marvelous connection between mathematics and music, so he was in high spirits and didn’t get upset; after all, playing a duet with Jiang Qinghua wasn’t a bad idea either.

Outside the classroom, Lin Yujing didn’t actually go to get a water bottle but ran towards a large tree at the very end of a row of single-story classrooms, her hands on her hips, panting heavily.

Indeed, she didn’t want to bring glory to the school nor was she playing games with Li Zheng.

She was simply afraid of crowds.

Unlike Li Zheng, who embraced the "Look all you want, I just look like this" boldness.

And also unlike Zhang Xiaoke, who would laugh and say, "Hahaha, I’m indeed the cutest~~".

Lin Yujing was extremely afraid of being stared at.

Not to mention being stared at by so many people.

Even less mentioning being stared at alongside Li Zheng.

Playing basketball on the playground was already her limit of tolerance.

Performing in public, especially in front of students from other schools, was a step she still couldn’t take.

As she panted, an electronic sound effect of "Rocket into orbit" emerged from the pocket of her hoodie.

Lin Yujing’s ears perked up, and she reluctantly pulled out her phone.

It was just her WeChat notification sound, equivalent to everyone else’s "ding ding ding".

Lin Yujing thought it was a message from Li Zheng, but the sender turned out to be [ (Rocket) Mom (Rocket)] .

This was actually the nickname she had set; in reality, it was her mom, Shen Tinglan.

[Mom: Someone has a birthday tomorrow.]

[Lin Yujing: ??? Are you in June?]

[Mom: (Smiley face) Yes, December 25th, who else could it be?]

[Lin Yujing: ...Jesus?]

[Mom: Guess again.]

[Lin Yujing: ......Mao Zedong?]

[Mom: (Cover face crying) It’s Li Zheng.]

[Lin Yujing: ???]

[Mom: I happened to see it on his dad’s Moments (whistle).]

[Lin Yujing: Liar, you never check Moments!]

[Mom: Experiment is starting, turning off the phone now.]

[Mom: By the way, I won’t be back before midnight, so fend for yourself, or maybe go with classmates.]

[Lin Yujing: You should really turn off your phone!]

[Mom: (Flying kiss) (Flying kiss) (Flying kiss)]

After putting away her phone, Lin Yujing was considerably annoyed.

Why suddenly notify her about such useless news?

What she didn’t know was, at that moment, Li Zheng was also checking his phone in the music room.

[Old Li: I forgot to mention on the phone, do you remember what day is tomorrow?]

[Li Zheng: …Annoying.]

[Old Li: No blame on you, my fault, didn’t expect it to hit exactly on this day.]

[Li Zheng: Anything or nothing?]

[Old Li: Quite a few surgeries today, won’t make it back before midnight, go out to celebrate with classmates, I’ll reimburse you.]

[Li Zheng: Oh.]

[Old Li: So... decided who to invite yet?]

[Li Zheng: Aren’t you busy with surgeries?]

[Old Li: Aren’t you supposed to be in class?]

[Li Zheng: Biology class.]

[Old Li: Oh oh oh, that’s right.]

Li Zheng put away his phone, his previously good mood completely disrupted by Old Li.

Having a birthday was already annoying enough.

Especially on the awkward date of December 25th.

He definitely didn’t want his classmates to find out.

Just as Li Zheng was somewhat settling his mood, he saw Lin Yujing scurry in and immediately lay on the piano.

Li Zheng ignored her, focusing on tuning the strings by himself.

After a moment, Lin Yujing suddenly stomped her foot with a "bang".

Li Zheng lifted his head, "Huh?"

Lin Yujing kept her head down, silent.

Li Zheng shook his head and continued tuning.

Soon, there was another bang as she stomped her foot again.

Li Zheng looked up again, "Huh huh?"

"You..." Lin Yujing hesitated for a moment before squeezing out a few words, "You should just say it yourself."

"Say what?"

Bang! Another foot stomp.

Li Zheng thought for a moment and then laughed.

As expected, after hearing my guitar, she couldn’t resist wanting to collaborate.

But she was acting differently before.

Now, he just wanted to find a way to step down.

"Okay, I’ll say it," Li Zheng raised his hand and smiled, "I want to collaborate on a song with you, could you please find some guitar accompaniment music scores?"

This time, Lin Yujing didn’t stomp her feet, she just twisted her body, and her eyes peeked out from her hair, "Then... then you have to return... November 1st, remember clearly... "

"???" Li Zheng looked confused, "Did I miss a sentence?"

Thump thump thump!

Lin Yujing stomped her feet three times.

"Scum! Dazed! Pig! Hooves!"

"???" Li Zheng fell into deep reflection.

I have to return?

Return what?

November 1st?

What is this...

Wait...

Could it be...

"You... know that my... tomorrow?" Li Zheng swallowed.

Lin Yujing didn’t speak, indicating her consent.

"So, your birthday is November... 1st?"

Stomping her feet! Indicating affirmation.

This time, Li Zheng understood the situation just now.

She was using participation in the performance as a bargaining chip, exchanging birthday gifts.

Hmph, such a childish woman.

But then again, he indeed needed something from Lin Yujing, and it wasn’t bad for her to use this to exchange for a future birthday gift.

"Alright, alright, it’s a deal," Li Zheng generously nodded, "November 1st, right? I’ve got it."

"~~~~~"

"Why are you shaking so much?"

Lin Yujing finally felt comfortable after shaking, then she sat upright, straightened her hair, and said casually, "Then... you play a practice piece first, you must pass."

Upon hearing this, Li Zheng’s eyes widened.

The whole person became frantic.

Although he was a master of music theory and a professional string musician.

But actually.

He couldn’t play a single piece.

It was like a master with top-level inner strength techniques who couldn’t even perform basic military boxing.

This was really awkward.

Seeing this, Lin Yujing smirked, "Ha! A scum-dazed-pig-hoof who can only tune strings."

"Dammit..." Li Zheng irritably scratched his head.

No, he had to play something.

Thinking it over.

The most familiar melody.

It could only be that.

He had to improvise around that melody.

Using the mathematical laws of tonality and the mathematical principles of chords, supplemented by common background music suites...

Li Zheng then lowered his head, and his left hand played by feel, plucking the thickest two strings.

His right hand, after tapping the guitar body twice to find the beat, cut in at the right moment, his thumb quickly plucking the two thick strings.

The groovy bass accompaniment "thump, bomp, bam" started up.

Although it was played on a guitar, this fast-paced bass part sounded just like a bass guitar.

This series of rapid plucking also surprised Lin Yujing into frizzing up and slightly opening her mouth.

However, the frizzing didn’t last long.

Because Li Zheng started to sing.

"Two, tigers..."

"Two, tigers..."

"Run fast (crack)..."

Half a minute later, the song "Two Tigers" ended.

Li Zheng finished the strings, and proudly raised his head,"Hmm, how about that?"

Lin Yujing was still in a state between "frizzing" and "just kill me," unable to utter a word.

A divine accompaniment, with a ghost-like singing tone, this feeling was like eating a piece of cheesecake doused in soy sauce.

A long while later, Lin Yujing finally spoke the words she wanted to say half a minute ago, "You should just... keep your mouth shut."

"Oh?" Li Zheng raised his eyebrows, "So, you’re satisfied with my finger technique?"

Reluctantly, Lin Yujing still bit her lip and nodded, "Let’s give it a try..."