Inside the concert hall.
As the host announced the list of finalists.
Clap clap clap
Thunderous applause filled the hall.
The eight contestants confirmed to have advanced all stepped to the front of the stage.
International media reporters pressed their shutters one after another, capturing this moment onstage.
No matter what,
advancing to the finals of the Sakibo International Piano Competition was already an impressive credential for young pianists.
Amid the deafening applause,
Yao Han, standing beside Lin Tian, leaned his head closer.
"Congratulations, Teacher Lin Tian. From now on, you're a pianist who can represent China abroad."
As Yao Han spoke, his gaze remained fixed ahead.
"Does an exhibition performance count too?"
"Ah, what would ordinary people know about exhibition performances?"
Yao Han said teasingly, then his eyes suddenly sharpened.
"Teacher Lin Tian, do you think you can win Best Newcomer?"
"Who knows?"
Lin Tian did not answer directly.
He did not understand.
Ever since meeting Yao Han here in Tokyo,
the man seemed even more invested in his competition than Lin Tian himself was.
As though Lin Tian winning an award would get him a share of the prize money.
"Teacher Lin Tian, I think I need to correct your mindset."
Yao Han said calmly,
"I don't know what your career plans are. Perhaps the honor from this competition isn't that important to you, and perhaps you've never regarded anyone as an opponent."
"But you need to understand that for some pianists, this may be the only opportunity they get in their entire lives. Whether you want it or not, you have already become the mortal enemy they must defeat in their eyes."
Lin Tian froze upon hearing that.
He turned his head and finally noticed Watanabe Satoru, the man who had approached him to strike up a