Inside the lounge.
The pianists also took the initiative to applaud, offering Lin Tian their congratulations.
Nishikawa Yuuhaku clapped especially loudly.
This eighteen-year-old boy from China had conquered the audience with two performances. He had also conquered his fellow competitors, the pianists in the competition—and even Nishikawa Yuuhaku, the greatest victim of all.
It could be said that,
for a mere music lover, witnessing the birth of two world-class masterpieces firsthand was immensely meaningful.
Best Newcomer—well deserved!
In the corridor, Watanabe Satoru lit another cigarette.
But a hand reached out from beside him and crushed it out.
Watanabe Satoru frowned and saw Yao Han.
"(Aren't you going to congratulate Teacher Lin Tian?)"
"(Why would I?)"
"(Didn't you painstakingly help me because you wanted to use me to help Teacher Lin Tian win?)"
Watanabe Satoru turned around and leaned against the corridor wall, looking utterly relieved.
"(You did it, Teacher Yao Han.)"
"Pfft!"
Yao Han covered his mouth, unable to hold back his laughter.
"No, who told you that??"
"?"
"I never intended to help anyone. I just wanted to see an outstanding showdown."
Yao Han tilted his head toward Watanabe Satoru and smiled lightly.
"Completing Etude No. 43 with zero mistakes was an incredibly brilliant display of technique! Teacher Watanabe, you did it too! I won't forget this performance."
Watanabe Satoru froze.
Then Yao Han patted him on the shoulder.
"The Best Newcomer Award was just announced. Take a look at everyone's reactions."
With that, Yao Han turned and left.
Watanabe Satoru took out his phone and opened the official livestream.
At that moment, comment after comment streamed across the screen.
Watanabe Satoru's eyes widened.
(Lin Tian is incredible, but that pianist named Watanabe Satoru is amazing too!)
Ah, two ridiculously strong newcomers appeared at once. It would be such