Recaps

Lin Tian, Gan Yan Yu, Wei Xiaoxiao, and He Zhichen traveled from Tokyo to a Hakone inn for a hot spring vacation. Gan Yan Yu teased Lin Tian over his helpfulness toward Wei Xiaoxiao, then told him to meet her downstairs after she changed.

• Wei Xiaoxiao thanked Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu for their performance at her friend's livehouse and offered to reimburse the trip's expenses.
• The group took a taxi, cable car, and inn shuttle to reach their mountain lodging in Hakone.
• Lin Tian carried Gan Yan Yu's suitcase and helped Wei Xiaoxiao with her heavier pink suitcase.
• Gan Yan Yu hurried ahead and repeatedly thanked Lin Tian in the same sweet manner Wei Xiaoxiao had used, leaving him wondering if she was jealous.
• At their room, Gan Yan Yu admitted she had only been joking and told Lin Tian she would see him downstairs after changing.

Lin Tian and his companions discussed the Sakibo International Piano Competition’s schedule, contestants, and special awards over dinner. Gan Yan Yu joined them in a yukata, and the chapter ended with her revealing she had already changed into a pink swimsuit for the hot spring.

• He Zhichen explained that the Sakibo competition had forty-five contestants, outlined the schedule and awards, and warned Lin Tian that his lack of credentials made a major prize unlikely.
• He Zhichen told Lin Tian that Yao Han, a former Parrot Qin Cup judge who had advised him, would compete again but was ineligible for Best Newcomer.
• Gan Yan Yu arrived in a yukata, and Lin Tian praised how well it suited her, prompting Wei Xiaoxiao to complain about his obvious comparison.
• He Zhichen said the group would visit the mixed-bathing VIP hot spring after changing into swim trunks.
• Gan Yan Yu quietly showed Lin Tian the pink swimsuit she had worn beneath her yukata and asked whether it looked good.

Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu awkwardly discussed her swimsuit before Lin Tian tried on the system-rewarded swim trunks, which stayed intact despite his strength. He arrived at the hot spring showing off a strikingly muscular physique, leaving He Zhichen and Wei Xiaoxiao stunned.

• Gan Yan Yu asked Lin Tian to assess her pink swimsuit, and they both blushed when a passing auntie saw them.
• Lin Tian tested the system-rewarded swim trunks and found that they stretched but always returned to their original shape.
• Lin Tian changed into the blue swim trunks and admired how comfortably they fit.
• He Zhichen, Wei Xiaoxiao, and Gan Yan Yu waited at the hot spring while Lin Tian took time to change.
• Lin Tian arrived at the hot spring, and He Zhichen and Wei Xiaoxiao froze at the sight of his muscular body.

Lin Tian's impressive physique astonished Wei Xiaoxiao, He Zhichen, and Gan Yan Yu at the hot spring, prompting He Zhichen to plan modeling and album promotions. When Gan Yan Yu struggled with the hot water, Lin Tian offered to help her ease into it.

• Wei Xiaoxiao, He Zhichen, and Gan Yan Yu reacted with surprise to Lin Tian's muscular physique.
• Lin Tian entered the hot spring while Wei Xiaoxiao watched and He Zhichen photographed him.
• He Zhichen suggested Lin Tian pursue clothing endorsements and use a muscle photo to boost his album sales.
• Lin Tian noticed Gan Yan Yu had not entered the water because it was too hot for her sensitive feet.
• Lin Tian swam over and offered to lower Gan Yan Yu's foot into the water slowly while holding it.

Lin Tian, Gan Yan Yu, He Zhichen, and Wei Xiaoxiao ended their hot spring trip with a water fight, while Gan Yan Yu privately wondered about Lin Tian’s interest in feet. Back in Tokyo, a man warned Teacher Yao Han that Lin Tian was a dangerous competitor and urged him to prepare a performance specifically to counter him.

• Lin Tian helped Gan Yan Yu ease into the hot spring, and she accidentally knocked them both underwater while trying to grab him.
• Lin Tian checked He Zhichen’s photos, then returned to the pool, where he and Gan Yan Yu started a water fight that drew in Wei Xiaoxiao and He Zhichen.
• The group finished their hot spring visit, and Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu exchanged good-night wishes in the hallway.
• Gan Yan Yu searched online about men liking feet, discovered the term “foot fetish,” and wondered if she should ask Lin Tian about it.
• At the De Shi Grand Hotel in Tokyo, a visitor warned Teacher Yao Han that Lin Tian was dangerous and urged him to tailor his competition performance to counter Lin Tian.

Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu attended the Sakibo International Piano Competition’s welcome reception in Tokyo, where Lin Tian drew attention as an unusually young contestant. The chapter left them greeting Yao Han after he called out to Lin Tian in the banquet hall.

• Gan Yan Yu styled Lin Tian’s hair for the reception and chose a casual outfit so she would not overshadow him.
• Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu arrived at the Yokoyama Grand Hotel and checked in, while two receptionists privately remarked on Lin Tian’s youth and looks in Japanese.
• Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu entered the banquet hall, where Gan Yan Yu spotted dorayaki and headed toward the dessert table.
• Yao Han called out to Lin Tian and approached him with his arms open, drawing nearby guests’ attention.

At the competition banquet, Yao Han introduced Lin Tian to several formidable pianists and urged him to challenge them, but Lin Tian said he was not interested in competing for the top prize. Lin Tian left with Gan Yan Yu, while Yao Han decided he would have plenty to do.

• Yao Han greeted Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu, drawing curious attention from people who recognized him.
• Yao Han pointed out Alvis Burke and Nishikawa Yuuhaku as leading contenders and described their backgrounds and strengths.
• Yao Han argued that Lin Tian was the newcomer who could complete the media's proposed showdown between France, Japan, and China.
• Lin Tian declined Yao Han's encouragement, saying he was not interested and that Yao Han was the one who could represent Chinese piano.
• Gan Yan Yu asked to use the restroom, and Lin Tian left with her while Yao Han watched them go.
• Yao Han praised Lin Tian and concluded that he would have plenty to keep him busy.

Imagawa Yui hosted the official live stream from the Sakibo International Piano Competition’s welcome reception, where viewers argued over the Chinese musician Moonlight. Gray Harvey declined an interview but recommended that she speak to contestant Lin Tian.

• Imagawa Yui began broadcasting from the Héngshān Grand Hotel welcome reception and introduced the competition to viewers.
• Imagawa Yui praised Moonlight and Cat’s “Por Una Cabeza,” prompting viewers to argue about Moonlight’s reputation and Chinese music.
• Imagawa Yui tried to divert the chaotic chat by asking a passing curly-haired man for an interview.
• Gray Harvey declined the interview, then turned back and suggested that Imagawa Yui interview contestant Lin Tian.

Imagawa Yui interviewed pianist Yao Han at the Sakubang International Piano Competition and was baffled when he named Lin Tian as the contestant he most admired. After Yao Han praised Lin Tian as one of the strongest competitors, Imagawa Yui encountered the handsome young man himself and asked him for an interview.

• Imagawa Yui interviewed Yao Han, who said it was his third time competing and that reaching the finals would count as a win.
• Yao Han said he wanted to witness outstanding performances and named Lin Tian as the pianist he most looked forward to seeing.
• Yao Han praised Lin Tian as one of the competition's strongest contestants and predicted he could win the Best Newcomer trophy.
• Imagawa Yui ended the interview, then met Lin Tian in the banquet hall and asked him to do an interview.

Lin Tian agreed to an interview with Imagawa Yui, who did not realize he was the famous pianist Moonlight. After Gan Yan Yu returned and called his name, Imagawa discovered his identity, and Lin Tian left the interview surrounded by curious musicians.

• Imagawa Yui interviewed Lin Tian about his age and his experience attending the event, while viewers praised his composure.
• Gan Yan Yu returned and called Lin Tian by name, prompting Imagawa to realize that he was the pianist she had been discussing.
• Imagawa asked Lin Tian about his reputation as a favorite for the Best Newcomer award, then recognized him as Teacher Moonlight.
• Lin Tian introduced himself and Gan Yan Yu as Moonlight and Cat, drawing attention from musicians and livestream viewers.
• After the interview, several pianists approached Lin Tian to speak with him and get to know him.

At the Sakibo International Piano Competition welcome banquet, several Asian pianists recognized Lin Tian as Teacher Moonlight, and online curiosity about him surged. The banquet ended with He Zhichen telling Lin Tian that he had become a trending topic on Twitter.

• Several Asian pianists crowded around Lin Tian and greeted him as Teacher Moonlight.
• Viewers’ curiosity grew, and “Who is Lin Tian” climbed into YouTube’s top ten trending searches.
• Daigo Kuroki gave a welcome speech, which Gan Yan Yu listened to while practicing her English.
• The banquet began with food, conversation, and a dance performance, while Gan Yan Yu focused on eating dorayaki.
• After the banquet, He Zhichen showed Lin Tian his phone and told him he was trending on Twitter.

Lin Tian’s sudden appearance at the Sakibo International Piano Competition drew international attention, and YouTube creator Sarah accused him of being a manufactured fraud who had bought his way into the event. As Lin Tian prepared for rehearsal, an attacker tried to stop him from competing, leaving He Zhichen to warn that the controversy had become impossible to ignore.

• Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu saw that his appearance at the competition had become a trending topic in Tokyo.
• International netizens questioned Lin Tian’s background, while Sarah released videos accusing him of being a fraud and challenging him to prove his piano skills.
• Lin Tian accepted the backlash and decided that a great performance would settle the dispute.
• On the way to rehearsal, an attacker charged at Lin Tian with an iron rod, but Lin Tian dodged, disarmed him, and threw him to the ground.
• The attacker said he had tried to stop Lin Tian from tarnishing Mr. Sakibo Sato, and He Zhichen warned Lin Tian that the competition had become too serious to ignore.

After a dangerous attack in Tokyo, Lin Tian apologized to Gan Yan Yu and learned that her determination to perform came from wanting everyone to hear music. As the Sakibo International Piano Competition began, Lin Tian watched Nishikawa Yuuhaku perform and turned his attention to the little-known Watanabe Satoru, whose first notes startled the lounge.

• Lin Tian scolded Gan Yan Yu for stepping between him and an attacker, then the Tokyo police arrested the man and took statements from them.
• After rehearsal, Lin Tian apologized to Gan Yan Yu for yelling, and she told him she had acted to protect him.
• Lin Tian asked how Gan Yan Yu had endured the abuse she faced during her early competitions, and she said she wanted everyone to hear the music.
• At the competition, Nishikawa Yuuhaku performed his rhapsody "Nightfall Elegy," while Lin Tian recognized his remarkable piano skill.
• A curly-haired man criticized Nishikawa's composition and performance, then introduced himself through the announcement as the next contestant, Watanabe Satoru.
• Watanabe Satoru began playing, and the unusually pure piano sound drew everyone's attention to the screen.

Watanabe Satoru stunned the audience with a pure, meticulously controlled piano performance, drawing praise from fellow pianists and surprising them with his talent. Yao Han revealed he had chosen Watanabe as a potential opponent for Lin Tian, who was then called to perform and startled the other pianists with his piece selection.

• Watanabe Satoru's clean, serene performance impressed the audience and fellow pianists, including Lin Tian.
• The lounge learned that Watanabe was a self-taught, second-tier Japanese pianist who had entered Sakubang with little recognition.
• Yao Han recalled selecting Watanabe as a possible opponent who could bring out Lin Tian's potential.
• Lin Tian applauded Watanabe's performance, felt the pressure of the competition, and reflected on how its purity had moved him.
• Lin Tian was called to the stage, where Gan Yan Yu watched eagerly and the other pianists froze when they heard his choice of piece.

Lin Tian performed his original piano piece “Croatian Rhapsody” at the Tokyo competition, confronting the doubts surrounding his reputation as a composer. He left the audience stunned as the music surged into a furious climax.

• The contestants compared Lin Tian’s “Croatian Rhapsody” with Nishikawa Yuuhaku’s “Nightfall Elegy,” and Nishikawa watched Lin Tian’s performance with a frown.
• Lin Tian reflected on his past habit of copying music for fame and money, then looked toward Gan Yan Yu and resolved to share the charm of music from another world.
• Lin Tian began playing a lyrical, mysterious prelude that convinced the other pianists he had professional-level skill.
• The piece grew heavier and more intense, turning melancholy into anger before erupting into a powerful, furious climax.
• Yao Han slapped the table and shouted that the performance was awesome.

Lin Tian performed “Croatian Rhapsody,” moving the audience with its forceful emotion and history of war. The piece ended to thunderous applause, and Nishikawa Yuuhaku admitted Lin Tian had outperformed him in skill.

• Lin Tian poured himself into “Croatian Rhapsody,” a piece rooted in Croatia’s wartime suffering, as the audience became absorbed in the music.
• Gan Yan Yu cried as the music conveyed its anger and sorrow, while Watanabe Satoru praised Lin Tian’s performance from the lounge.
• Nishikawa Yuuhaku stopped his friend from dismissing Lin Tian and admitted that Lin Tian had surpassed him in skill.
• Lin Tian finished with a powerful chord, bowed to the audience, and received a standing ovation as Gan Yan Yu applauded especially enthusiastically.

After performing at the Sakibo International Piano Competition, Lin Tian explained the background and musical ideas of “Croatian Rhapsody” to the pianists gathered around him. He reunited with Gan Yan Yu, said he wanted to perform with her even more, and was named among the eight contestants advancing to the finals.

• Lin Tian answered the young pianists’ questions about “Croatian Rhapsody” and described its imagined story of war in Croatia.
• The pianists praised the piece, and Lin Tian hoped they would perform it and carry it on.
• Lin Tian met Gan Yan Yu outside the venue and told her that his strongest feeling after performing was wanting to perform with her.
• Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu returned to Tokyo International Music Hall, where the host announced that Lin Tian and seven others had advanced to the finals.

After advancing to the Sakibo International Piano Competition finals, Lin Tian questioned Yao Han’s motives for making him the center of attention and asked He Zhichen to investigate him. At the hotel, Lin Tian found fresh enjoyment in performing, then received an excited call from Xu Yong, who reminded him that his success could make his estranged father regret abandoning him.

• Yao Han congratulated Lin Tian on reaching the finals and warned that other pianists might see him as an opponent willing to use any means to win.
• Lin Tian noticed Watanabe Satoru’s cold stare and suspected that Yao Han had deliberately helped turn him into a focus of the competition.
• Lin Tian asked He Zhichen about Yao Han, and He Zhichen said he would look into the pianist’s background.
• Lin Tian reflected on how performing had become enjoyable after he gained insight into a long-standing mental block.
• Xu Yong called to celebrate Lin Tian’s competition performance and said his success might make his estranged father regret his choices.

Lin Tian watched public opinion shift in his favor after Chinese fans flooded YouTube and foreign viewers discovered Moonlight and Cat’s music. He then learned from He Zhichen that pianist Yao Han had a history of mental illness and an equally troubled older brother, leaving Lin Tian with a warning to keep his distance.

• Lin Tian teased Xu Yong about his relationship with Su Ran, then hung up and lamented that Xu Yong might start dating before him.
• Lin Tian saw that Sarah’s livestream and comments had turned against her after he performed “Croatian Rhapsody” and advanced to the Sakibo finals.
• Chinese fans attacked Sarah and other YouTube critics, while reposting Moonlight and Cat’s videos for foreign audiences.
• Lin Tian woke to find foreign viewers praising Moonlight and Cat, and reflected that he could let his music speak for itself.
• He Zhichen visited Lin Tian and reported that Yao Han was an unconventional pianist with a history of mental illness, as did his older brother.
• He Zhichen warned Lin Tian to keep his distance from Yao Han.

Lin Tian learned more about Yao Han’s older brother, Yao Xing, a once-prominent flutist who disappeared after a performance in Tuoba Jianhui’s orchestra. On the finals day of the Sakibo International Piano Competition, Lin Tian prepared backstage as fans argued online about his performance and Nishikawa Yuuhaku’s.

• He Zhichen told Lin Tian that Yao Han’s older brother, Yao Xing, had been a celebrated flutist in Tuoba Jianhui’s orchestra before disappearing after a performance mistake.
• Lin Tian considered whether Yao Xing had left music or died, while He Zhichen again warned him to stay away from Yao Han.
• Lin Tian received makeup backstage at the Tokyo International Music Hall before the Sakibo finals began.
• Lin Tian checked Twitter and saw fans debating whether Nishikawa Yuuhaku’s “Nightfall Elegy” or Lin Tian’s “Croatian Rhapsody” was better.
• The online debate boosted Lin Tian’s popularity, with netizens beginning to treat him as a rival on Nishikawa’s level.

Lin Tian faced online attacks after netizens claimed he had advanced only because Sakibo International could not risk rejecting “Croatian Rhapsody.” Nishikawa Yuuhaku approached him in the lounge, praised his composition, and left pleased after Lin Tian promised their pieces would not overlap in the finals.

• Netizens argued that Lin Tian advanced to avoid making Nishikawa Yuuhaku’s “Croatian Rhapsody” look inferior, while Japanese fans attacked Lin Tian online.
• Lin Tian worried that Nishikawa’s extremist fans might target him in person.
• Nishikawa Yuuhaku introduced himself to Lin Tian and sincerely praised “Croatian Rhapsody.”
• Lin Tian apologized for any offense and said his finals piece belonged to a niche genre that would not overlap with Nishikawa’s.
• Nishikawa Yuuhaku expressed happiness at sharing the finals with Lin Tian, and they shook hands.

Lin Tian watched the Sakibo International Piano Competition finals begin and considered his rivalry with Watanabe Satoru. Watanabe chose an exceptionally difficult etude to showcase his technique and expose Lin Tian’s weaker performance ability, leaving Lin Tian wary of the challenge.

• Nishikawa Yuuhaku left after approaching Lin Tian, and the competition began with Camilo Williams performing to an enthusiastic audience.
• Yao Han joined Lin Tian in the lounge and warned him that strong composition could not make up for stagnant performance ability.
• Watanabe Satoru began performing Elvin’s highly difficult "Etude No. 43," surprising the pianists watching from the lounge.
• Lin Tian realized Watanabe had chosen the etude to emphasize his own technical skill and magnify Lin Tian’s weakness in performance.

Yao Han urged Watanabe Satoru to target Lin Tian’s weaker piano technique with Elvin’s difficult “Etude No. 43,” while secretly hoping to draw out Lin Tian’s potential. Watanabe Satoru accepted the gamble and finished his performance flawlessly, determined to defeat Lin Tian and make his name.

• A few days earlier, Yao Han told Watanabe Satoru that Lin Tian would be his main rival for Best Newcomer and advised him to showcase his technique with Elvin’s “Etude No. 43.”
• Watanabe Satoru realized Yao Han was using him to provoke Lin Tian, but decided to use Yao Han’s advice to pursue his own ambition.
• During the performance round, Watanabe Satoru played the demanding piece with intense focus, determined to defeat Lin Tian.
• The pianists in the lounge marveled as Watanabe Satoru completed the rapid scales and arpeggios without a mistake.

Watanabe Satoru dazzled the audience with his technical performance, leaving the other pianists convinced that Lin Tian would struggle to match him. Lin Tian decided to rely on emotional expression rather than confront Watanabe’s technical advantage, but Nishikawa Yuuhaku’s next performance left him startled.

• Watanabe Satoru performed “Etude No. 43” with remarkable speed and accuracy, earning thunderous applause.
• Williams, Lloyd, and the other pianists judged Watanabe’s etude to be a direct challenge to Lin Tian’s weak technical fundamentals.
• Nishikawa Yuuhaku encouraged Lin Tian before leaving the lounge to perform.
• Yao Han warned Lin Tian that he could either wait for defeat or take a desperate gamble.
• Lin Tian concluded that he should play to his strength in emotional expression while showing enough piano technique.
• The announcer introduced Nishikawa Yuuhaku’s original serenade, “Silent Gate,” and Lin Tian stiffened when he saw him take the stage.

Nishikawa Yuuhaku performed his original nocturne, “Silent Gate,” to widespread acclaim, and Lin Tian prepared to follow with a piece from his previous life. The chapter ended as Lin Tian was announced to perform Chopin’s “Nocturne in E-flat Major.”

• Nishikawa Yuuhaku performed “Silent Gate,” impressing the pianists in the lounge with its lyrical melody and nocturne style.
• Williams, Alvis Burke, and the other pianists praised the piece, with Burke calling it a textbook example of a nocturne.
• Lin Tian felt awkward about Nishikawa’s kindness, then grew less guilty after hearing the acclaim for “Silent Gate.”
• Nishikawa Yuuhaku asked Lin Tian what he thought of the piece and wished him luck before Lin Tian headed to the stage.
• Lin Tian recalled Chopin’s role in popularizing nocturnes and was announced to perform “Nocturne in E-flat Major.”