First Battle, Concert! (4K)

Unexpectedly, the piano problem that I couldn't solve despite all my efforts.

Was finally solved by Gan Yan Yu.

Lin Tian's heart was suddenly struck by a wave of tenderness.

Listening to Mr. Wan Qi's conversation earlier, it seemed he hadn't seen Gan Yan Yu for a very long time.

She had actively contacted an old acquaintance she hadn't seen in ages, just to ask for a piano.

Gan Yan Yu was the type of person who would postpone her own suicide rather than trouble others!

Lin Tian looked at Gan Yan Yu.

Damn it.

Why is this girl getting cuter the more I look at her!

It's not that she wasn't cute before, but when she stood there, expressionless like a doll, she always gave Lin Tian a feeling of being both clumsy and adorable.

And now, she's even starting to play little games!

It's like the difference between Saito Asuka and Hashimoto Yuna.

However, Lin Tian couldn't quite figure out.

Why did she specifically seek out this senior?

Isn't it a bit of an overreaction to approach such a high-profile musician just for a piano?

Just then, Wan Qi, leaning against the wall, took a puff of his cigarette and said:

"Actually, I could have bought you a new one out of my own pocket. But I'm moving away from here soon, and I can't take such a large item with me~ Rather than letting it gather dust in some forgotten corner, it's better to give it to someone young and promising, so it can continue to shine."

As he spoke, the old gentleman slowly glanced at Lin Tian.

He smiled:

"Young man, would you like to try it out now?"

Lin Tian understood.

Although the old man said he wanted him to try the piano, he actually wanted to gauge his skill level.

Since he was going to accept something from someone, Lin Tian naturally wouldn't refuse.

He sat down in front of the piano.

His fingers began to dance across the keys.

"~"

Beautiful piano music filled the room.

He was playing the piece he had played before – "Wedding in My Dream."

Almost as soon as he started, Lin Tian felt that this piano was no ordinary instrument.

Its tone was more mellow and warm than that of a typical piano.

This is a phenomenon that occasionally occurs with pianos that have been used for a sufficiently long time.

Thirty years of use had naturally "aged" the materials of the soundboard and strings. After aging, not only was its usability unaffected, but it also produced richer resonance and more complex tonal layers.

This phenomenon is very rare.

It not only required the piano to have been well-maintained over thirty years but also involved a certain element of luck.

When this gentleness met "Wedding in My Dream."

Light, melodious, and flowing.

Every note Lin Tian played was an immersive experience.

Gan Yan Yu was also hearing Lin Tian play this piece for the first time.

She leaned against the piano, staring intently at Lin Tian.

Her eyes seemed to sparkle with little stars.

After finishing a section, Lin Tian withdrew his hands:

"A great piano."

"Did you write this piece too?"

Wan Qi, standing nearby, didn't offer a critique immediately. Instead, he turned and asked.

"Hm?"

Wan Qi looked at Lin Tian, finding him increasingly familiar, and finally slapped his thigh:

"Well, it really is you!"

"Last time, a student shared a video with me. The waiter in the video was also playing this piece. I remember saying at the time that this piece was written quite well, and I wondered which new composer had written it."

As if discovering an unexpected treasure, the old man's face grew happier and happier.

"What is this piece called?"

"Wedding in My Dream."

"Good, good, good!"

Wan Qi quickly walked out of the room. He saw Lin Tian standing frozen in place, beckoned him over, and urged with a frown, "Come, come, sit down and chat!"

They sat down on either side of the tea table in the living room. The young man who had opened the door earlier served tea to the three of them.

Gan Yan Yu held her phone, propped it up on the tea table, and intently watched the video of Lin Tian playing in the restaurant, which she had never seen before.

When she saw Lin Tian gracefully finish playing the complete "Wedding in My Dream," Gan Yan Yu's eyes widened.

Her heart surged with emotion.

So, "Salut d'Amour" was just one of Lin Tian's many compositions?

"Lin Tian, how many more pieces do you have that I don't know about?"

"It's not that exaggerated. I've only written these two so far," Lin Tian explained. Just as he was about to pick up his teacup to drink—

He noticed the old gentleman sitting opposite him, his deep, eagle-like eyes fixedly staring at him.

The intensity of the gaze made Lin Tian feel a bit uneasy.

"Young man, I have a premonition."

Wan Qi smiled, his tense expression relaxing, and took a sip of tea.

Looking into Lin Tian's eyes, he said, "You might become the most outstanding composer of this era, but not yet."

"Not yet?"

"To become a composer, it's not enough to just write good music; cultivation is also very important," Wan Qi said with a touch of dark humor. "For example, some musicians' true charm is only appreciated after they've passed away."

What kind of dark humor is that?

Lin Tian felt a bit embarrassed.

The old man continued, "It's a shame. If I hadn't retired yet, I would definitely have brought you into my orchestra—"

As he said this, Wan Qi glanced at Gan Yan Yu, then sighed, "But your ambitions aren't here, are they?"

"Mm."

In fact, Lin Tian wasn't that interested in music.

It was only because Gan Yan Yu pursued it that he went all out.

His own goal had always been to make a name for himself, as a means of getting revenge on his parents.

As for whether music or something else was the tool, Lin Tian didn't really care.

"Yan Yu, you need to think carefully. Winning the highest honor in cello is not an easy feat," Wan Qi said to Gan Yan Yu again. "For you, there might be better paths. There's no need to expend your energy on these music competitions."

"Teacher Wan, this is my choice, whether it's for myself or for Grandpa."

On this topic, Gan Yan Yu always calmly and seriously insisted on her viewpoint.

As a musician, there were many ways to achieve fame, and perhaps one didn't necessarily need music competitions to prove oneself.

However, to reach the pinnacle, to gain recognition for herself, her country, and the music she loved from everyone.

Competitions were the only way.

"..."

Hearing this, Wan Qi sighed helplessly.

He looked at his reflection in the teacup, unsure whether he felt relieved or sad.

He mused, Old Hua, your granddaughter is truly just like you.

Since the conversation had reached this point, Wan Qi decided to stop beating around the bush.

"I called you both here today, not only to fulfill Yan Yu's request for piano but also for another reason—"

After speaking, Wan Qi waved to the young man who was preparing tea.

The young man walked behind Elder Wan and presented himself to Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu.

"Allow me to introduce my student, Gao Zhenyang, a lecturer in the Orchestral Department at Xingye Music Academy."

"Hello."

Gao Zhenyang clasped his hands in front of him and smiled at the two of them.

"Hello." Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu also nodded in greeting.

Lin Tian had always thought that this young man, who was either opening doors or serving tea nearby, was a servant in the old gentleman's house.

Xingye Music Academy had quite the reputation.

It was a local university in Qingzhou, currently ranking among the top five music academies nationwide.

There's a saying:

The teachers who teach you in university are very likely the people with the highest social status you'll encounter in your lifetime.

Similarly, teachers who hold positions at Xingye Music Academy were all influential figures in the music industry.

This young man looked to be in his early twenties. Although his title was only a lecturer, his status was not to be underestimated.

"Since you've decided to aim for the Kohl Cup, simply charging ahead blindly won't work. Even without a management company, you must find someone to plan things for you!"

"When Xiao Gao first graduated, he worked as a music agent for a period. Now, he not only holds a position at the academy but is also a council member of our Qingzhou City Music Association."

"I'm retiring soon and planning to move to Europe, so I can't help you two. If you need anything in the future, you can discuss it with Xiao Gao."

Lin Tian understood the old gentleman's good intentions.

He was introducing a consultant to them, who had no agent.

It had to be said that while individuals could sign up for various music competitions, for these types of complex and procedure-heavy events, without someone to guide them, it would be very easy for them, as high school students, to make mistakes.

However, did people of this status really not require payment?

"Elder Wan has been kind to me, and Elder Gan is a cellist I've always deeply admired."

Gao Zhenyang said seriously, "Especially being able to help an excellent composer like Teacher Lin Tian, and a talented cellist like Teacher Gan Yan Yu, I feel deeply honored."

Awesome.

As expected of cultured people, flattery felt so good.

Lin Tian had never been called "Teacher" in his life.

Lin Tian only knew that in the adjacent anime fandom, it seemed like anything, whether a pig, dog, cow, or sheep, could be called "Teacher," but this was the first time he himself had been addressed that way.

And it felt rather good.

"Then Teacher Gao,"

Gan Yan Yu asked eagerly, "What are we still lacking in our performance right now?"

"There's nothing lacking."

Gao Zhenyang adjusted his glasses. "In my opinion, you are already invincible among contestants of the same age. Participating in some city-level competitions now would be like slicing vegetables."

"Slap!"

Wan Qi hit Gao Zhenyang on the head with his large pipe.

"You brat, be serious!"

"Cough, cough..."

Gao Zhenyang didn't dare to complain and quickly adjusted his demeanor, speaking seriously.

"Teacher Gan, I've watched your performance video on Douyin. It's outstanding. As long as you maintain this level, it's enough to support you in participating in the Parrot Qin Cup."

"Teacher Lin Tian not only possesses strong composition abilities but is also unrivaled on the piano among those of the same age."

"In my opinion, the only thing you currently lack is a resume."

Gao Zhenyang looked at Gan Yan Yu and asked earnestly, "Teacher Gan, you haven't participated in any performances in China for over a year, have you?"

"Mm," Gan Yan Yu nodded.

Then, she used the action of drinking water to hide her inner nervousness.

"In two weeks, there will be a concert at Qingtian Concert Hall."

"This is a concert, not a competition, and there are no rankings. However, several professional music media outlets like 'NQ' will be present. I don't think I need to introduce what 'NQ' is, do I?"

"Mm," Gan Yan Yu nodded again.

"What is NQ?"

Lin Tian, who was beside them, didn't understand.

"'NobleQuest,' abbreviated as 'NQ,' is a very famous music media outlet," Gan Yan Yu said softly. "'Noble' means high-class and elegant, and 'Quest' means exploration and pursuit. They claim to focus on high-quality music and art and have founded their own magazine."

"They are always present whenever a major concert is held in Qingzhou City. They will evaluate and comment on the performers' performances, and these ratings will be published in their magazine and on their website. Other local music media outlets usually repost them, so their influence is very significant."

"I see."

So, it seemed that while this concert might appear relaxed, with no competition between performers.

In reality, due to the presence of these media outlets, it was closely related to the musicians' reputations.

If Gan Yan Yu participated in this concert and successfully made a name for herself.

Their Douyin account's development was also quite impressive.

However, those who could participate in the concert should be musicians who had gone through layers of selection, prominent figures, right?

"I myself am on the committee for this concert," Gao Zhenyang said. "I happen to have a spot. Teacher Gan, you won't need to go through the preliminary selection; I'll directly submit your name."

"OK." Lin Tian understood. So this is what a consultant is for. It's really useful! Just as expected from someone with a title in the Music Association. Now I can truly improve freely.

"But..." Gan Yan Yu, standing beside them, revealed a conflicted expression. Although she had participated in some small competitions and recitals in the UK, that was abroad, where no one knew her. She hadn't set foot on a domestic stage, especially one as grand as the Qingtian Concert Hall, for over a year. She didn't know if she could still perform at her previous level. If she messed up, she wouldn't just lose face for herself, but also for her grandfather...

Just then, a hand rested on the young girl's shoulder. Gan Yan Yu looked up, and the young man gave her a thumbs-up. "I'll go on stage with you!"

"Oh, right," Gao Zhenyang added from the side. "This concert allows performers to designate their accompanist. You can choose to have Teacher Lin Tian accompany you."

Instantly, Gan Yan Yu's pupils trembled slightly.

"Okay," the young girl said, no longer hesitating.

"Hmm, and also..." As if remembering something else, Gao Zhenyang rubbed his nose and asked tentatively, "Have you two ever performed together?"

"No," they both replied in unison.

"You'll need to practice this!" Gao Zhenyang's expression turned serious. "Compatibility isn't something you can build in a day or two. You need to hurry!"

"The concert is only two weeks away!!"