### Chapter 101: An Opportunity to Be Admitted to University
—
”Congratulations to both teachers for a successful maiden performance!”
”Cheers!!”
In a barbecue joint, Gao Zhen Yang raised his beer, clinking glasses with Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu, three of them drinking up in unison.
After chugging down their brews, Gao Zhen Yang suddenly froze with a terrified look on his face,
”Oh no! You two are still high school students, right?!”
”Bringing two high school students to drink… what a sin, what a sin!”
Gao Zhen Yang slapped his forehead, lamenting.
”Actually, we—”
Gan Yan Yu was about to speak when Lin Tian interrupted, sternly stating:
”Yes, Teacher Gao, you’re evil!”
”If we get into the habit of drinking, it’s all your fault!”
Gao:
”.”
”No way! Drinking is bad for your health, you know!”
Gao Zhen Yang kept trying to dissuade them.
As a college teacher, encouraging high schoolers to drink would be a huge career black mark!
”Alright, Lin Tian, stop teasing Teacher Gao. We’ve had our fair share of drinks in private too.”
Seeing Gao Zhen Yang’s embarrassment, Gan Yan Yu stepped in to explain.
”What???”
This was unexpected to Gao Zhen Yang.
Lin Tian could understand; after all, some boys start drinking as early as middle school.
But Gan Yan Yu, such a well-behaved student…
”Where did you learn that from?”
”He taught me.”
Gan Yan Yu pointed straight at Lin Tian without hesitation.
Now, Lin Tian became the ultimate scapegoat.
”Cough, cough—”
Taking responsibility himself, Lin Tian fell quiet.
What else can you do?
At that moment, the only way to keep Gan Yan Yu around was to get her drunk.
Plus, if you count, Gan Yan Yu learned to drink from Gao Da Ye!
So it’s like this:
You teach me to drink.
I teach your granddaughter to drink.
Makes perfect sense!
It’s just unknown whether Gan Da Ye would be so furious he’d wake up from bed and give him a beating.
”.”
Watching these two oddballs, Gao Zhen Yang couldn’t help gulping.
They might have wildly different personalities.
After all, artists aren’t known for consistency.
”By the way—”
From the moment he entered the barbecue shop,
”Your hair tie—where did you get it?”
”This one?”
Lin Tian pointed to the red hair tie on his wrist.
Gan Yan Yu untied her ponytail and gave it back to him that day after school.
”This—”
Lin Tian stumbled over his words.
In front of Gao Zhen Yang, if he said this was from Gan Yan Yu—
Then Gao Zhen Yang would immediately point out the significance.
And then Gan Yan Yu would instantly realize its meaning.
The scene would become awkward.
”I gave it to him.”
Gan Yan Yu raised her hand proudly, as if seeking praise from a teacher at kindergarten.
”Y-your hair tie?”
Gao Zhen Yang’s eyes widened.
He scrutinized Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu again.
At this stage of their relationship?
”This is a token symbolizing our partnership.” Gan Yan Yu smiled faintly.
”Partnership?” Gao Zhen Yang was puzzled.
”Yeah.”
”Just partners?”
”Why not?”
Gan Yan Yu looked pure and innocent, misunderstanding Gao Zhen Yang’s intention.
”.”
Gao Zhen Yang didn’t want to comment on young people’s relationships.
But at that moment, this familiar scene made him cast a sorrowful look at Lin Tian.
Acting super close and sending all kinds of ambiguous gifts, even wearing a hair tie…
But when it comes to the actual meanings and relationships, they play dumb.
Isn’t this…
Getting hooked by women?!
From “just friends” to “partners only.”
At this moment, Teacher Gao Zhen Yang gave Lin Tian the look of ”Bro, I feel you”.
”.”
Lin Tian, puzzled, thought Gao Zhen Yang might be misinterpreting something.
After casual small talk, Gao Zhen Yang steered the conversation back on track.
”This time, Nangong Qing (NQ) highly praised Teacher Gan Yan Yu. It’s the most enthusiastic they’ve been in years. Without a doubt, your performance was a smashing success!”
”Now, the two of you have gained recognition in Qingzhou City; many other teachers will now pay attention to you. Anything could happen next.”
Hearing this, Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu exchanged glances, feeling a bit elated.
Being recognized in person was a testament to their hard work.
”Since Teacher Gan Yan Yu’s goal is the Dragon Zither Cup, the next logical step should be the Parrot Zither Cup, since it’s organized by the official Music Association and winning the Parrot Zither Cup qualifies for the Dragon Zither Cup. So, you’ll participate, right?”
”Mm-hm,” Gan Yan Yu nodded.
With an affirmative response, Gao Zhen Yang also nodded and continued,
”Shouldn’t you think about joining other competitions?”
”What other competitions?” Lin Tian asked curiously.
”Dragon Zither Cup is by invitation only, which means each province nominates the best cellists. Besides the winner of the Parrot Zither Cup, another couple of slots are open to promising cellists.”
”For example, the Star Cup is happening in three weeks, which is the biggest local competition here in Qingzhou. If Gan Yan Yu wins the Star Cup, even if she loses in the Parrot Zither Cup, she’ll still have a shot at being recommended for the Dragon Zither Cup.”
”.”
Lin Tian got it.
Gao Zhen Yang was suggesting they join some smaller, supplementary competitions to build additional credibility through these events.
Essentially, adding a double safety net; even if they don’t win the Parrot Zither Cup, they might still be recommended.
However, in just three weeks?
Lin Tian was conflicted, and so was Gan Yan Yu.
”What’s wrong? You look so serious.” Gao Zhen Yang was alarmed.
”Nothing major. But next month it’s time for us to take our exams.”
”.” Oh right!
Gao Zhen Yang smacked his forehead. “I forgot!”
December 12th.
That’s when art exams are held in all of Qingjiang Province.
Joining the Star Cup would surely affect their exams.
Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu are still senior year high school students.
Balancing musical endeavors while keeping up with studies is tough.
But speaking of that…
”Actually, I called you out here today because there’s another important matter related to this.”
”What’s that?”
”The academy is working on the new year’s list for direct admission, and I picked up some information.”
”Teachers Gan Yan Yu and Lin Tian, due to your recent achievements causing a stir in Qingzhou, the academy plans to extend an olive branch to you.”
At that, Gao Zhen Yang paused and asked,
”Would you like to enter Xingye Music Academy?”
—
(End of Chapter)
