### Chapter 116: This Damned Charm (4K)
“Why?”
Gan Yan Yu raised an eyebrow, clearly puzzled.
From the earlier chatter, it was obvious that the group was satisfied with Lin Tian.
Yet out of nowhere, one of them suddenly drops this bombshell.
“…”
“You need to think about your identity.”
Gan Sheng lightly tapped his fingers on the table. It seemed like his professional habit kicked in as he took on the tone of a dad who’s about to deliver a life lesson—serious yet with a hint of softness.
“Eighteen years old, high school student, spending every day getting cozy with a boy, shooting videos in his house while rumors spread like wildfire. Does that seem appropriate to you, Yan Yu?”
Truth be told, Gan Sheng was already feeling quite repressed.
Considering that he had indeed owed a lot to Yan Yu over the years, he tried to be as gentle as possible.
As the only daughter of the Gan family.
Spending every day at a boy’s house, getting all tangled up in that mess.
That’s outrageous!
If they were doing “that kind of thing”…
Gan Sheng was extremely unwilling to even entertain such thoughts about his daughter.
But alas, he couldn’t help but worry.
The more he thought about it, the more anxious he became!
If this got out, what would people say?
Where would the Gan family’s face go?
“We are clean.”
Gan Yan Yu took a deep breath, speaking each word clearly.
“How do you prove that?”
Gan Sheng tapped the table again, his tone booming,
“Do you know what people are saying on the internet? Some are saying you and that boy…”
“Shut up!”
He Zha interjected, grabbing Gan Sheng’s arm.
“Must you say those hurtful things to Yan Yu?”
She turned to look at Yan Yu, her face full of concern.
“Yan Yu, I hope you can understand your dad’s perspective. Lin Tian may indeed have talent in some areas—this we admit.”
“But he lacks parents and any background. You should be careful and keep your distance. Your dad might allow you to live alone, but he won’t just stand by while you get involved in messy situations.”
“We are just partners.”
When Gan Yan Yu stood up to say this, both adults were taken aback.
They noticed that the usually gentle and soft-spoken Yan Yu was now biting her lip.
Her tone was a mix of grievance and anger:
“What do you know?”
“Just creating music takes all of my energy! Lin Tian is outstanding, yes, so I’ve been working my b*tt off to keep up with him. Every piece he writes, I practice earnestly. My biggest worry every day is that I’ll hold Lin Tian back, so I keep practicing and practicing…”
Right until last night.
Gan Yan Yu had been carefully analyzing the “E Minor Cello Concerto,” meticulously breaking it down note by note.
All in hopes of being able to play it together with Lin Tian and perfecting it on the Star Cup stage.
Ever since she and Lin Tian parted ways, the more time she spent practicing alone, the more anxiety she felt about not keeping up.
Lin Tian was that amazing.
He would definitely ace the art examination!
But me…
What if I don’t get the Star Cup? What will I do?
After leaving Lin Tian, Gan Yan Yu found herself asking herself these questions daily.
“I haven’t let my guard down for a day, yet somehow I’ve become the one entangled with Lin Tian in your eyes!”
Gan Yan Yu wasn’t just angry about her parents misunderstanding her.
What upset her the most was the fact that she and her partner were working so hard together for their musical dream.
And here her parents were, first jumping to conclusions about “propriety and morality.”
What anyone online says? That can just be dismissed as misguided jokes.
But now the ones saying this were her own parents!
At this point—
Gan Yan Yu took a breath.
Suppressing her emotions, she coolly declared, “If that’s how you think, I can’t help it. I won’t prove anything to you.”
Prove what?
That she was innocent with Lin Tian?
She didn’t care.
Let them think what they want; some people would never understand her bond with Lin Tian!
“…”
The two adults stared at Gan Yan Yu, speechless.
It was as if they were silently accepting that whatever was going on with Lin Tian was no big deal.
They had never seen such an angry and resolute Gan Yan Yu before.
Gan Sheng let out a heavy sigh.
Turns out, Lin Tian had already become such an important figure in Yan Yu’s heart.
Gan Sheng didn’t understand their music.
But he remembered being young, having someone he worked hard for, too.
“I’m sorry, we were hasty.”
Gan Sheng said.
Ultimately, the original sin lay with them.
After all, if they had accompanied Gan Yan Yu more, gotten to know what kind of person their daughter was, they wouldn’t have made such comments.
But what could Gan Sheng do?
He only had Gan Yan Yu as his daughter.
The large Gan family business was destined to be handed down to Yan Yu in the future, no matter what.
Naturally, he had to keep a close watch on her social life. How could he not worry about his daughter mingling with a boy with no background?
“Okay, okay.”
“It’s our fault.”
He Zha hurriedly tried to smooth things over.
She moved next to Gan Yan Yu, reaching out to pull her back down into her seat.
But Yan Yu ignored her, instinctively pulling her hand back, leaving He Zha grasping thin air.
The woman’s expression turned awkward.
Then, with a cold demeanor, Gan Yan Yu sat back down.
“…”
He Zha looked at her daughter’s eyes.
A mix of relief and helplessness.
If it was a misunderstanding, then the earlier words were indeed excessive.
She actually liked Lin Tian a lot.
Especially after the recent dinner conversation.
But standing in her husband’s shoes, she thought she was considering the family’s reputation.
But He Zha had never expected Lin Tian’s charm to be this great.
Making Yan Yu take things so seriously.
“However,”
Despite this, Gan Sheng still had a doubt.
“What if that boy has feelings for you and wants to do something about it? What then?”
Though it seemed like a party pooper to bring it up now, as a father, Gan Sheng couldn’t shake off this worry.
They could disregard the outside world’s judgment and work seriously on their art.
He completely understood Yan Yu’s thoughts.
But what if Lin Tian’s intentions weren’t so pure?
Being innocent now didn’t mean it wouldn’t change later.
“Uh…”
That question made Gan Yan Yu’s eyes wander.
It was as if she didn’t even know how to answer.
“…”
Just then, the door to the room swung open.
Lin Tian walked in.
He saw Gan Yan Yu standing, He Zha looking tense, and Gan Sheng sitting there with a not-so-comfortable expression.
“Uh…”
Realizing the atmosphere was off, Lin Tian cleared his throat lightly.
“—Should I step outside for some air?”
“Sit down, Lin Tian.”
“Come over here.”
Gan Sheng waved his hand, beckoning Lin Tian.
“…”
Lin Tian was a bit surprised by Gan Sheng’s warm invitation.
He hesitated for a moment but decided to sit beside Gan Sheng.
After sitting down, Gan Sheng patted Lin Tian on the shoulder, dropping all pretensions.
“Good kid!”
“Yan Yu’s grades are in your hands now!”
After the preceding conversation, regardless of anything else, Gan Sheng could at least be sure that his earlier extreme thoughts had indeed hurt Yan Yu.
And this boy sitting in front of him, at least for now, really didn’t seem to be doing anything.
As for the desire to keep some distance between them…
Gan Sheng had to resign himself to the fact he couldn’t do much as an inadequate father.
He’d just regard Lin Tian as a very important friend to Yan Yu.
“Uncle, you’re too polite.”
Lin Tian replied respectfully, puzzled by Gan Sheng’s sudden shift in attitude.
“Come.”
Saying this, Gan Sheng took the teapot, preparing to pour tea for Lin Tian.
“Seeing Yan Yu with such an outstanding kid like you, we’re finally at ease.”
Watching her husband and Lin Tian getting along so harmoniously, He Zha finally let out a sigh of relief, smiling as she spoke.
“…”
Lin Tian was slightly baffled.
He glanced over at Gan Yan Yu for confirmation.
Her cheeks turned slightly rosy, and with a serious face, she focused on her food, her eyes conveying a warmth.
It seemed something must have happened earlier.
“Here, Lin Tian!”
Gan Sheng stood up, lifting the teapot.
“Thanks, Uncle.”
Lin Tian replied politely, holding the teacup with both hands.
As the tea poured in…
It seemed that with Lin Tian being a high school student, his posture looked almost too practiced.
Gan Sheng suddenly asked:
“Do you drink alcohol regularly?”
“A little, just a little,” Lin Tian modestly answered.
“You’re an adult now; a little drinking is no problem.”
“Yeah.”
“You should…”
Then, the man squinted his eyes.
“Not with Yan Yu, right?”
“Ha, ha, ha.”
Lin Tian laughed, appreciating the elder’s humorous comment.
“Ah, ha, ha.”
Gan Sheng also laughed heartily.
“Right? You haven’t, right…”
“Not at all?!”
Gan Sheng gritted his teeth, staring at Lin Tian.
“A little, just a little.”
Lin Tian awkwardly looked away.
“You took Yan Yu drinking?!”
Gan Sheng was getting anxious.
“She likes it,”
Lin Tian shot a look of desperation towards Gan Yan Yu sitting across from him.
But this girl continued calmly eating, looking out the window, taking in the scenery.
What’s this, buddy?!
“Lin Tian, I’m about to have a word with you. Taking a high school girl drinking? Just think about it; is that something a man should be doing?!”
“…”
Looking at Gan Sheng’s almost scary expression, Lin Tian felt helpless.
It was not like—
Your daughter can drink better than me!
Am I supposed to get her drunk?!
Oh, come on!
Besides, old man!
It was your old man who took me out drinking first!
If we’re pointing fingers, we’d better direct that at your old man!
If you want to nitpick, I guess Lin Tian and Gan Sheng are both from the same “training camp” when it comes to drinking.
Lin Tian was just done with the ridiculousness of three generations talking about alcohol.
“Alright, alright.”
He Zha chuckled, covering her mouth.
“We’re all adults; a little drinking is fine. Lin Tian isn’t that kind of person.”
“Lin Tian, don’t listen to him. If you want to drink, Auntie knows several good craft beer breweries in Qingzhou. Next time, I’ll bring you some.”
“Thank you, Auntie. We’re still students; we really just have a little.”
“Oh, don’t be so polite.”
He Zha smiled, looking at Lin Tian with admiration.
The atmosphere around the dinner table quickly lightened up.
Gan Sheng had fallen quiet, sipping his tea in silence.
After they finished the meal, He Zha pulled out her phone.
“Lin Tian, you must be living with Yan Yu now, right?”
“Yes.”
“Let’s add each other on WeChat. That way, if anything comes up, I can learn about it from you.”
Lin Tian turned to look at Gan Yan Yu.
Seeing that she didn’t seem opposed, he nodded,
“Sure.”
“Hey,” Gan Sheng seemed to want to say something.
But He Zha had already scanned the QR code and added Lin Tian on WeChat.
After adding each other, He Zha smilingly said,
“Lin Tian, a gentleman like you probably doesn’t get many girls asking for your WeChat, huh? You’ve got to treat Yan Yu well!”
“Hey, He Zha!”
Gan Sheng was filled with black lines on his forehead.
What kind of talk makes it sound like they’re about to get married?
“Alright, alright.”
He Zha put away her phone, ignoring Gan Sheng’s discontent, bubbling with joy.
Gan Sheng turned around.
Looking at Lin Tian, who was still looking sharp and handsome even after just finishing a meal, his tone became hesitant.
“Treat Yan Yu well. It’s just a partnership. Don’t do any messy stuff.”
“Ha, ha, ha. When did you become so stingy?” He Zha laughed.
“Mind your own business!”
Gan Sheng fumed.
This meal had made Gan Sheng feel incredibly uncomfortable.
On one hand, he truly admired this kid.
Growing up alone, achieving this life all by himself.
He was bold and fearless!
Somehow mirroring Gan Sheng during his youth!
But on the other hand, the more capable Lin Tian was, the more conflicted Gan Sheng felt.
A guy this impressive could easily toy with Yan Yu!
This contradictory feeling left Gan Sheng at a loss for how to deal with Lin Tian.
But He Zha seemed to have fewer anxieties.
Having added Lin Tian on WeChat, she was now happily chatting away.
It was as if she had already decided that this young man would be her son-in-law.
And that just made Gan Sheng even more confused.
As they exited the restaurant named “Fu Lai,”
At the door, during their final farewells.
“Yan Yu, I know right now you might not be able to accept us, but we want you to live well. If you encounter any problems, please let us know.”
He Zha spoke earnestly,
“The comments made during dinner were due to our ignorance. We didn’t mean to offend you, so don’t take them to heart.”
What comments?
Lin Tian thought in confusion.
“Okay.”
Gan Yan Yu nodded, bowing slightly towards her parents,
“Thank you.”
“…”
Hearing their daughter thank them was a bit disheartening for Gan Sheng and He Zha.
But they both understood this was a mess of their own making.
As they were leaving, Gan Sheng took one last look at his daughter, asking,
“Yan Yu, do you have enough money?”
Hearing this, Gan Yan Yu paused slightly.
Remembering her earlier promise to Lin Tian.
The girl sank into thought, debating how to respond.
This silence, instead of her usual immediate refusal,
Gan Sheng understood her intention, and his expression swiftly brightened.
“How much do you need? You’re shooting videos; your expenses must be considerable, right?”
“For senior year… is eight thousand enough each month?”
“Forget it; I’ll just transfer the total amount now—thirty thousand? Fifty thousand? You’re a growing high schooler. Don’t hesitate to ask for living expenses!”
“Alright, I’ll just load ten thousand into your card.”
Gan Sheng rattled off a series of numbers, not giving Gan Yan Yu a chance to react.
By the time the driver pulled up, the two got into the car together.
Rolling down the window, Gan Sheng seemed in high spirits as he waved to Gan Yan Yu, cheerfully saying,
“Watch for the texts later!”
(End of Chapter)
