### Chapter 129: It’s Time to Play!
After a while, the door to the break room swung open.
With an air of ease, Bai Xi returned.
All eyes immediately focused on the girl who had just finished battling it out.
A mix of awe, fear, worship, and jealousy swirled in the air like a funky cocktail.
Everyone was peeking carefully, trying to get a glimpse without being too obvious.
But Bai Xi didn’t head back to her seat.
She scanned the room and, spotting Lin Tian, strode over with purpose.
“Teacher Lin Tian!”
In front of everyone, Bai Xi stood before Lin Tian,
“Did you enjoy my performance?”
“I did.”
“Can I get your feedback, Teacher Lin Tian?”
“Very strong.”
Lin Tian was straightforward, not hedging at all,
“Playing pop music on the cello to this extent is indeed rare.”
“Hahaha, thank you, Teacher Lin Tian!”
Bai Xi covered her mouth, laughing merrily,
“Then, about what I mentioned earlier—could you reconsider letting me play solo for you?”
Seriously? Does this girl really want a personal concert just for Lin Tian?
Lin Tian was baffled.
“Not interested.”
“Alright then!”
Bai Xi smiled and didn’t press further.
She clasped her hands behind her back and finally turned her gaze to Gan Yan Yu, giving her a meaningful look,
“Go for it, Teacher Gan Yan Yu.”
With that, she turned on her heel and left.
“Wha—”
That was practically a face-to-face attack!
In the middle of the bustling break room full of competitors, she completely ignored everyone else just to throw some encouragement Gan Yan Yu’s way.
A bit too intentional, don’t you think?
Bai Xi’s move soon caught the attention of other contestants:
“Wow, does Bai Xi only see Gan Yan Yu as a rival?”
“There’s also Zhu Ya and Yang Wei Ze, right? They’ve got records that rival Bai Xi’s. Gan Yan Yu should rank lower; she’s still too young.”
“But doesn’t it feel like Bai Xi cares more about that guy?”
“Yeah, who is that boy anyway?”
“Looks like he’s Gan Yan Yu’s previous piano accompanist. Pretty handsome, got some skills, but super low-key.”
“…”
Feeling the intensity of the stares around him, Lin Tian heard a gentle voice beside him:
“Lin Tian.”
“Mm?”
He turned to see Gan Yan Yu.
“Bai Xi, she—”
Gan Yan Yu paused, as if leaving something unsaid.
Then she changed the subject:
“I probably can’t win against Bai Xi.”
“Don’t start with that again.”
“No, I’m serious.”
Gan Yan Yu looked Lin Tian in the eye and said softly,
“Her piece, ‘Golden Dance,’ is incredible and totally at the Dragon Zither Cup level. I honestly can’t even give it my all right now—”
She directed her gaze toward the large screen.
At this moment, the screen displayed the audience.
In the back row sat a bunch of excited university students, buzzing about, their seats adorned with glow sticks and light boards, just waiting to unleash their enthusiasm.
Lin Tian knew Gan Yan Yu’s little fan club had arrived at the scene.
Gao Zhen Yang’s attempt to manage the fans had clearly failed.
The organizers weren’t keeping a tight lid on things like expected.
This would only lead to a repeat of the chaos that had caused Gan Yan Yu trouble during the preliminary round.
As Gan Yan Yu said, deep down, her real fear wasn’t about letting down her fans.
After years of a strained musical journey, Gan Yan Yu had long forgotten what it felt like to be “liked.”
Every heated gaze felt like a judgment, as if they were all there to witness her fail.
After so many years of doubts and scrutiny, she’d become accustomed to feeling that weight.
With her lack of confidence, there was no way she could handle such pressure now.
“Alright.”
Lin Tian reached out, waving in front of Gan Yan Yu’s eyes, bringing her back to reality,
“Just pretend they’re all cabbage and carrots.”
“Cabbage and carrots?”
“Yeah, focus on what you need to focus on!”
Lin Tian said,
“Go out there, play your piece, and come back. That’s all you need to do!”
“Esteemed judges, distinguished guests, and dear audience friends, please get ready to welcome our next outstanding cellist!”
As the host announced—
Gan Yan Yu stood up.
She faced the mirror, biting down on a red hair tie with her mouth while she used both hands to style her hair up.
“The next performer is 18-year-old Gan Yan Yu from Qingzhou. This young artist has already made a name for herself in the industry thanks to her exceptional skill and passionate performance.”
Gan Yan Yu removed the hair tie, tying her ponytail up high.
Then she checked herself in the mirror one last time, turned, and faced Lin Tian.
She quietly asked,
“How do I look?”
“If this were a beauty pageant, you’d win hands down.”
“…”
Gan Yan Yu demurely lowered her head, her gaze dropping,
“I’m off.”
Gan Yan Yu pushed open the break room door and headed toward the stage.
She walked down the corridor, stepping briskly.
Until she pulled back a curtain and was hit with blinding lights that made her squint.
Taking a deep breath, she strode boldly out.
Applause erupted!
As soon as the audience caught sight of Gan Yan Yu, they buzzed with excitement.
“That’s Gan Yan Yu? She really is as beautiful as the legends say!”
“Her aura is off the charts; no wonder she’s so popular!”
“She’s the granddaughter of Master Gan. If only she could perform at a third of his level!”
In the front row, several judges exchanged whispers, nodding along.
In all of Qingjiang Province, it was hard to find someone who hadn’t heard of Gan Yan Yu.
If her previous fame was tied to having a legendary grandpa, her recent buzz was thanks to a concert she had a little while ago.
Her performance of the “E Minor Symphony”—a flawless duet with a piano—had earned her rave reviews.
Even NQ and nearly every music outlet in Qingzhou hailed her as a strong contender for this year’s Parrot Zither Cup.
Everyone was eager to see how she would perform.
“…”
Gan Yan Yu, stay calm.
Standing on that stage, under the searing lights, facing a packed audience, Gan Yan Yu gently patted her chest, repeatedly reminding herself.
Thump!
Thump!
Amidst the noise, her racing heartbeat resonated clearly in her ears.
Slowly, Gan Yan Yu sat in the chair, placing the cello before her.
She picked up the bow with one hand.
She could almost feel her rapid breaths.
The “E Minor Cello Concerto”
Here we go—it’s showtime!
(End of Chapter)
