165. Chapter 165 – The Enthusiastic Bai Xi
The Parrot Zither Cup is a biennial competition for all cellists in Qingjiang Province hosted by the Qingjiang Music Association. It stands as the largest and most prestigious cello competition in the region.
No barriers to entry; any cellist can sign up.
And while called the “first round,” there’s already been a preliminary selection process beforehand. Each contestant needs to submit a recording of their performance along with personal details to an official email. Only those who pass this first hurdle get the green light to participate in the physical round.
Even so,
This year’s initial round still attracted over a thousand cellists.
Of which, a terrifying 260 participants qualified for the advanced category.
Such a large scale makes even all the stages Lin Tian has been on pale in comparison.
These 260 advanced players will be split into morning and afternoon sessions.
Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu are slotted for the morning session.
At this very moment, 130 players are split between two massive rest rooms.
“Mr. Lin Tian, Miss Gan Yan Yu—”
Familiar voices greet them.
Lin Tian curses inwardly.
Turning around, Bai Xi wearing a red gown, strides over with a spring step.
“I didn’t expect we’d both be in the morning session! It seems like I go first again.”
Bai Xi is radiating the same enthusiasm she always does, like they’re old friends.
To Lin Tian, it feels more like a victorious taunt.
After all, they chatted so enthusiastically last time, then Bai Xi won the championship.
It doesn’t have to be so sensitive.
Today is the first round—there’s only pass or fail. For now, Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu don’t compete against Bai Xi.
But later, their performances can be compared.
With all these media here, there’s another reason.
They give each player a “composite score” based on technique, emotion, stage presence, audience feedback, and judges’ reviews on five dimensions, updating the “player composite ranking” in real-time.
Similar to the pre-event ranking, but updated after every match, so more reliable than prescreens.
This provides a clearer view to all watching before the finals.
“.”
“Hm.”
Gan Yan Yu acknowledges Bai Xi’s greeting with a nod.
Anyone who greets her deserves politeness.
“Will Mr. Lin Tian join this time?”
Bai Xi shifts her gaze to Lin Tian.
“Yes.”
“Oh, how wonderful. I wish I had an excellent constant partner like Mr. Lin Tian. But alas, I’m stuck with the official accompanist.”
As Bai Xi spoke,
Gan Yan Yu slid her chair slightly, getting closer to Lin Tian.
“.”
While they spoke, many other contestants also took notice.
Both Bai Xi and Gan Yan Yu are considered standout participants, being in the top two in the media’s power rankings.
Seeing their friendly interaction, several less confident competitors mentally sighed:
“Ahh, famous cellists naturally know each other.”
“Hey, look at that —”
Bai Xi suddenly spoke in a whisper, pointing to someone in the distance.
Wearing a unique outfit, she differs from the mostly elegant outfits by choosing a suit and schoolgirl skirt.
The girl wears glasses with thick bangs, sitting alone in the corner away from the crowd, giving off an eerie aura.
Unlike Bai Xi and Gan Yan Yu who avoided attention due to age, this girl simply projects an unwelcoming vibe.
“Yun Qiu Qiu.”
Bai Xi mentions her name.
Lin Tian recalls seeing this name before in the rankings. Beneath Bai Xi, Gan Yan Yu, and Nanaly, she ranks fourth.
Without Nanaly trying to piggyback, it’d be third.
Just uncertain about her skills since she’s never been to the Star Cup.
“Winner of Nanyang City’s ‘Nanyang Cup’ recently, 26 years old, and recognized as the top cellist in Nanyang now.”
Her words carry weight.
“I saw her play once. She’s impressive—hardly beneath my level.”
As Bai Xi speaks, she speaks almost reverently, like telling a mystic tale.
Is she that scary?
Lin Tian is intrigued.
Bai Xi won the Star Cup and tops the media ranking.
What level does “not below my own” mean coming from her?
Considering Yun Qiu Qiu’s gloomy energy, she seems more like a shut-in than a cellist.
The kind who plays otome games, likes baggy clothes, and locks herself in her room.
“Ha, but we won’t see her today!” Bai Xi chuckles.
“Why not?” Gan Yan Yu asks.
“She goes after you, so can’t watch.”
“Don’t you plan to stick around after your turn?”
“I wait to see you perform! Once done, I’m gone,” says Bai Xi.
“.”
This is as clear as day:
“I only see you as competition.”
Anyway, beyond Bai Xi, Lin Tian hasn’t much focus on others.
Although Bai Xi always plays innocent, she’s full of tricks.
Yet, though seemingly guileful, every word to Lin Tian is honest.
Doing transparently honest things through subtle schemes.
“No more talk, it’s time for me to play!”
Waving goodbye, Bai Xi smiles, “Good luck to everyone!”
Once Bai Xi leaves, chaos surges.
Lin Tian turns to the big screen, noticing many players are staring intently at it.
“Why does he look so bummed out?”
“Feels like trouble today…”
“I might get yelled at? Mr. Tuoba is scary!”
“.”
Lin Tian looks at the screen.
Now live at the venue, the director pans from the audience to the judging panel.
Tuoba Jianhui, arms crossed, reclines back in his chair, eyes sharp and brows furrowed.
A sigh, mixed with anger, startles nearby judges.
Clearly, he’s not pleased with some players.
(End of Chapter)
