### Chapter 166: Brave Yan Yu Charges Forward! (4K)
“Everyone says that Qingjiang Province is a big music state, but honestly, it’s not all that impressive.”
“Even in the preliminaries, some of these instrument players can’t even handle the basics!”
On the judges’ bench.
Two middle-aged judges with about forty candles on their birthday cakes, frowned and offered some scathing remarks.
One was a professor fresh out of the ivory tower, named He Shu Mo, with glasses and an air of scholarly elegance. The other, Yao Han, was a pianist by trade, though his tongue tended to be a bit more candid and bold.
Three judges from the Central Flower Music Association were here today for the Parrot Zither Cup, with the great cellist Tuoba Jianhui taking center stage. Next to him were He Shu Mo and Yao Han.
Though they hailed from the capital, it wasn’t certain they’d outshine the local judges. However, their status made what they said more likely to be scrutinized and cited by both media and fellow judges.
The competition had been going on for an hour now, and over a dozen contestants had already played. Yet, in the eyes of these two judges, things didn’t look good. Many couldn’t even get past the basic “don’t mess up the sheet” level, let alone display any emotion or artistry.
It’s mind-boggling—the highest level of talent in Qianjiang Province?
“As far as I can see, all of Qingjiang Province has to offer is old man Gan Hua; everything else is overrated,” Yao Han said, reclining back in his chair and stretching his legs like a cat on a hot tin roof.
That comment went un-recorded because it was just for “behind closed doors.” So, when he did speak, it could come off even bolder.
He Shu Mo adjusted his glasses and replied calmly,
“It’s too early to make that conclusion, but at this moment, it looks like we’re on solid ground.”
“Right.”
Fingers lightly tapping the tabletop like Morse code, Yao continued,
“To tell you the truth, most of them wouldn’t even make a grade-C performance. It’s so drab; I could fall asleep.”
Yao kept glancing over at Tuoba Jianhui in the meantime. The elder’s frown deepened, and his silent gaze focused keenly on the stage. This intensity was so palpable that it made Yao shudder despite himself.
While grumping away like an old bear, Yao was also letting off the steam he felt Tuoba Jianhui would unleash—were he to open his mouth.
If Yao didn’t preemptively complain, the judge might have burst forth like a geyser, ruining the whole event!
“Alright, next up is Bai Xi.”
He Shu Mo looked up at his clipboard, eyebrows raised in mild surprise.
“Isn’t she the runner-up from last year? She also won the Star Cup recently?” Yao asked, reviewing the dossier.
“That’s right. At 23, she definitely shows promise,” Yao muttered to himself, reclining again and examining the document.
“But honestly, after watching for an hour, let’s keep a steady head, shall we?”
With an air of mock seriousness, Yao chuckled.
In such a competitive field, the “local champion” could indeed seem overrated, like the only hero is a young upstart.
As spotlight focused on her, Bai Xi stepped onto the stage, wearing a fiery red gown. She walked with poise, and her appearance sent ripples through the crowd behind her, who whispered and applauded. It was the first such display since the tournament began.
It even caught Yao’s attention, turning halfway in his chair—this girl seemed to command a formidable presence.
“You’ve got something,” He Shu Mo noted.
“Is it because she’s pretty?” Yao laughed, “You always go for the good-looking ones; don’t deny it.”
Long before the music started, the two were acquainted, He Shu Mo with that haughty, learned air, and Yao Han, with his straightforwardness. At the time, Yao found He Shu Mo a little insufferable—always putting on airs of a sage.
But, secretly, Yao loved to focus on lovely female cellists, especially when they displayed confidence beyond their years.
“If I really admired her purely for her looks, I’d be more obvious,” He Shu Mo retorted.
“No, her movements have been choreographed, and even her glances at the camera say she’s putting on a good show.”
“When someone cares so much about how they look and perform, it takes confidence in their art.”
“Okay, okay.”
Yao waved him off. It sounded contrived.
Could he be subconsciously scoring her already?
Yet Bai Xi, at least in looks, was quite the contender. Her every move exuded allure, not unlike a dancing siren, not a typical cello virtuoso.
Meanwhile, Yao’s fascination with her appearance rather than her skills stemmed from sheer boredom with Qingjiang’s musicians.
Bai Xi settled into place in front of the podium and gave the strings a gentle test-strum—
The resounding music came like a beast breaking its chains, pouncing on each audience member below. It was an aggressive start!
0 frames wasted!
Yao straightened in his seat, flipping through his notes frantically.
She played modern pop tunes?
The piece was titled, Incredible Prelude, composed in the late last century. It was a majestic, anthemic number designed to rouse the soul.
Bai Xi paired the cello with two percussion instruments, lending the track an epic quality right out of the gate.
“Wow, powerful,” Yao admitted, adopting a more serious expression.
This tune, though epic in feel, was also highly designed to evoke powerful emotions—a game soundtrack more than a war rally.
But the effort paid off; the emotions resonated, making it a hit with a wider audience.
“What a showcase!” noted He Shu Mo.
They had clearly misjudged Qingjiang.
From Bai Xi, they saw a distinct energy.
As applause filled the hall, other judges nodded, sharing approving glances.
“She’s only twenty-three, so mature!” exclaimed one judge.
“Her expressive control and musical awareness mark her as top-notch in the field of cello playing.”
“And no wonder she was the finalist the previous year. I’ve seen her compete, and she’s been on par with some of the best, just needing maturity. At twenty-three, she’s ripe for gold medals!”
“Ha… to have such a dazzling start could set a tough bar; there are still a hundred plus contestants after her. Man, this will be hard viewing…”
Judges on the bench chatted animatedly for the first time. He Shu Mo took a discreet glance at Tuoba Jianhui during this break—and the elder’s stern brow softened a fraction.
Evidently, Tuoba Jianhui approved of Bai Xi’s performance.
Despite no words spoken, easing that frown alone was an achievement!
In the rest room, the mood exploded after Bai Xi stepped down.
Because this was round one, players didn’t vie fiercely. More players, inspired by Bai Xi’s incredible showing, marveled genuinely.
“Not Bai Xi’s fault, she’s just so amazing!”
“If this keeps up, Bai Xi will be the runaway winner for media rankings!”
“There’s even a change in Tuoba Jianhui’s expressions!”
“He must have liked her play!”
Seeing Tuoba Jianhui relax visibly, many young cellists felt their spirits soaring.
They had witnessed the tension as he almost lost his temper.
Taking to stage under that, felt akin to facing the firing squad.
Only Bai Xi’s music eased Tuoba Jianhui’s mood somewhat, giving the next players a psychological lift.
“Brace yourself, Teacher Gan, what do you think?”
Lin Tian cautiously inquired.
“What do you want my opinion on?” countered Gan Yan Yu with a light laugh.
“Thoughts on Bai Xi’s performance?”
“Awe, envy… More than anything, I admire her confidence in her performance,” she replied.
“True enough.”
Almost everyone knew Bai Xi’s incredible self-assurance.
Not only did she often play pop music, but her tone revealed her self-belief.
Moreover, in unfamiliar company, she’d approach Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu before performances, showing her social grace.
“Talk about social prowess—like a social terrorist!”
Contrasting herself with Bai Xi’s brash confidence, was Gan Yan Yu’s shy demeanor.
Their contrasting auras made for an interesting mix.
“Whatever happens, I’ll face it head-on,” Gan Yanyu declared.
“Even if you have an audience as big as the one here?”
“Absolutely.”
“Even if that grumpy judge targets you directly?”
“Definitely.”
“Why this sudden change?” Lin Tian wondered, stifling a smile.
“Perhaps I realize it’s past time for a shift.”
Days ago, visiting Yueyun, Pu Yidan told her something profound.
Gan Yanyu pondered this newfound resolve, trying to embrace change.
She felt it necessary to try, standing right before Tuoba Jianhui himself!
“Next is Teacher Gan Yan Yu, please get ready!”
With staff members announcing this, Gan Yan Yu collected her cello; the pair stood to leave the rest room together.
Seeing them depart, the room erupted in excited chatter.
“Fantastic, it’s Teacher Gan Yan Yu!”
“Teacher Gan Yan Yu is so talented! Her music should brighten Tuoba Jianhui’s mood further!”
“Some say Tuoba Jianhui dislikes Teacher Gan, but that’s because he hasn’t truly watched her perform!”
“Gan Yan Yu is incredible, no different from Bai Xi!”
All the cellists following Gan Yan Yu felt a wave of relief, anticipating her performance as the potential turning point.
“.Who is Gan Yan Yu? Granddaughter of Old Man Gan.” Yao read the name.
Suddenly—
“Wow! Wow! Wow!!”
From the spectators, roars broke the calm.
Yao almost fell out of his chair from the volume. Turning, he faced a scene of people standing and clapping, their cheers rending the air.
“Huh? What’s going on?”
Yao was baffled.
Had Bai Xi been popular, this outpouring surely put any concert to shame.
Turning back, he saw Gan Yan Yu in a black dress, striding majestically onto the stage—her expression impassive yet captivating.
“So beautiful,” Yao muttered without realizing.
“Thump!”
A palm slamming the table echoed.
“Phew! So gorgeous! Truly beautiful, like art itself! Never saw a musician this stunning!!” He Shu Mo gasped.
“Oh, I get it,” Yao conceded, his earlier skepticism melted.
He admitted to having biases against He Shu Mo regarding his views on beauty.
“Still, something feels amiss. Her stage presence isn’t as commanding as expected,” Yao admitted, scrutinizing Gan Yan Yu and Lin Tian on stage.
Lin set himself at the piano, and silence settled in the auditorium.
All sound except for nervous heartbeats faded around him.
He turned to Gan Yan Yu, adjusting her posture and setting up the cello. She shielded the lights, casting a golden outline around her.
Mysterious and dreamy.
Unexpectedly, Lin felt…
Gan Yan Yu’s silhouette had grown more imposing over time.
