176. A Perfect k*ll (4K)
“Why?”
“This can’t be true!”
That was Teacher Gan Yan Yu’s performance.
He Zhi Chen couldn’t stay calm—he quickly pulled out his tablet and flipped through the data he had previously compiled.
“If we rate Teacher Gan Yan Yu’s playing ability at 100 points, then Lin Tian’s would be at 30 points, with an unknown variable N for his compositional skills. When Lin Tian completely synchronizes with Teacher Gan Yan Yu, he can achieve about a 60-point performance capability. However, when Teacher Gan fully gets into it, her effect could multiply the score to 1700 points by a factor of 10!”
It might be possible to achieve this with the tenfold bonus from Teacher Gan. But for Lin Tian’s score to reach 90 points, bringing Teacher Gan down to 89, while their combined total is even higher? This seemed impossible.
“No, no, no!”
What am I calculating?
He Zhi Chen covered his head in frustration.
Right now, all his thoughts were as messy as his tablet screen.
No matter how much he calculated, he couldn’t possibly derive the result where Lin Tian is overpowering Gan Yan Yu.
And yet, this was happening!
Like a dream!
The piano, like a gentle stream, nurtured and enveloped the cello and eventually homogenized its sound.
Surface-level listening would make it seem that both the piano and cello complement each other, playing together on equal footing. Both bring out their best to create an outstanding collaboration.
But on closer inspection, you’d see the piano was leading the cello. It wasn’t forceful but rather a tender and deep guide, bringing the cello along.
“How did they do this?”
For something this unquantifiable, He Zhi Chen was scratching his head in confusion.
“What are you saying?”
The director, seeing He Zhi Chen’s puzzled expression, peered curiously.
“You wouldn’t understand anyway.”
He Zhi Chen couldn’t explain musical nuances to a non-musician.
“Sure, I understood.”
The director puffed on a cigarette leaning against the wall, “It’s just the piano overpowering the cello. Nothing complicated!”
He gestured toward where the cello was positioned.
He Zhi Chen followed and was shocked to see a sweet smile on Gan Yan Yu’s face.
Could it be…did Gan Yan Yu do this willingly?
Impossible.
He Zhi Chen shook his head vigorously.
In music, Gan Yan Yu was a powerhouse; once she dives in, she loses all reason.
“No, you’re wrong. I may not know music, but I do know actors. Experiential performers like her, seen only once in a lifetime.”
“I think experiential performers often don’t feel what’s happening to them personally, they react more intuitively,” the director continued, puffing two smoke rings, gazing at the duo intently.
After filming countless ads, stage plays, and MVs, he found this moment the most captivating.
This scene was way better than acting!
Hearing this, He Zhi Chen began to grasp it.
Was it about feelings rather than music?
Cold sweat broke out on He Zhi Chen.
Lin Tian, you—
Aren’t you trying to confess? Like this? To test Gan Yan Yu’s reaction?
The effect isn’t quite the same as directly confessing.
But, the aftereffects will be even greater.
You’re risking blowing your cool if you don’t get your desired answer.
How will you guys work together in the future? Live a normal life?
Lin Tian, you’re ruthless.
He Zhi Chen adjusted his glasses in admiration.
But thankfully, it seems Lin Tian succeeded.
His piano finally got a response!
If so…
Wouldn’t they have broken Tu Oa Jianhui’s perception?
Yet,
As the cello and piano immersed themselves in their world, they seemingly forgot they were dragging around a bunch of others.
All the trainees accompanying them were now playing like walking dead:
Faces twisted, red from concentration, arms trembling violently.
Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu were having a blast, leaving everyone else suffering.
They regretted teaming up with Moonlight and Cat like seven couples’ bridge-building magpies; happy up top, crushed below.
Worse still, the bridge-builders could fly without them.
They were more akin to garnish, like a tiny sprig of broccoli on a steak plate, adding some insignificant flair.
They became integral parts of the couple’s dance!
Zhang Dong was utterly despondent.
His pressure exploded; his violin was completely off-key but still he forced himself.
This scene will ruin his career.
He suspected his suffering was intentional—Moonlight’s trap.
Inviting him under false pretenses, pushing him to fail.
Reject the duet, showing indifference to Moonlight and Cat.
Accept the duet, ensuring a humiliating defeat.
A brilliant scheme indeed!
“Bro, should we continue recording this?”
Director smoked, trembling hand.
Everyone was off-key, forming a hellish symphony.
Yet, piano and cello weren’t out of sync…
“It’s interesting. Let’s keep it going.” He Zhi Chen chuckled.
Music alone made for a compelling story.
Even if not a final version.
“The best easter egg,” he mused excitedly.
These performances could boost CD sales significantly.
Most unaffected were Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu.
They had wondered…
Upon hearing the cello’s reply, Lin Tian didn’t erupt in joy.
He felt relieved instead.
Perfect.
I knew Gan must feel something for me.
Otherwise, it would be too callous!
The risks were high if they lost.
The main consequence was Lin Tian’s mindset change.
It was like a premonition confession to Gan, unaware of him.
Failure meant giving up or a physical victory next time.
But this was delightful.
The rest was Lin Tian’s enjoyment.
Gan Yan Yu’s cello played so softly.
Like a gentle kitten nestled in his arms.
Lin Tian had never heard such adorable music.
He was overwhelmed, almost bewildered, afraid even one wrong note might spook the “kitten”.
But he found his rhythm, soothing gently.
The music flowed harmoniously.
At the end,
Lin Tian stood and approached Gan Yan Yu.
As the piano faded away, she woke from her musical trance.
Their eyes met, and Lin reached out a hand.
Holding two masks,
They each wore one.
Gan placed her hand on Lin’s palm,
They began to dance.
“Ohh~”
Some trainees sighed with envy.
“Get them, you slackers!” The director snapped.
Lin’s impromptu move caught everyone off guard, even the director responded only after two seconds.
Realizing the cue, trainees joined, playing reluctant couple dancers.
The camera widened the shot. A grand dance performance began!
Around Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu, everyone danced lightly.
After their previous play, coordination was perfect, avoiding tripping.
Lin hugged Gan while walking, gazing into her eyes.
With victory, Lin was transformed.
Specifically, how much of her feelings were genuine,
Enough for them to be lovers?
Those questions could wait.
He just wanted to seize this moment.
He’d confess.
On the day they won the Parrot Zither Cup.
Not on stage obviously.
He reckoned Gan might not welcome public confessions.
It wouldn’t be right to announce it in front of viewers.
Better at the hall exit, after holding the trophy, savor the wind.
At the peak of his exuberance,
He would confess.
That would be unforgettable!
Together, they’d smoothly come together, revealing their secret.
The heat!
To failure? No win?
He never considered it.
He wouldn’t let that happen.
This time, he was serious.
Win everything.
Recording went smoothly.
The real one was simpler; less need for flow, more montage.
They wrapped it up in a single day.
Budget-friendly, yet quality remained.
During wrap-up, Lin and Gan held flowers, smiling amidst applause.
Dinner was planned at a BBQ spot BBY.
A tradition for every MV finish.
Zhuo Xiaocheng said decades back, when Le Yun was just a fledgling label, they’d meet here.
Over twenty years later, that custom persisted.
It was about socializing.
Lin and Gan recently joined, still getting to know people.
Enjoy a meal.
Take today’s trainees for example; they really outdid themselves.
Though later parts were shaky, overall they maintained a high standard.
Not everyone could join Lin and Gan.
Great effort from them.
Zhi Chen found these diligent, free workers.
If Lin Tian wants them again, he’s got to network.
“Teacher Moonlight, I’m Zhou Xia.”
Tables pushed together.
The male playing the viola stood,
Excitedly shaking Lin’s hand,
“Thrilled to play with you, feels like a dream.”
“Thanks.”
“I’m Wang Chun.”
The harmonica player rose solemnly,
More composed.
“Hmm.”
Xia. Chun. Next one.
“Call me Hu Dongdong.”
Blushing, her hair dyed red, “I’m the violinist.”
Handshakes extended,
“But we dragged you down today. More practice before next opportunity.”
Dongdong kept gripping.
Whoosh—
Gan Yan Yu stood abruptly.
Lin paused, then she said,
“Gonna use the restroom.”
(Fin)
