185. THE RISE OF THE 2D KING TO THE PARROT ZITHER CUP (4K)
In the tranquil hall,
A man was focused on stage, playing the cello with an almost scholar-like grace.
His music filled the entire venue, oozing a cultured charm.
Inside the rest room, contestants were gathered by the big screen, listening intently.
Lin Tian pondered:
Characteristics of chamber music include:
Fixed group compositions, usually 2 to 9 instruments.
Besides Mao Junfeng on the cello, there were three violin accompaniments.
Moreover, the balance and transparency of the music were well-maintained.
Each note was crystal clear, making the overall texture more transparent. Despite multiple strings, each section’s detail and layering could be perceived distinctly by the audience.
Works had diverse structures, a rare and sophisticated style.
From simple binary form to complex sonata structures, performers needed profound understanding to accurately interpret pieces.
Thus,
Unlike other contestants, Mao Junfeng’s music shone through its coherence.
The highly interactive ensemble and deep emotional expression provided a profound musical experience.
According to Lin Tian’s insights,
Mao Junfeng was also the contestant with the most accompanists in the semifinals: four of them!
He looked like he was ready to start a gang fight.
Just seeing him, one felt the need to take out four opponents at once.
Performing with multiple instruments wasn’t restricted by the rules but was risky.
If the cello didn’t have enough force to overpower the other instruments, it might easily be overshadowed.
However, Mao Junfeng succeeded:
He turned the stage into a chamber music performance, providing a great listener experience while showcasing the cello’s brilliance. That’s why he stood out in the first round, advancing to the top eight.
The judges must have seen potential in that.
They added extra points.
This is why Lin Tian called him CJB.
“Novelty”: it might help him reach the semifinals, but judges wouldn’t give extra points just for being novel this time around.
It wasn’t about his skills, but the intense competition.
—
The performance ended; applause erupted.
Viewers showed their appreciation with nods and smiles.
Yes, multi-instrument ensembles often sounded better than single instruments or duets.
Whether they “sounded good” was up to the audience.
Judges considered more than sound quality:
Several judges exchanged glances, some frowning, others chatting animatedly, suggesting considerable debate.
Ultimately, they all gave their scores.
Next was Yun Qiu Qiu.
As Mao Junfeng returned to the rest room, the announcer called for the next contestant. Everyone shifted their gaze toward a silent, downcast young woman—half her face hidden under her hair.
One staff assumed she was sleeping and leaned forward to gently wake her.
“Teacher Yun, it’s your turn.”
“Teacher Yun?”
“Oh!”
Yun Qiu Qiu snapped awake, surprising everyone.
“Alright, I know.”
With a yawn, she got up.
“C’mon, wakey-wakey!”
“She looks like she just woke up,” Ma Junfeng remarked with a wry smile.
“What kind of place does she think the Parrot Zither Cup is?”
Though Ma Junfeng was the oldest, at 33, calling her a ‘kid’ was fitting.
Everyone knew the finalists weren’t easy opponents.
But Yun Qiu Qiu’s aura…
She seemed too relaxed for any serious contest. Maybe she was pretending to be sleepy?
“Teacher Yun, you feeling okay?”
Staff member unsurely asked.
“I’m fine. Late-night binge-watching…”
“Watching… anime?!”
Even the staff were shocked, as were the others nearby. Was she real?
“How did she get so far?!”
Ma Junfeng couldn’t believe it.
The night before the semis, he was tossing and turning, thinking about the tournament, nearly insomniac.
Could someone really stay up watching anime till the early hours before a big match?
Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu were equally dumbfounded.
Pure intensity.
No judgment.
Without delay, Yun Qiu Qiu left the rest room and stepped onto the stage.
Judges studied her data intently.
“Is this the same person?”
An older judge squinted, scrutinizing details.
Data showed Yun Qiu Qiu in a tidy outfit, looking fresh.
On stage, she appeared disheveled, with heavy bangs and dark circles, evoking a gloomy vibe.
Like a meme gone wrong.
Before—
After—
Plus, Yun Qiu Qiu skipped formal attire for a JK school uniform.
“Bare minimum respect for the stage?” said the stern judge.
Next to him, He Shu Mo adjusted his glasses:
“The same look from round one.”
“You sure? She didn’t stand out,” the senior judge mumbled.
“Her vibe is forgettable. Round one was okay, but nothing special,” explained He Shu Mo.
“Well, I remember every female contestant’s name.”
Gradually, Yun Qiu Qiu moved centerstage.
Lin Tian glanced at Nanaly, noticing her unusually silent reaction.
Unlike others, Naanaaly was eerily silent, expressionless but alert.
A mix of apprehension and fascination.
Then—
The music began.
Fierce, rapid notes echoed through the hall.
Viewers’ eyes widened.
Yun Qiu Qiu’s head bowed, the bow flying over the strings, her body swaying rhythmically with her hair fluttering.
“Wow, she’s intense!”
“This is too much!”
Yet, she looked so casual…
“Lightning fast!” Lin Tian marveled.
She wasn’t just good; she was raw emotion personified.
Her piece, “Oriental Waltz,” was high-energy, electrifying.
In contrast to the cello’s usual gravity, her style was fiery, adrenaline-pumped.
Lin Tian felt as if flames were dancing in his chest.
“It’s like an epic anime soundtrack!”
This was perfect material for viral clips!
Meanwhile, in the rest room—
Ma Junfeng shared Yun Qiu Qiu’s Bilibili account.
“Qiu Qiu Sauce [230k followers]”
“Wow, almost a million views!”
Most videos featured famous anime openings played on cello.
She uploaded daily, seemingly enjoying herself:
5 videos yesterday!
Clearly, she was passionate.
Balancing work and passion, she’d made her mark in the contest.
The room went silent.
Unexpected rivals…
Nanaly looked white, shaken.
Watching her struggle against Yun Qiu Qiu:
“So this is it…”
“Christine Nanaly, British contestant.”
The judge examined her file.
“A beautiful dress,” he noted, surprised by her Lo-Loli style pink gown.
“Her piece, ‘Nanayy Abezza First Brilliant Piece,’ by British composer Greta Clyden Nanaly.”
Tang Huan blinked.
“No… wait,” he pointed at Nanaly—
“That ‘Nanayy’—which one is she?”
—
End of Chapter
