202. Chapter 202 – Inspiration Strikes – Listen to Moonlight’s Past Tales (4k)
【Holy cow, is he here? Is Moonlight Brother really going to answer this head-on?!】
The moment the host’s voice came out.
Netizens watching the online release conference got instantly hyped up.
Here was the issue at hand:
—Why on earth is Moonlight so adored by netizens?
There are plenty of composers and musicians with amazing works, so why do they only love him? Could it be just because he uses Douyin (TikTok)?
Of course, having outstanding pieces helps.
But there’s one crucial reason: Moonlight’s identity.
A high school student at age 18, starting from scratch as an internet celebrity. Not only that, but it turns out he’s also a dreamboat with movie star looks.
These layers make him feel like the protagonist in a novel!
It’s said that Japanese high schoolers are the most amazing worldwide, saving the world left and right, but those stories are fake. Moonlight, though, is real!
No wonder so much speculation arose about the beginning of his fame, especially with Cat.
If you saw someone like Moonlight Brother, wouldn’t you think he stole work or had a secret team behind him?
Even though we’ve finally met Moonlight Brother in person and are laughing it up, there are still some people who think he’s artificially created.
A manufactured star by capital-backed entities.
Using a teenage angle to hide a big team of top composers creating his music, taking all the credit for himself.
That kind of thing isn’t new territory.
So—
One side questions him eagerly wanting to hear his artistic journey.
On the other side, fans want to learn more, curious about the emotions and experiences that shape Moonlight’s mind, who has created such legendary music.
This mixed crowd made the topic extremely explosive.
Meanwhile,
Pu Yidan, who’s managing the background, sees the rapidly increasing comments.
She smirks with satisfaction, knowing she crafted this question.
Being in the music industry herself, knowing many professional composers, she too wonders how it all happened for Lin Tian.
Given her curiosity and the audience’s, she decided this was a great way to satisfy everyone.
It was a small but satisfying power trip.
Even Gan Yanyu couldn’t help but stare at Lin Tian.
Though she knew early on that Lin Tian claimed these inspirations were dreamed up, she pondered deeper.
Dreams must reflect lived realities, after all.
Miraculous dreams suggest an extraordinary life.
Lin Tian took the mic.
He felt puzzled; this topic was sudden.
To maintain authenticity, they hadn’t rehearsed prior to the live interview. He had no idea what to expect.
Only Pu Yidan’s reassurance:
“I won’t ask anything over the line, both of you are pro YouTubers—winging it is your forte.”
So when the host handed Lin Tian the mic, he went straight into mental overdrive.
The creative process…
Surely it existed.
It was all about picking the right tune among endless choices.
Which required serious skill!
Yet he couldn’t say that.
Being a “composer,” Lin Tian couldn’t admit it’s just copying.
Artistry requires a grand narrative.
And every composer plays along with that myth, whether their real story is grand or mundane.
Lin Tian picked up the mic.
“I believe inspiration stems from a multitude of sources. Literature, art, culture, tradition, history—it all feeds into creating a piece.”
He smiled,
“But most importantly, the composer’s inner experience, emotion from their own life journey, like love, family bonds, friendships, loss, isolation—these feelings form the core of music.”
He didn’t rush to explain it simply but detailed the technical aspects, leaving viewers confused.
[‘Now, that’s what I call professionalism!’]
[‘True, Moonlight speaks like poetry.’)
Though, one thoughtful viewer chimed,
[‘Wait, but Moonlight is only 18. How does he have so much life experience?’]
This hit a nerve.
If Lin Tian were older, it’d be easier to believe in his depth.
Imagine a 50-year-old farmer, spending life with cows, deriving life wisdom from these interactions.
Each time they bond, it inspires melodies.
And each cow patty explosion brings profound insights.
In short, any old soul could have a dramatic backstory.
Moonlight, living 18 years… harder to buy.
He paused,
“Three years old, my mother passed away.”
“A household never meant to be, conceived before marriage. My father married her, but after giving birth, she left after a few years.”
“At fifteen, my father too abandoned me.”
Host Ningshan was sweating.
Not cool to turn it so heavy!
Dan never hinted it would go this route.
Ningshan froze.
The crowd was excited initially but abruptly shifted gears as Lin Tian shared his ordeals.
[Oh my.]
[Heart goes out.]
[Wow, so Moonlight grew up like this?]
At least an orphan should have relatives.
Yet, Moonlight’s reality was bleak, alone by fifteen.
Living on his own, with zero support.
How exaggerated can it get?
Wouldn’t someone check in, even at the local police station?
“I covered rent and my expenses, doing odd jobs—cyber café attendant, convenience store employee, hotel cleaner, game coach.”
“Some gigs were demanding, but I landed them easily. At times, I juggled three jobs, meeting lots of people. Reflecting back, those were meaningful memories.”
Wang Yong, watching secretly during class, was moved to tears.
Every word Lin Tian spoke was true;
Wang Yong knew his friend too well.
Despite grumbling about wages sometimes, it was mostly playful banter.
Only Wang knew the sheer effort behind it.
Lin Tian’s dedication, speed, and efficiency surpassed him significantly.
Life was tough but he kept pursuing education, aiming for fame.
Despite everything, Rennie never let his dreams d*e.
Yet, his dad often ignored him, even failing to provide three meals a day.
All in the name of—
‘Training.’
Life taught Rennie hard lessons.
A little laxness and everything crumbled.
Food—rent—insecure.
Even then, education, success, and vindication were goals.
Live chat users were taken aback.
[Holy… how did Moonlight survive these years?]
[No wonder every legend hides secrets.]
[I remember his grades matched Beida and Tsinghua level? That’s intense.]
[Suddenly, not jealous of his talent… it’s earned.]
While “at 15,” “rent burden,” and working multiple jobs are common tropes,
Moonlight tugs heartstrings, especially for being young and educated while struggling.
Hardship stories resonate deeply with the Chinese psyche.
To hear someone so young yet yearning for knowledge and battling poverty…
A classic tale touching the nation.
Back to the initial question,
Where does Moonlight get his inspiration?
No need to explain.
His experiences speak volumes.
[Those years alone could equal decades for others.]
[Same life, 30k days versus living the same day 30k times.]
[No wonder his music feels so profound, must be deep-rooted feelings he experienced.]
[Heartfelt moment. Respect, Moonlight!]
[d*mn, hope he makes more great music!]
Lin Tian couldn’t see messages,
But Ningshan’s silence confirmed appreciation.
He breathed a sigh of relief.
Avoiding a disaster.
Good karma for working hard, giving others hope.
A perfect lie laced with truth.
Suddenly, Lin Tian sensed sorrow.
He looked up to see Gan Yanyu, teary-eyed,
Eyes watering, placing her hands on his.
“I apologize, Lin Tian. I never understood these things.”
“I only knew your present, not your past.”
Gan Teacher?!
What a moment.
Caught in an emotional whirlpool.
This is live!
Gan Teacher was sincere, making Lin Tian uneasy.
Trying to withdraw his hand gently.
A moment later,
System feedback!
[Emotion Meter +86]
[+352]
[+1312]
[+3367]
Audience overwhelmed with ‘sweet’ feelings.
(End of chapter)
