Chapter 239: Random Performance Practice
“Sure, why not?”
“Huh?”
Gan Yan Yu’s reply after waking up was so straightforward that Lin Tian was taken aback.
Lin Tian asked again, just to be sure:
“You’re really going?”
“Livehouse? Do you like that kind of atmosphere?”
At this moment, Lin Tian felt guilty for tricking a little kid into going to a bar, except the kid hadn’t been there before and was nodding eagerly now.
Going there might lead to crying due to the intense vibe.
“It’s fine to give it a try. Actually, I’ve been to places like this in England before. Since this is your first time in Tokyo, you might as well try something new.”
“Little Gan Classmate, tell me more about what you did in England,” Lin Tian interrupted, no longer caring about Gan Yan Yu’s backstory.
“At this point,” Wei Xiao Xiao said,
“You don’t have to agree right away. You can go play first. The tickets are on me. If you like it, just return the favor. If not, no worries, I’ll try again next time.”
Hearing this, Lin Tian realized that Wei Xiao Xiao wasn’t just worried about her reputation but also had something to do tomorrow.
Relieved, Lin Tian agreed:
“Alright.”
“Oh!”
Wei Xiao Xiao sighed in relief, saying,
“I knew it! There are indeed some decent classical musicians to talk to!”
What caliber of classical musicians has she met before?
But Lin Tian noticed too.
These entertainment industry types, even if they aren’t particularly talented, have a strong sense of avoiding controversy, making them extra cautious about everything they do.
Known as the “idol burden.”
Probably because the fans of classical music were somewhat restrained, Lin Tian didn’t really feel this pressure.
The plane landed at Haneda Airport in Tokyo.
As soon as they got off, the cold wind made Lin Tian and the others pull their collars tight instantly.
Lin Tian, although more resilient to physical conditions, had to add another coat to battle the cold wind—not because he had a magical wardrobe.
They checked into a fancy themed hotel in Chiyoda Ward arranged by the company.
Lin Tian got the room key and, under He Zhi Chen’s guidance, opened the room.
It was a one-bedroom suite with a huge balcony where mornings were brightly lit.
In the middle of the living room, there was a piano.
Lin Tian walked over and stroked the keys.
The piano seemed to be in great condition and not dusty, suggesting special preparation.
“I coordinated with the hotel beforehand for your arrangements,” He Zhi Chen said leaning against the wall,
“Don’t neglect the task at hand just to spend time with Teacher Gan Yan Yu.”
“Understood.”
“Ah, I’ll take a rest now, Mr. Lin. Thanks for all your hard work.”
He Zhi Chen stood up and added:
“By the way, no playing after ten at night—hotel rules.”
“No problem.”
Lin Tian understood.
When He Zhi Chen left, Lin Tian took a hot shower to reset himself.
Then he sat down at the piano.
“Boom—”
He pressed a note.
Then he played a short segment, confirming everything was fine.
He raised his hands and began improvising “A Snowy Dream.”
“Feels good.”
Lin Tian examined the piano, lost in thought.
Embarrassingly, although he was almost ready for an international piano competition, he knew little about different piano brands or the differences between high-end pianos and cheap ones.
But he could guess it was expensive.
Thinking about the upcoming competition, Lin Tian felt a bit lost.
Actually, he felt pretty nervous, though he had never shown it to Teacher Gan Yan Yu or He Zhi Chen.
Truthfully,
Lin Tian still wasn’t ready to compete solo.
He had always preferred staying behind the scenes or accompanying others, letting someone else take the hit if things went wrong.
Win or lose, the responsibility didn’t lie squarely on him; he could hide in a safe space.
This distinction was significant.
Although influenced by Gan Yan Yu, Lin Tian came to love performing.
But it was hard to say if he enjoyed it solely because someone else absorbed the stress.
It’s like playing a game with others helping shoulder the burden.
If someone helps you out every step of the way, you’re likely to enjoy it.
Win or lose, you’re not alone.
As long as it’s not a single-player game like robot fighting, you can still have a great time.
So, standing solo on stage for a major competition still made Lin Tian uneasy.
Even during the arts exams he prepared a lot for independent performances.
Now it’s such an important international competition.
He wondered if his diamond-level piano skills were enough.
Mindset adjustments would come later.
First, practice!
With that on his mind, Lin Tian began playing again.
Starting from where he left off, he played every song that left a deep impression on him.
“The Whisper of Autumn,” “Piano Piece 5 of the Night,” “Moonlight of Capri.”
Since it’s just practice, Lin Tian could play freely.
Playing soft and tender tunes, Lin Tian then shifted into a lively “Dance of Flowers.”
This piece tested his speed. Lin Tian played furiously, attempting to push his limits.
“Piano sound reverberated through the room—22nd floor balcony, partially opened door, and down the hallway…”
“?”
Wei Xiao Xiao, holding her phone and arriving at the door, paused to listen.
She gently pushed open the slightly ajar door.
She saw Lin Tian, who seemed to be in a trance, playing the piano.
“How beautifully it sounds!”
Wei Xiao Xiao pressed against the door frame, not entering.
Suddenly, she couldn’t help humming along with the melody.
Though there were no lyrics, she filled it with “dudu” and “lala.”
Soon, she was head over heels.
What kind of music is this?
Excitement surged through Wei Xiao Xiao. It completely defied her notion of classical musicians being stiff and boring!
Who said this stuff was outdated?
This music was fresh!
“Hey, what are you peeping at?”
A female voice rang from nearby.
Wei Xiao Xiao turned around to see Gan Yan Yu standing there.
(End Chapter)
