### Chapter 253: You Can’t Forget Competition Rules, Even on Vacation (4K)
The dining area on the first floor.
When Lin Tian changed his clothes and arrived here, He Zhi Chen and Wei Xiao Xiao were already kneeling at a table, munching away.
Seeing Wei Xiao Xiao made Lin Tian pause for a moment.
— A stranger.
Dressed in a yukata, Wei Xiao Xiao had her hair styled up, with a strategically placed beauty mark at the corner of her eye.
There was that grounded housewife vibe.
Kneeling on the floor only amplified the traditional Japanese charm.
Honestly, after spending several days with Wei Xiao Xiao, this was Lin Tian’s first time actually paying attention to her face.
How to put it…
Maybe it was because he had spent every day with top-tier beauties like Gan Yan Yu that his beauty standards were shattered.
Now, whenever Lin Tian looked at a girl, he struggled with face blindness.
If it weren’t for Wei Xiao Xiao’s change of outfit, he wouldn’t have even noticed that this girl in her early twenties was actually quite pretty.
After all, she was a rising star—looks were paramount. You couldn’t compare that with a musician.
This was one of the reasons why Gan Yan Yu, as a cellist, easily drew in a large crowd from the get-go.
It’s like this:
Both are playing Go, but to get famous…
All the Battle Eagles need to do is be good-looking.
But for Yu Li Jun to make a name for herself, she often has to pull a lot of tricks and play abstract games.
That’s the disparity brought by visual appeal.
“.”
“Where’s Teacher Gan Yan Yu?”
Once seated, He Zhi Chen asked.
“She’s probably still changing,” Lin Tian replied, picking up his chopsticks and grabbing some sushi from the table, popping it in his mouth.
Sweet and delicious.
Although it was a buffet, it was surprisingly good?
This place must be worth the 9,000 yen per person for a hot spring hotel.
Not quite sure what’s special about it, but it somehow tastes way better than the sushi back home.
Thinking about how Wei Xiao Xiao could cover the expense made Lin Tian enjoy his meal even more.
“Though I don’t want to discuss work while Teacher Lin Tian is eating…”
“However, the schedule for the upcoming days of the competition is out, including some details about this round of competition,” He Zhi Chen adjusted his glasses and pulled out his ever-present tablet.
This action had a certain dignified air to it, especially since he was wearing a yukata.
“Details?” Lin Tian asked.
“This year’s ‘Sato Sakura’ International Piano Competition has invited a total of 45 contestants.”
“45?!”
Wei Xiao Xiao, who was busy eating sushi, nearly spat her rice out at that number.
“Is that the total?”
“Yep.”
“Wow, Teacher Lin Tian is impressive!”
Wei Xiao Xiao couldn’t help but marvel.
An international competition that only invited 45 pianists, and Lin Tian made the list.
Doesn’t that mean he’s a “world-class” pianist now?!
Even Lin Tian himself was surprised by the number.
Keep in mind, at the Parrot Zither Cup he participated in with Gan Yan Yu, there were over 1,000 participants in the all-age group, and 260 in the professional category.
Going from 260 people to 45…
That’s a significant difference in prestige.
“This is mainly because in recent years, not just in cello, but there’s a general trend of younger musicians in the music world. Most of the contestants in this international competition are under 40.”
“Even so, Teacher Lin Tian, you are still the youngest pianist in this competition.”
“.”
“Wait a minute.”
Lin Tian couldn’t help but interrupt He Zhi Chen.
The more He Zhi Chen hyped up the competition, the more Lin Tian felt something was off.
“So how exactly did I get my invitation?”
Lin Tian wasn’t lacking in confidence.
He thought he was quite impressive too; after all, even if you exclude his composition skills, collaborating with a monster like Gan Yan Yu for so long had definitely leveled up his performance game.
But the problem was…
He knows he’s impressive, but others don’t, or rather, they don’t fully realize how impressive he is.
How did the Tokyo International Art Association even notice him?
Just because of one Parrot Zither Cup, it felt a bit far-fetched, right?
“Actually, I’m curious about that too,” He Zhi Chen pondered for a moment.
“The Parrot Zither Cup is indeed a highly respected cello competition in the country, and the HX-board Classical Music Chart holds considerable reference value. It’s possible they invited you as a ‘rising star’ musician from Tianchao.”
“However, your qualifications are too shallow. Not only do you lack a music academy background, but your piano competition history is also blank. Just by topping the classical music album sales in Tianchao, it’s unlikely they’d make an exception for you.”
“Well then?”
“Most likely, it was a senior with a say in the international scene who recommended you.”
He Zhi Chen said.
“A senior?”
Lin Tian didn’t recall knowing any powerhouse musicians with international influence. Could it be…?
He thought of a certain figure.
No way.
That old professor would probably want to blow up after I teased him like that, right?
“Regardless, that’s not important. Teacher Lin Tian, you just need to know that attending this competition is already a win for us, regardless of the outcome!”
He Zhi Chen diverted the topic back.
For international competitions like “Sato Sakura,” just participating comes with exposure!
At the end of the day, Lin Tian’s goal for this competition was simple.
He didn’t necessarily need to achieve an impressive ranking.
It was about being remembered!
“The first day, which is the day after tomorrow, will be the official welcome party for ‘Sato Sakura,’ held at the Yokoyama Grand Hotel, which has had years of collaboration with the Tokyo International Art Association.”
“All contestants and their families will be present, where the organizers will introduce the competition process and important notes. It’s a very relaxed environment for communication. You’ll have a great opportunity to meet and expand your connections with young pianists from around the world.”
“Of course, there will be some East Asian pianists from Japan and Korea who may have heard of you due to your album and might want to meet you at this banquet.”
“So be on your game, and show them the charm of the youngest musician from Tianchao!”
He Zhi Chen made a serious thumbs-up—something he learned from Lin Tian.
Lin Tian quickly asked, “Do family members need to be family members?”
“Your agent is acceptable too.”
As He Zhi Chen was halfway through his statement, he suddenly got Lin Tian’s point.
He looked slightly puzzled and said, “Even saying it’s a girlfriend might be tricky. The Sato Sakura competition is pretty strict about that to prevent uninvited guests…”
“What about a fiancée?”
“That’s fine.”
“Good.”
Their conversation left Wei Xiao Xiao dumbfounded.
“What??”
“The next day, there’ll be rehearsals at the Tokyo International Music Hall, which is straightforward. I’ll accompany you there. Starting from the third day, it’s the main competition, lasting three days, divided into preliminary and finals, with only a day in between. Just focus on performing boldly!”
After explaining the competition process, He Zhi Chen didn’t forget to boost Lin Tian’s morale.
He emphasized again:
“Don’t worry, Teacher Lin Tian, even though the Sato Sakura is currently the top piano competition in Asia, performance is the priority, and ‘social skills’ remain a crucial judging criterion.”
“So, considering your current qualifications, you definitely won’t win a trophy.”
— Definitely won’t win.
It seemed like He Zhi Chen was worried that this prodigy would feel frustrated, so he deliberately used the word “definitely.”
After all, he’s just a young musician who has created so much phenomenal music.
Suddenly telling him not to think about a top-three finish in an international competition…
If you say he’s not ambitious, that’s impossible.
Who knows, maybe even before the competition, he’ll be cursing the Sato Sakura International in his heart.
So He Zhi Chen made sure to add, “Teacher Lin Tian, I absolutely believe you have world-class piano skills, but first of all, this is an international competition, and your competitors are top-tier young pianists from around the world. Additionally, as I mentioned, you have no qualifications.”
Seeing He Zhi Chen meticulously explain it time and time again, it made Lin Tian feel a bit awkward.
“I know.”
Lin Tian said.
He felt He Zhi Chen was overthinking it.
Lin Tian had never set his expectations too high. Even now, he was still nervous about performing solo on stage as he had no experience in that regard.
Taking too big a step could lead to a stumble.
“Good to know.”
He Zhi Chen let out a breath of relief and said appreciatively,
“Of course, there are still awards that you might be able to grab.”
“Apart from the gold, silver, and bronze major prizes that you have no chance of winning, there are several secondary awards that are also significant.”
“The ‘Best Modern Performance Award,’ ‘Best Classical Music Award,’ ‘Audience Favorite Award,’ and ‘Best Newcomer Award’ are four special awards.”
“These are awarded to the contestants with the best performances of modern composers, the best performances of classical music, the contestants voted Most Popular by the audience, and the Best Newcomer selected by the media voting committee.”
“Based on past data, aside from Best Newcomer, the first three awards typically go to the top three contestants, but there are always exceptions.”
“If you can snatch one from the top three, even just one! It’d be unprecedented, making you, Teacher Lin Tian, an instant sensation!”
As He Zhi Chen spoke, he started getting fired up himself.
Lin Tian thought for a moment.
Indeed.
There were only two performances, two pieces.
If they’re already taking the top three, then the one performing modern music best, the one performing classical music best, and the audience favorite…
Wouldn’t it have to be those three people?
Otherwise, wouldn’t it just be self-ownage? How could the chosen champion not be the one who played those pieces best?
It wouldn’t be surprising at all if all those awards went to the champion.
“That being said, Teacher Lin Tian, let’s still lower our expectations this time. Just aim to deliver a performance that the audience will remember; that alone is a success. If we can snag a ‘Best Newcomer,’ that would be a grand victory.”
He Zhi Chen said.
“Mm.”
Lin Tian nodded.
Overall, it was about keeping a calm mindset.
The fact that Lin Tian was a blank slate with no background or record.
Means he has nothing to lose!
Whatever happens, he’s winning!
“Oh, by the way, there’s another pianist among the contestants whom you should have met at the Parrot Zither Cup. He served as a judge back then,”
He Zhi Chen flipped through his tablet and continued,
“His name is Yao Han. I wonder how much interaction you’ve had with him.”
Oh, too much interaction indeed…
Lin Tian still remembered that when he was stuck in confusion after being scolded by that old professor, it was Yao Han who proactively reached out to guide him.
He didn’t know anything but was able to pinpoint Lin Tian’s bottleneck accurately.
Although he hadn’t seriously listened to his performances, Lin Tian could be sure that he was indeed quite impressive—at least in terms of piano performance skills, he was far beyond Lin Tian.
“But this is his third time attending the Sato Sakura International Piano Competition, so he won’t be competing for the Best Newcomer award against you.”
“Let’s wait until we meet at the banquet the day after tomorrow. We’ll know who the new pianists are then.”
After He Zhi Chen finished speaking, Wei Xiao Xiao beside them had already eaten her fill.
“Ha—”
She yawned.
“So this is the world of musicians? So high-end, I can’t understand it…”
In the process of their conversation, a little tower of plates had unknowingly piled up on the table.
“Wei Xiao Xiao, if you eat this much, I’ll be telling Fish Jie.”
He Zhi Chen remarked.
“Ah, I rarely get a chance to sneak out from her, and you’re still snitching to my agent?”
“.”
As Lin Tian watched them argue, his heart gradually settled down.
Definitely, they shouldn’t be discussing work while on vacation.
After He Zhi Chen’s lengthy explanation, Lin Tian had completely lost interest in playing!
Even the upcoming hot spring now seemed utterly boring.
“Lin Tian!”
As a clear voice called from behind him.
Lin Tian turned around.
Wait a minute,
Now we’re talking!
Lin Tian’s eyes widened.
Clad in a white yukata, adorned with light pink flower embroidery, it swayed gently with the girl’s soft breaths.
Her smooth, long hair flowed like a waterfall, with a few playful strands sticking to her cheeks, adding an extra layer of playfulness.
She looked like a flawless lady walked out straight from an anime.
So gentle, Teacher Gan—
In this moment, Lin Tian suddenly felt as though he was seeing his true fiancée.
Amidst this tenderness, the girl also exuded youthful vitality and playfulness.
“How do I look?”
Gan Yan Yu lifted the hem of her light pink skirt, asking.
— Wait, is that a yukata? What’s going on with her outfit?
Lin Tian glanced at Gan Yan Yu,
Then turned to Wei Xiao Xiao, who was wearing a different-colored yukata of the same style,
slightly revealing a puzzled expression.
“That’s too much!”
Wei Xiao Xiao shouted, her face flushing red.
“Look at her, focus on her, why are you looking at me!”
She knew she wasn’t as young or cute as Gan Yan Yu, but why the blatant comparison?!
Lin Tian turned back to Gan Yan Yu.
“You look great!”
Lin Tian said seriously.
“It’s your first time in a yukata, and it surprisingly suits you!”
“Who says it’s my first time?!”
Gan Yan Yu’s expression turned a bit displeased.
“Think again.”
“.”
“Oh!”
Lin Tian suddenly remembered, “That time during foot washing!”
At that time, Gan Yan Yu had been taken away by the seventh female master and changed into a yukata.
“Ha? What were you guys doing?!”
Wei Xiao Xiao looked horrified again.
“.”
“Come on, let’s eat something. We should get ready for the hot spring soon,”
Lin Tian ushered Gan Yan Yu to sit down beside him.
There were still some sushi on the table that hadn’t been finished.
Then Lin Tian looked up and asked He Zhi Chen,
“Where’s the hot spring at?”
“In the backyard on the first floor, VIP area; it’s mixed bathing. I checked, and it’s quite empty there.”
“Okay.”
“After we finish eating, we can go back to our rooms to change into swimsuits.”
“.”
While Lin Tian was chatting with He Zhi Chen, he suddenly felt an itching sensation on his arm.
Looking down, he found Gan Yan Yu gently poking his arm with her pinky finger.
“Lin Tian.”
Gan Yan Yu said softly,
“Can you come a bit closer?”
“Uh?”
Lin Tian lowered his head, initially thinking Gan Yan Yu wanted to whisper something. He curiously leaned in.
Suddenly, Gan Yan Yu reached out and pulled open the V neck of her yukata.
Lin Tian was taken aback, nearly gasping for breath, and then finally managed to focus on what’s beneath.
Under the yukata—
She was wearing a pink swimsuit.
“I’m ready early, so I can just jump in,”
Gan Yan Yu said with sparkling eyes, quietly asking,
“Does it look good?”
(The End of this Chapter)
