Chapter 258 Mighty Opponents
“Long time no see, Professor Lin Tian.”
Yao Han smiled as he walked over and shook hands with Lin Tian.
Upon noticing Teacher Gan Yanyu beside him, Yao Han pretended to be surprised and said,
“Isn’t this Teacher Gan Yanyu, our first cello maestro from Qingjiang and the just crowned champion of the Parrot Zither Cup?”
Gan Yanyu merely nodded politely in response, then swiftly hid behind Lin Tian.
She didn’t know Yao Han at all and had zero intention of getting to know him. It felt instinctively that, despite being musicians alike, she didn’t quite identify with Yao Han.
But given that Lin Tian seemed to have some private dealings with him, she maintained basic politeness.
“It hasn’t been long, maybe just over a month,” Lin Tian replied.
Meanwhile…
Due to Yao Han’s loud declaration, many people in the vicinity turned their attention toward them, noticing the ongoing conversation.
“(I believe that was Mr. Yao Han from China, right?)”
“(He’s an amazing pianist! I watched his concert in New York, he’s one of the top ten up-and-coming pianists in Tianchao!)”
“(But who’s talking with Mr. Yao Han? Also seems to be from Tianchao.)”
“(So young, is he a contestant too?)”
“(Why haven’t I ever heard of this pianist from Tianchao…)”
A buzz of speculation emerged, many curious eyes darting about.
Lin Tian picked up on these glances quickly, discerning within moments—
—Yao Han seemed to be rather well-known here.
Standing next to Yao Han made them easily noticeable. However, such attention, before the competition even began, was less than ideal for Lin Tian.
Thus, he subconsciously took a step back.
Just then—
It seemed as if Yao Han sensed his thoughts. He placed a hand on Lin Tian’s shoulder and leaned in closer.
As Lin Tian attempted to push away his overly friendly gesture,
Yao Han said,
“Professor Lin Tian, are you familiar with all the contestants here?”
Hearing this, Lin Tian paused his attempt to move away.
“Not yet.”
“Haha, fair enough, this probably your first international trip, right?”
“This is my first leave from Qingzhou.”
“?”
Hearing this, Yao Han turned to glance at Lin Tian, looking rather shocked.
But soon, he grinned.
“Ahh, naturally so, since our great composer Teacher Moonlight remains prolific in his work while staying at home, creating various classical musics from different parts of the world!”
Following this, Yao raised his index finger and pointed mysteriously towards a nearby figure.
“Alves Burke, a French pianist with a doctorate from Paris National Conservatory.”
“At age 24, he won the prestigious Aliski International Music Competition, hailed as the most innovative pianist of the 21st century.”
“He has fierce playing style and strong attack, capable of greatly affecting audience emotions. Undoubtedly the strongest contender for the gold award of this competition!”
Lin Tian followed Yao Han’s gaze, seeing a white man sitting silently in a corner, engrossed in a book when others chatted.
Certainly eccentric.
Contrasting with Yao Han’s dramatic description, which hinted at a highly aggressive piano performance.
“And this one.”
Yao Han pointed to another person.
This individual, an Asian-looking gentleman, unlike the previous, was engaged in passionate conversation.
“Xichuan Yuhaku, Japanese, graduate from Tokyo University of the Arts.”
“The media evaluates him to have the strongest raw skill in this tournament; his key feature, like yours.”
“Like mine?” Lin Tian questioned.
“In each competition, the majority of pieces he performs are original works.”
“Meaning, in interpreting and performing his own compositions, he’s virtually flawless.”
“Ah.”
Lin Tian nodded.
Indeed impressive.
In instrument competitions, composition isn’t the primary assessment criterion.
Even many pianists with strong compositional skills opt not to perform their own pieces, instead focusing on selecting the right piece based on theme, environment, venue, and international preferences.
“On stages like Sato Sakura, although participants compete individually, each pianist represents their nation.”
“Alves Burke and Xichuan Yuhaku, both born in the 90s, their matchup has been dubbed by the media as the epochal clash between France and Japan’s new generation of pianists.”
Yao Han rambled enthusiastically about Lin Tian’s rivals,
Eliciting a ‘boiling wine and discussing heroes’ vibe.
“Interesting.”
As someone born in 2005, Lin Tian nodded approvingly.
Though the competition’s top contenders weren’t relevant to him,
he appreciated being informed about it all happily.
Suddenly, Yao switched to a sharp tone,
“In fact, the media’s assessments are short-sighted, relying purely on past events and historical experiences. Thus, they often overlook promising new talents, especially from less musically competitive countries.”
Yao Han paused, then switched tones again,
“Besides these two, the media have always been hunting for a third, lesser-known candidate.”
“They proposed Germany’s Bad Lloyd, New Zealand’s Camilo Williams, Russia’s Evgeny Ivanovich Romanov… but none will do! In a word—just small fry.”
Then Yao whispered seductively into Lin Tian’s ear.
“I think only one person could complete this grand duel’s puzzle.”
“Who?” asked Lin Tian.
With a look, Yao Han conveyed his message clearly.
“.”
“Me?”
Quickly waving his hand,
“No interest, and I can’t either!”
“Professor Lin Tian, you’re being modest. Your prowess is completely on par with theirs.”
“No, truly not interested.”
Lin Tian chuckled and scratched his head.
Having prepared himself mentally beforehand, his goal was far from winning.
He simply aimed to generate visibility and perhaps pick up an additional prize.
“Why wouldn’t you be interested, Professor Lin Tian?!”
Yao became agitated,
“Have you no desire to compete against these formidable opponents?”
“No.”
Lin Tian stated seriously. He patted Yao’s shoulder with approval,
“Teacher Yao Han, I believe among the few representing Tianchao piano here, you’re the one!”
As Lin Tian spoke, Gan Yanyu tugged at his shirt from the side.
“I need to use the restroom.”
“Alright.”
Lin Tian looked up,
“Gotta go to the loo, Professor Yao Han. Thank you for your introductions… see ya!”
Turned around, Lin Tian departed with Gan Yanyu.
Leaving a stupefied Yao Han standing there dumbfounded.
After a moment,
“Hah, as expected of Professor Lin Tian!”
“There is much work ahead!”
(End of Chapter)
