Chapter 274: It’s Just Mutual Exploitation Anyway
A few days ago.
Destiny Grand Hotel, rooftop.
Piano room.
“Lin Tian, you’re the greatest hurdle for the Best Newcomer award this time. If we face off with classical music, you don’t stand a chance.”
Yao Han strolled around the room with his hands behind his back, addressing Watanabe Satoru.
Watanabe Satoru sat in front of the piano, with a gloomy face, and asked:
“How do you know we’ll both make it to the finals? And what makes you think there won’t be any other opponents?”
“If I prepare a piece specifically to counter yours, and if Teacher Lin Tian doesn’t make it to the finals or another powerful rival springs up, won’t I just get trashed by your plan?”
“Not at all.”
Yao Han suddenly leaned over the piano with an easy yet cunning smile.
“There will only be the two of you competing for the Best Newcomer award.”
Watanabe Satoru stared into Yao Han’s eyes, doubtful but intrigued.
“Are you really that sure?”
Seeing Watanabe’s disbelief, Yao Han confidently stood up and began to explain.
“In the preliminary rounds, Teacher Lin Tian will likely play a highly original composition. If he pulls it off, it might even overshadow Teacher Nishikawa Yuha’s works because they both love creating their own pieces.”
“But the catch is, on international stages like Sato International, his skill compared to world-class pianists will stand out as insufficient. This flaw can be spotted by the other players, judges, and reporters alike.”
“Yeah, but—”
Yao Han turned around, interrupting him sternly,
“However, he will still reach the finals!”
“While his performance technique might not be perfect, his original compositions are excellent enough to make up for it. The overall effect wouldn’t lag behind others, and given the buzz and influence from his work, he is likely to be advanced to the final round by the Sato judges.”
Watanabe remained silent. Clearly, Yao Han’s insight showed he had meticulously studied the competitors and the judges.
Watanabe undoubtedly had the skill to reach the finals.
“Then what should I do?”
“Straightforward!”
Yao Han smirked, leaning over the piano.
“Lin Tian lacks prowess in playing techniques, surely he’ll rank lowest among the eight finalists in terms of piano skills, this will be glaring during the finals.”
“As such, as the only competitor for Best Newcomer, you must push your own prowess to its limits!”
“The more you play at your peak, the more his flaws will become apparent to the audience and jury!”
Watanabe got the point.
Yao Han was suggesting he take on a challenging virtuosic piece, targeting Lin Tian’s potential weaknesses in selection.
But it came with significant risks as well.
“Arvin’s ‘Etude No. 43.'”
Yao Han stood next to the piano, revealing his choice,
“You’re a fan of Arvin, right? You probably have practiced this piece.”
“It’s quite difficult,” Watanabe responded calmly, still worried about possible mistakes in the competition.
“If anything goes wrong, everything is ruined.”
“But if successful, you’re guaranteed to win.”
A slight smile crossed Yao Han’s face.
“How else would one triumph over mighty foes by playing safe?”
Watanabe looked at Yao Han before him, feeling a chill.
“Why help me? We’ve never met.”
“To be frank, I couldn’t say exactly.”
Yao Han chuckled,
“I’m simply impressed by your talent.”
In the music hall…
Watanabe Satoru focused on playing the piano with precision. His fingers danced over the keys, producing clear and light melodies.
Sweat dripped down his forehead, drawing countless stunned gazes from the audience.
Watanabe knew their thoughts—he must seem insane, performing this challenging piece mid-performance.
But Watanabe did not mind at all.
As long as he won.
Who cared about some newcomer trophy?
Maybe some use to it.
He aimed to win—it was valuable.
Watanabe’s real goal?
Defeating Lin Tian!
Untrained in a music academy, without accolades, initially unwilling to compete, he still came.
To prove himself!
An isolated pianist seeking validation—a moment to showcase true strength!
Lin Tian?
A superb adversary, waiting so long, and now, a chance to beat a strong opponent and gain renown!
Yao Han, another pianist from Tianchao,
Seemed to help him, but truly exploiting him.
Using him to bring out Lin Tian’s potential.
Mutual use; reasonable for compatriots.
Yet, was it safe?
Risking using Lin Tian’s weakness could backfire.
Watanabe did not grasp Yao Han’s motivation—why risk so much for Lin Tian’s success?
Ironically, it fit Watanabe’s scheme.
Yao Han needed Watanabe to do this, and vice versa.
It proved successful. Lin Tian shined in the preliminaries, affirming his worthiness to Watanabe.
Here, today, he would defeat Lin Tian, securing fame throughout the musical world!
This was Watanabe’s resolve.
— As the music hit its zenith.
The piano heated up—
Notes swirling, melody leaping.
Watching Watanabe’s flawless performance, the rest of the pianists in the lounge were stunned.
“He played perfectly! No mistakes!”
“Holy cow, how did he nail so many fast scales and arpeggios!”
“Such frightening pianistic skills—why haven’t I heard of him before?”
In everyone’s admiration—
Watanabe’s virtuoso performance ended.
(End of Chapter)
