Chapter 306: Selection of Guest Performers for the Concert
Chapter 306: Selection of Guest Performers for the Concert
”The debut major concert of ‘Moonlight and Cat’—a music feast not to be missed.”
【Time】April 16, 2025, Sunday, 19:00-22:00
【Location】Qingjiang International Cultural Center
• Regular ticket: 280 RMB, 680 RMB, 1080 RMB
• VIP ticket: 2999 RMB (includes exclusive reception before the show & signed CD)
This concert will feature the Qingjiang renowned orchestra, Ai’Le Ensemble, playing selections from “Moonlight and Cat Compilation Vol. 1-3″.
After the official announcement on Weibo, a wave of excitement swept across all social media platforms:
”Moonlight and Cat are holding a concert?!”
Zhang Dong in the live stream nearly popped an eye out, staring wide-eyed with disbelief,
”I thought they were focusing on competitions! Who knew they’d hold a concert too!”
To their fans:
Although Moonlight and Cat had been around for a while, and their performances were widely seen online, there was this unspoken expectation that they wouldn’t do concerts.
After all, their focus had always been on competitions.
Even without concerts, one could still catch their stage performances on various videos.
It’s like watching a singer who never holds concerts but frequently competes instead.
While you couldn’t make it to the competitions, you could still watch him everywhere else.
So, no need to worry about missing out on seeing your idols perform, because you could see them virtually anytime.
But still, there’s a difference.
Because seeing them in person was different.
It wasn’t like you could just get tickets to every competition, let alone interact up-close with them.
Thus, when the news broke about their upcoming concert, everyone was thrilled.
【Wouldn’t we finally have a chance to see Moonlight Brother and Cat closely?】
【Heck! I can’t wait to hear ‘Nocturne’ live!】
【Closely indeed. The tickets vary in price too.】
【Front row tickets cost just over 1000 RMB! Not bad at all!!】
The netizens in the live chat room were buzzing with excitement.
The first thing that caught their attention was the affordable prices.
A thousand bucks for front-row seating at such a grand venue—already considered reasonable!
Just imagine—
That same amount at a smaller venue would get you nowhere near the front-row, plus they might lip-sync and treat the audience like fools!
Here, you get the real McCoy—watch national-level musicians play top-notch classics!
Which was more worth it? There’s no comparison!
Of course, what mattered most was actually seeing Moonlight and Cat in person.
【Everyone says Cat Sister is even prettier in person. Haha!】
【With Moonlight Brother and Cat performing live, it probably won’t just be a stiff performance. There must be some sweet moments, right?】
【Ha! Of course! In fact, I’ve seen through them already! Moonlight Brother and Cat have been keeping silent about being together just to keep us guessing and craving more. Once they announce it, there goes the surprise!】
”Brothers, y’all are missing the point,” said Zhang Dong calmly as he read the flood of messages.
【??】
【Missing the point?】
Everyone was puzzled by his comment.
Wasn’t the goal of going to the concert to enjoy these moments?
What else did you expect from Moonlight and Cat?
”The key is not where the concert is held,” Zhang Dong explained earnestly,
”It’s the Qingjiang International Cultural Center.”
”This isn’t something common. It’s a super venue that can fit tens of thousands!”
”Only superstars can hold concerts here!”
【Tens of thousands?]
【Whoa?! That big?]
【d*mn, that’s going to be epic!]
【I could glue stickers to Cat secretly, and no one would notice!]
【Fast forward to the end of everything…]
The netizens were blown away.
Compare that to a music hall seating hundreds.
Ten thousand seats—
Whoa, planning an Olympic event?
Playing instruments for so many people…
Mind-blowing!
Unprecedented?
”Yes, unprecedented,” Zhang Dong said,
”I’ve never seen any musician in Tianchao hold a concert in such a large venue!”
Even pop stars were not common at venues like this!
Thinking about it, Zhang Dong felt a thrill.
If they pull it off, Moonlight and Cat will be the first!
They’ll be immortalized in Tianchao’s music history!
Future textbooks might say:
”In the early 21st century, a duo of musicians in Tianchao held a concert that filled a 10,000-seater arena!
This sparked a renewed interest in classical musicians.
It showed that, in that era, classical music was competing fiercely with pop!”
Just thinking about it made Zhang Dong ecstatic.
Perhaps centuries later, people would memorialize this “renaissance” of classical music!
”Living in the same era as a professional violinist, I am truly honored,” Zhang Dong said emotionally.
But his sentiment quickly drew mockery from the audience.
【Stop bragging!]
【What champion? Are you even a pro?]
【Retired, not wanted — right?]
【— Is our contemporary violin virtuoso Zhang Dong the one who messed up the accompaniment with Moonlight and Cat?]
Facing the laughter, Zhang Dong rolled his eyes, but said nothing.
Actually,
It was too soon to talk about packed venues or historical significance.
As a Qingjiang resident, Zhang Dong found it hard to believe Moonlight and Cat could fill such a huge venue.
But if they pulled it off,
Zhang Dong couldn’t fathom how wild such a feat would seem for classical music.
Anyway—
”Tickets go on sale this Sunday.”
Zhang Dong urged in the live stream,
”Everyone, give your strength to Moonlight and Cat!”
After the ad and concert announcement—
Lin Tian got busy.
First, Lin Tian met an important person.
”Cosmic Flying Pig, very honored to meet you.”
At a downtown café,
A woman handed Lin Tian her business card and introduced herself,
”I’m Fu Lan from Comet Entertainment.”
”Miss Fu Lan, nice to meet you.”
Lin Tian greeted politely,
”They told me your company has expanded overseas and has connections with Japanese bands. Is that true?”
”Yes.”
Fu Lan nodded, smiling, “Just let me know what you need.”
Back in the planning phase,
Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu encountered a serious problem.
It was with Gan Yan Yu herself.
A 2–3 hour concert was common; for “Moonlight and Cat’s” first concert, it’d be longer.
For Lin Tian, his physical stamina backed by his training, handling several hours of intense music would be manageable.
Not for Gan Yan Yu.
With severe asthma, she simply couldn’t handle extended exercise.
In a venue of this scale,
Tens of thousands of excited fans could push her over the edge.
Unlike competitions,
Audiences were much closer and more enthusiastic during performances, with less quiet interludes than competition settings.
Once upon a time, in class at Xingye Music Academy,
Gan Yan Yu played continuously in front of a rapturous crowd.
Her performance under this pressure led to hospitalization.
In Japan, the lack of illness was due to short performances at bars.
A few more songs back then, and the bar’s atmosphere would have been too much for her.
Now,
Facing tens of thousands of fans,
She felt like she was walking the plank.
It wasn’t about telling the audience to be quiet either.
With tens of thousands present, the excitement would be uncontrollable.
Hence,
The only solution—
Was to try and rest Gan Yan Yu whenever possible.
During critical moments, she needed time to catch her breath.
While sad, this was necessary for her well-being.
Then,
How could one guarantee timely rests during the concert?
Lin Tian’s solo was an option, though not ideal.
Looking for help, he noted many singers handle fatigue by passing the mic to the audience.
This idea didn’t work for them.
Instead, bringing a guest performer was the answer.
Many artists invite guests to reduce the burden, sometimes even having guest performers sing alone.
Lin Tian decided to do exactly that.
Find someone famous and credible, bring them onboard at a perfect moment.
This way, it’s fun and helpful.
Maybe even add a couple more.
More guests were welcome as long as they’re paid.
Relying on He Zhi Chen’s input, they found this solution feasible.
However, finding someone famous and capable wasn’t easy.
Mainly due to the collaborative aspect—if the guest’s skills fell short, it’d be embarrassing.
He Zhi Chen began checking contacts,
And Lin Tian started making calls.
It’s not that everything was delegated to He Zhi Chen;
Lin Tian also took initiative.
Recently meeting Ma Lei director, Lin Tian asked about potential connections.
Something clicked.
”I want to invite a Japanese band, ideally young talent, for my concert. I’m not familiar, so I’ll need your opinion.”
“Sure.”
Fu Lan nodded, smiling. This had been discussed beforehand.
She didn’t waste time getting straight to the point.
”Why Japanese?” Fu Lan asked.
”Japanese fans are numerous.”
Lin Tian barely suppressed a laugh.
Ever since the Sato Sakura International Piano Competition in Tokyo, he had unexpectedly gained many Japanese fans.
After the release of Vol. 3:
160,000+ physical album sales shattered records.
Unexpectedly, 15% of those sales came from Japan.
Now, Moonlight and Cat were globally recognized!
Lin Tian, unintentionally, became known as the “God of Nocturnes” among Japanese fans.
Not self-declared.
Given by the fans themselves!
Though fitting of island nation eccentricity, Lin Tian loved it.
Following the concert announcement,
He Zhi Chen reported increased international buzz,
Expecting many Japanese fans to visit Tianchao for the event.
While surreal, it was true.
Media coverage would be extensive.
Promoting in Japan was crucial.
Inviting a Japanese artist seemed wise.
Although Lin Tian wished to invite his acquaintance, pianist Nishikawa Yuha,
But he was way too expensive.
Other options included popular Japanese bands.
Finding a capable one with decent popularity was ideal.
They could boost things mid-concert.
”Got it.”
After brief explanation, Fu Lan nodded. Then, her trademark grin,
“I happen to know a band that fits your criteria.”
“How so?”
“Last year, they emerged in Tokyo. Sure, I don’t know their capabilities, but they’re very popular among the youth here.”
“No problem, popularity and dedication are enough.”
Lin Tian knew he wouldn’t find a band that matched theirs.
Just needing crowd recognition.
Guest performers, after all.
“This band previously worked with us. They’re quite popular on Bilibili and Douyin,”
“Popularity skyrocketed in the past month. Now a top-tier band here.”
“Coincidentally, they have a trip to Tianchao coming up.”
“If you’re interested, I can arrange a meeting.”
“Sounds good. Set it up.”
Lin Tian agreed, thinking they’d meet first to see if it works.
“Right.”
Fu Lan smiled.
Then she glanced from the coffee cups on the table, over to his phone,
“Let me message you their details.”
“You’ll have to settle fees directly.”
“Understood.”
Lin Tian said, “My agent will speak with them.”
Since he reached out, a finder’s fee was normal.
“Thanks.”
Fu Lan beamed, sending two Japanese names via WeChat soon.
One the band manager, the other the band leader.
“Manager and leader. No idea how the band operates, and apparently, the leader speaks her mind. Expect mostly deals with her. Success lies in the sincerity.”
Whether that meant price or attitude was unclear.
For now, Lin Tian remained uncertain.
”Oh, what’s the band called?”
Remembering something, Lin Tian cautiously asked.
“Cosmic Flying Pig.”
(End of Chapter)
