### Chapter 328: Let’s Play A Battle Hymn!
Seeing Grandpa Fang’s suddenly wistful eyes, Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu were both at a loss for words.
They fell silent, not just because of the somber tones in Grandpa Fang’s voice, but also because they didn’t really understand what he was talking about.
Lin Tian could initially comprehend his words when Fang Grandpa started talking about dreams. There was a certain resonance there; even now, many young musicians with immense talent might pour their hearts into their music only to lose themselves along the way.
After all, dreams alone don’t put food on the table.
Some would follow the path of their music school peers—taking gigs, teaching private lessons, teaching at training institutions—keeping their skills alive but far from their original dream.
Others might turn to new careers early on, seeking greener pastures.
Zhang Dong was a perfect example.
Trained in a traditional music academy, he had extraordinary talent, participated in professional competitions, and was once a legitimate violin virtuoso. But, like a fierce battle where victory is hard-won, Zhang Dong retired and turned to streaming online, posting videos of his performances. Although he was doing well enough on Bilibili, this was more an exception than the rule.
And who’s to say Zhang Dong doesn’t have his own dream?
Supposedly, Zhang Dong was preparing for a competition to return to the stage, but Lin Tian hadn’t heard much beyond snippets online.
So, Lin Tian had always admired people like Zhang Dong.
But,
This was still just a snapshot of the current era.
Thirty years ago, things were even harder in Grandpa Gan’s days.
Forget about achieving a moderately well-off society—back then, it wasn’t clear whether households could even make ends meet. Playing music hardly seemed related to ordinary people.
Where would you find such a huge market where musicians easily teach classes and perform commercially? Back when the internet wasn’t robust, it was even tougher to monetize.
No doubt, Grandpa Fang’s words weren’t an exaggeration.
Back then, relying purely on dreams wasn’t enough to get one’s life moving, not even to the extent of putting everything on the line for music.
Lin Tian got the first bit. He was lost on the latter part and sensed something vague, a possible answer.
Grandpa Gan, back in his day, had participated in the Ke’er Cup at forty-something, determined to win the world championship.
“Can you say that clearer?”
Lin Tian asked.
“Go to Baijing,” Grandpa Fang slowly said.
Looking at the two young faces, Grandpa Fang’s eyes crinkled in a smile.
“In Baijing, you’ll understand.”
The old man’s eyes burned brighter as he spoke, his throat feeling full as if he wanted to burst out. But he held it back, offering them an expectant and grateful look instead.
“Wishing you a smooth journey.”
“Hmm.”
Lin Tian nodded towards Gan Yan Yu, whose face shone brightly too.
“Let’s go.”
They bid farewell to Grandpa Gan in bed and walked out of the ward together, taking large strides toward the light.
From afar, standing by the window, Grandpa Fang waved kindly.
In fact, he didn’t need to say so much. But dreams always stirred up unexpected thoughts.
Tired after a long day, Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu suddenly felt awake. Ever since lunch with He Zhi Chen and finishing the stressful exam, they had been drowsy.
The suffocating pressure of the recent college entrance exams and the fear of the unknown had left Lin Tian feeling lost. But when visiting Grandpa Gan and seeing this ‘guest’ from 30 years ago, Lin Tian finally figured it out.
Nothing truly matters until the final results are out!
At 18 or 19, they were still young on the long road to chasing their dreams.
Little, mundane pressures were insignificant compared to the journey ahead.
Baijing was just around the corner.
What they should be feeling was excitement, not pressure.
Get excited, think of the great things!
Like the moment when Lin Tian wins the Dragon Zither Cup.
Or beating foreigners in international competitions.
Or on his wedding day, having Gan Yan Yu kneel in front of him in her tiny skirt, completing his “play plan.”
It all starts with today, when they head for Baijing!
As they stepped outside the unit building, before Gan Yan Yu went upstairs, Lin Tian called out to her.
Gan Yan Yu turned around, slightly puzzled.
“Might as well get up earlier tomorrow and come to the café.”
“Why?”
“Practice a new song!”
Said Lin Tian, eager to break the gloom before departure.
“Maybe one song can see us off?”
The next day.
In the afternoon, at Melody Headquarters.
Inside the recording studio.
“New song…?”
He Zhi Chen looked stunned at the sheet music Lin Tian brought over.
“This is a bit surprising?”
“No, I just didn’t think you’d still compose a brand new song two days before you leave.”
He Zhi Chen’s expression lit up.
Lin Tian always surprised him with these “unexpected joys,” like texting to record a piece right when He Zhi Chen was brushing his teeth.
Last night’s composition, practiced in the morning, recorded in the company later in the day—this was how composer Lin Tian worked: no-nonsense and straightforward.
He flipped through the sheet music, asking as he did, “What type of song? Suddenly decide to write a new one?”
For managers, this question was routine.
With some editing, these details became promotional fodder.
“Isn’t it time to leave?” Lin Tian said,
“Consider it our farewell song.”
“Oh oh!”
He Zhi Chen instantly showed delight, giving an exaggerated reaction.
Recordist Xiao Cui also appeared interested, smiling:
“Teacher Lin Tian, I guess this will really be a ‘rousing’ session.”
He Zhi Chen didn’t need to hear the tune to guess.
A farewell song!
Moonlight and Cat were embarking on a trip to the capital for a national competition.
How grand!
A sense of determination must seep through!
Fans would feel the spirit!
“—”
Just like Moonlight Teacher!
Xiao Cui, without listening to the tune, could already picture the scene.
Energetic Moonlight Teacher—about to embark on a grand adventure!
“Wait, the title is ‘Yankee Doodle’?”
“—”
He Zhi Chen couldn’t understand this weird title as—
“—”
When Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu entered the studio and sat down, Gan Yan Yu seemed to suppress a grin.
“Lin Tian…Did you mess up? This is our journey song?”
“I don’t think so,” Lin Tian glanced seriously at Gan Yan Yu.
“—”
“Absolutely fine, Mr. Lin.”
Smiling mischievously, Gan Yan Yu covered her mouth to laugh.
“Don’t doubt your teacher, let’s get into it!”
Lin Tian raised his finger.
“Just pretend we’re already on the road~”
“Yeah, yeah.”
“Let’s start.”
Lin Tian said, and Gan Yan Yu picked up her cello bow.
With a nod from Xiao Cui, the music began.
Teenage girl played the cello, and a lively, slightly cheeky note echoed.
It was like a gentle spring breeze.
He Zhi Chen and Xiao Cui were bewildered.
“What kind of genre?”
Stunned,
“Yankee Doodle.” Famously known as “Yankee Song.”
This song was super popular in Lin Tian’s previous life but knew few, the melody made it famous, not the song itself.
This paradox fit well within “classical folk” genres.
Due to various versions and non-noteworthy composers, the origin of the song remained a mystery unless someone stumbled upon and recognized it.
The catchy yet somewhat quirky melody was what Lin Tian liked; it was amusing.
Born in mid-1700s, Yankee Doodle’s history was intriguing.
Originally, British colonial soldiers used it to mock North American militiamen.
Mockery of the colonized, with “Yankee” meaning New Englanders, “Doodle” meaning fools.
Today, “Yankee Doodle” means “New England Fools.”
During the War of Independence, North American militants turned it into a rallying cry.
Over time, it symbolized revolutionary spirit. In original lyric version, it was playful and ironic, mocking militia equipment and appearances.
Later, it became a symbol of defiance against colonial oppressors and eventually the non-official anthem celebrating the American spirit.
That’s how the British song mocking Americans became a mocking song for the Brits.
With electronic accompaniment, flutes and drums created a festive rural atmosphere.
Upbeat rhythm struck like hooves, making feet tap unconsciously.
Children couldn’t resist mimicking verses and hopping.
Lin Tian chose this to lighten their anxiety.
Tomorrow’s competition was suffocating, overwhelming.
Setting a positive mindset was key.
What state of mind should they have for this expedition?
Lin Tian thought—
To keep spirits high was crucial!
Optimism, self-assuredness, hopeful.
Moreover, with a touch of black humor—whatever happens, just push through.
This cheery yet mischievous tune emerged, infused with humor.
Lin Tian wanted to share this mood.
Encouraging Gan Yan Yu mattered too.
Actually, it worked wonders.
Throughout the journey, Gan Yan Yu kept asking, “Is this really our farewell song?”
She found it all dubious, far from what she expected!
Lin Tian just smiled and shrugged.
After telling He Zhi Chen and confirming the song for promotion,
Gan Yan Yu couldn’t stop laughing.
Now,
Lin Tian turned his head.
Beside him, Gan Yan Yu’s face lifted, filled with confidence.
Holding her bow joyfully,
Like a child—
Both imagined themselves in a small North American countryside, bustling with birds and ripe fruits. Women in bare feet stomped grapes, singing joyfully for wine-making.
Lin Tian strummed and sang, gently nudging Gan Yan Yu, wanting her to join.
“And you can’t drink it unless you dance!” he said jokingly.
Gan Yan Yu’s face blushed, she ignored him, concentrating on her cello.
Melody and drums echoed like sunlit wheat fields and muddy hoofbeats.
Militia marched, feathers in hats, with cheeky grins.
Such intoxicating emotion…
Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu found their flow again.
Just as they began—
Everyone in the studio gawked.
This is our farewell song?
He Zhi Chen laughed silently.
Who would’ve guessed?
This departure song neither grand nor epic.
Instead, light-hearted and joyful.
He Zhi Chen felt happy just listening.
But the joy left him puzzled.
Not just simple joy—
From the strings, He Zhi Chen detected a hint of mockery.
Mockery?
He Zhi Chen’s understanding was limited.
He couldn’t pinpoint the source.
Yet, a bad feeling lurked.
“Is this another trick to mess with fans?”
He Zhi Chen fretted aloud.
There were precedents.
Take “The Surprising Symphony,” purely for showmanship.
Its emotional intention was ambiguous.
But for Lin Tian to write a tune meant startling the audience, and relish seeing shock—it was hard not to believe.
Nonetheless,
He watched Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu in the studio, their infectious smiles.
This time, maybe different.
Lin Tian realized this mood for Dragon Zither Cup was a bit absurd; perhaps this mockery was self-deprecating.
“Such a musical genius…”
Even after a long journey with Lin Tian, He Zhi Chen had never felt truly read him.
But seeing their enthusiastic spirits—
He looked forward to the Dragons Zither Cup with great anticipation.
Three days later.
Packing all their bags, Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu met downstairs.
Considering extended stay in Baijing post-admission,
If results were good, university admissions could bridge smoothly.
Thus, Lin Tian sent most belongings ahead via mail, still dragging a bulky suitcase.
He treated it like a move.
Why so much? Lin Tian shipped blankets, pillows, and personal needs.
He loved his bed, and despite being wealthy, he remained thrifty.
Unnecessary items, bring them along, save on buying new. Postage was trivial.
Surprisingly,
Gan Yan Yu packed light.
Just a suitcase, a large bag, and her cello.
“No extras,” whispered Gan Yan Yu.
“What about this?” Lin Tian noted a peculiar item, somehow missing inside the bag and hidden by Gan Yan Yu.
His human plush toy.
“Ahh?”
Gan Yan Yu swiftly hid the toy behind her,
“Yes.”
(End of Chapter)
