Chapter 332: The Man Threatening Lin Tian!
A cellist coming from the pop music scene?
Lin Tian pondered for a moment.
To be honest, there was indeed some interesting stuff going on here.
In contemporary times, the pop music scene does have talented music producers who are renowned for their songwriting and arranging skills. Many excellent musical works can truly be considered cultural treasures.
But,
Those producers in the pop music scene are more known for producing mediocre, assembly-line-like songs outside of the industry. Their reputations aren’t as good as those professional composers in people’s eyes.
Actually,
This is somewhat like traditional novels versus online fiction.
Because the latter follows a commercial path, creators inevitably add market-friendly elements in their work and cannot purely serve literature. Some don’t even have any literary quality and simply write to make a quick buck.
There’s a joke that goes—
“If Yu Hua had to churn out 6,000 words a day in serial form, he probably wouldn’t be able to write ‘To Live.'”
But this doesn’t mean that online novels don’t have quality works.
Despite the 90% trash, there are still authors who create pieces that balance both commercial appeal and literary artistry.
However, the popularity of these works remains low among the general public.
No one would call an online novelist a “writer”.
Just like no one would call a pop singer a “composer” despite the fact that they create original songs.
Compared to online writing, the current pop music scene holds considerable clout in today’s era where traffic reigns supreme.
It can’t be compared to the wider music industry.
Traffic-wise, it’s completely unapproachable.
So,
Yao Han’s description isn’t exaggerated.
Could he be referring to a music producer who represents the pop music scene?
“What’s his name?” Lin Tian asked.
“His real name is Mao Weiang, but he’s known by a very popular stage name—Ma Zi,” Yao Han replied.
“Ma Zi??”
The mere name suggested to Lin Tian a muscular figure with a tough-looking exterior, reminiscent of a warrior from a former age.
“It’s normal if you, Lin Tian Teacher, don’t know him. But this person holds a position in Mandarin-language music that’s beyond imagination—just look at how many stars he has helped, like ‘the Heavenly Ruler Liu,’ ‘the Heavenly Ruler Lin,’ ‘the Heavenly Ruler Chen,’ and so forth.”
Yao Han maintained his usual cautious way of speaking.
Even saying these names aloud wouldn’t help Lin Tian, since he doesn’t follow celebrities.
Regardless,
Having made it big as a producer alone tells us something about his worth.
In Mandarin-language music, fame usually revolves around singers. Songwriters or lyricists recognized by fans are usually the heavyweights.
Take Fang Wen shan for example.
To be honest, Lin Tian only knows one songwriter famous like this.
“Ma Zi,” a composer known for his work, would definitely be a rather formidable presence.
And as for Yao Han’s statement—
“Your opponent is the entire pop music scene.”
Lin Tian felt slightly embarrassed.
The statement might be exaggerated, but it’s likely accurate.
Such a legendary pop music composer must be supported by an immense group behind them.
Countless fans, singers, and industry workers all back him up.
He represents Tianchao’s pop music!
But there was one thing Lin Tian couldn’t quite grasp.
About this “Ma Zi.”
Such a person, sitting on a pile of success…
Why switch to becoming a professional cellist?
The only reason Lin Tian could think of was dreams.
Besides chasing dreams, what scenario would prompt someone already dominating the Mandarin music scene to participate in such a competition?
Dreams…
At this thought, memories of the recent story about Tuoba Jianhui, the fallen genius Yao Xing, older-generation classical musicians, including Grandpa Gan of Gan Hua came flooding back.
After a moment’s pause,
Lin Tian dropped the hand ready to knock on the door and returned to his own room instead.
He decided to take a breather, plan things out, before talking to Gan Yan Yu.
Lin Tian entered his password into the door lock.
With a “ding!” the door opened—
“Bam!!”
Suddenly, a cute young woman’s face appeared, Gan Yan Yu raising both arms, smiling joyfully,
“Mr. Lin, please sign for your new house!”
“…”
Lin Tian was stunned.
The place was spick-and-span, much cleaner than when he first moved in, dustless and shiny from floor to ceiling.
“Like it?”
Gan Yan Yu stood with her hands behind her back. She looked expectantly at Lin Tian.
“Love it.”
Startled, Lin Tian still had a buzz in his mind.
Her smile quickly faded as she saw his response.
“So blasé.”
Gan Yan Yu visibly deflated,
“You probably think, ‘well it’s just a new house, right?’”
“Not at all! How could I!”
Lin Tian immediately perked up.
He walked into the main room, looking around.
Pointing at the floor, he widened his eyes,
“Look at this floor! Wow!”
“And those windows! Incredible!”
“The marble table! Look Gan, student, can you believe it’s glowing!? Just like your eyes!”
“…”
After praising everything,
Lin Tian hesitantly turned his head,
Seeing Gan Yan Yu biting back laughter.
“Chuckle chuckle.”
She burst into laughter,
“Teacher Lin, when did you get so good at flattery?”
“I’ve always been good at it.”
“You treat me like a child.”
“You are a child.”
Lin Yan Yu approached with open arms, hugging his waist.
“Teacher Lin, am I going to get a prize later for being such a good child?”
“You’re making going out to eat sound so appealing,” Lin Tian replied sincerely.
“Appealing? What are you thinking about?”
Gan Yan Yu tilted her head, puzzled.
“No, pudding,” Lin Tian responded, his gaze slowly drifting down.
Sure enough, she seemed to have filled out.
“Funny coincidence, same here!”
Gan Yan Yu giggled before letting go,
“Well, back to change. See you soon.”
“See you,” Lin Tian watched her leave.
Suddenly, he reached out and caught her arm.
“Gan Teacher!”
Gan Yan Yu halted, carefully eyeing Lin Tian.
A myriad of emotions swirled in his eyes, a mix of reluctance and sorrow.
Gan Yan Yu looked at Lin Tian, her expression shifting from confusion, to slight acceptance, and then warmth.
“Did Teacher Yao Han say something to you?”
The young woman whispered softly.
“Yes.”
“You knew?”
“Yes,” Lin Tian responded sadly,
“It’s about your grandpa, isn’t it?”
“Yes,” Lin Tian looked at Gan Yan Yu tenderly,
“You’ve known all along?”
“A bit,” Gan Yan Yu settled onto the sofa softly,
“When I met the old man in grandpa’s hospital room, I sensed then, once we arrived in Beijing, all these stories would reach you.”
Indeed,
Lin Tian thought.
How could Gan Yan Ru not know after growing up with Grandpa Gan?
Even if Grandpa Gan had tried to hide it.
She was fascinated by classical music and clearly versed in international competitions; how could she remain oblivious?
Especially once it became clear that Grandpa Gan had placed high hopes on her to accomplish what they hadn’t before.
And the clever Little Gan student—
She must have figured out everything after the first humiliation at the Parrot Zither Cup years ago.
That’s why—
Back then, Gan Yan Yu stayed so composed.
It didn’t surprise Lin Tian, seeing her surprisingly resilient spirit.
If it weren’t for her, he couldn’t have written “Canon in D” to perform with her flawlessly on stage.
“What do you think about it?”
Lin Tian asked.
Given she’d known this for some time,
What were her thoughts on this matter?
If her passion for classical music stemmed solely from Grandpa Gan’s legacy—
Lin Tian wished she could avoid the pain.
“I love classical music.”
Gan Yan Yu spoke,
“I know,” Lin Tian wanted to add.
But Gan Yan Yu cut him off before he could.
“Lin Tian,” she turned to him with a gentle smile,
“Do you know every time I play the cello, I feel like there’s a universe inside the instrument?”
She raised her hands in the air, drawing imaginary ripples,
“The notes remind me of star fragments falling on my shoulders. When I first heard Elvin’s ‘Canto Allegro sull’E,’ it sounded so distant, almost as if someone was speaking to me.”
Gan Yan Yu paused, speaking solemnly,
“No one ever treated me as a puppet.”
“But those old men, they just want to pass on this universe to me, to continue guarding it.”
“That makes me truly happy, Lin Tian.”
Lin Tian stood transfixed.
Gan Yan Yu stood before him,
“You rarely mention why I fell for classical music, right?”
“To me, classical music isn’t a burden—it’s a collection of unsent letters. Each piece is a gift from a different era, filled with their joys, sorrows, and passions.”
Gan Yan Yu gazed at Lin Tian,
“Playing allows me to feel their heartbeats, their breath.”
“Right,” Lin Tian nodded.
Although Gan Yan Yu seldom spoke of her reasons, she often shared feelings about playing classical music.
The sound drawn from the bow conveyed an ancient soul.
Gan Yan Ru was genuinely pouring her utmost into the music, conveying their intended message with precision each time.
Seeing her nod,
Gan Yan Ru smiled tenderly.
“Each note speaks of past souls who felt emotions similar to mine, pursued dreams like mine,”
“They’re completing a letter left unfinished.”
She placed her hand gently on Lin Tian’s chest.
She understood his worries, sensed his concern.
She realized his worry the moment she saw his face sadden.
But even so, she couldn’t resist quietly cursing—
“Dumb Lin Tian!”
After all their time together,
Hadn’t he learned what she was really like?
In the depths of their music, they had shared countless moments.
There was no one who truly understood her as well as Lin Tian.
So why,
At that moment,
Was he brushing aside those music-filled memories because of her?
Because of herself…
Gan Yan Yu suddenly froze.
Something seemed to jab deep within her heart.
Gan Yan Yu let out a bright laugh,
“Lin Tian, you know the magic of classical music never truly fades? It shines within someone’s heart like a star.”
“And I’m merely the one fortunate enough to be chosen by this starlight.”
“I’m happy, Lin Tian, truly.”
“…”
Hearing her,
Lin Tian couldn’t hold back anymore.
He embraced her tightly.
Her face instantly flushed, wide-eyed as she stammered,
“My apron’s not off yet, and I’m filthy!”
“When you hugged me earlier, didn’t you clean me off?”
“…”
“You’ve done that twice in over a month, that’s crossing a line!”
“I didn’t last month, so it counts now.”
“Last month we did hug.”
“Then, the time before last, or maybe start counting from July last year.”
“We didn’t even know each other back then,” Gan Yan Ru glanced wide-eyed.
“No problem, it still counts.”
Lin Tian nestled against her shoulder,
“In any case, I’ll just make up for it all.”
“Whoa, this is our math prodigy?”
“Yes!”
Lin Tian smirked, holding on tight despite herself.
Though Gan Yan Yu avoided directly answering his questions,
She divulged everything he needed to hear.
The two of them held true to their resolve.
Since Gan Yan Ru said so,
Lin Tian realized—he needed to give it his all.
Who cares about international competitions or pop music?
Let everyone try to stand in his way!
No one would stop Lin Tian and Miss Gan Yan Yu from getting married!
In due course,
As Lin Tian cuddled with Gan Yan Yu,
He reluctantly ushered her back to her room.
While waiting for her to change clothes and leave,
Lin Tian recalled what Yao Han had mentioned before his departure.
Dialing He Zhichen’s number on his phone,
“Thought we were meeting later, why calling now?”
He Zhichen answered, teasing slightly.
Lin Tian couldn’t help but mutter inwardly,
“Still acting less reserved, when did he become such a joker? He used to be quite serious when we first met.”
“Look into someone named Bai Junze,” Lin Tian replied.
“Ah, I see on the participant list, there’s a musician by that name,”
Sounds of clicking were heard,
“But his resume’s pretty plain… why does Lin Tian Teacher find interest in him?”
“Did I not say exactly that?”
Suddenly, a cry rang from the phone,
“Not to mention, after flipping through some files, this guy seems to have something up his sleeve!”
“Really? How’s that possible?”
Lin Tian gasped.
Indeed, anyone Yao Han took notice of wasn’t simple.
“This Bai Junze will pose a huge threat to Lin Tian’s spotlight in the upcoming Dragon Zither Cup!”
“Threatens my status?” Lin Tian asked bewildered.
“Why’s it about my status? What’s happening?”
“He’s incredibly handsome, seriously handsome,” He Zhichen stated seriously.
“Lin Tian Teacher, your status is under threat!”
(End of Chapter)
