Chapter 333: The Wandering Cellist’s Three-string Technique (Calling for Votes)
God d*mn it, my status is being threatened!
Lin Tian instantly wore an “Enough Already” expression.
“So looks like there’s nothing much to know.”
“What? Mr. Lin Tian, I thought this was something important to you.”
“Would any musician care about their own looks on stage?”
“After all, no man has dared challenge your good looks so far.”
“Who the heck cares about that?”
Lin Tian was speechless.
Honest to God, he never really cared about such things, though he believed his dashing looks were already lightyears ahead of this era.
But he truly didn’t care.
Only shallow men would consider how they look and whether others find them attractive.
A real man cares about one thing only!
—Isn’t his 23 centimeters more praiseworthy than his face?
Just nobody gets to see it most of the time.
Oh, the biggest stress for Lin Tian was during competitions when he couldn’t just write down that length on the introductions.
That way, everyone would know.
Composing or playing the piano? Those are Lin Tian’s least impressive qualities.
What gets everyone’s recognition around the world is this!
If someone ever came along who could match Lin Tian’s… that would be a real threat to him!
“If this isn’t important, then this player doesn’t have much worth noting.”
He Zhi Chen also sported a worried look,
“Not only did he not come from an academy, but he also has very little competition history. Just like you, Mr. Lin Tian, he’s only been competing professionally since last year.”
That’s strange.
Yao Han asked him to pay extra attention to this player—just because of his looks?
He can’t be that bored, right?
Reflecting on Yao Han’s past, he doesn’t seem like that kind of person.
“Oh, there’s actually something noteworthy.”
While He Zhi Chen pondered for a bit, he added,
“I just mentioned he started participating in competitions last year, right?”
“Uh-huh.”
“He wasn’t invited as a special guest but attended Dragon Zither Cup as the top player from Hanzhou Province.”
“In other words, just like Teacher Gan Yan Yu, he skipped straight to the Dragon Zither Cup via provincial championships.”
Lin Tian was slightly surprised hearing this.
Now it made sense.
This is equivalent to 17-year-old JKL winning the S Series right off the bat.
The emptier his background is,
The higher the value of his achievements.
Such a player can either be extremely good or completely inexperienced and might even tremble onstage and fall flat.
“There’s another blank spot that’s quite intriguing,”
He Zhi Chen noted.
“The educational information shows junior high, meaning he hasn’t continued his education beyond that.”
“He dropped out after junior high?!”
Lin Tian thought he and Gan Yan Yu, with their high school backgrounds, were already something significant.
But here’s a guy with just a junior high degree.
No, are they treating the music world like the rap circle?
At least in the rap world, the average education level is still vocational high school.
In an era where people now pay attention to academic credentials, missing out on high school education likely means poverty, and the desire to get him working early.
“And his home situation isn’t great. Though he’s 24 years old, there’s no work history listed.”
Alright.
Junior high education, from a poor family, with no job.
To think,
Lin Tian actually became interested now.
It’s a miracle this guy is still alive.
Yet he qualified for the Dragon Zither Cup.
“In sum, that’s all I know for now,”
He Zhi Chen said,
“Since the competition hasn’t officially started, there’s no point in overthinking. Every year, many dark horses appear and vanish quickly once they reach national competitions.”
After saying this, He Zhi Chen concluded,
“In the end, once the first round ends, I’ll reassess.”
“For now, just focus on adjusting with Ms. Gan.”
“Okay.”
Lin Tian nodded.
He got it; knowing these details before the competition starts wouldn’t change anything.
After each round, he’d meet what he’s up against.
Ultimately, understanding these details now,
Just feeds a curious mindset.
Even if Lin Tian knew these details, he wouldn’t tailor his compositions specifically. He’d play however he likes.
But it’s fun to read some gossip.
“Alright.”
“Okay.”
“Wish you two have a good time. Relax until the competitions begin.”
“Got it.”
The call ended.
Just then, the door was promptly knocked.
Coincidentally, Gan Yan Yu had finished her preparations precisely during the time it took for the call.
Lin Tian opened the door.
Gan Yan Yu’s outfit dazzled him.
She wore a big hat with summer vibes and a floral sundress. She even put on some light makeup today, enhancing her youthful charm.
Seeing this, Lin Tian was quick to ask:
“Teacher Gan, what character does this represent?”
“Staying true to the role!”
Gan Yan Yu smiled lightly.
Lin Tian probed further:
“But which character?”
Gan Yan Yu often switches characters.
He wasn’t sure which one; thus, he asked.
Gan Yan Yu pouted slightly, looking somewhat displeased.
“Well, you know, two high school graduates on a graduation trip.”
“Oh, this character.”
Lin Tian nodded, asking earnestly,
“Do unrelated male and female students usually take graduation trips alone?”
“Isn’t that normal?”
Gan Yan Yu tilted her head, showing genuine innocence.
“At least they should be boyfriends.”
Lin Tian soberly said,
“For instance, at graduation ceremony, I’d publicly confess in front of the whole class. If she agreed, we’d go on a graduation trip together — that’s what’s normal, Teacher Gan.”
Truthfully, both Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu didn’t attend graduation ceremonies.
For one, they were preparing to head to Baijing.
On the other hand, their current status wouldn’t suit such events.
Not that Lin Tian was vain.
But their presence scared students, especially high school and college students.
It’d turn into a meeting between idols and fans.
Minor chaos aside,
Lin Tian didn’t want to ruin the graduation ceremonies for students who weren’t fans.
“Oh, Lin Tian, your story is pretty good.”
Gan Yan Yu clasped her hands together, thinking anew,
“What if I refused your confession, but wanted to stay friends, so we both went on a graduation trip together — how do you feel about that setup?”
“…”
Lin Tian found it hilarious.
“How does it sound?”
Too complicated to comment on.
Lin Tian couldn’t comment on this at all.
If this was anyone else’s story, he would’ve given them a piece of his mind.
“So are you rejecting me?”
“Why would I?!”
Gan Yan Yu’s innocent eyes widened, lifting her hands to cradle Lin Tian’s face,
“We’re telling a story, aren’t we?”
“And if it’s a story, why not as a couple?”
“…”
Gan Yan Yu’s cheeks flushed faintly.
She seemed embarrassed, voicing softly,
“It wouldn’t be as interesting.”
—”Wouldn’t be interesting?”
What does that mean??
Lin Tian was getting confused over what Gan Yan Yu meant.
Why wouldn’t being a couple be interesting?
What was going on in that head of hers?
“Or how about, on graduation day, I run away, leaving you puzzled about why. So, you chase me all the way to Beijing.”
Escaping the graduation ceremony confession was inevitable, right?
Lin Tian couldn’t help commenting,
“Then why did you run?”
“Because I was too shy and embarrassed to confront you.”
“And then?”
“And then, we met, pretending nothing happened. Casual run-in. Neither brought it up, thinking it’s done — until you suddenly asked if I wanted to go shopping. I nodded.”
“Miss Gan Yan Yu, how about I treat you to some shopping?”
Lin Tian reached out his hand.
The girl froze.
Her eyes lit up, gazing at Lin Tian.
From confusion to contemplation, to bashfulness and blushing, she appeared unsure, the sudden panic on her face making it hard to tell if she was acting or genuinely reacting.
“Okay.”
Gan Yan Yu grabbed Lin Tian’s arm, smiling.
The young man couldn’t contain himself,
“What sorcery is this summoning ritual?!”
This was Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu’s first visit to Baijing.
Fact is, large cities are all the same skyscrapers.
To truly immerse in local culture, the narrow lanes are better.
“…”
The two squeezed through the bustling Nanluoguxiang alleyway.
Gan Yan Yu held a string of ice-sugar haws, with a crystalline sugar shell encasing each haw. Crisply biting into it produced satisfying sounds—she had previously whined about wanting one from Lin Tian.
Actually, she could buy it herself, but she seemed to enjoy asking Lin Tian for the treat.
When settling the bill, she would eagerly flash her payment code, then giggle at him.
Sometimes, Lin Tian simply couldn’t understand Gan Yan Yu.
She was genuinely thoughtful, never wanting to take advantage, yet always repaying his extra effort somehow.
And yet, she wanted to act like a kid sometimes.
With her cute whims and occasional unreasonable demands,
Lin Tian fulfilled these little requests.
Their contradictions made her even more “kid-like.”
Recently, even though Gan Yan Yu insisted on buying haws herself, she felt she should compensate Lin Tian after realizing he’d fret over her disappearance for a few minutes.
Reappearing, she presented him with a blue hairpin.
“Jingtai Blue hairpin, for you.”
She beamed, aiming to stick it on Lin Tian’s hair.
Lin Tian was visibly startled; her actions looked more like she’d jab him on the forehead.
“Why would a man need a hairpin?!”
“Because it looks nice.”
“You think it’s nice, don’t you?”
“You should see how Lin Tian looks with it.”
“No thanks.”
“It’s after careful selection.”
Gan Yan Yu’s voice weakened.
Seeing this, Lin Tian sighed, defeated,
“Fine, give it here.”
He accepted the hairpin from her.
It was a deep blue, encapsulating the sky after a rainstorm in metal hues. Intricate gold patterns ran through, like stars flickering in the night sky.
In sunlight, the blue petals sparkled.
It matched her eye color.
Beautiful indeed.
Sure enough, Lin Tian wouldn’t place it on his head just anywhere, and the only place he could was the side of his M-shaped bangs, making it awkward.
Still, he wedged the hairpin behind his ear.
So, technically, he wore it.
“…”
Gan Yan Yu grinned, watching Lin Tian.
“Nifty.”
“Nic nics.”
Lin Tian mimicked a child’s reaction.
They strolled deeper along the alleyway.
Beside the alley stood old houses in green tiles and gray bricks, with red lanterns hanging at the entrances, advertising “Old Peking Braised Sauce Noodles” and “Pickled Garlic and Fried Dough Rings.”
Air sweet from fried chestnuts mingled with the garlic scent of stewed dishes, blending with the melody played by a violin.
Gan Yan Yu exclaimed, “Look! That grandpa is blowing into sugar candies!”
Pointing toward an elderly man at the alley entrance, holding molten sugar, he skillfully shaped a phoenix with translucent wings.
Smiling, Lin Tian retrieved his phone,
“Let me capture a shot. Stand over there.”
Instead, Gan Yan Yu thrust an ice haw into his mouth,
“Taste this, it’s sweeter than my last lychee jelly!”
“…”
Dutifully nibbling the haw, he found himself dazed when Gan Yan Yu sprinted to the sugar-man artist for some tiny creations.
In Baijing, ignoring local specialties wouldn’t do.
Thus, after a leisurely hour wandering the streets, both were weary.
Deciding to find a café and rest, Lin Tian led Gan Yan Yu into a quiet lane off the main thoroughfare.
Bamboo poles strung with drying shirts hung overhead, and bicycles rested in baskets at corners. A cat lounged on the wall, flicking its tail.
Lin Tian spotted a small restaurant called “Aoji Fried Liver.”
It was supposedly a must-try place on Xiaohongshu.
Usually unreliable, but in the absence of locals to consult, it was the best he could hope for.
Lin Tian had researched reviews thoroughly before choosing this establishment.
Upon arrival, though not yet peak time, the place was busier than expected.
Red lanterns hung outside, while inside, old Beijing posters adorned the walls. The air smelled of bean juice and stewed dishes, the owner warmly welcoming customers in Beijing dialect.
Seating was tight, with tables extending almost to the street entrance, setting up perhaps seven or eight chairs total.
Seeing this, Lin Tian knew he’d chosen correctly.
Seating themselves at a street-facing table, they ordered a few dishes as recommended by the owner, and Lin Tian rubbed his hands expectantly.
This ambiance, this aroma, was quintessentially authentic.
Lin Tian was in his element.
At that moment,
Gan Yan Yu gently tugged at his sleeve.
“Lin Tian, look there.”
Surprised, he turned, following her pointing direction.
Two tables down, tucked below the chair, was a cello.
The cello belonged to—
a man wolfing down food at the table.
His appearance was striking—
he wore a worn-out black trench coat with untidy hair like a bird’s nest. His table held an empty bowl of stew, bits of zouchi, and a cleaned mustard stick.
A cello is elegant and dignified, yet paired with this man, even the case looked battered.
Postage stickers, old coupons, pigeon whistles, and cricket containers adorned it.
Then,
smack!
He placed the bowl back down, licked the sauce off his fingers, then struck the cello with the bow,
“Boss! The check, please!”
The bald owner rushed out wielding a wok,
“How much? 128 yuan! We take WeChat or cash?”
Grinning, the man patted his cello case,
“Got no money; can I play a tune as payment?”
“What the heck?”
The owner’s eyes bugged out.
“I’m saying, let me play a tune as my payment, okay?”
The man laughed cheerfully.
Immediately, people who relished watching chaos noticed the oddly dressed man,
“That weirdo’s nuts, drinking soy milk again!”
“Call the cops! A penniless artist drifting to BJ!”
“Hahaha, I’ve seen similar before. A street performer insisted he’d become the next big star, just wanted a free meal.”
Ignoring the jeers, the man carefully removed his cello from its case and started playing.
Lin Tian winced again at the sight of the damaged instrument.
Seeing a cello in this state made him hurt.
Similarly battered, the instrument bore countless scratches too numerous for Lin Tian count.
Considering his previous use of the bow on the bowl,…
Hitting someone with the violin? Possible.
All sorts of things Gan Yan Yu wished Lin Tian would see kept happening with this man.
Watching man set up the dented cello, Lin Tian thought of introducing Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu’s instruments.
“Listen!”
Shaking his head idly, he struck a few chords mid-air.
Then, strummed the strings.
A soothing, fast-paced tune began.
Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu froze.
It sounded familiar but hard to name.
After a moment, they discerned the melody.
Wait, that’s a famous worldwide piece—_Spring Overture_.
But he modified it to a dark jazz style!
His bow jumped with electric fervor, the strings creating chaotic, unpredictable sounds.
Brilliant!
Without regard to everything else, this performance alone confirmed the musician’s talent.
Before confirmation,
Lin Tian witnessed a performance that would haunt him forever.
Finishing his piece, the man kicked open his case.
Pulling out a Erhu, he placed it atop the cello.
Using the original bow, he played the Erhu!
The screeching sound like nails across chalkboard, coupled with the deep bass sounding like old Beijing hawk calls.
Simultaneously, the man had his phone blasting pigeon whistle sounds, imitating birdsong.
Ancient Beijing bird cultures rendered disturbing here.
“…”
The initial grumbling bald owner froze at the melody.
After some silence,
“b*stard playing tunes from my father’s funeral!?”
“d*mn, he’s crazy!”
“At first it sounded nice, now what’s this rubbish?”
“Definitely lost his marbles!”
Audience members booed loudly.
Throughout this, Gan Yan Yu observed silently, finally showing surprise.
“He’s emulating the ‘Sparling Sesame Seeds’ technique on a cello.”
“Remarkable, capable of such mastery.”
She murmured softly.
‘Sparling Sesame Seeds’ is a quick finger-tapping technique in three-stringed playing, named for its dense, scattered sound.
Players alternate their index, middle, and ring fingers at high frequency, creating fast, continuous notes reminiscent of raindrops on lotus leaves or wind rustling bamboo.
Being able to wield this skill effortlessly,
this cellist was undoubtedly immensely skilled.
No wonder Gan Yan Yu looked impressed.
Lin Tian refocused on the man.
Then, his attention shifted to his appearance.
Amidst the rapid performance, Lin Tian scrutinized his face closely.
Despite being disheveled,
there’s something handsome about those features.
(To Be Continued)
