### Chapter 341: Can Beggars Really Take the Stage?
“Hahaha.”
Seeing these two names—Bamboo Leaf and Maple Leaf—the two commentators shared a look before bursting into laughter, albeit with a hint of bitterness and sympathy.
A sudden “aha” moment filled the atmosphere on the commentator’s stage.
This year, these two names were undoubtedly among the top-tier names in the music world.
Bai Xi, who had previously participated in the Dragon Zither Cup in the professional group of the Parrot Zither Cup back in 2022, was only 21 at the time and became the youngest contestant that year. Although she failed to make it to the finals, her performance left a lasting impression due to its breathtaking stage effects and musical appeal.
Who could have thought that 23-year-old Bai Xi would be participating in the Dragon Zither Cup for the second time this year!
As for the other contestant, Gan Yan Yu, well, she was in a league of her own.
She was the granddaughter of Gan Hua, the renowned first cellist of Tianchao. Moreover, she and her partner Lin Tian had created a huge hit with their performance duo “Moonlight and Kitty.”
They had practically become the hottest sensation in the music industry of Tianchao.
Even in academic circles, they were highly respected.
Leaving aside all the fame and background, just looking at the competition results alone, 18-year-old Gan Yan Yu already held the record for being the youngest contestant ever.
And right now, there was one thing everyone knew about:
Gan Yan Yu’s cello playing had to be experienced live. It was way more impactful than watching a recording or listening to an album.
It was said by a veteran,
“Gan Yan Yu’s cello truly touches the soul.”
Whether it’s as magical as described, the commentators weren’t quite sure. But based on their first impressions, her fans seemed to agree more, which wasn’t surprising given her popularity.
Enough of the talk.
“Who knew?”
Only when they saw these two names did people suddenly remember.
Ah yes, these two were from Qingjiang Province! That made Nana Li’s achievements seem pretty understandable.
At this moment, the online chat echoed this sentiment.
[What’s up with this monstrous room in Qingjiang?]
[I thought this person was at the bottom of Qingjiang? Now I see they’re actually competing in the Dragon Zither Cup!]
[It’s amazing just to get here amidst Bai Xi and Gan Yan Yu’s combined pressure.]
[I can’t even imagine how devastated Qingjiang’s other musicians feel seeing these two juggernauts. Nana Li must be a superhero!]
[. ]
“Regardless, Nana Li gave us a splendid start as the first performer!” Maple Leaf concluded.
“Embedding classical elements into such a tranquil piece like ‘Flying Geese’ significantly elevated the entire performance, offering a fresh interpretation of the music!”
“Yes, performing at such a high level requires exceptional musical understanding and confidence,” Bamboo Leaf added.
“She definitely possesses a composure beyond ordinary players. This performance alone makes me think she’s a lock for the top ten.”
“I don’t think I could do something like that as the first performer.”
Maple Leaf chuckled self-deprecatingly, “If I started off on such a high note, I’d probably faint.”
Despite these playful exchanges, they couldn’t help but imply that Nana Li still fell short of Bai Xi and Gan Yan Yu’s caliber.
In fact, that was the truth.
Lin Tian sighed inwardly.
“Her performance felt constrained.”
Honestly, Lin Tian found this performance difficult to listen to. With Nana Li’s refined technique, he expected a vibrant, passionate play.
But it felt mechanical, like Nana Li was being controlled by invisible hands from the stage, just repeating her practiced moves, stifling her true potential.
Lin Tian could clearly sense this, and if it weren’t for this, Nana Li’s skills would rival those of Bai Xi and Gan Yan Yu.
What a waste.
At that moment, Gan Yan Yu softly spoke, “This feels similar to when I was in Britain.”
Hearing this, Lin Tian was taken aback. He understood what she meant.
Those dark times when Gan Yan Yu struggled with illness, desperately fighting stage fright. She memorized countless scores, forming muscle memory to reduce anxiety.
However, this resulted in performances devoid of soul, almost robotic.
Unbelievably, even then, in her darkest days, she’d beaten Nana Li every time.
Was this the same path Nana Li had chosen? Afraid of the stage, losing essence?
“You’re incredibly pure in your convictions,” Lin Tian mused. But what could be more fundamental than the desire to play merely to defeat someone else?
“This is different.” Gan Yan Yu continued, “Maybe there are other reasons driving Nana Li. She might believe this method suits her better.”
“Then that’s worse,” Lin Tian lamented.
If it was simply temporary confusion, it might be corrected. But choosing a “wrong path” consciously…
Gan Yan Yu’s expression grew worried, having sensed her despair through the music.
“Apparently, Nana Li had strict upbringing,” she muttered, looking at the big screen.
She remembered the unsettling tremors in Nana Li’s earlier performance.
In the backstage corridor, Nana Li walked alone, carrying her cello.
The once vivacious girl looked downcast since descending from the stage. Despite the applause and judges’ praise, she felt lost, her steps slow.
An invisible weight bound her ankles, making her walk like a wounded prisoner.
“Bang—”
Nana Li stumbled into a large figure.
“Great performance, Nana Li!”
The man’s grin terrified Nana Li further. She couldn’t recall ever being this close to someone so disheveled, dressed like a street beggar.
“If one is well-dressed yet faceless, who’s more pitiable?” the man asked sardonically, “You know, Nana Li?”
Nana Li froze, then moved past, leaving him to smile.
“He’s a musician too?”
“Nan Jiang’s top seed, Bai Jun Ze!”
The announcer interrupted, introducing Bai Jun Ze.
“From the looks of it, Bai Jun Ze’s attire is… different.”
Audible murmurs filled the hall.
“Are we in the countryside again?”
“Is that guy representing Nan Jiang?”
Comments flooded in:
[Bai Jun Ze, I know him!]
[Hah, isn’t he the viral one who swapped his pieces for food?]
[Laugh out loud, I’d never guess a homeless man was a cellist!]
The commentators scrambled to explain, “Artistic taste varies; Bai might simply prefer casual…”
Suddenly, Nana Li burst out laughing along with Gan Yan Yu,
“Who’s this guy trying to be?”
(Cue end.)
