### Chapter 371: Mao Weiang’s Redemption
“Would you like to collaborate on a piece?”
“Not for money, but to stop the fans from bickering over classical and pop music?”
That’s a noble cause.
Lin Tian pondered this.
But solving this dispute between internet communities isn’t easy.
Lin Tian knew that even if Moonlight and Cat teamed up with Mao Weiang to plead, it wouldn’t make much of a difference.
The people in conflict aren’t just fighting over one thing; they’re emotionally invested in their stances.
This is like the war between sweet and salty tofu.
If you shout out from the middle and say, “Stop! You all love tofu, so there’s no need to argue.”
There’s a high chance you’ll be called an idiot.
You’re not the inventor of tofu, you’re just a d*mn good chef at making salty tofu.
Whoever put your ego in such a big box?
“Maozi Teacher, I can agree with your view, but I don’t think we can change anything by working together,” Lin Tian bluntly stated.
“If it were you, Lin Tian, I believe it would work,” Mao Weiang decisively declared.
Lin Tian looked at him.
Mao Weiang took a deep breath, seemingly mustering up some courage.
He slowly turned his gaze to the window.
“I’ve heard stories about your tale,” Mao Weiang admitted, looking genuinely sincere.
“And I envy you. Really.”
“Envy us?”
Lin Tian was baffled. What could Mao Weiang envy about them?
They were simply two stubborn classical musicians, doing what they loved despite the lack of public recognition or financial gain. They’ve been struggling in competitions and barely earning a living.
Contrastingly,
Mao Weiang is a respected producer in the entertainment industry, affiliated with top agencies. He has status, fame, and wealth.
Behind the scenes, he’s known as the pop king. And after switching to cello, he’s garnered huge attention and made it to the finals.
Such a stellar career is already a triumph.
Why envy someone like Lin Tian or Gan Yan Yu whose future is uncertain?
“I envy you, man. It’s amazing to see you fight for what you believe in, even if it means failing. You won’t regret a single moment,” Mao Weiang mused, lowering his gaze.
“The piece you wrote for Moonlight—this lifetime, it’s a benchmark I can’t surpass.”
“Is this really ‘forever?’ ” Lin Tian exclaimed in shock.
Why did he have to bring up these heavy topics now?
“My early years were filled with actions against my beliefs. Finally having the freedom to create what I love, I don’t want to disrupt anyone else with my presence.”
Mao Weiang’s eyes softened, revealing genuine remorse.
“Of course, I will fully commit to the competition out of respect, but I also want to do something meaningful for music lovers.”
Lin Tian looked at the earnest Mao Weiang in silence.
Beside him, Gan Yan Yu poked him gently.
Lin Tian glanced back, noticing her furrowed brows and a compassionate look.
Clearly, she had empathized with Mao Weiang.
Truth be told, Lin Tian could feel the same way.
Before coming here, he thought the controversy around the Long Zither Cup was overblown. The music community should unite since they all share a love for music. The animosity between classical and pop was unwarranted.
Just then, a female manager who’d been standing beside Mao WeiAng chimed in anxiously:
“Mao Teacher has no ulterior motives. I’ll put my whole career on the line—he’s a truly genuine person! What he wants most is a collaboration with both teachers in their pure dedication to music.”
“Let me think about it,” Lin Tian interrupted.
It wasn’t about doubting Mao Weiang’s ill intentions. Just talking to him, Lin Tian sensed he wasn’t aggressive at heart.
As the involved party, it didn’t surprise him that half of the entertainment industry rallied behind Mao Weiang.
His talent aside, his character must be commendable. Otherwise, great talents paired with bad reputations don’t gain such popularity.
However—
it was nothing personal.
It was purely Lin Tian’s hang-up.
And it was gross.
“Sorry, I don’t think I can accept.”
The female agent was confused:
“Why??”
Gan Yan Yu looked equally surprised.
“In times like this, when my partner and I face unfair treatment, how could I participate in a ‘reconciliation’ between classical and pop music?”
It wasn’t hatred toward Mao. Nor toward pop music.
It was because—
Why now, of all times, should they bridge the gap between classical and pop?
What about how Yan Yu suffered previously?
Ever since returning to the stage, she’s endured countless injustices.
Even if faced with biased treatment from organizers, meeting Mao Weiang and facing public scrutiny felt like a stab to the back.
It’s like you and an erstwhile rival are on a quest together. All while you face every trap possible, stumbling and rising again. While your nemesis sails through smoothly, though hardworking, incomparable to your struggles.
At last, you both reach the finish line together. A moment shared.
It’s not just uncomfortable—it’s plain awkward.
Sure, you understand the hurdles are not set by your nemesis, but they are there nonetheless. Still…
It’s hard to deal with.
Lin Tian understood the logic, yet he felt only bitter for Yan Yu’s plight.
Thus, although Mao’s vision seemed meaningful, beautiful even, Lin Tian still couldn’t get on board.
Gan Yan Yu grasped the situation.
She pursed her lips, holding back any more regrets.
“I get your point.”
Mao Weiang inhaled deeply:
“It’s okay, Lin Tian, I understand your feelings!”
Despite the rejection, he maintained his gentlemanly demeanor.
“Good to know.”
With that, Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu stood up.
“Just wait!” the female agent cried, watching them leave.
“Let them go.”
Mao Weiang interjected.
“But—” the agent protested.
“You should let them go,” Mao insisted, rising from the couch.
“Lin Tian, Gan Yan Yu, thank you for coming today.”
Mao extended a hand.
“Thank you.”
Lin Tian shook it.
“For the finals. I’ll give it my all.”
“I’m waiting.”
With that, Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu walked towards the door.
Watching them leave, despair flickered across Mao’s eyes.
Suddenly, he noticed a bottle of water Lin Tian left on the couch.
“Lin Tian, your water.”
Mao started to take the water but staggered suddenly.
“No—!”
“Oomph—”
Mao crumpled to the ground.
“Mao Teacher!”
The female agent ran to help.
Turning, Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu froze.
Gan Yan Yu rushed over.
“Are you okay, Maozi Teacher?” she asked.
“Just a momentary wobble—my knees aren’t as stable as before,” Mao reassured her with a smile.
“Gluco low?” Lin Tian asked.
“Could be…”
“Mao Teacher,” the agent sobbed, tears streaming down her face.
“It’s nothing big.”
Mao’s stern expression silenced the agent.
“Lin Tian, what’s wrong?”
Mao’s appearance unsettled Lin Tian.
He imagined a younger Gan Yan Yu, so frail.
“He’s sick, right?” Lin Tian guessed aloud.
“Liver cirrhosis.”
The agent couldn’t hold back. Mao’s pallor darkened.
“Advanced,” the agent added.
The office went quiet.
Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu stared in disbelief.
Terminal liver cirrhosis.
“Aren’t you… done for in five months?” Lin Tian asked.
Mao stood, untying the knot. Silence reigned.
Seeing this reaction confirmed Lin Tian’s suspicions.
No wonder the first time Lin Tian saw him, he noticed the unreasonably gaunt figure. This weight was akin to a starved Gan Yan Yu.
The distinction? She was truly ill.
Like the premonition Rian Yu spoke about.
Only someone truly diseased would weigh so little.
Yet Mao was surprisingly spry, without any signs of sickness during conversation.
Same on stage, performing flawlessly like nobody suffering terminal illness would.
This reality only dawned on Lin Tian recently.
“Any hope?” Lin Tian asked.
“There’s none,” Mao replied, smiling bitterly at the unveiled truth.
“Five months is all.”
“That’s just enough for the Cole Cup,” Lin Tian said after processing.
Gan Yan Yu nudged Lin Tian sharply.
In this situation, why mention that?
“Everything’s alright. I’ve accepted it,” Mao said, gazing into Gan Yan Yu’s eyes filled with unshed tears.
“In these last days, doing what I love brings me immense joy.”
Lin Tian finally connected Mao’s initial remorse with his current revelation.
“Misfortune,” Mao sighed, staring up at the ceiling, “is realizing the importance too late.”
“Why?” Lin Tian questioned.
Mussing through his thoughts, Mao softly replied,
“I never liked being a producer. Loving music and creating it with passion… I realized it too late.”
“Unfit for mainstream.”
“For twenty years, pretending to enjoy this career and its financial success… until now.”
“It wasn’t wrong. But I discovered life late… my ‘meaningful life’ wasn’t truly meaningful.”
“So many contributions and songs, believing they justify my existence… Until d*ath, you know.”
“It took realizing this to finally understand.”
Mao declared firmly,
“I’m not a saint, can’t become one.”
“I’ve been selfish, those things never mattered… I only wanted to pursue my passions, live on my terms.”
“Too late.”
The agent held Mao’s mouth, tears flowing freely.
“Everything is fine now.”
Mao petted the agent gently.
Silently contemplating, Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu watched the exchange.
Remembered the word—redemption.
“Honestly, what kind of collaboration do you envision?” Lin Tian asked.
(Final note: Chapter ends)
