### Chapter 387: Back to Where It Started
The day after the four-player concert ended, chaos erupted.
Across the vast and small music media in the land of Tianchao, nearly every publication reported on the concert. The most surprising detail wasn’t even the sheer number of reports, but rather the meaningful significance that was bestowed upon this event.
Headlines included things like:
– ”The First Time Pop and Classical Music Met!”
– ”A Historic Concert!”
– ”The Essence Is Not About Music But The Performance!”
– ”New Meets Old! All Music Has Its Beauty!”
In no time, not just the music world but every corner of the art scene elevated the value of the concert to celestial heights! From cello to the entire nation’s music scene, from there, to the arts across the great Huaxia territory.
Famous music critic Yu Haoming said,
“This concert is truly a Renaissance spearheaded by Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu. Amidst the ongoing reforms in the music industry, they’ve shown everyone how integral classical music is!”
Well-known pianist Wu Feixuan chimed in:
“Honestly, it’s been ages since I saw such an emotional performance. This concert not only reveals a peaceful coexistence between pop and classical music in the new era, but it also teaches us a valuable lesson—classical music may be under threat due to reforms in the competition system, yet it’ll surely surface again in a different form because people need it, need a genre that can encapsulate deep emotions and profound sentiments. And that, has to be classical music!”
—Classical music won’t disappear; it will just appear in another form.
This statement quickly dominated the post-concert discourse. Meanwhile, Zhang Dong clarified his stance on the matter in his Bilibili post:
“Yes,
The song titled ‘Zilong,’ composed by our legendary composer Lin Tian, is essentially a blend of pop flavor with some classical elements.
But still, this pop piece.
It brought out such profound passion from all four performers during this symphony.
Their playing techniques and musical styles were so close to classical, one might wonder if they were actually playing classical music.
Thus—
Classical music will never disappear.
It’s an indispensable part of musical history!
And that’s the true treasure left behind by this concert!”
After Zhang Dong’s words,
many industry insiders, including Zhang Dong himself, recognized the success of the concert was what justified its significance.
If the quartet had failed…
It might as well have turned into:
– ”Classical Music and Pop — Such Contradictory Genres Should Never Be Confused!”
– ”The Quartet’s Failure Is the True Reflection of the Discordant Relationship Between Classical and Pop!”
Because it succeeded, those significances emerged. It wasn’t the concert itself, but the brilliance of the performers — Lin Tian, Gan Yan Yu, Bai Junze, and Mao Weiang — who made it happen.
As Lin Tian opened his phone with He Zhi Chen’s guidance,
he discovered that unlike previous times when buzzed topics arose from fans celebrating their favorite performers,
this concert had transcended mere fan enthusiasm. It stirred the masses, roiling the oceans of music forums. Every official media channel joined in:
– [Qingjiang News], [Baijing Daily], [Hanjiang Observer], and more reported on today’s open-air performance held at Baijing Yuzi Square. Their conservative language didn’t fully capture the excitement.
It sort of mirrored official media coverage announcing Team IG’s world championship victory in 2018—straightforward and official, highlighting the immense public interest in the concert from music circles.
Yet, the shorter sentences carried more weight. Fans could sense the seriousness, which skyrocketed the content’s credibility!
Among these, the most powerful came directly from the official mouthpiece of the state:
[Huaxia Daily]’s morning eight o’clock repost showcased a live recording from the event. Accompanying text read simply:
”Classical music is a cherished cultural gem in the world’s musical heritage. It won’t be buried nor disappear.”
An hour later,
[Huaxia Daily] released another tweet:
”Moonlight and Cat’s concert ending has sparked controversy. ‘Why does classical music receive unfair treatment compared to pop music?’
This article stemmed from two reporters from [Huaxia Daily]. After interviewing experts and understanding public sentiment, detailed articles on Tianchao’s music history and reforms poured in, emphasizing the unjust treatment classical music faces in competitions.
“This…”
The article appeared within an hour of the last tweet.
Clearly, extensive pre-writing had taken place.
Once published, it resonated strongly with many online users:
– ”Finally, someone noticed our music circle!”
– ”Useful reporting for once! Why must Moonlight and Cat bear unfair treatment?”
– ”Keep the momentum going, the bigger, the better!”
– ”…Such discrimination, regardless of international events!”
Almost simultaneously, countless netizens found their voice, rising up like a wave:
They gathered under the official media posts,
calling out,
“Great Lord of Justice!”
Many realized,
so many people shared the same grievances about the current format.
Preventing any voice of opposition until [Huaxia Daily] stepped forward.
Then, almost instantly, everyone spilled out with grievances:
– ”Investigate this!”
– ”I’ve always thought catering to international formats was just an excuse! Maybe it’s all about kickbacks!”
– ”Sure enough, capitalists have gotten involved here!”
– ”Don’t hold back; we’re all counting on you!”
Watching these comments, even Lin Tian was stunned.
“What? They’re now going after the music association?”
He Zhi Chen remarked,
“This is entirely due to your influence.”
“You think these individuals appeared out of thin air?”
“These past years, they’ve been waiting for the right moment, the right public opinion edge.”
“Could this affect the format?” Lin Tian asked.
“Not really,” He Zhi Chen responded confidently.
“Daily updates by [Huaxia Daily] amount to little effect. The music association is unlikely to react purely based on journalists’ opinions—perhaps a formal statement explaining their position.”
“So, what’s the use?” Lin Tian asked.
Thinking about it, if the association changed formats over news, they’d be way too fragile.
“There’s use.”
He Zhi Chen insisted,
“Although limited, it has influence.”
“Influence? On who?”
“Association members aren’t unanimous. Many desire a revival of classical music.”
“Who knows, perhaps the attention from [Huaxia Daily] was a high-ranking operation.”
Lin Tian pondered.
Nah, forget it. It’s finals day.
All those matters become trivial.
He and Gan Yan Yu had one goal:
To win the Dragon Zither Cup.
Regardless of format debates, their success came from ignoring such discussions.
“Point taken,” Lin Tian stopped him.
“Since we can’t change the format, none of the rest matter.”
Just as Lin Tian was about to hang, He Zhi Chen interrupted:
“Wait.”
“Ideas! Though the format can’t be influenced,
we might provide a level playing field.”
“A level playing field?”
“Just imagine, with this public sentiment, maybe a fairer environment awaits in the finals.”
“Calmly analyzed,” He Zhi Chen explained,
“This sentiment might not change the rules but provides judges inclined to support them with an excuse.”
“Excuse?”
Like the “excuse” Tuoba Jianhui provided in the semis?
Lin Tian was intrigued.
“Mhmm.” He Zhi Chen affirmed,
“That’s it.”
Not changing the format,
but impacting judges willing to support them.
It seemed like a solution!
d*mn, official media used this way!
Lin Tian’s face changed instantly.
No reason to blame him—this did inspire hope!
“So, teachers Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu,” He Zhi Chen addressed,
“On the basis of objectivity,
your chance is real in the finals with serious preparation.”
“Cut it,” Lin Tian halted him.
Lin Tian had a principle.
Never jinx the moment.
Every game with Gan Yan Yu followed suit.
So, he nipped this suggestion in the bud.
“Thank you, teacher He,” Lin Tian thanked,
“Your efforts have helped much.”
“The remaining journey is on us and teacher Gan.”
Back in their apartment,
Lin Tian excitedly relayed the information from He Zhi Chen to Gan Yan Yu.
She pondered and said,
“Thus, as long as we stabilize, our chances are huge?”
“Pretty much, according to his claim,” Lin Tian replied.
“Huge” here implied not winning outright, but having a fair shot.
For Lin Tian, confidence was absolute!
Stability was simple.
Ever since entering the Dragon Zither Cup, he played unconventional moves.
Now, stability.
Easier said than done!
“I see.”
Gan Yan Yu nodded, grave.
“I’ll give it my all.”
“Why the serious face?”
Puzzled,
that expression was unexpected for one who faced format challenges.
Seemingly indifferent to any outcome:
“Isn’t this good?” Lin Tian asked.
“It’s good.”
But—
“To us, not much changes, right?”
“Regardless of fair scoring or our ultimate status as champions, we prepare diligently, practicing seriously.”
“None of this changes our routine; it merely tweaks our mood.”
Lin Tian hesitated.
Indeed, Gan Yan Yu was correct.
No matter the changes,
they had to prepare rigorously.
These developments only slightly altered their mood.
But,
wasn’t this important?
Lin Tian reasoned.
He aimed to inspire her.
Seeing her unchanged demeanor,
Lin Tian understood.
This match meant everything to her.
Too much for her to care about external opinions.
She focused solely on winning.
“Am I a bit… dampened spirits?”
Acknowledging Lin Tian’s shift, she looked up sheepishly, whispering.
Certainly, she felt Lin Tian’s efforts to uplift her.
Her unbothered reaction was disappointing,
even to anyone.
“No.”
Lin Tian reassured sincerely,
“I understand.”
He breathed deeply, gazing at the ceiling.
Indeed, now more than ever, urgency hit him.
This final match,
no retreat,
“We will win.”
Gan Yan Yu’s determination echoed his.
“What piece shall we play for the finals?” Gan Yan Yu asked.
“Though this suggestion might sound lazy to teacher Gan,”
pausing slightly, he revealed,
“There’s one piece I want to play.”
“What piece?”
“Ode to Love.”
Lin Tian stated,
“I wish to perform Ode to Love with teacher Gan on the Dragon Zither Cup’s grand stage!”
-(End of Chapter 387)
