Chapter 398: I Want to Discuss Our Future with You
——Lin Tian has changed.
These past few days, this was the thought that most often crossed Gan Yan Yu’s mind.
When did this start?
It seemed to have begun after the semifinals when he started cooperating with Teacher Mao Wei Ang and the others—a hint of something was in the air.
But it reached its peak when they decided on the Final Round selection piece “Ode to Love.”
Gan Yan Yu was completely baffled.
Specifically, usually they would talk about everything, but these days, Lin Tian became mysterious and started having these little secrets that he couldn’t share directly.
Moreover, it seemed like Lin Tian had become more moody, occasionally showing her expressions she had never seen before.
She knew those looks; Lin Tian was thinking, hesitating, and agonizing over something.
But what was he thinking about?
This was something she didn’t understand.
She really didn’t understand!
After all, things were fine before.
During these days, the two of them had been going through it in the same way.
No matter how much Gan Yan Yu pondered it,
She still couldn’t figure out the reason for his recent changes.
Was it because of the finals?
Actually, it was understandable, too.
After all, they were close to achieving the dream.
At this point, feeling anxious was quite normal.
Her heart was really conflicted.
On one hand, seeing Lin Tian so overwhelmed with rehearsals during these days made her feel very heartbroken.
But on the other hand,
Watching his performance actually made her somewhat happy.
The practice sessions for the duet were the happiest collaboration practices she had.
And every time Lin Tian played a piano piece, she felt his deep affection.
Even though after each performance, Lin Tian’s face would display a look of dismay,
Still, she was elated.
Because it wasn’t just in music.
He started chatting about the future with her! Specifically, their future after achieving their dreams!
And he was not only talking but also truly thinking about their relationship.
This hadn’t happened since the Parrot Zither Cup.
It was as if Lin Tian had gone through a dream.
In this dream, he suddenly figured out many things and started seriously considering his future with her.
Gan Yan Yu vaguely sensed that their relationship might be changing.
But this change—the girl was unsure if it was good or bad.
Yet she felt happy from the emotions conveyed by all this.
It was clearly such a romantic thing!
Why then,
Why did Lin Tian always look so helpless?
To secretly be happy while he was in pain—this was rather despicable.
So,
When Lin Tian suggested changing the song, Gan Yan Yu stopped him.
She could sense that if they gave up “Ode to Love” now,
Their relationship wouldn’t change anymore.
She hoped for “change.”
But why hope for this,
Gan Yan Yu didn’t know.
Ultimately, she herself wasn’t sure whether this “change” was good or bad.
But Gan Yan Yu wanted to give it a try.
Even if she had no clue why she felt this way.
Clearly, keeping things the same at this critical juncture was best.
But, oddly, a surge of excitement filled her heart.
She wanted to give it a go.
No matter what the “changed future” looked like,
She wanted to see it for herself!
In the apartment,
Gan Yan Yu washed up, wrapped in a towel, and walked out of the bathroom.
Standing in front of the mirror, the girl stared at herself in the reflection, slowly approaching.
She studied her own face in the mirror, lost in thought.
— At that moment, she must’ve looked like this in Lin Tian’s eyes.
After all, this was something Gan Yan Yu had long desired.
The kiss she’d been waiting for.
But why, back then, did she push him away?
It was almost an instinctive movement.
Gan Yan Yu covered the young man’s mouth with her hand.
Actually, her own heart was a mess too.
Despite being eagerly expected for so long, why…
There was always a voice telling her:
“It’s not the right time now.”
If you give in now, everything would fall apart.
If she touched him, she’d surely sink into that river, together with Lin Tian.
At this particular time and place,
It would be irresponsible, both toward herself and Lin Tian.
Finally, she understood.
Lin Tian’s various changes, his peculiar behaviors—he might have some issues, which Gan Yan Yu may not know about.
But she knew the root cause of these changes.
It was definitely due to a sense of insecurity within Lin Tian!
Whether it be for the upcoming competition or their relationship,
Gan Yan Yu was unsure.
She didn’t know what she had done or what Lin Tian had experienced to make him act like this.
But Gan Yan Yu was clear on one thing;
Whenever she got into trouble, it was Lin Tian who came to her rescue, no matter the cost.
Therefore,
As a partner, Gan Yan Yu decided to do something too!
“Ding-dong—”
With the doorbell ringing,
Gan Yan Yu quickly realized and tossed the towel onto the sofa, rushing to her room to get dressed.
“What?”
“Ding-dong—”
Standing outside the door, Lin Tian felt annoyed.
This girl used to open the door quickly, but today she was pressing it multiple times.
Could she be in the shower?
“Aargh, if only I had come earlier!”
Thinking this, Lin Tian felt regretful. If only he had come before she started bathing, he could’ve enjoyed ten minutes of water sounds in the living room!
All that water sound alone made him crave more rice!
“I’m coming!”
At this moment, the girl’s voice came from inside, and the front door opened.
Wearing a sleepwear, Gan Yan Yu cautiously opened the door, still holding a towel to dry her wet hair.
Sure enough, she had just finished a shower.
Lin Tian stepped into the bedroom and entered the living room, noticing a towel discarded on the sofa.
Lin Tian plopped down, hand touching, and found out it was soaked.
“This—” Lin Tian was puzzled.
Seeing this, Gan Yan Yu’s face instantly blushed, and she hurriedly urged,
“Get up, get up~”
Lin Tian was stunned and stood up clumsily while Gan Yan Yu swiftly took the towel back and rushed to her room.
Lin Tian was dazed, but said nothing.
He then glanced around Gan Yan Yu’s apartment.
Though their apartments mirrored similar designs, Gan Yan Yu’s was distinctively decorated.
In the living room, there were signs of her presence everywhere—her teddy bear on the couch, the gramophone on the table, and the trophy on the TV cabinet.
Lin Tian approached, picking up the trophy, surprised.
This was the trophy they won together in the Parrot Zither Cup.
Seeing Gan Yan Yu, Lin Tian couldn’t help asking, “Why did you bring this here to Baijing?”
“Is that a problem?” Gan Yan Yu responded.
Stepping forward, she carefully retrieved the trophy.
Looking at the trophy in her arms, Gan Yan Yu’s eyes softened as if remembering a story,
“Because we won it together, keeping it with me makes me feel stronger.”
Finishing, Gan Yan Yu placed the trophy down.
Then, as if inspired, she raised her index finger and smiled mysteriously,
“Wait, let me get you something.”
“Something?”
Lin Tian was puzzled.
Seeing Gan Yan Yu stealthily enter the kitchen,
In no time, she emerged carrying a plate and a glass.
Once Lin Tian recognized what Gan Yan Yu had brought:
“This is—”
Placing the dish on the table, a stack of green pastries formed a small mountain.
Gan Yan Yu clasped her hands in joy,
“Ding-dong— Gan Yan Yu’s exclusive homemade green bean cake!”
Lin Tian was genuinely stunned upon seeing the green bean cake.
Didn’t this remind him of when he first met Gan Yan Yu, when she personally made this green bean cake?
Back then, Gan Yan Yu made it while staying at Lin Tian’s house, then personally delivered it to the tea restaurant where Lin Tian worked, watching him eat.
Now, after such a long time, seeing the green bean cake made Lin Tian nearly cry.
It was so nostalgic!
Memories of sweet moments flooded back.
“And what about this—”
Lin Tian shifted his attention to the drink Gan Yan Yu had brought.
Before Gan Yan Yu could respond, Lin Tian had already recognized it—
“Milo!”
“Correction,”
Gan Yan Yu raised her index finger, teaching him properly,
“It’s Gan Yan Yu’s special coconut milk Milo! Didn’t you learn that by now?”
Lin Tian was embarrassed.
He didn’t want to say it out loud because he felt ashamed.
“Try it, try it, I’ve been working on it since I woke up. It took me the whole day to prepare!”
Seeing Gan Yan Yu’s enthusiasm, Lin Tian picked up a piece of green bean cake and put it in his mouth.
Biting into the sweet treat,
“Mmm!!”
Surprised, Lin Tian revealed his delight.
Then, he took a sip of Milo,
“Mmm!!!”
Lin Tian’s happiness grew.
Upon swallowing, he licked his fingers and immediately gave a thumbs-up.
“Tasty!”
It was exactly the same flavor, bringing back memories.
“You really are a master at cooking!” Lin Tian marveled.
This was no filter at all.
Gan Yan Yu’s dessert-making skills were undeniable.
Even if she stopped playing the cello, opening a small store with Lin Tian would certainly thrive.
“Ihehe~”
Hearing Lin Tian’s praise, Gan Yan Yu’s cheeks dimpled.
She knew making these treats would please him.
“Why did you suddenly decide to make these?”
Lin Tian bit off another piece of green bean cake and asked,
“It must have taken a lot of time?”
After all, the finals were starting tomorrow.
If other contestants found out that the prestigious cellist Teacher Gan Yan Yu spent her last night not practicing but baking for her partner, they’d surely make fun of her.
“Just felt like making them,”
Gan Yan Yu smiled,
“You know me, I love making desserts. It doesn’t feel like work to me, kind of relaxing.”
“Gonna have some?”
“Already had plenty.”
Gan Yan Yu blinked,
“Or else, guess why the plate is so small?”
“Ah-ha!”
Lin Tian laughed. Clearly, the plate was originally large, but Gan Yan Yu ate too much, so now it was smaller to show less quantity?
Quite smart!
“.”
After that, Lin Tian didn’t speak and concentrated on eating Gan Yan Yu’s treats.
Silent in the apartment,
Lin Tian relished the taste of green bean cakes and Milos. He felt transported to heaven, occasionally giving a blissful expression.
Lin Tian realized again—Gan Yan Yu calling him over was a huge deal.
Why didn’t she tell him sooner?
Immersed, Lin Tian savored the fleeting tranquility.
“.”
After a while,
Gan Yan Yu’s petite hands moved, softly breaking the silence,
“In fact, the real reason I made these was to help you relax.”
Hearing this, Lin Tian paused mid-bite.
“Because these past few days, you’ve been stressed with practice…”
And I noticed you seem to have some burdens too.
Taking a breath,
Gan Yan Yu continued bravely.
“Although I don’t know what you’re facing, I feel you need to pick yourself up! Whatever troubles you might have, if you feel tired, at least I want to give you some strength.”
Gan Yan Yu’s voice echoed through the empty rooms.
—
“So, I want to discuss our future.”
Discuss the future?
Lin Tian froze.
A life discussion?
The half-eaten green bean cake froze in his hand.
He took a deep breath and placed the cake back on the plate.
“Like what we talked about at the outdoor concert last time?”
Lin Tian asked sincerely.
“Yeah,” Gan Yan Yu nodded with a smile,
“But the last discussion was too broad… There are details we didn’t plan, like reading the university curriculum and our relationship.”
“Although it’s not ideal to talk about this the night before the final, maybe setting ourselves a goal could boost our motivation for tomorrow.”
She saw his hesitation and began pointing and explaining:
“To prepare for the Cole Cup, we should focus on the college years.”
She paused, gathering courage,
“While you were gone, I missed you a lot. In the future—after the Cole Cup—how can I make it up to you?”
Just then, Lin Tian held up a finger, stopping her.
She looked up in surprise,
“Little Gan Classmate,”
Lin Tian stared into her eyes,
“I’m telling you what I’ve been thinking—
I believe your ‘affection’ towards me isn’t as pure as you think.”
(The End)
