Chapter 40: Gan Yanyu Wants to Settle the Accounts
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The Can-Can Dance
Jacques Offenbach composed the ”Can-Can” as part of the overture Heaven and Hell from his opera Orpheus in the Underworld back in 1858.
This opera, set in mythical hell, was a comedy packed with humor and irony.
Just how famous was this song over two hundred years ago?
In mid-19th century Paris, it practically dominated dance culture and entertainment for quite some time.
It became a symbol of the Parisian vibe.
With its infectious rhythm and lively beats, the ”Can-Can” has been popular at various celebrations and parties for over two centuries.
Think of it like today’s Gong Xi Fa Cai but for the upper crust.
Even now, the song often appears in mutated forms.
Twenty years ago, it was featured in a film with, “Come, I am a spinach, beep beep beep, I’m a spinach.”
Ten years ago, it was as the ending theme of Constable Cake and the Bakers.
Good music stands the test of time.
Choosing a catchy tune seems to help with making the story more appealing.
Not everyone has the musical gene after all.
People might not get the depth of Ode to Love.
But they can’t resist getting hooked by the ”Can-Can” melody.
Actually, even before, Ode to Love went viral in China due to an adaptation for entertainment.
There was that song during the mask era that went wild: “I just want an Ice Doll! Who can help me get one?”
After listening to it, you’d need three insulin shots just to relax.
That’s why many don’t want their favorite songs to go mainstream.
Some hidden gems should stay under wraps.
Soon enough,
Lin Tian jotted down the sheet music for a Can-Can performance.
Then he sat down at the piano and hit the keys.
~
After trying it out, Lin Tian frowned.
Obviously, playing such spirited music on a single instrument couldn’t capture its essence.
It needed a group effort.
BOOM!
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
Opening it, it was Gan Yanyu.
Since they were practicing, Gan Yanyu dressed casually—a light white strap dress barely covered her delicate body.
Her slender limbs and bony frame were very obvious, giving off a pitiful, petite image.
She seemed so vulnerable it made you want to protect her.
Probably a sleeping gown.
Lin Tian didn’t want to ask.
Besides, he wasn’t sure if Gan Yanyu’s menstrual cycle had ended. She hadn’t come around the last time; it might happen again.
“What’s wrong?”
Seeing Lin Tian’s odd look, Gan Yanyu shrank her head slightly.
“Not much, I was just wondering, how much do you weigh now?”
Four days since her rehabilitation plan began.
Lin Tian hoped these high-protein, nutritious meals would make her gain pounds.
“42.5kg, measured right after my shower,” she said.
85 pounds already.
Back when the system first appeared, it showed Gan Yanyu weighed around 80 pounds.
Guess it worked; at least she could see progress.
“When you hit 90 pounds, you should be good to return to school,” Lin Tian said optimistically.
“Hmm.”
Speaking of which, Gan Yanyu suddenly remembered something and quickly picked up her phone.
“Speaking of which, how much is the meal money for the past couple of days? Let me transfer it to you.”
“No need.”
Lin Tian pressed down her phone.
Just got seven thousand bucks from the system after paying rent and utilities.
Planned to splurge on a piano, but now there’s more than enough to keep them clothed and fed.
“No way! You don’t have much either. How can you spend all this on me?”
Gan Yanyu got worried.
She saw Lin Tian work hard.
She knew how challenging life was for him, alone without family.
“I have living expenses too. So I should be supporting more.”
“How? You already have only 800 bucks a month!”
Lin Tian cut in.
It was a number gleaned while jogging with her a few days ago.
Her parents weren’t fools.
They promised financial autonomy but really only gave her 800 bucks monthly, with extra for medicine.
Eight hundred wouldn’t starve a high schooler.
But it definitely wouldn’t support much more for Gan Yanyu.
Especially in Qingzhou, where weekend outings alone can cost upwards of 100 bucks.
They wanted her to be more dependent.
But considering her nature,
She never wanted anything to do with her parents—they’d never ask for money anyway.
She planned to find a job after cutting ties with them.
“Don’t worry about money. You helped me fix the piano, saving us thousands.”
Lin Tian changed tactics.
“What’s ‘your problem’?”
Gan Yanyu pursed her lips, staring at Lin Tian.
“Aren’t we facing this together?”
Lin Tian’s blunt comment made Gan Yanyu blush.
“Yes, yes.”
Lin Tian corrected himself.
“But you saved us money, so I should pitch in elsewhere!”
Actually, Lin Tian refused her money partly because he felt the ten grand was their joint earnings.
Since it was a “producer task,” their result.
He didn’t want to feel like he was exploiting Gan Yanyu, even though they were partners.
He’d use the money for shared expenses.
“The recording equipment was your find, and it’s fair I borrowed the piano,” Gan Yanyu retorted.
This wasn’t going anywhere.
Lin Tian finally took out his phone and laid it in front of her.
When she saw his WeChat balance of “7753.”
Her mouth dropped.
“Lin Tian, where did you get all this cash?”
“A fan sponsored it.”
“Sponsored?”
“Yeah.” Lin Tian put away his phone earnestly. “There’s a fan on Douyin who loves our videos, and knowing we’re still high schoolers, messaged me privately saying they’d give us ten grand.”
“He’s such a nice guy.”
Gan Yanyu couldn’t help murmuring.
“Yes, I have 7,000 left after rent—this money was earned through our efforts! So stop asking for me to contribute.”
Lin Tian raised his finger, explaining sternly.
And the girl, after thinking carefully, still found it unfair.
“Even if we both pay the bills, cooking all the time is still too much!”
Here, Gan Yanyu clasped her hands together, placing them beside her cheeks.
She burst into laughter:
“So, tomorrow, let me cook dinner for you!”
(End of Chapter)
