Chapter 72: Something Big Has Happened!
“Still keeping up with your studies?”
For Lin Tian, who’s been swamped with music over this period, this wasn’t a simple task.
At least, Lin Tian knew he couldn’t be as lethargic as before.
However, considering that sticking with it would grant him an entire month off next month to prepare for the art examination…
“Okay.”
Lin Tian agreed.
“Mmm,” Zhang Juan nodded, promptly instructing Lin Tian to sit down.
With great earnestness, she said:
“Lin Tian, even though the teacher doesn’t know why you suddenly want to become an arts student, I understand your dreams, and I hope you can understand me too.”
“You’re one of the school’s key focus students. If your grades drop, the administration will question me as class monitor. So, I hope you could understand my difficulty.”
“Understood, Miss Zhang.”
In all honesty, Zhang Juan was indeed an outstanding class monitor given Lin Tian’s previous experiences.
All Lin Tian could do was promise:
“I won’t let you down.”
Stepping out of the faculty office:
The midday sun beamed onto the playground where most of the students were already gone for their lunches, leaving a desolate feel behind.
Lin Tian and Xu Yong walked across the desolate playground.
Recalling the earlier conversation in the office, Xu Yong began:
“So, Zhuanghua Music Academy is your choice?”
“Yeah.”
“Going with Gan Yan Yu?”
“Right.”
“She invited you?”
“Did I open my mouth?”
Lin Tian was bewildered by how accurately Xu Yong had guessed.
“It’s because when I asked you what university you wanted to attend, you seemed quite lost then.”
Xu Yong leaned back casually, saying,
“If now you’re resolute, apart from women, I can’t think of anything else that could make such a change.”
“Though you might be exaggerating, on me, it stands true.”
Lin Tian chuckled without refuting it.
He did have to admit, Gan Yan Yu had changed him in some ways.
But it’s just typical of Xu Yong to be obsessed with women.
Even when he’s serious, he’s capable of spouting bizarre things:
“And you haven’t noticed? You’ve changed a lot recently.”
“What changes?”
“More civilized behavior.”
“Aren’t we all a bit less civilized here than you?”
“I’m mostly mouthy, but you, Lin Tian, used to be really mean.”
Xu Yong sank into a memory and continued,
“Don’t you remember that freshman who gave birth in her dorm bathroom and nearly dropped the baby into the drain? We were just joking around backstage, but you actually went up to her and asked where her invincible kid went.”
“…”
Such bold moves did seem like something he’d do.
“Now’s different, Tian Ge seems to be getting more mature, less snappy and hasn’t tested me in a while…”
“If you want to be tested, I’m game.”
“Not really.”
Xu Yong quickly coughed.
Although Xu Yong loves to jest, facing off with Lin Tian, his banter wouldn’t last past two rounds.
Even after Lin Tian gave him leeway.
Seeing Lin Tian now pursuing his own dreams and next month, preparing for art exams—going a different way—Xu Yong felt a pang of nostalgia. Maybe they wouldn’t get to chat like this anymore.
“I just feel like you’ve become gentler lately.”
“Your words are getting sicker.”
“In fact, I’ve seen similar situations before.”
Xu Yong stated seriously, “A normally non-conformist guy becoming softer.”
“That’s probably love.”
“…”
Lin Tian abruptly stopped.
Xu Yong did too.
You look at me, I look at you.
The atmosphere became awkward.
Xu Yong queried, “Never thought about it?”
“I never did.”
“But everything you two are doing looks like a couple.”
“We’re partners.”
“Don’t you like her?”
“…”
Lin Tian remained silent.
At 18, going through the vigorous phase of puberty, who wouldn’t think about it?
Especially when a few days ago, during an episode, they had some intimate moments.
Honestly, Lin Tian enjoyed it.
No one rejects something so good.
But, thinking about dating hadn’t crossed his mind.
Not only for himself, but also because Gan Yan Yu always stressed they should never cross lines.
She held back in front of him, which aligns with her personality.
But mainly,
They had so much to do: Creating, Music, Competitions…
Each thing seemed more important than romantic nonsense.
Both were putting all their effort towards a common goal.
If either started thinking romantic thoughts,
It would hurt the other.
“I think if you didn’t like her, you wouldn’t do so much for her.”
Xu Yong, who didn’t know the whole story, pieced together recent fragmented information concluding Lin Tian must care a lot.
“You’re overthinking.”
Lin Tian marched forward, addressing his chatty friend,
Turning around and holding up his index finger, said clearly:
“Love only takes up a small part of life.”
“In this world, there’s much more important stuff than romance.”
The math test later in the afternoon was bumpy but ultimately over.
Luckily, math was always Lin Tian’s strength, and despite recent laziness, he could still handle it under pressure.
After classes, Lin Tian headed home with his backpack.
But upon arrival, he saw a familiar figure.
Wearing casual clothes, Gan Yan Yu was squatting at his doorstep.
If it were anyone else, he might suspect they were trying to scam him.
“What are you doing?” startled, he asked.
“Lin Tian, you’re finally back!”
Gan Yan Yu got up hurriedly.
Too long squatting made her legs numb, and she stumbled as she stood up.
“Ouch!”
She staggered a bit, stepping forward.
Lin Tian managed to hold her before she fell.
“Why are you here?”
Lin Tian found the scene comical.
“Big news!”
Gan Yan Yu appeared extremely worried, frantically pulling out her phone,
“Did you watch yesterday’s video?”
“Not yet, why?”
Lin Tian liked saving messages to read later— something Gan Yan Yu knew.
Seeing her state, Lin Tian got nervous.
Was she being criticized?
Until she finally opened the comments section and showed it to him,
Eyes wide, biting her fingernail, she said:
“People are saying we’re a couple now!!”
—End of Chapter 72—
