### Chapter 85: Tell Me What Should I Do (4K) (Looking for Moon Tickets)
“Lin Tian?”
Gan Yan Yu’s hand clung to the doorframe, her eyes wide open like a startled owl.
Lin Tian didn’t waste any energy on small talk and grabbed the doorknob, ready to yank the door wide open.
Gan Yan Yu’s expression flickered with panic, and she quickly grabbed the doorknob from inside as well.
But how could a scrawny body like hers stand a chance against Lin Tian?
In the blink of an eye, Lin Tian yanked the door open, pulling Gan Yan Yu right along with it.
The young lady stumbled out next to her.
“Ahhh!”
She landed neatly in Lin Tian’s arms.
Gan Yan Yu fumbled with Lin Tian’s clothes, looking up to see Lin Tian, frowning deeply yet somehow still managing to look a bit helpless.
Gan Yan Yu knew there was no more escaping now.
—
A week hadn’t passed without Lin Tian visiting her house, and it had gone completely haywire.
Beer cans were scattered everywhere—different brands and flavors.
Trying new tastes even while staying awake? Sheesh!
Fast food boxes filled the trash can.
Gan Yan Yu had promised Lin Tian that whenever he wasn’t home for lunch, she’d make sure to eat well.
Eating well meant… convenience store bento and 13 yuan pig trotter rice?
—
Lin Tian started picking up Gan Yan Yu’s debris and tossed everything into large bags, throwing them out the door.
On the couch sat Gan Yan Yu, with a cello by her side. She curled into a ball, looking both helpless and confused.
As if she were a naughty kid awaiting punishment.
—
“Alright, how many hours have you slept?”
Lin Tian sat at the dining table, his face stern.
Gan Yan Yu held up two fingers.
“Two hours?”
“No, two days.”
“What?!”
“Did you drink too much and lose your mind?!”
Lin Tian couldn’t hold back anymore, pointing a finger at her nose as if he wanted to yell some tough words at her.
—
But seeing her innocent face, he couldn’t bring himself to do it. Truth was, he had his own share of guilt.
If only he had been more attentive, reacted more quickly, and noticed what was going on with her sooner…
How did things come to this?
—
And yet…
Didn’t have to go this far, right?
It’s just a concert, not even a competition!
Even if it wasn’t perfect, couldn’t she try again another day?
—
Plus, Lin Tian truly believed that Gan Yan Yu played pretty darn well already.
—
“Why do you feel you need to punish yourself like this?”
Gan Yan Yu hugged her knees, lowering her head.
“Someday, I figured out…”
“If I practice each song a thousand times or ten thousand times!”
“To a point where I don’t need to think through it in my head, and as soon as I lift my bow, my hands just know what to do.”
“You know, when I’m on stage, I can completely clear my mind…”
“Think of nothing. Just play.”
“Gan Yan Yu, you once asked why I never had those troubles when in England, didn’t you?”
Lifting her head, messy fringe partly concealing her face, her lips quivered into a bitter smile.
“This right here, is the answer.”
“I’ve practiced almost all the notable classical pieces so many times.”
—
Lin Tian was speechless.
Every single detail now had an answer in his mind.
Why Gan Yan Yu, despite being exhausted and dazed, could still play flawlessly the moment she picked up her bow.
—
Why even randomly playing music or watching a performance meant her hands automatically followed along perfectly.
Why, the first time he heard her play at home, although he thought it was impressive, she said:
“My playing lacks emotion, like a robot…”
That’s because Gan Yan Yu had turned most famous classical pieces into muscle memory.
—
This is definitely the dumbest, most idiotic plan ever!
—
And now, Gan Yan Yu was relying on this skill for the upcoming concert with Lin Tian.
—
“Do you consider this kind of mechanical playing ‘a love for classical music’?” Lin Tian questioned.
He continued,
“That’s pretty d*mn ridiculous!”
—
“It is.”
“Playing like a machine. It’s an insult. I don’t deserve to speak of love.”
Gan Yan Yu buried her face in her hands, starting to sob softly.
“Lian Tian, your compositions are amazing. I’m determined… to stop doing this. I’ll treat your work with care, and we’ll play this together beautifully.”
“But last week’s performance… made me realize it’s all a joke.”
“I’d rather work with you smoothly to give a great show than just playing music properly.”
—
Which was why she had hidden this from Lin Tian.
She didn’t want him seeing her like this, worrying or feeling she might “disgrace” his works.
But compared to the thought of disappointing Lin Tian, music mattered less to her.
She wanted to savor the stage together with him.
—
“Hmm, maybe you’re just tipsy,” said Lin Tian, standing up. “There must be other ways, you don’t need to hurt yourself.”
“I know!”
Gan Yan Yu cried, smearing her tears.
“But if I don’t do it, I won’t be able to perform on stage! That pain… I don’t want it either!”
“Lin Tian, you say we’ll find a solution, but don’t you think you’re being too clinical?”
“You stay safe, analyzing from afar… saying sensible things.”
Her tears dropped, and Lin Tian gently brushed them away.
“You’re smart, but sometimes you’re too confident.”
—
“Lin Tian, what else am I supposed to do?”
—
Lin Tian was silent.
He gently lifted Gan Yan Yu’s limp form, carrying her to her bedroom.
She laid down on the bed, eyes tired.
“Don’t worry, go get some sleep,” said Lin Tian.
“Sorry, Lian Tian. I’m so sorry…”
She drifted off.
“Nothing to worry about, rest.”
—
After Lin Tian left and went home, the sun was starting to rise. He prepared coffee and began playing the piano.
—
Gan Yan Yu woke up to a darkening sky and rubbed her eyes, realizing she’d overslept.
Checking the time, it was already seven PM!
“d*mn, rehearsal!”
“Mistakenly falling asleep ruined everything!”
Panic set in as she grabbed her phone and discovered a message from the concert organizers.
[“Teacher Gan, please ensure you’re there tomorrow!”]
And a missed call from Lin Tian.
—
“Did Lin Tian take care of it?”
Her phone buzzed; it was Lin Tian calling.
“Good, you’re up.”
“Alright, see you later for dinner and final run-through.”
—
Gan Yan Yu rushed over to Lin Tian’s place.
He had cooked a feast.
—
“Come on, sit. Why the formalities?”
“Thanks… What’s the occasion?”
“For tomorrow’s concert. Thought I’d treat you early.”
—
Lin Tian smiled.
“Yeah.”
Thinking back to the night before, she felt embarrassed.
—
But seeing Lin Tian in his usual calm demeanor, she hesitated.
Walking forward was the only way to deal.
