87. Chapter 87: Just Take the Stage Already! (Extra Update) (Vote for Me!)
“Talking in the office, so turn your phone on silent?”
Gan Yan Yu was confused. Usually, whenever she messaged Lin Tian, he’d reply instantly.
Wait and see for now.
Gan Yan Yu held her forehead.
She wasn’t sure how long she stood there.
“Esteemed audience, good evening! Welcome to our ‘Soul Resonance’ concert!”
As the voice echoed, Gan Yan Yu walked to the window. The female host was already on stage, delivering the opening remarks.
“In the following hours, we’ll take you through different music styles, featuring performances by nine stellar musicians from the lovely province of Qingjiang.”
Down below, it was packed with a sea of fans, with no seats left empty.
“Why’s it so crowded this year?”
Gan Yan Yu pursed her lips, puzzled. While the ‘Soul Resonance’ concerts had always been popular, they’d never had a full house. Yet today, nearly every seat was taken.
But why?
Maybe people came just to mock her?
Although she knew that Qingzhou didn’t have many music events, could such enthusiasm really be sparked by her recent college promotion?
Her mind suddenly flashed back to that day in class when they played the piece ‘Moonlight and Cat’.
Nope, don’t think about it!
Gan Yan Yu slapped herself lightly.
Right now, she needed to stay calm!
Opening her phone, she decided to shift her focus—maybe find out why today’s concert was drawing such a big crowd.
She opened the ticketing platform’s app. She may not understand all the other apps but she sure knew how to navigate this one.
Soon she reached the ‘Soul’ ticketing page.
The comments were surprisingly numerous:
“Gan Yan Yu, Gan Lao’s granddaughter, must see her first return performance here!”
“Is it true that Moonlight and Cat will perform tonight?”
“Indeed, and it’s Gan Lao’s real granddaughter!”
“I’m here and I’m excited to hear Moonlight and Cat!”
“Heck, is it even Mo and Cat themselves? There are a lot of remixes online.”
“Just don’t ruin the original work. I don’t require perfection.”
“…”
So this crowd, drawn by her? And to hear live versions of ‘Moonlight and Cat’?
Gan Yan Yu was stunned.
After some time,
Knock, knock!
The door of the resting room rattled.
Gan Yan Yu stood up straight. It was Gao Zhen Yang at the door. His face was sweating, evidently just rushed.
“Has Teacher Lin Tian arrived?”
“No.”
“What? We’re already on the sixth teacher!”
Gao wiped his forehead. “I called him, but he didn’t pick up. Try again.”
“Alright,” she dialed again.
Silence.
“Gan Yan Yu, Teacher Lin might’ve had an issue.”
Gao realized they had to act fast if Lin Tian didn’t show for the eighth teacher spot.
“If Lin Tian doesn’t arrive, I’ll get you a piano accompanist!”
“No way!” Gan Yan Yu firmly rejected. She shook her head.
“If Lin Tian isn’t here, neither am I.”
“Gan Yan Yu, our accompanists are top-notch!”
“Not happening.”
“But that disrupts everything!”
“I hope you can understand me.”
In her gentle yet unwavering tone, Gan Yan Yu spoke, and for the first time, Gao felt the weight of her presence.
“Understood!”
Gao clenched his teeth, “And if it’s considered a breach of contract, I’ll handle it myself!”
“Thanks.”
She looked out the window as lights flickered on stage. A small symphony band was taking the concert to its peak.
Deep emotions stirred within her.
Lin Tian, where have you gone?
Yesterday I told you that…
If you’re upset and just ignoring me, at least give me a chance to say sorry.
Gan Yan Yu silently prayed.
She didn’t mind the right words he shared.
She knew her illness was destined, walking the cello path alone. No one can truly empathize with her pain.
You’ve done enough, Lin Tian.
Yet, she felt grateful, never angry.
No matter what, she must complete her performance.
“Number eight!”
Gao threw the door open, “Gan Lao, it’s time! You ready?”
Bam!
A hand slammed the door. Both looked over.
Lin Tian appeared, freshly suited with exhaustion. He leaned against the door and spoke softly.
“Am I late?”
“Lin Tian…?”
Gan Yan Yu stared blankly.
“It’s about time you showed, Teacher Lin!”
“You made it, just right!”
Hasting outside, Gao beckoned the staff to prepare.
“You…”
Gan Yan Yu watched Lin Tian.
His hair was disheveled, face pale, eyes lifeless.
She stepped forward, seeming to sense something, extending her hand toward him.
When she touched his chest,
“Aah…”
Lin Tian exhaled comfortably.
“When did you become such a drama queen?” she chuckled.
Seeing his state, she asked worriedly,
“What happened?”
“Nothing, actually, I feel better than ever.”
Gazing back, he gave her a thumbs-up.
Rushing in, Gao opened the door again.
“To the stage!!”
Along the backstage corridor,
guided by the staff,
Lin and Gan Yan Yu proceeded towards the stage.
Busy workers and departing performers passed by.
Glancing up, she stared intensely at Lin Tian, worried to d*ath.
“Lin Tian…”
“Yeah?”
“What’s wrong with you?”
“I’m fine,” he said.
“You didn’t come from school, right?”
“No, I came from home.”
“You…”
“Sorry, Miss Gan, I lied.”
Stopping at the stage entrance,
Lin Tian faced the bright lights and the crowd.
“I spent the entire day playing piano, didn’t go to school.”
“Same yesterday, never stopped.”
“Right until now.”
Turning towards her,
Facing her startled eyes,
He spoke resolutely,
“I’m the kind who would stand safely and tell others not to jump off.”
“But if I don’t step closer and hold their hand…
Then I guess I’ll have to join you!”
(End of Chapter 87)
