Chapter 56: Gan Yan Yu’s Aspiration for the Future
Looking at Gan Yan Yu, who resembled a college student, Lin Tian suddenly felt a bit dazed.
If only
that day hadn’t happened,
that he hadn’t run into Gan Yan Yu sitting by the door as he was headed home.
If he hadn’t charged forward to stop her.
Then none of what followed would have occurred.
Gan Yan Yu would never have become a college student.
“Lin Tian.”
Lin Tian lifted his head. The young woman stood before him, waving and smiling.
“Let’s go.”
Gao Zhen Yang’s college was the Music Performance College.
After stopping a student on the road for directions, the two of them quickly found their way.
They arrived at the entrance of the college. Here, too, there was an air of artistry with colorful sculptures and modern buildings designed elegantly.
Several students were chatting happily, each carrying a harp. They seemed to have just finished a performance and were heading toward the cafeteria with cheerful laughter.
Truly the youth are full of vigor.
Lin Tian sighed with genuine emotion.
The harp is rarer than a cello.
If not in college, Lin Tian might never see it in real life.
Perhaps this is part of the significance of university life.
Even the smallest niche can find a path for learning here.
For instance, he had heard that some universities offer courses like relic maintenance from the Palace Museum, grape drying, missile repair, and even animal linguistics.
Take our beloved Ding Zhen as an example. He graduated with excellent marks in animal linguistics.
Entering the college, Lin Tian messaged Gao Zhen Yang.
“I’m here, Teacher Gao.”
Shortly after, he received a response:
“Sorry, I’m occupied right now. Just wait for ten minutes. Come up to the third floor after that.”
“Okay.”
Lin Tian didn’t mind waiting.
The two of them wandered along the corridors of the teaching building for a while.
Passing through an open corridor, Lin Tian turned around and realized Gan Yan Yu wasn’t there anymore.
“Teacher Gan?”
He called out, but discovered that Gan Yan Yu was standing still before a wall.
Approaching, he saw rows of trophies and certificates displayed.
And the young woman was staring at them with wide-eyed awe.
“Silver Award at the Clark International Competition, one of the most prestigious awards in the piano world.”
“Vocal prize at Italy’s Verdi Opera Competition, popular among Huāguó singing competitions.”
Gan Yan Yu rattled off, introducing each trophy to Lin Tian one by one.
As she spoke, her excitement grew,
“Amazing! Were all these earned by students from this school?”
“And also teachers!”
Lin Tian pointed to one trophy with a professor’s name on it.
Turning around, Gan Yan Yu faced the wall displaying the faculty profiles.
Like uncovering a trove of treasures, Gan Yan Yu dashed to the wall.
“Mr. Wang Wenwei! Is he really a teacher here?”
She pointed at a photo with her long index finger, bouncing excitedly on the spot,
“He’s known in percussion textbooks!”
Before she finished speaking, she saw another photo and widened her eyes,
“Teacher Chen Yi! She worked together with Maestro Elias Phiel, a legend in the music world!”
“She’s also a teacher here!”
“…”
“Of course! Of course!”
Lin Tian, although unfamiliar with these people, could tell how happy she was today compared to her usual reserved demeanor. He understood the thrill of suddenly finding out your idol is so close.
If he were to travel to Japan someday and meet teacher Kanade Tanamo giving a lecture, he’d definitely fight for the front row.
And ask a question just to satisfy his curiosity:Teacher, why does your Lele have no center?
“Oh, it turns out, Xingye Music Academy has so many impressive teachers. If I could attend this university, it would be quite enough.”
Gan Yan Yu stepped back two paces, folded her tiny fists, and placed them against her chest, expressing her wish like a beautiful dream.
Hearing this, Lin Tian pondered.
“Yanyu.”
“Yeah?”
“Do you need to go to college if you’re already so good at playing the cello?”
Lin Tian knew he was asking something peculiar.
Why go to college?
Wasn’t it obvious? What else would a high school graduate do?
Yet, he genuinely wanted to know what other meanings this held for her.
After all, Gan Yan Yu came back from England mainly because of the exam.
Saying the teachers are great, but Gan Ya Ye’s grandpa is even greater in playing the cello.
At least in cello performance, no one could surpass Grandpa Gan’s teachings.
In fact, many outstanding celebrities and wealthy individuals dropped out of college to start businesses.
Seemingly, with the ability to earn money in the field, one doesn’t necessarily need to finish university.
The starry-eyed Gan Yan Yu, longing for college, was dreaming of what?
“Well, yes, of course. College isn’t just for studying.”
Gan Yan Yu clasped her hands together earnestly,
“You can make a lot of friends with common dreams. See mentors you always admired.”
“I think forming a band would be easier, find classmates skilled in instruments. I love classical music, finding like-minded friends, brainstorming compositions.”
“So it’s about networking?”
“That’s right! It’s really a significant reason.”
“It’s not just about networking, it’s about atmosphere, the vibe!”
Gan Yan Yu said firmly, pointing with her index finger.
A touch of disappointment washed over her at Lin Tian’s unemotional response.
Considering everything logically, wasn’t that missing out on the fun?
But then her expression softened again,
“On my way here, I saw those older brothers and sisters. They made me so envious.”
“Envious?” Lin Tian asked, “Envious of what?”
“They’re so confident.”
“Through their own efforts, they enter top universities, study hard, chase their dreams so confidently. That’s what I envy.”
Gan Yan Yu lowered her head slightly and whispered softly.
“Yes, indeed.”
Lin Tian felt touched.
As a high school student, seeing those confident college students made him feel something, especially for the usually quiet, reticent Gan Yan Yu.
“I want a life like that. When we’re not busy, we can bring our instruments out of the building. When sakura petals fall, we’ll sit on the grass, listen to the harmonious tunes, and eat sweet snacks.”
Gan Yan Yu pressed her hands together beside her face.
She smiled gently, as if saying something blissful.
“And us?” Lin Tian was taken aback.
“Weren’t you the one who said, ‘if possible, we should go to the same city and, ideally, attend the same university’.”
Gan Yan Yu lowered her head, walked backward, and approached Lin Tian with her hands behind her back.
Then she lifted her head gradually and looked at him seriously,
“Should I apply to a music college? Will you accompany me?”
“Tian?”
(This chapter ends)
