## Chapter 102: Gao Zhenyang’s Suggestion
Upon hearing those words, both of them froze in place.
Recommended admission?
Xingye Music Academy, ranked in the top five nationally, certainly had the chops to back it up.
Getting a recommendation from Xingye was undeniably a badge of honor for any aspiring musician.
It’s easy to understand why Gan Yan Yu might be on that list.
After all, her grandpa is Gan Lao himself—talk about a solid family background! Plus, she’s already gathered quite a bit of local fame in Qingzhou.
But Lin Tian? Really?
You see, the world outside was still blissfully unaware that Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu were the infamous duo known as [Moonlight and Cat].
In other words, nobody knew Lin Tian was the mastermind behind the “Moon Cat Trilogy.”
Xingye’s recommendation was clearly based on recognizing Lin Tian’s piano skills, not just for show!
It’s not like the vast majority of folks even noticed Lin Tian, the seemingly low-key piano accompanist. Heck, some didn’t even realize Gan Yan Yu was “self-specified accompaniment” rather than an official concert pianist!
So for Xingye to notice Lin Tian’s true talent was quite the feat— props to their professionalism.
“So, what do you think?”
Gao Zhenyang spread his arms wide,
“If you’re willing to come to Xingye, you won’t have to stress about the art examinations or college entrance exams for the next six months! You can focus exclusively on your music!”
Now that was a tempting offer!
For Lin Tian, the master of time management, juggling creation and academics was getting a bit overwhelming.
But… could he really accept Xingye’s offer?
Lin Tian glanced sideways at Gan Yan Yu.
The young woman had her head bowed, deep in her own serious thoughts.
When she noticed Lin Tian staring at her, she blinked in surprise and turned her face,
“Lin Tian, what do you think?”
“Me?”
“If you think it’s okay, I’d have no objections.”
Gan Yan Yu spoke gently.
For her, her own opinion wasn’t the priority.
After all, she was the one who dragged Lin Tian along to the music academy auditions.
If he wanted to have an easier six months ahead, she’d willingly accompany him to Xingye.
She wouldn’t complain.
“…”
Lin Tian was taken aback that Gan Yan Yu tossed the decision back to him.
But he knew her well;
This girl, even if she had her own preferences, would always prioritize his feelings.
And he was quite aware of her true choice deep down.
“Our goal is Zhuanghua Music Academy.” Lin Tian declared.
The moment he said that, Gan Yan Yu stared at him in shock.
“Honestly, you don’t have to rush your answer,” Gao Zhenyang chimed in.
“Thank you, Teacher Gao, but Zhuanghua Music Academy has been our goal all along. It’s also Teacher Gan’s dream.”
As Lin Tian said this, he glanced at Gan Yan Yu.
Zhuanghua Music Academy represented more than just an institution.
It was their official ticket to the capital’s music scene.
Just like Old Man Wan had told him—Qingzhou was too small, and sooner or later, they’d have to hit a bigger stage.
Gaining entry to Zhuanghua Music Academy would mean stepping onto the grand stage of the capital’s music world.
The connections and resources there far surpassed anything other music academies could offer.
Sure, Xingye was nice, but it was still a local university in Qingzhou.
Thus, Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu had a very valid reason to aim for Zhuanghua.
Everything he concluded was a product of cold hard logic.
It wasn’t just about Gan Yan Yu.
“…”
“I think I understand now.”
Gao Zhenyang leaned back, a grin spreading across his face.
“Ha ha, I know it’s a bit strange for me to say this being in my position— but, Lin Tian, Teacher Gan, I truly believe you should aim for a better university!”
“Zhuanghua Music Academy or Hushang Music University! With your abilities, I’m sure you can get in! Clearly, they’re better suited for you than Xingye!”
Hearing this, Lin Tian had to stifle a laugh.
Wow, Gao Zhenyang really didn’t hold back!
As a teacher from Xingye, suggesting other schools? Bold move!
But if Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu had just agreed, Gao Zhenyang would probably have a whole different spiel prepared.
Standing there during a celebratory champagne toast? Yeah, not really Lin Tian’s style.
So, he swiftly changed the subject.
“Teacher Gao, mind if I ask you about Douyin (TikTok)?”
Recently, Lin Tian had been considering multi-platform video releases and even registering for Weibo.
Might as well make the most of this dinner and pick his brain!
“That brings me to another topic I wanted to discuss today.”
At that, Gao Zhenyang’s expression turned serious once more.
“I think if possible, you two should consider signing with a talent agency.”
“Sign with an agency?”
“Yup.”
Gao Zhenyang wore a somewhat defeated look,
“After all, I’m primarily a university lecturer, and my focus isn’t really on this. In terms of professionalism, I can’t compare to a dedicated music agent, and my support for you is pretty limited.”
“I noticed you’ve got over a hundred thousand followers on Douyin, right? Once you produce more works, you might want to consider releasing a classical music album. Many collaborations will certainly come your way.
For example, your earlier piece, the ‘G Minor “Pathétique” Symphony,’ would translate perfectly into a multi-instrument version. And I saw you’ve only written one movement so far. You could consider writing the additional movements for that, and I bet many musicians would be very interested in the rights!”
Gao Zhenyang rambled on but kept it succinct.
Just like he said—he wasn’t a professional music agent.
In Gao Zhenyang’s eyes, Lin Tian’s compositions had immense untapped potential!
Perhaps it was because Lin Tian was just a high school student and not yet overly interested in these matters. But that didn’t mean he wouldn’t consider this post-exams!
In such cases, finding a reliable music agent would be a significant help.
“Yeah, I’ll definitely think about it,” Lin Tian replied.
Gao Zhenyang’s words rang true, sharpening Lin Tian’s focus.
If conditions allowed, finding a pro to guide him would definitely be beneficial.
Especially after his bold previous experience with copyright negotiations, he realized that winging it wasn’t the way to go.
Gao Zhenyang had done more than enough for him and Gan Yan Yu already—he wasn’t paying him.
Constantly relying on him felt a bit too much.
For now, let’s see how tomorrow’s feedback on “Bullfighting Song” goes!
(End of Chapter)
