Chapter 118: The Unbearably Tough Solo Journey (4K Add-On Update) (Asking for Monthly Tickets like 10,000 A Day)
“What can I say? Playing flawlessly will help Teacher Lin pass the art examination.”
“But I think you’re probably aiming for more than that, right?”
Gao Zhen Yang said.
“.”
Indeed.
For Lin Tian, he has always strived for perfection in his studies.
Throughout his three years of high school, Lin Tian’s academic achievements were always at the top.
He was the epitome of talent and hard work to all his teachers and classmates, and everyone saw him as the perfect student.
Such a determined Lin Tian.
Since he chose the arts path, he should aim for the best too!
How could a man who dominated academics with one hand be content as a mediocre art student?
“What should I do?”
“As I’ve mentioned earlier, your current skill level can only get you through the exam, but among the top scorers every year, there’s usually a hint of ingenuity or something that moves the teacher.”
Gao Zhen Yang shifted into his teaching mode, changing his tone, and earnestly explained,
“What Teacher Lin lacks now is exactly this touch, something that will make an art examiner light up.”
Lin Tian’s current performance… can be described as—
too rigid.
It might not be bad as a professional piano accompanist for the cello, but—when Lin Tian tries to perform alone with humility—
his results are barely satisfactory.
“Teacher Lin, I can tell despite your impressive piano skills, you still lack some understanding of the art exam.”
“The art exam is not as simple as it looks. Our city of Bright River is already considered a province with high arts competition, where many shocking music prodigies emerge each year. The competition is beyond imagination. And at this national excellence university, Zhuanghua Music Academy, it’s even tougher to handle.”
Gao Zhen Yang stretched out his hand dramatically,
“Think of your opponents as ordinary art exam takers who studied hard for three years in high school.”
“But in fact, some of the participants last year were teenagers who joined the Music Association, along with a few well-known celebrities and a bunch of social media influencers!”
While the official stance is never to give any advantage to those with connections,
over the years, several scandals have been exposed,
like a TikTok star with millions of followers openly introducing herself during the Capital Film College arts examination.
Such behavior was clearly cheating in a strictly anonymous setting.
Wearing DIY clothes during a standardized outfit requirement, it wasn’t so grave—
but her amateur-level performance was simply embarrassing.
And yet, against all expectations, she scored 26th nationwide—a humorous ranking indeed.
Eventually, other candidates felt it unfair, exposed the scandal on TikTok, and it went viral.
Facing public pressure, Capital Film College had no choice but to revoke her admission.
If a social media influencer can manage such audacity,
isn’t it strange that a big star skips the exams altogether?
Are you not convinced?
That’s what Gao Zhen Yang wants to tell Lin Tian.
The arts examination is far from easy.
His rivals aren’t just music geniuses but also unknowns he can’t even imagine.
Gao Zhen Yang isn’t here to suggest any quick fixes.
But if you’re going to do something, do it right!
Do your best!
“Teacher Gan Yan Yu’s playing technique is indeed worth learning.”
What he meant was precisely this. Gan Yan Yu’s ability to connect with the composer’s soul was terrifyingly powerful.
Though her technique could be disruptive to her own psyche, the result could be devastating.
“It’s the ability to immerse oneself in music that allows her to understand and interpret the piece from any angle,” Gao Zhen Yang added.
“How do I learn this?”
Lin Tian was puzzled.
He knew about Gan Yan Yu’s power but hadn’t pursued it systematically.
Somehow, he thought only mentally unstable individuals could achieve this.
“Well, to be honest, I don’t know either.”
Gao Zhen Yang threw up his hands.
“???”
“If I did, I wouldn’t be here teaching in college.”
Gao Zhen Yang chuckled wryly.
Back when they first met, he had been overwhelmed by their talent.
Now, he was taking it calmly.
“But I can help you analyze it. Given how close you are to Teacher Gan, you might want to mimic her instead of seeking other methods.”
“For example, let’s take this piece.”
Gao Zhen Yang pressed the keys gently.
“Pong—”
“Aerwin’s C Major Sixth Concerto.”
As Gao Zhen Yang played, Lin Tian stepped in.
“Healing, huh?” Gao Zhen Yang asked, while directing Lin Tian’s hand.
“This piece is cheerful, right?”
“Yeah.”
“So, when you play, try to put aside the music score. Approach it from Aerwin’s perspective, imagining what emotions, experiences, and messages he intended to express.”
Lin Tian closed his eyes and entered a meditative state—
In the midst of the joyous melody—
he sensed…
underneath the cheerfulness, there was nostalgia and sorrow.
This tune spoke more about “lost happiness.”
Who was the great musician—
Aerwin—
really?
The soldiers, angry!
The soldiers, shout!
Heart beating!
Lin Tian awakened suddenly.
sh**t!
That was wrong!
“What did you feel?” Gao Zhen Yang was excited.
“Intense immersion, feels like I’m pelted with stones by a monkey.”
“??”
“So you’re skeptical, Gao Teacher? That this works?”
“I’m not sure.”
Wow.
So Gao Zhen Yang wasn’t teaching—
he was experimenting with him like a science project!
On the topic of—
“Explaining How Gan Yan Yu Immerses Fully and its Necessity for Us to Follow.”
“I’ll think more at home.”
Lin Tian stood up.
“Thanks, Gao Teacher. I’ll come back next week.”
With only two weeks left until the exam,
Lin Tian could feel he hit a plateau.
He performed well in all subjects except instrumental playing.
His [Jade] level piano skill seemed to focus entirely on accompanying rather than soloing.
Performing solo felt worse than [Silver].
That made no sense.
So, he sought Gao Zhen Yang out.
But he didn’t expect to be emulating Gan Yan Yu.
Did Lin Tian, perhaps, struggle to resonate with her in music and turned to torment himself?
She was an art goddess!
He must have no such talent if he was still around.
Speaking of mimicking Gan’s style—
the strangest idea Lin Tian overlooked—
was that she saw him as the composer himself!
She didn’t see his perspective when she created a “lonely soul” within him.
Imagine this—
if he didn’t fabricate a “inspiration from dreams,” she might view him as having 18 personalities!
She conversed with different parts of him to gather insights.
Lin Tian took a deep breath and returned to the piano.
No way she could do it, and he couldn’t!
At the same moment,
Across the street, a similar apartment.
Disorderly living room.
Gan Yan Yu, barefoot and disheveled, stepped on sheet music.
Playing cello.
With profound melancholy chords—
She shut her eyes, sweat trickling down her forehead.
“Not good again.”
Recalling the day she talked to her parents earlier—
her spirit fell.
Without Lin Tian,
her performances were never smooth,
especially with this concerto.
Her mind raced back to the day she stood alone onstage.
“Can I truly be without him?”
How can we catch up if he’s practicing the third door exercises,
while I lag behind?
I need more practice—
Just then, her phone buzzed.
The teenager picked up her phone, seeing a message from Lin Tian:
“Ordered pudding, don’t practice anymore, come over for a break.”
“Ding-dong—”
Gan Yan Yu fiddled with her fingers, looking up timidly.
“Come in.”
Seeing her utterly exhausted, Lin Tian stayed silent.
Entering the living room, he spotted the dessert box on the table.
She looked much better, sitting and unboxing the treat.
Lin Tian watched silently.
“Yep.”
His learning plan failed.
Perhaps Gan Yan Yu’s method isn’t suitable for him.
After all, he wasn’t a completely serious person.
He liked surfing memes, enjoyed offbeat jokes.
When teachers got fired up, he hid his laughter.
The crazier the atmosphere, the funnier it became.
It was tough for him to immerse himself to learn like Gan Yan Yu,
as he never managed the purity she had—
cold-hearted, emotionally balanced, single-minded but slightly off-kilter.
“.”
Silence.
Lin was preparing for the exam,
Gan for a competition,
both stuck in their dilemmas.
Previously, they faced hard times together in doubles,
but solo, Lin became somewhat reserved.
But, this separation…
perhaps inevitable growing pains.
Pain after breakup unavoidable.
How can they talk about Star Cup or World Tournament otherwise?
“When is the Star Cup?”
Noting the silence,
Lin asked.
“Next Sunday.” Gan Yan Yu replied.
“Where are you?”
“I…”
She toyed with her hair,
“I’ve not reached my goal.”
“Do you know why?”
Her pupils twitched slightly,
“Maybe… because it’s challenging alone.”
“Hold on.”
Lin stopped her, stunned.
“Actually, you’ve learned it but not achieving the effect, right?”
“Yes.”
“I’m stuck with instrumental playing.”
Lin said.
“Instrumentation?”
Gan Yan Yu was doubtful.
She found it hard to believe that Lin would struggle there.
“Not really, just unrealistic expectations.”
Lin clarified.
Then, he slammed his fist down.
Perfect timing!
They both were stuck on the same spot.
Why not collaborate immediately?
(End Chapter)
