Chapter 119: What Is the Correct Method of Playing?
After Lin Tian shared his thoughts, Gan Yan Yu’s face flashed with a flicker of panic.
“Maybe let’s just skip this. I’m not ready.”
“Not ready?”
Lin Tian was taken aback, “Didn’t you say you already learned the song?”
“The effect… isn’t great.”
Gan Yan Yu whispered.
“Only by playing together will we know where the problem lies.”
“I can’t do it.”
“Why?!”
Lin Tian was perplexed.
Gan Yan Yu lowered her head, her eyes downcast, hair cascading to cover her cheeks,
“I don’t want you to see how terrible I am right now.”
“. ”
Gan Yan Yu was terrified.
If she played with Lin Tian now,
he would realize just how bad she had become.
Lin Tian would definitely be disappointed.
After all, talking about it was one thing, but actually performing it was another.
In Lin Tian’s eyes, her cello was always the best—no, scratch that, the bestest.
Gan Yan Yu didn’t want Lin Tian to ever see her fail and have to comfort her.
She also knew that Lin Tian had mustered up a lot of courage to decide they should train separately.
If she messed up—
that would only prove that Lin Tian’s idea was wrong.
She couldn’t function without him!
And of course, Lin Tian would take full responsibility.
But in reality, it was clearly her fault.
“Let’s give it a try.”
Hearing her words, Lin Tian didn’t argue.
He simply extended his hand, smiling,
“We won’t know until we try.”
“. ”
On the couch at the café.
Gan Yan Yu took a deep breath, lifted her bow, and readied herself.
3, 2, 1—
Lin Tian began to play the piano first.
As the soft melody began, Gan Yan Yu drew her bow across the cello strings.
The slow, deep music filled the room.
The cello concerto in E minor.
Fitting its name, it was a piece made specifically for the cello.
Its accompanying instruments were subdued, letting the cello dominate the sound.
So, listening to the whole piece felt heavy, almost oppressive.
To convey such emotion accurately required strong resonance—letting the performer’s feelings align with the music.
Gan Yan Yu felt a lack of something essential, making her unsatisfied.
By adding the piano accompaniment, Lin Tian hoped to help them better grasp the mood of the piece.
“. ”
Now then…
What kind of emotion does the E Minor Cello Concerto express?
Composed as an elegy for his wife and reflecting his own aging, Elgar saw the futility of celebratory music amidst war and hardship.
It’s like Lu Xun deciding medicine cannot save a country.
Understandably, this piece reflects Elgar’s raw and emotional side, rather than his often more stately works.
“. ”
As they played on, Gan Yan Yu became lost in the tune.
Her cello grew deeper—like sinking into a swamp, unable to escape the passing time.
Yes!
This familiar feeling!
Lin Tian felt something long forgotten returning!
Like their previous sessions,
even if starting off not so smooth, once Gan Yan Yu found her groove, everything clicked!
But, there was a catch.
Lin Tian could only support, not lead.
This time, however,
his goal was different.
He wanted to understand what Gan Yan Yu did, diving fully into the piece.
So, he sped up his playing.
He kept going.
And going!
Sweat beads rolled down his forehead, tracing paths across the young man’s cheek.
Lin Tian observed Gan Yan Yu.
His mind raced, unable to keep pace.
He couldn’t fathom what it takes to control such emotion like she does!
Ironically, even though Gan Yan Yu knows nothing about Elgar or the story behind the song,
she seemed to have some kind of sixth sense.
When she started playing, all the emotions flooded her mind, transforming into a vivid performance.
“.”
Little by little,
a new thought swirled in Lin Tian’s head.
Perhaps,
Gao Zhen Yang was wrong.
He shouldn’t imitate how Gan Yan Yu plays.
Everyone has their strengths.
Obviously, this wasn’t his.
What method suits him best remained unknown.
But he could ascertain one thing—
Lin Tian turned his attention back to Gan Yan Yu.
Quickly, he found his rhythm again.
Yes,
when he let go of distractions and focused on her,
he felt powerful.
The first segment ended.
Gan Yan Yu laid down her bow.
The young woman was stunned at her hands.
“No mistakes at all.”
“Yeah.”
Beside him, Lin Tian looked exhausted.
As expected,
once they went into sync, whether it was Lin Tian or Gan Yan Yu, both exceeded their usual abilities—including his.
Including him!
Realizing copying Gan Yan Yu’s style was futile,
Lin Tian returned to being a supporting player.
The piece flowed so smoothly.
Yet another bitter truth he had to accept with little choice.
“But when we tried alone, I felt like I was doing terribly.”
At that, Gan Yan Yu couldn’t feel joy.
What was that?
She can’t play alone.
But with Lin Tian—no problem.
Isn’t that proof she relies entirely on him?
That’s just standing still.
“Gan Laoshi, I think your issue isn’t your playing.”
Lin Tian smiled, “It’s just that, you’re confident when I’m around.”
“Aah…”
Gan Yan Yu considered.
Sure enough, as long as she noticed Lin Tian close by, she felt safe.
Whatever piece she played, it seemed destined to succeed.
“Gan Laoshi, trust me, this piece was written for you. No one fits it better in my eyes.”
Resolute as ever, Lin Tian stood up,
“Let’s give it another shot, this time recording with the camera on.”
(End of Chapter)
