### Chapter 163: Peacock Zither Cup Event Forecast (4K) (Vote for Us!)
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At home after returning, the next few days went by smoothly.
With He Zhi Chen around, the signing process was a breeze. The studio gradually took shape as envisioned, with everything running according to plan.
Especially when Lin Tian emphasized the crucial point regarding “music” copyright splits—a point he knew too well due to his past troubles. He Zhi Chen was handling the tense negotiations with higher-ups on Lin Tian’s behalf.
According to He Zhi Chen, he had plenty of data to show the executives how lucrative Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu’s music could be. So negotiating the most beneficial split wasn’t tough at all.
Lin Tian wasn’t sure exactly what He Zhi Chen said, but considering he threw out the number 180,000 CD sales without batting an eye, Lin Tian could only believe that.
However, compared to other random stuff, the most frustrating issue was the stage name—an insignificant-looking problem.
“.”
“What should we call ourselves?”
Lin Tian discussed this earnestly with Gan Yan Yu at his house. Deciding on a name for the album was tricky.
In recent years, many singers turned from TikTok and Bilibili stars into idols, and most ditched their online handles in favor of real-sounding names.
After all, “Moonlight and Cat”—they both looked like stage names.
Using real names would mean revealing their disguises.
Although “One Step Away” pretty much confirmed Lin Tian and Gan Yan Yu were from Qingzhou, local music circles were already speculating about them. High school students, eighteen-year-olds who always played Moonlight and Cat’s songs.
These factors stacked up, making it clear to many they were indeed Moonlight and Cat, except for the final proof needed.
The Peacock Zither Cup competition was expected to be bustling with spectators looking for evidence. But despite these assumptions, Gan Yan Yu hadn’t gained enough fame to break out into widespread popularity outside Qingjiang’s music scene.
On Weibo, the long discussions about their identities weren’t getting much traction. It seemed people were more concerned with less serious things.
“Every time Moonlight and Cat appear, there are plenty of top trending topics, and even the unsubstantiated posts are talked about. What’s missing is a major, indisputable news story to truly set off the firestorm.”
This could very well be their debut that could do just that.
“Let’s hear what Teacher He has to say,” Lin Tian thought.
On WeChat, He Zhi Chen remarked,
“Stripping our disguise is a matter of moments. With your current popularity, announcing an album and MV will likely top every website’s trend list. Even exposing our true names won’t make much more of a difference.”
He Zhi Chen saw this as a powerful tool. If no one could definitively prove anything, why rush it now? They could pull the trigger when needed for some big impact, whether to shift public attention or to push rankings.
The idea seemed reasonable. If something like that happened—like if Lin Tian’s fitness photos got leaked and caused pandemonium—clearly they’d need a bigger headline. Not repeating more private details, though.
“If it were up to me, I’d rather keep the disguises on until after the Peacock Zither Cup finals.”
This made sense. Especially since Gan Yan Yu’s grandpa’s good name could take a hit if they exposed themselves while she lost the competition. Lin Tian felt a shiver just thinking about it.
“If we win, great! If not, it could be embarrassing.”
Once they unveiled their true identities, there’d be a surge—love and hate alike.
But if they clinched the Peacock Zither Cup championship first… the explosive news could have a massive effect.
“Then let’s announce our true selves once we win the Peacock Zither Cup.”
“Okay, so what’s the name?”
“We’re partners, we’ll continue using our duo name.”
They were already used to it. And honestly, there were worse team names, like milk coffee or Phoenix Legend.
They settled the deal. He Zhi Chen mentioned he would start working on the MV plans, and the competition was just a day away.
“Good luck!” he urged.
On Tuesday, the day before the competition started, Lin Tian got a message from his homeroom teacher, Zhang Juan, asking about school attendance.
Technically, since the art exam was over, he was supposed to return, but he stalled with an excuse.
Little did his teachers know that the absent student might be competing in the biggest cello competition in the province.
Then he received an unexpected message from Xu Yong:
“Took some classes, but I can watch the live stream.”
Gao Zhen Yang chimed in with:
“Go hard, get first place, then enter nationals!”
Even Su Ran called Gan Yan Yu directly, which puzzled Lin Tian.
A vibe of anticipation was in the air. All the encouragement had Lin Tian sweating bullets. This was the true battlefield of musicians!
Online, various mainstream musical media were hyping the event.
“Top teacher Tuoba leading us into uncharted territory!”
“The greatest showdown yet!”
“Three prodigies under twenty competing for the first time. What incredible potential!”
The article with the most views highlighted the ranking:
“First place: Bai Xi”
“Second place: Gan Yan Yu”
“Third place: Christine Nanaly”
“Fourth place: Yun Qiu Qiu”
“Fifth place: Zhu Ya”
…
“Christine Nanaly, a British cellist, will make her debut. Interviewed by media, Nanaly’s rival status with Gan Yan Yu back in Britain is evident. A true battle of the stars!”
And thus, the chapter ends.
