196. Chapter 195: You Two Aren’t Living Together? (Extra Chapter) (Please Vote for Monthly Tickets)
As the online comments escalated into more outrageous territory, Lin Tian put his phone away.
Indeed, from the moment Lin Tian chose to reveal his identity, there would be no peaceful days ahead.
About showing up on camera for some videos…
Lin Tian thought for a moment.
This idea could be kept on the back burner.
After all, Lin Tian had only admitted his identity in front of the media; besides announcing on Weibo later, he needed one more proper appearance on video where fans could interact with him.
Find some interesting new comments and show up on camera with Gan Yan Yu this time.
Rereading it, it wouldn’t be too bad.
Easier than recording a new song and still maintaining high visibility.
The last video was simple but gained numerous followers and became popular on Douyin.
If they showed up in person this time, the heat would definitely skyrocket.
But first, he had to get Teacher Gan’s approval.
In a bit.
Lin Tian decided to let things fly for now.
The next day,
After waking up, Lin Tian opened his phone.
The first message from the backend was the latest parrot zither player index ranking from major media outlets.
Although the “Moonlight and Cat” announcement stirred some waves online,
These were just gossip at best.
Lin Tian’s focus remained on the Parrot Zither Cup!
[Joint First Place: Gan Yan Yu, Bai Xi – 1031 points]
[Second Place: Christine Nanaly – 968 points]
[Third Place: Yun Qiu Qiu – 945 points]
[…]
The preliminary results sparked quite a debate in the music community.
Unexpectedly,
In the most anticipated and discussed third round,
Media outlets tacitly placed Gan Yan Yu and Bai Xi in a tie for first.
There seemed to be some intention to “avoid taking responsibility”.
With such high heat,
Putting either one first would result in a tough situation if ultimately discredited.
After all, both had a good chance of winning.
One was the Star Cup champion, having breezed through all competitions since the beginning of the year, without facing any real challenges.
The other showcased remarkable skills but stumbled along and received multiple opinion reversals. Until the last second, media couldn’t confidently bank on her.
Such an evaluation made sense to Lin Tian; Bai Xi was indeed the toughest opponent he and Gan Yan Yu had faced yet!
In Lin Tian’s eyes, Gan Yan Yu should easily shine in provincial-level competitions, sweeping through like cutting through soft tofu—except they ran into a Boss-level player in Bai Xi before even leaving Qingjiang Province.
At 23, she had every accolade yet was quirky, inscrutable, and seemingly charming to everyone.
Lin Tian couldn’t fathom her.
And she legitimately beat Gan Yan Yu in the Star Cup competition.
Music has many prodigies, eh?
Lin Tian understood better now the weight of Gao Zhen Yang’s words back then.
None of these geniuses were normal.
So, he must take the final tournament seriously!
—
Regarding Gan Yan Yu—
Lin Tian had a small doubt.
Though Teacher Gan had grown enough to delight him,
Something felt off.
Gan Yan Yu constantly emphasized that she had changed,
Too much, making Lin Tian suspicious.
Would someone frequently declare they’d “improved” or “transformed”?
Seemed more like reassurance for Lin Tian and herself.
Psychological reassurance?
When Lin Tian asked earlier, “You Guess” was all the reply he got.
Still, it didn’t matter how she did it; she conquered the stage, which pleased Lin Tian.
Later,
Lin Tian prepared a tableful of dishes to await Gan Yan Yu.
Yesterday’s sudden incident, with reporters swarming the music hall and chaos erupting, prevented him from fulfilling his promise to take her to a dessert shop for pudding.
They settled for hosting a celebration dinner at his place after the tournament, then serving her favorite sweets.
“.”
“It smells so good.”
Upon entering the house,
Gan Yan Yu slipped off her shoes and quickly approached the table.
The sight of an unusually abundant meal surprised her.
“For your last meal?”
“No, Teacher He Zhi Chen is coming soon.”
Lin Tian laid out the cutlery as he spoke,
“Coincidentally, he needs to talk to us about something. I figured we could have a celebratory feast too.”
As a man living alone often,
Lin Tian appreciated ritual, finding meaning in solitude.
So, after each competition, he hosted a celebration night, part of his few enduring interests.
Not long after,
“Beep-Beep!”
The doorbell rang.
Gan Yan Yu opened the door to see He Zhi Chen, dressed formally in a suit.
“Disturbing,” He Zhi Chen said, smoothing his tie.
Serious, like a tardy student.
“Wearing such stiff attire?”
Lin Tian stuck out his head, playfully questioning.
While Lin Tian sported shorts and Gan Yan Yu wore a flowery dress, He Zhi Chen looked like an insurance salesman.
“First meeting, naturally formal,” He Zhi Chen politely smiled.
He glanced around the modestly decorated flat, assuming Lin Tian, despite his fame, lived simply.
“Do you need to change shoes?” He Zhi Chen surveyed the spotless carpet and floor.
Gan Yan Yu smoothly opened the shoe cabinet and picked a pair of blue slippers.
“Can these fit?”
“Sure, don’t ask me these questions.”
“Okay.”
He Zhi Chen slipped on the slippers, feeling something odd but unsure why.
“Teacher Gan, do you usually stay…”
“Across in the next high-rise, sixth floor.”
“Alright.”
Lin Tian noticed the empty tissue box on the table.
“Used up,” he said sheepishly.
“I’ll get it,” Gan Yan Yu said, washing hands in the kitchen.
Heading to the TV stand, she knelt, opening the cabinet door, searching inside.
“Lin Tian, the old brand finished. Can we open a new pack?”
“Go ahead.”
Gan Yan Chu stared when she laid the tissues in front of He Zhi Chen.
“What—the two of you aren’t living together?”
Even more astonishing:
How could Gan Yan Yu seem to know everything yet always need to ask about everything, as if visiting for the first time?
“…”
Don’t overstep boundaries in someone else’s home!
Washing his hands, He Zhi Chen sat down, talking about business right away.
“To cut to the chase, the first thing to discuss…”
“Miss Dan believes since you two outed yourselves, let’s hold a press conference for your new album in a few days. It officially releases next Monday.”
“Press Conference?”
Gan Yan Yu’s face subtly shifted.
“Yes, but considering both teachers are newbies and young, not adept at public appearances yet, we agreed if you prefer online, we can host a livestream chat.”
(End of Chapter)
