### Chapter 234: Heart-Stopping Live Stream (4K)
“Going to your place for New Year’s?”
Lin Tian shook his head firmly, “Nah, let’s not bother.”
It wasn’t that he had any bad opinions about Gan Yan Yu’s parents.
Frankly, it just felt awkward.
Lin Tian was used to being alone; during holidays, he basically spent them with himself.
Suddenly going to some strange family’s house was just… off-putting.
Even if there was Gan Yan Yu’s goodwill in play.
Besides, Lin Tian didn’t have any grounds to go over for the New Year.
What exactly would he be there as?
Boyfriend? — Not sure about that.
Unengaged fiancé who hasn’t set a wedding date yet? — That wouldn’t fly.
“No go then?”
Gan Yan Yu lowered her head, “Yeah, I mean, even I’m not too familiar with them, so suddenly dragging you along would just feel super awkward.”
Gan Yan Yu’s saint-like side came out at this moment.
Sure, in the past decade, they had practically been strangers, and coming back, they had even made her give up on her dreams.
But thinking about it, they just wanted to increase their bond through the New Year’s Eve dinner, trying to make amends for the past.
She felt like she shouldn’t reject their attempt at reconciliation.
— After all, it’s just a dinner.
They don’t meet often.
Plus, going home for Spring Festival is expected.
And that, Lin Tian couldn’t understand.
He’d rather spend big bucks just to have her folks get out of town and maybe find a cheaper place to stay.
When everyone else’s homes were lit up and filled with joy around the firecrackers, making a family dinner together, Lin Tian wished his dad could experience a similar moment with people from… well, cheaper accommodations.
Listen to the life stories of ladies working in less-than-savory places, that could almost be considered a touching tale of human compassion, no?
But even though Lin Tian didn’t get it, he respected Gan Yan Yu.
“Still some time before New Year, we don’t have to rush with the answer,” he added.
“Hmm.”
In Qingzhou City, in a certain apartment complex…
“Brothers, no outdoor streaming today! We’re staying in and chatting!”
In one bedroom.
Zhang Dong started his stream early, unlike usual. Instead of continuing the outdoor performances that fans loved, he opened a chat room, engaging with new fans entering his live stream.
“An hour from now, at 11 PM, Moonlight and Cat’s new album hits the streets.”
“Rumor has it, there’s a brand new single included, let’s all check it out together!”
As Zhang Dong spoke, anticipation got the better of him and he couldn’t help but rub his hands together.
The viewers in the chat were equally excited.
[Good good good, I was just stressing how to pass these next thirty minutes, you showed up just in time!]
[This time seems to be a symphony, Moonlight Bro will probably bring us something big again. Listening three times only gets you half, and you win!]
[Come on Dong, you’re the crowned ‘Internet’s Top Moonlight and Cat Expert’!]
[None of the other video creators hold a candle to you!]
[Zzz.]
“Rest assured, no one’s getting disappointed!” vowed Zhang Dong.
Since he joined Moonlight and Cat for a music video, Zhang Dong’s popularity soared. Just within a month, his live stream reached a stable 50,000 viewers.
All thanks to Moonlight and Cat.
Therefore, every live session Zhang Dong did, he promoted them wholeheartedly.
He calls himself Moonlight’s #1 fan but spends every day gushing about Moonlight and Cat in his stream, and honestly, their fans love it.
When the two weren’t releasing new content, fans just listened to Zhang Dong ramble about the old MV story, and how Moonlight’s humility and Cat’s shocking beauty captivated him.
Of course, if it were just mindless praise, it might have seemed suspicious, but Zhang Dong’s violin skills are top-notch.
His understanding and analysis of the music are unparalleled.
With each new release, a wave of analysts appears online, and most feel that Dong’s take is spot-on.
Thus, his fans have grown to adore him.
However, despite the confidence he displayed to his audience, he still had reservations.
Last time’s G minor Hungarian Dance and D major Canon were neither difficult, understandable after a few listens.
This would be a larger work.
A different level of complexity for sure.
Zhang Dong prepared himself with full vigor—despite his doubts.
This was how he gained fans in the first place!
He sat straight, hand by mouse, focusing all his energy.
The electronic clock read 10:59:
“Attention, brothers!”
“Uh!”
As the clock flashed 11:00, a notification popped up from Qzone Music.
[“Moonlight & Cat” has updated! Listen to “Works Collection 2″ ahead of time!]
Zhang Dong jumped onto it instantly.
[D major Canon]
[G minor 5th Hungarian Rhapsody]
Plus
The new track[G major Surprise Symphony]!”
“Surprise Symphony?”
Zhang Dong was taken aback.
Curious title.
Rare for a piece to be named after such a word.
And for someone who knew everything about Moonlight, he was confused.
Maybe it was just an abstract term?
[Might just be a joke, it could actually be a cheerful composition!]
[Stop worrying, whatever the name, let’s just jam!]
With those thoughts, Zhang Dong clicked to listen.
[Play $12.99]
[Buy now]
“Brothers, remember, it’s fun but respect the creators, support Moonlight’s album!”
The chat board lit up:
[Already bought]
[Zoooom, +1]
[… ]
Seeing that everyone supported, Zhang Dong nodded contentedly.
Then, a rumble echoed outside.
“A thunderstorm?”
Startled, he closed the window, the sky darkening ominously.
“Wait, everyone,” he said, then sat back down, hands trembling slightly.
“Let’s begin!”
——
A delicate violin part led, piano gradually building.
“~”
Like a river flowing, slowly advancing.
“Wow!”
Zhang Dong leaned back, lifting a finger,
“This feels harmonious,” he stated with authority.
“The vibe is slightly upbeat,” he pondered.
Agreement flooded the chat:
[Only true mastery, realizing this after just a prelude!]
[Indeed, I can picture a vast grassland, soothing.]
Then—
“Twang~!!”
“What the heck?!”
Zhang Dong jumped up from his chair, eyes wide at the screen.
The song continued, smooth and gentle.
Did I mishear?
Calmly composed, Zhang Dong continued to listen. No changes. He exhaled in relief.
“Relaxing, isn’t it!”
Recollecting his calm, he explained,
“Moonlight Bros knows how to capture the soul of a cello, delivering peace and beauty through the notes.”
Laid back, eyes closed,
“True masterpieces need undivided attention.”
The big chord hit with a sudden thunderclap.
Zhang Dong jumped from his chair, flinging the headphones.
“F—off!”
Chat exploded:
[Haha!]
[I jumped out of my chair!]
[Friggin’ scared me, felt like sh*t.]
[Ahhhh]
Heart pounding, Zhang Dong took a deep breath, returned to his seat, and put on his headphones.
“Not bad.”
Mentally foggy, he stuttered,
[A great line from Dong: It’s somewhat upbeat.]
“Why did that chord land here?!”
Unsettled, he felt the chill down his spine.
He’d listened to so many pieces, never seen such a jarring chord in a soft melody!
That’s not normal!
Yet.
Reflecting, he admitted.
While shocking, it fits.
No one else could blend it so seamlessly.
The only one who could achieve this was undoubtedly Moonlight.
Dragging the progress bar back, he resumed listening.
The music stayed serene and calming—
Then—”Thwack!”
Ready this time, Zhang Dong wasn’t caught off guard.
This pattern repeated:
Tender tones, abrupt, dramatic shifts, each time jarring his nerves.
Like riding a roller coaster.
The crescendo concluded the final surge.
Chat room erupted:
[Incredibly fun piece! Called ‘Surprise Symphony’ for a reason!]
[Laughed till nose bubble popped watching Dong toss the earphones.]
[I’ll need to see a cardiologist after this.]
“So, it feels like a turbulent life’s journey with sudden storms,” pondered Zhang Dong, stroking his chin, “Moonlight Bros may want to showcase resilience in the face of catastrophic disasters!”
Praising poured in:
[Cooool, only Dong can do this!]
[Ah, so true!]
[The abrupt change accurately depicted turmoil, scaring us half to d*ath!]
Moonlight truly is the boss.
Despite the cheers, Zhang Dong felt doubt.
Listening again…
Why did it feel like…
This piece was crafted to be challenging?
(End of chapter)
