Chapter 265 A Purely Talented Rival (Bonus Chapter) (Vote for Me Month)
As the music continued to play…
On the big screen, this untidy-looking pianist demonstrated an ease and elegance completely at odds with his gloomy appearance.
His piano was as clean as clear water. Tranquil, serene.
It lacked grandiose expressions or drawn-out passionate soliloquies. Instead, it flowed like a gentle stream. Surprisingly, though, it grabbed everyone’s ears. It brought joy to the heart.
“(Hey, not bad.)” someone in the rest room marveled.
“(Comforting piano!)”
“(I thought after hearing Nishikawa-sensei’s performance, the next guy wouldn’t be so energizing, but lo and behold, there’s still such a surprise.)”
“(It seems plain on the surface, but through delicate adjustments in touch, it produces rich and varied tones, enhancing musical expression—impressive!)”
Despite being a simple piece, with little expressive depth or heart-stirring melody…
After settling down and listening carefully, almost all pianists gave it high praises.
Lin Tian, also staring intently at the screen, felt a small shock.
Unbelievably strong foundational skills!
Skills superior to his own!
Though less dazzling than Nishikawa Yuha earlier, after savoring it, it became clear—this required considerable effort and talent.
Who was this person?!
“(Who is it?)” asked many in the rest room.
“Watanabe Satoru. I only know he’s a second-rate Japanese pianist without formal training, who’s managed to win some minor competitions. This year, he’s making his first appearance at Sato Sakura.”
Everyone was oblivious to this player!
They hadn’t paid attention in any of the pre-tournament buzz or media reports. But this unassuming pianist had incredible skills in piano!
“(Another hidden master in this tournament.)”
“(Never saw that coming.)”
“(Could it be, aiming for the Best Newcomer award?!)”
Suddenly, his presence threw off everyone’s predictions about previous winners.
Blameless.
Such a clean background.
How could anyone recognize such a threat?
Meanwhile—
In another lounge, Yao Han saw Watanabe Satoru’s performance on the big screen smiled contentedly.
A few days prior, during their conversation in the office:
“[ ]”
Watanabe Satoru, 28 years old, from Chiba.
Despite his talent, his humble origins prevented him from attending a prestigious music school and thus, opportunities to perform in major platforms were scarce.
Only after winning several amateur competitions did he gain some recognition.
Since “Sato Sakura” was held in Tokyo, more domestic pianists got slots.
Finally, this year, fate favored Satoru as one of the seven Japanese participants.
But Satoru didn’t want to go.
Arrogant, he viewed these performance matches as a waste of time with no background or credentials.
He cared not for such honors.
Still, his agent persuaded him to attend.
With pride comes reality—the lack of a resume is a challenge. After all, it’s rare to get this international stage opportunity.
Winning “Best Newcomer” might change your life forever.
Thus, Satoru came.
With utmost humility, performing unexpectedly to astound everyone.
This was Satoru’s resolve!
He aimed to strike back against the media’s ignorance!
Even without a fancy music degree or flashy prizes.
He, Watanabe Satoru, remains here!
Without the showy tricks of formally trained pianists,
yet with solid foundations and pure playing, every audience member is captivated.
Amidst Satoru’s piano, the entire crowd is entranced, Yao Han included.
Indeed.
While all pianists, media, and judges overlooked this unremarkable player Satoru,
only Yao Han noticed this 28-year-old seemingly ordinary pianist.
Yao realized—
This newcomer could be someone’s opponent.
Only he could fully unlock potential!
“Lin Tian sensei, how do you find your opponent?”
“However, a clash between you two is not ripe yet…”
Elsewhere:
As the curly-haired man finished his performance and the audience applauded, Lin Tian was stunned.
He involuntarily joined in.
Lin propped his head in frustration.
“Great, even random passersby are this good.”
These guys were more terrifying than anticipated.
Participating in the Parrot Zither Cup with Teacher Gan wasn’t this stressful.
Here, everything feels like running into Xi Bai!
Lin took a deep breath.
Yet, thinking about it,
Lin glanced once more at the screen.
The performance just now…
Moved him.
For reasons unknown,
such purity struck a nerve inside him,
echoing his own past.
After some time…
The announcement system rang out again.
Now they announced—
Lin Tian.
Lin stood up from his seat.
At the same moment,
every pianist inside the lounge turned their eyes toward him.
Clearly, they had been observing closely.
A couple of Asian faces gulped.
More anxious than Lin Tian.
Lin shrugged and pushed open the door, stepping towards the stage.
The speakers were announcing Lin Tian’s biography—
When “Lin Tian” echoed,
reporters began stirring.
Gan Yan Yu sat in the front row.
Clutching her fists and craning her neck, she stared wide-eyed.
Seeing Lin Tian mount the stage, the young woman quickly took out her phone.
Simultaneously,
As the announcer spoke, introducing the piece Lin Tian was to perform,
pianists in the lounge all froze.
“(Seriously, sensei Lin Tian? Performing this?)”
“(Wait, Nishikawa Yuha just played a rhapsody!)”
