Chapter 269: Troublemaker Yao Han
Inside the concert hall.
As the host announced the list of finalists,
“Clap, clap, clap!”
The audience erupted in thunderous applause.
The eight confirmed finalists stood proudly at the front of the stage.
International media reporters eagerly clicked their cameras, capturing this moment.
After all, for these young pianists, advancing to the finals of the Sato Sakura International Piano Competition was no small achievement.
Amidst the deafening applause,
Yao Han leaned closer to Lin Tian, who was standing next to him.
“Congratulations, Teacher Lin Tian! From now on, you’re the pianist who can represent Tianchao in battle overseas.”
Yao Han said, still gazing ahead,
“Can we count this as a performance too?”
“Eh, what do ordinary folks know about performances?”
Yao Han replied in a half-teasing manner but suddenly his eyes became sharp,
“Teacher Lin Tian, do you think you can win Best Newcomer?”
“Who knows?”
Lin Tian didn’t give a direct answer.
He was puzzled.
Ever since he met Yao Han here in Tokyo, it seemed like Yao Han cared more about his competition than he did himself.
It felt like if Lin Tian won an award, Yao Han would expect a share of the bonus.
“Teacher Lin Tian, I feel like I need to correct your mindset.”
Yao Han said casually,
“I don’t know what your career plans are. Perhaps to you, the honor of this competition isn’t that important, and you don’t see anyone as rivals.”
“But you have to understand, for some pianists, this might be their one shot at glory. Whether you like it or not, to them, you’re the enemy they have to beat.”
Hearing this made Lin Tian pause.
He turned his head and noticed Watanabe Satoru on the other side of the stage, the same guy who had approached him in the rest room.
Right now, a dark and icy gaze was aimed at Lin Tian.
“.”
Yao Han patted Lin Tian on the shoulder,
“They will do whatever it takes to secure victory.”
“Sometimes, making them lose here with all your might might just be the best outcome for them.”
As the event wrapped up, on the way back, Lin Tian reflected on Yao Han’s words.
The more he thought about it, the more mysterious it felt.
He never really said he wouldn’t give it his all; he just wanted to keep his mindset balanced.
By the way, what was Yao Han really thinking?
Lin Tian revisited the livestream from a couple of days ago.
Before he even encountered that reporter, he clearly saw Watanabe Satoru introducing himself in front of the camera.
Lin Tian racked his brain and couldn’t figure out any connection he had with Watanabe Satoru.
In the rest room, Satoru had approached him first, seemingly unconcerned by any rumors about Lin Tian.
Considering what Yao Han just said,
It was hard for Lin Tian not to speculate on any relationship between Yao Han and Watanabe Satoru.
During the live broadcast, when Yao Han was interviewed,
He piled on the praise, giving Lin Tian a mountain of compliments.
Lin Tian already knew Yao Han admired him back when he was at the Parrot Zither Cup.
But in front of the cameras, such unabashed flattery?
Didn’t he think about the potential backlash?
To say the least,
At the welcome banquet,
Lin Tian was just an ordinary, transparent pianist from Tianchao.
His sudden popularity, the buzz on YouTube and Twitter, even sparking some extreme offline stabbings by netizens—
All stemmed from Yao Han’s relentless work both on and off stage.
Even if he wasn’t the sole reason behind the online uproar, Lin Tian had no idea to what extent Yao Han had pushed things along.
If it was all unintentional, then fine.
But what if all of this played out like a well-orchestrated plot by Yao Han, slowly crafting the narrative for Lin Tian to become the centerpiece of the entire Sato Sakura International Piano Competition?
That was a bit chilling.
Lin Tian couldn’t fathom why roasting him over an open fire would benefit Yao Han.
Sure, Lin Tian was chasing clout, but almost getting burned was also true!
“Chen Ge.”
While in the car, Lin Tian couldn’t help but ask He Zhi Chen in the passenger seat,
“What’s the deal with that Teacher Yao Han?”
“I thought you two were close!”
“Just interacted a few times, nothing serious.”
To put it bluntly, Lin Tian and Yao Han were just acquaintances. He hardly knew anything about him.
Yao Han making it to the finals wasn’t just luck.
“I’ve got it.”
He Zhi Chen responded, “When we get back, I’ll check. All I know is he’s from the ’80s, one of the youngest members of the Tianchao Music Association board. He doesn’t compose, but his performance skills are top-notch, with some clout both domestically and internationally.”
“Uh-huh.”
Lin Tian nodded.
Getting to judge a competition like the Parrot Zither Cup already showed plenty of clout; the average age of the other judges was over 60!
“I’ll let you know once I find out more.”
Back at the hotel, Lin Tian took a shower.
Lying back on the bed, reflecting on today’s events, he felt pretty good.
Mainly because he had resolved some long-standing mental blocks.
Not just composition, but now, performing felt enjoyable too.
It was like,
The peak of gaming addiction.
It wasn’t just reaching the champion rank.
Maybe it was mastering those flashy moves like the Monk’s ultimate dash or Riven’s rapid combo!
Before long, Lin Tian’s phone buzzed.
It was Xu Yong calling.
Why would this brat suddenly decide to call?
Hopefully, he’s not in some trouble and needs a ride home!
Upon answering,
“Dude, Lin Tian! I watched the competition, you were seriously awesome!!”
As soon as the call connected, Xu Yong shouted ecstatically.
Lin Tian chuckled:
“What, you actually sat through a piano competition? You fall asleep watching the national football team!”
“Dude! Do you really need to insult yourself like that? You’re definitely a better representative than they are!”
Xu Yong exclaimed,
“Sato Sakura! A massive pianist, which high school student doesn’t know you? Everyone in school is talking about it! You participated in the Sato Sakura International Piano Competition, and any girl who hears this will get all flustered!”
Xu Yong’s over-the-top enthusiasm was as vibrant as ever.
Lin Tian couldn’t help but roll his eyes at the phone, making a “give it a rest” expression.
Did he call just to flex and show off?
“You think your dad, that j*rk, has seen this? Wouldn’t he just be green with envy?”
That got Lin Tian to stop in his tracks.
“Weren’t you always saying you wanted to make him regret not recognizing your talents? Well, now you’ve got the money and fame. If that j*rk sees this, he’ll be fuming! I’m genuinely happy for you, man!” Xu Yong said.
(End of Chapter)
