### Chapter 343: The Exploding Intensity of the Dragon Zither Cup
Heaven knows for sure this dude is a complete psycho!
After listening to He Zhi Chen’s story, Lin Tian thought, “Seriously?”
Indeed,
A super-rich second-generation heir didn’t want his luxurious life, and instead, he ran away to Beijing to play the “homeless” game.
If he wanted to be homeless, at least do it right—he became a bonafide homeless person.
Considering that Bai Junze fled school in middle school, it’s understandable, as he was going through a rebellious phase. But come on, even after living like that, he never considered going home?
What a real man!
Lin Tian suddenly remembered his buddy “Old Deng,” who had also run away. In Lin Tian’s eyes, Old Deng’s exit might as well have been a kind of homelessness too.
He wondered how Old Deng was doing. If Old Deng hadn’t become a homeless person, Lin Tian would be really worried. However, calling him a “real man” comes with a caveat:
—Only if he’s got a working brain.
Clearly, by participating in competitions, he could have returned to a normal civilian life, but why keep up this “homeless” lifestyle? It’s not like being an eternal wanderer is a great thing, right?
He Zhi Chen had a more reasonable explanation:
This guy clearly has some screws loose.
Particularly considering what happened on stage…
It was just so bizarre.
Lin Tian had never met anyone like him before.
Even when it comes to Gan Yan Yu, he thought she was only weird in art, while her daily life remained normal—
“The need to stay in his creative zone.”
—
On another front,
After hearing Yao Han’s explanation, Nanaly asked him the same question, but his response left her confused.
“Maintaining my… creative zone?”
“You could say that.”
Yao Han nodded, looking at the big screen with a slight smile.
“He’s a natural street musician; all his inspiration comes from his wandering life.”
“White Junze himself said that if he were to suddenly live a comfortable life, without worrying about food, his creativity would dry up. Then, poof, he’d be just another person.”
Nanaly stared at the screen disbelief:
Was he truly sacrificing everything for music and cello?
“That’s terrifying,” Nanaly murmured.
Bet your life on it?
Just to give everything to his beloved music?
Could people like him even exist?
“He truly loves his music so much,” Nanaly sighed softly.
“No, Nanaly, it’s more than love.”
Yao Han interrupted her.
The young woman looked up.
“As a regular person, wanting to be this devoted isn’t easy. With family, friends, life—they can all easily bring you down.”
Yao Han paused for effect,
“But White Junze’s spirit has long transcended material concerns. Nothing can chain him down.”
“He may seem like he’s bound by music, but in reality, he’s achieved true freedom!”
Whether it’s his carefree stage persona,
Or that sticker-covered cello case that draws commentary,
Or even the LED-laden cello and the dramatic performances…
From the moment he stepped on that stage,
His sole focus was clear.
He had to get his music out there!
Whether the audience liked it or not, whether the judges approved or not—
This was none of his business!
The roaming musician White Junze, whether in mind, body, or music, was always on a journey.
—
Finally, the last note fell on stage,
“Bang!”
White Junze struck his cello once more, laughing recklessly and giving off a sense of achievement as he looked at the judges.
Silence followed, then…
A thunderous applause broke the silence.
“I can’t believe how amazing this stage is!”
“Visual and audio double impact, pure magic!”
“This has to be the best performance I’ve ever heard live!”
“Sure, it’s weird, but it’s d*mn good!”
Zhu Ye and Feng Ye, on the commentary deck, were at a loss for words.
They had never seen anything like this—
From his absurd appearance to his makeshift cyber-cello,
From the eerie introduction to his explosive performance.
For the first time, they had witnessed “strange genius” personified.
But certainly,
“He’s at the top level.”
Zhu Ye concluded,
“White Junze clearly has reached a divine level in his interpretations of rhapsodies and is beyond the average cellist when it comes to technique.”
As a commentator,
It’s rare to describe anyone in such exalted terms.
But given the performance, that was his honest reaction!
The frightening part?
Because his performance was so unconventional,
You couldn’t tell if he reached his limits or if he just enjoyed playing.
“Nanaly,” Yao Han called, pulling her back into reality.
“You understand what I’m getting at?”
Yao Han leaned over beside Nanaly, both peering at the screen.
“Yes…”
Nanaly hesitated, her lips slightly pursed.
Before her on the screen,
He possessed something she currently lacked—
Freedom.
In his performance, Nanaly slowly realized something.
To chase her own freedom, she must conform to rules.
To choose life on her own terms, she had to defeat Gan Yan Yu…
Was this approach flawed from the beginning?
Nanaly lowered her gaze, silent.
Yao Han smiled contentedly.
“I trust we’ll see the perfect you next time,” he said, standing tall.
Nanaly turned abruptly,
“Wait!”
Yao Han paused.
Her wary eyes bore into Yao Han,
“Why did you help me?”
“And why do you know my story so well? And about White Junze?”
Ever since Yao Han entered the room, Nanaly felt uneasy.
He walked in, told her a confusing tale, guided her to answers, then left.
She couldn’t comprehend this guy, but now she found him just scary.
If seeing her performance was enough, maybe she could let it slide,
But why help her?
“Consider it a shame to see such talent on a misguided path,” Yao Han said, smiling easily.
Nanaly was silent.
“Talent,” she repeated weakly.
“Why do you always emphasize that word?”
She looked down, biting her lip.
Suddenly, Yao Han appeared before her again, blocking her view.
Nanaly looked up, puzzled.
Warmly, Yao Han stared at her.
“Does it matter, Nanaly?”
Leaving her dressing room, Yao Han hummed as he entered the washroom.
As he adjusted the water flow, his expression grew more excited and unrestrained.
“What a gift from heaven! Why didn’t I spot earlier? Tian teacher, you have such hidden gems around you.”
“She is the perfect adversary!”
The competition had already started for two hours.
Watching dozens of performers, Lin Tian began to tire.
“Impressive,” Lin Tian groaned, sprawled on a couch.
This competition was no joke compared to the Parrot Zither Cup.
Back then, most players seemed secondary.
But here every player had distinct qualities.
Up until now, all participants made zero errors in their performances!
Top-tier players from each province indeed.
Zero errors were a given.
The challenge lay in each player’s deeper understanding of cello and music.
Like the top essay contests,
Correct grammar, elegant structure, and thematic focus were commonplaces.
The rest was about who could delve deeper.
For viewers, this was thrilling—everyone performed impeccably, making it an exhilarating rivalry.
Winning wasn’t just about not losing badly; it was about being strong enough.
Unlike some sports, where winning was about minimizing mistakes.
Audience enjoyment aside, the pressure was huge for performers.
Music was so subjective. After one piece, if no mistakes were made, it was hard to judge their skill level accurately.
Lin Tian’s head ached just watching. He glanced at Gan Yan Yu.
Surprisingly, she looked unperturbed, emotionless towards the screen, unaffected.
No wonder she’s a teacher!
Lin Tian felt relieved.
Since he was just a pianist, cello expertise wasn’t his forte.
Gan, however, having matured, showcased confidence and composure.
Maybe she saw these players as mere specks?
“How are things, Gan?” Lin Tian inquired.
“One who leaves an impression?”
Gan Yan Yu paused.
Looking at Lin Tian, she suddenly pouted.
“Every player seems better than me.”
Did she feel overwhelmed?
“Come on, Gan. Not really. The only genuine threat is that Bai Junze fellow.”
“However,” Gan whispered,
“So far, no classical music?”
Lin Tian’s eyebrows lifted.
Indeed, the current competitors all opted for modern genres.
Classical only appeared in a few pieces like Nanaly’s, or songs that bridged various styles.
Bai Junze’s performance stood out.
Though it didn’t please the judges, this eccentricity likely resonated well with the audience.
Handsome and distinctive.
Who wouldn’t love that?
Given the audience’s preference for youth and innovation, Bai Junze wouldn’t face harsh criticism.
“Fair, then?”
How about Gan and his?
Lin Tian didn’t know how to console her.
Gan though, despite the question, didn’t seem fazed.
She propped herself up, gazing at the screen with satisfaction.
“It’s nice playing with just you and me.”
“Haha,” Lin Tian chuckled.
“What’s the funny part?”
“Gan, doesn’t it feel… romantic?”
“I didn’t say.”
“Truly impressive. Defying the world alongside someone like you.”
At that moment, the screen buzzed with host,
“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome next performer, Mao Weiang!”
“See?”
Lin Tian pointed.
“The final boss has arrived.”
(End)
