"Classical music?"
Looking at the sheet music in her hand, Gan Yanyu's lips trembled slightly as she felt the rhythm of the piece.
As she hummed along, it reached the climax.
The girl's heartbeat accelerated, thumping away.
Her beautiful brown eyes were fixated on the notes on the sheet music.
It seemed as if she wished to absorb each and every note.
She was excited.
The girl suddenly turned her head.
"Lin Tian!"
"Huh?"
"Have you ever played this piece in full?"
"No."
So, does this mean,
Am I the first person to perform this piece?
Gan Yanyu's expression gradually turned serious.
Lin Tian was still in a daze when Gan Yanyu suddenly reached out her hand,
"Cello!!"
A shout of "bring the instrument," and Lin Tian dared not delay, quickly grabbing the cello from the side and handing it to Gan Yanyu.
This change in atmosphere startled Lin Tian.
He had never seen Gan Yanyu act so unceremonious!
Gan Yanyu unzipped the case and solemnly retrieved the cello.
As if completing some solemn ritual, Gan Yanyu slowly placed the cello between her legs and picked up the bow.
To not disturb Gan Yanyu's performance, Lin Tian got up and sat on the opposite side of the table.
He sat on the floor, propping his hands on the table, supporting his chin, and watching Gan Yanyu across from him, holding his breath.
"Can we open the window a bit? It's stuffy," Gan Yanyu asked.
"Sure."
Lin Tian opened the balcony door.
Then he returned to the floor.
"You can start now, Mr. Gan," Lin Tian respectfully said.
Gan Yanyu took a deep breath and raised the bow.
The bow glided across the strings.
After trying a few notes continuously to ensure there were no issues,
Gan Yanyu adjusted her posture and pulled the cello.
...
In many people's eyes, the cello might not be a very popular instrument.
Because it is just too niche.
Few people play it, and even fewer listen to it.
The vast majority of people think of the cello as sounding dull and having an old man's vibe.
If it's that old man, it might as well be buried and play the suona.
The cello neither has the clarity and brightness of the violin nor the grandness and delicacy of the piano.
It seems to be an optional role, whether in film and television works or in real music halls, it seems only to be an insignificant accompaniment in the orchestra.
Even in musical anime, there's no protagonist who plays the cello.
But, is that really the case...
Famous Chinese composer Tian Yimiao once said—
"Without the cello, how would our sorrow make a sound?"
The cello is such an instrument.
Sometimes cold and rigorous, sometimes warm and elegant, sometimes wistful and lingering, sometimes heavy and mysterious.
And no matter how it is played.... ultimately, the sound of the cello,
is "life and death in agreement."
As a world-famous piece, "Ode to Love," has numerous versions throughout history.
Piano version, violin version, harp version, many top musicians have, over more than a century, interpreted this piece in their own way.
Yet, from Lin Tian's perspective, regardless of the version, none quite matched the feeling brought by its original instrument—the cello.
Only the cello can provide people with such deep emotion; only the cello can interpret tenderness to the extreme...
As Gan Yanyu pulled the strings.
The beautiful sound of the cello flowed down with the music.
What kind of gentle piece was this?
It was like the soft murmurings of a lover, with a hint of melancholy, yet full of sweet flavor.
Tenderness like water, deep emotion to the extreme.
Even someone with no musical sense whatsoever, given they took the time to savor it, would be moved.
Elegance, such elegance!
This was Lin Tian's exclusive solo performance.
He sat below, watching Gan Yanyu seriously playing on the couch.
The shabby little rental room seemingly transformed into a splendid, magnificent concert hall.
The large bottle of chilled Yibao in his hand became an 1888 Rafi.
Enjoyment.
Nothing but enjoyment.
Playing the cello, Gan Yanyu seemed like a completely different person.
No longer clumsy and timid as usual, she was earnest and sacred; the music was in her hands, manipulated at will.
Gradually, a confident smile curved on the girl's lips.
For a moment, Lin Tian forgot that she was the introverted girl with a cello bag, sitting on the windowsill, ready to jump.
Forgot she was the talented drunk who turned crimson from drinking yet stood undeterred.
Forgot she was the silly Gan Yanyu who needed her fingers blown on when bitten...
Just this moment.
She was the most beautiful poet in the world.
....
Gan Yanyu put down the bow and took a deep breath.
"How was it?"
The girl nervously looked at Lin Tian.
After all, this was her first solo performance for someone other than her grandpa.
Lin Tian rubbed his chin, his eyebrows knitted together.
This raised eyebrow made Gan Yanyu even more anxious.
"Why haven't you won the Yingqin Cup championship yet?"
Lin Tian couldn't help but ask.
"I..."
Gan Yanyu was momentarily choked up, but in her heart, she felt a sense of relief,
"I'm not good enough, grandpa often says my performances lack emotion, like a robot....."
"It also depends on whom you're compared to."
Sir Gan was the number one cellist; the first search result for your name is at his level!
Having reached this level and still being so self-deprecating, it's unimaginable what kind of hellish crushing education Gan Yanyu endured as a child at Grandpa's place.
"I think your performance was already outstanding!"
Lin Tian didn't mince words and straightforwardly gave his critique.
To interpret "Ode to Love" to this extent on the first performance.
The level of Gan Yanyu's cello skills far exceeded his expectations!
If this was made into a video and didn't go viral, it would be an injustice!
"Good."
Upon hearing Lin Tian's praise, a rare smile of joy appeared on Gan Yanyu's face.
To her, this was recognition from the composer himself.
"Lin Tian, the piece you wrote is so beautiful! I think it doesn't lose to any world-class classical music."
Gan Yanyu couldn't help but marvel, "If grandpa were still here, he would surely love this piece."
"Then let's record it, and when we visit the hospital next time, let's play it for him to hear!"
Lin Tian suggested with a smile, "Maybe, hearing this piece, Grandpa will wake up."
"Great!!"
Gan Yanyu smiled brilliantly.
The girl silently made a determination in her heart.
They promised to go, and they must go.
Lin Tian turned his attention back to the sheet music.
Since the trial performance had no issues, the next step was to record it and upload it online.
However, to ensure the quality of the recording, a professional recording device was necessary.
And, a piano was also needed so Lin Tian could accompany when needed.
All these things cost money.
As it stood, Lin Tian and Gan Yanyu, to put it bluntly, were high school students without a lifeline.
Renting isn't too expensive, but for Lin Tian, who needs to keep posting videos, long-term renting is a loss.
At that moment, Lin Tian suddenly thought of someone.
Maybe he could ask him for help?
Lin Tian opened the desk drawer and took out a business card—
[SYC Music Agency]
[Music Department Director: Zhong Weian]