"Really? You're quite the romantic?"
Lin Tian hadn't expected Gao Zhenyang, of all people, to be so well-versed in sentintality.
"I gave her a watch once," Lin Tian said.
It was on the morning Gan Yanyu returned to school after their ti apart. He'd presented it to her in the courtyard as a celebration of her return to normalcy. That gesture had earned him a hug—one he still vividly rembered.
The softness of her body pressed against his, her head buried into his chest, the faint scent of shampoo mingling with her unique fragrance—it was intoxicating. So much so that Lin Tian briefly considered asking Gan Yanyu for the brand of shampoo she used. Maybe if he bought the sa one, washing his hair would remind him of that embrace.
"A watch?" Gao Zhenyang looked incredulous. "Who gives a girl a watch these days? Are you reminding her to keep track of ti and not slack off? You're not her boss!"
"Then what should I give her?" Lin Tian asked.
Gao Zhenyang leaned back, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Sothing aningful. Sothing personal. Ideally sothing handmade or custom-made—sothing only you could give her."
"Like a custom cello?" Lin Tian suggested.
"With the competition so close, switching instrunts might throw her off," Gao Zhenyang countered.
"A dress?"
"If you're confident in your taste and know what she likes, sure. But tread carefully."
"A diamond ring?"
"What are you even trying to do here?!" Gao Zhenyang exclaid, baffled.
---
The piano classroom at Xingye Conservatory buzzed with an unusual energy. Inside, a university professor and a rising star in the music world sat side by side, deep in discussion about gift-giving strategies.
From the corridor, students passing by assud they were debating so profound topic related to classical music. They couldn't have guessed the real subject: how to pick the perfect gift to boost Gan Yanyu's confidence during her performance.
"Anyway," Gao Zhenyang concluded, "since your arts exam prep is mostly done, maybe focus a bit more on this. It could make all the difference."
"Got it," Lin Tian replied.
As he left the conservatory, Lin Tian mulled over the dilemma. With the competition approaching, there wasn't much else he could do for Gan Yanyu besides rehearsing together and offering words of encouragent. If a single thoughtful gift could help her channel his presence during the performance, it would be worth every effort.
Deciding to seek advice from others, Lin Tian ssaged Xu Yong, a friend he hadn't spoken to in a while. After explaining the situation—how he wanted to find a gift that would evoke his presence and bolster Gan Yanyu's confidence—Xu Yong responded almost imdiately.
"Remote-controlled vibrators," Xu Yong suggested bluntly. "Have her play while struggling to stay composed. The audience will love guessing why she looks so flustered-"
Before Xu Yong could continue, he was blocked by Lin Tian on WeChat. Clearly, asking him for an advice was a wrong move.
Frustrated but undeterred, Lin Tian realized there was only one person left to consult. This kind of question was better suited for a woman's perspective anyway.
---
"Sothing that reminds her of you, huh?"
Su Ran's voice carried a teasing lilt. "Oh, how romantic! Straight out of a TV drama, aren't we?"
"No, no," Lin Tian clarified quickly. "It's just... when I'm around, she feels more confident. It's less about romance and more about giving her a morale boost."
"Well, there's actually a simple solution," Su Ran quipped. "Loan her fifty grand. Tell her half-interest if she makes it to the quarterfinals, interest-free for semifinals, and installnt paynts if she wins. Trust , looking at the bill mid-performance will work wonders."
Lin Tian ignored the sarcasm. "Cut it out. I'm serious."
"Fine," Su Ran mused. "Girls value feelings over material things. For instance, you could give her lipstick. She can wear it during the competition, and it'll feel like you're standing beside her."
"Lipstick?" Lin Tian echoed, surprised. That was sothing he hadn't considered before.
True, most girls appreciated good lipstick—even soone like Gan Yanyu, who rarely wore makeup, had applied so during their last concert.
"How do I choose?" he asked.
"Go for brands like Armani, Chanel, Dior—pick a classic shade that won't go wrong. And yes, it'll cost you."
"Not cheap, huh?"
"Of course not," Su Ran said firmly. "Soone like Gan Yanyu deserves quality. Or you could opt for perfu. Scents can trigger mories too, though that won't co cheap either."
"So what exactly should I get?" Lin Tian sighed, exasperated. All this brainstorming felt fruitless—and expensive.
"In the end, it's all about the feeling," Su Ran concluded.
---
That evening, Lin Tian called Gan Yanyu over.
"What is it? You're being awfully mysterious," she said, sitting down curiously. "I haven't finished practicing yet."
"Shh."
Lin Tian motioned for her to stay quiet. Then, gently brushing aside her long hair, he fastened sothing around her neck.
When Gan Yanyu realized what it was—a silver pendant engraved with "Rainy Day"—her eyes widened in shock.
"For ?" she whispered, touching the pendant gingerly.
"Yes," Lin Tian said earnestly. "Wear it on the day of the competition, okay?"
Her face flushed red, and she froze, overwheld by emotion. "Why... why did you think of this?"
"I spent all day thinking about it," Lin Tian admitted. "I considered scents, textures, everything. I wanted to find sothing that would make you feel like I'm right there with you."
"It doesn't matter what it is," Gan Yanyu murmured softly. "As long as it's from you, anything works."
User Comments
0 comments from readers