Chapter 164: The Revenge Battle Begins
Third place?
Lin Tian squinted at the rankings, his skepticism evident.
Was Nanali's placent serious? Simply because she was described as Gan Yanyu's "longti rival," she was ranked third, right below Gan Yanyu.
Really? Did people actually believe this?
It was like when Lu Benwei casually claid in an interview, "It's about fifty-fifty; I've solo-killed him plenty of tis," and the dia promptly placed him on par with Faker. Utterly ridiculous.
Clearly, this was just a wild ranking.
With that perspective, Gan Yanyu being ranked second felt less objectionable. Bai Xi, the Starlight Cup champion, deserved her top spot. Her skill was impeccable—sothing even Lin Tian, with his system-enhanced musical insight, couldn't fault. That srizing performance still lingered vividly in Lin Tian's mind.
Bai Xi would undoubtedly be their toughest opponent in the Parrot Cello Contest.
As for the other unfamiliar nas on the list—those Lin Tian hadn't encountered during the Starlight Cup—they couldn't be underestimated, despite their lower rankings. After all, Qingjiang Province was renowned as a hub for musical talent. Who knew? Another prodigy capable of playing rock music on the cello might erge.
In any case, these rankings were rely references. Historically, pre-tournant dia rankings tended to be cursed predictions. Those ranked first often failed to win. Lin Tian hoped this year's curse would hold true.
Regardless, the truth would reveal itself during tomorrow's preliminaries.
---
Qingzhou City, Mingcan Grand Hotel, Presidential Suite
In the quiet room, an elderly man stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing out at the bustling cityscape below. Cars stread through streets, pedestrians moved along sidewalks, and life unfolded beneath him.
Behind him, his assistant, Tian Rui, busied herself organizing docunts for the upcoming competition. Glancing up montarily, she caught sight of Toba Jianhui's solitary figure and hesitated before speaking.
"Sir… lately, there's been a lot of online discussion about Miss Gan and your recent interview."
"Many are accusing you of bullying newcors by leveraging your seniority. Do you think what you said might have been too harsh?"
Toba Jianhui exhaled deeply, his weathered face betraying no emotion. Turning slightly, he responded calmly, "If those words could make that child abandon this path, I should have said more."
Tian Rui frowned, conflicted. At that mont, Toba turned toward the open suitcase nearby. Amidst neatly folded clothes lay a photo fra. In it, a younger Toba Jianhui stood beside another man carrying a cello case.
"Old Gan, rest assured. I won't let anyone harm your granddaughter."
---
December 20th – Preliminary Round of the Parrot Cello Contest
The morning sun illuminated Qingtian Hall, where crowds had already gathered outside. Fans, spectators, journalists, and staff filled the square, creating a cacophony of excitent.
As Lin Tian stepped out of the car, the sheer scale of the event hit him like a tidal wave. This was far beyond anything seen at the Starlight Cup.
"There's Miss Gan—and Mr, Lin!"
A group of young fans erupted into cheers. Most had only started following the cello because of Gan Yanyu's rising popularity, and many were attending their first live classical music performance. Their enthusiasm bordered on frenzy.
So attendees were drawn by recent buzz surrounding "Moonlight and Cat's Qingzhou Performance" and hoped to confirm Lin Tian and Gan Yanyu's identities. Regardless of their motivations, Gan Yanyu's popularity among the youth had skyrocketed.
"Good luck, Miss Gan!"
"You must win the championship!"
"Wait, isn't today just the preliminaries?"
"Well then, smoothly pass the preliminaries!"
Amidst the shouts, Gan Yanyu walked down the red carpet. Knowing how overwheld she usually felt by such attention, Lin Tian instinctively shielded her, intending to quicken their pace.
But just as they approached the entrance, Gan Yanyu stopped. To Lin Tian's astonishnt, she turned back toward the cheering crowd and raised her hand—a confident "V" sign flashing triumphantly.
Lin Tian froze, stunned. Caras flashed wildly as reporters scrambled to capture the mont. The crowd erupted into even louder cheers.
Blushing furiously, Gan Yanyu spun around and strode forward with purpose.
"…"
Lin Tian's expression remained frozen in disbelief. Then, slowly, a smile spread across his face.
Miss Gan truly was different today.
What had changed? Perhaps it was anger. Lin Tian knew better than anyone that beneath Gan Yanyu's gentle exterior burned an intense desire for victory. He rembered her sitting silently on the couch after losing the Starlight Cup—a sight etched permanently in his mory.
That day, the official announcent declared Gan Yanyu's defeat. Now, facing another chance to reclaim glory, Lin Tian vowed not to let this opportunity slip away.
Rebuilding the honor of cellists was their solemn duty.
This ti, they fought for revenge.
---
Inside the Parrot Cello Contest Venue
The concert hall buzzed with energy. Every seat was occupied, and the twelve judges took their places one by one. Backstage, Lin Tian carefully analyzed the situation.
"According to Brother Chen's intel, nine of the twelve judges co from traditional music backgrounds. They shouldn't favor any specific genre."
Gan Yanyu sat in front of the mirror applying makeup while Lin Tian spoke earnestly.
"So, we just need to focus on performing our best."
"Yes."
Nodding, Gan Yanyu held up two lipsticks for Lin Tian to inspect. "Which color suits better?"
"The lighter one—you don't suit bold shades."
"Okay."
As Gan Yanyu applied the lipstick, Lin Tian watched, entranced. She seed so composed, almost carefree. Clearly, today's state of mind was exceptional.
The only wildcard left was now seated prominently on the judge's panel.
On the large screen, Toba Jianhui adjusted his tie, settling into the central seat—the coveted C-spot.
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