Chapter 174: Moonlight and Cat Lead the Ensemble – The Duet Begins
"Mr. Moonlight, I'm truly sorry for all the trouble I caused you before."
At the entrance of the café, the final cast mber for the MV had arrived.
Almost as soon as he stepped inside, Zhang Dong spotted Lin Tian among the group of made-up perforrs. There was no mistaking him—the most handso one had to be Moonlight.
Zhang Dong imdiately broke into a textbook-perfect jog, excitent radiating from his every move. He grasped Lin Tian's hand firmly and delivered his prepared apology.
"The last ti, I really failed to recognize your talent—it was entirely my fault. I'm actually a huge fan of yours. That day, I should have been able to tell it was you just by your voice, but unfortunately, you were wearing a mask, and your speech was muffled."
On the way here, Zhang Dong had rehearsed this speech over and over in his mind, determined to smooth things over and avoid any awkwardness during today's shoot.
But to his surprise, Lin Tian didn't seem to care at all. Instead, he simply patted Zhang Dong on the shoulder with a warm smile.
"It's fine. Just focus on filming. We need your violin," Lin Tian said, deliberately emphasizing the words "need you."
Zhang Dong was montarily overwheld with gratitude.
To be honest, he had harbored so doubts about Moonlight's sincerity. After all, Moonlight's post on Bilibili could easily have been part of a calculated persona—a setup to humiliate him further under the guise of collaboration. Given Zhang Dong's experience in the live-streaming world, where drama often reigned supre, such tactics weren't uncommon.
But when he shook hands with Moonlight and felt the genuine warmth and confidence emanating from him, Zhang Dong beca certain.
Moonlight wasn't the type to stoop to such pettiness.
"Rest assured, Mr. Moonlight. I won't let you down."
Click—click—
The behind-the-scenes photographer captured this heartfelt mont. With the release of this handshake photo, the uproar surrounding "Uncle Dong's Street Performance Incident" on Bilibili would finally co to an end.
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Soon after, the director erged to brief Lin Tian and Gan Yanyu on the shooting plan.
First up was the "live performance version," an Easter egg of sorts designed to show that the duo genuinely perford together while dancing—not just lip-syncing or relying on post-production effects. This authenticity resonated deeply with core fans, who craved monts like these: Ah, Moonlight looks so cool! Ah, Cat-chan is so beautiful!
However, this didn't an they could slack off on the music. Quite the opposite.
"This version will be included as a bonus track on the CD release," He Zhichen announced.
It was a clever marketing strategy—one Lin Tian hadn't even considered. Clearly, only a professional entertainnt company could pull off sothing like this.
Thus, their performance had to be flawless.
So how would they film it?
The director explained briefly.
Lin Tian and Gan Yanyu would first sit among the ensemble musicians, pretending to accompany the dancers at the ball. Then, separate footage of them dancing would later be edited together with their playing, creating the illusion that they were simultaneously performing and dancing.
With that, filming began.
One by one, the trainees portraying the accompanying ensemble took their seats. For them, this was an unparalleled honor—to perform alongside Moonlight and Cat, a privilege few fans could ever dream of.
---
"Are you nervous, Lin Tian?"
Just then, Gan Yanyu nudged Lin Tian's wrist gently, her voice soft.
She noticed sothing unusual: Lin Tian, who never got stage fright, was trembling slightly.
This was strange.
"No, I'm just… excited," Lin Tian replied, wiping his palms on his thighs.
Of course he was nervous.
In a short while, he would attempt to overpower Gan Yanyu—a role reversal from their usual dynamic. Up until now, Gan Yanyu had always taken the lead, both musically and taphorically. For Lin Tian to step into the dominant position, even temporarily, naturally left him feeling uneasy.
This was the perfect opportunity to test his resolve. Unlike practice sessions, they were now fully imrsed in the setting of a grand ballroom. Surrounded by such an atmosphere, Gan Yanyu's performance would undoubtedly reach its peak.
Lin Tian worried that if he tried to assert himself, she might punch him halfway across the room—or worse, pin him down even harder than usual.
And so, he asked hesitantly:
"Miss Gan, do you think you're soone who takes initiative in relationships?"
"What kind of question is that?" Gan Yanyu blinked, staring at him blankly.
"So people are completely different in life versus in relationships. Soone strong-willed in daily life might beco submissive in love, while others who are timid in life may take charge in romance."
"Why are you asking this now?"
Gan Yanyu tilted her head curiously, more intrigued by the timing of the question than its content. Still, since Lin Tian had asked, she gave it serious thought.
"I suppose I'd need to experience what love feels like before I can answer that," she said finally.
"You're right." Lin Tian chuckled softly.
For Gan Yanyu, this line of questioning was clearly out of her depth. And perhaps comparing emotions to music wasn't entirely appropriate either. After all, there was no denying that Gan Yanyu was fiercely dominant in her musical realm.
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"Let's begin!"
At the director's cue, Zhang Dong's violin led the way. Soon, the suited trainees joined in, their instrunts blending seamlessly into the piece.
The red-haired girl played her violin, two boys handled the accordion and viola, and together, they enriched Por una Cabeza with layers of texture and depth.
Though Lin Tian and Gan Yanyu had heard this piece countless tis, witnessing a full string quartet (two violins, a viola, and a cello) bring it to life was nothing short of breathtaking. The soul of tango music ca alive in that very mont.
"Not bad," He Zhichen murmured approvingly.
He hadn't expected much from this hastily assembled group of trainees serving as background musicians for the MV. But knowing they were performing alongside Moonlight and Cat seed to have inspired them to give their all.
His gaze shifted to Zhang Dong, leading the ensemble on violin. Eyes closed, completely absorbed in his playing, Zhang Dong exuded undeniable skill.
"He's definitely one of the top Bilibili creators," He Zhichen thought. "Moonlight's response on social dia not only earned widespread acclaim online but also secured an outstanding violinist willing to go above and beyond."
Truly, Moonlight was born to be an idol.
---
When the variation arrived, Lin Tian's piano burst forth, followed closely by Gan Yanyu's cello.
All previous performances paled in comparison.
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