Chapter 191: Of Course, I'll Always Be By Yanyu's Side
In truth, Toba Jianhui's perspective wasn't entirely without rit from a purely rational standpoint. Lin Tian could acknowledge that much.
What he couldn't tolerate, however, was the way this man always assud the role of an elder authority, spouting self-righteous advice as if his word were gospel.
The fact that Lin Tian perford alongside Gan Yanyu was sothing even Grandpa Gan had never objected to. Not once had the old man raised concerns about their partnership.
So who did Toba think he was, talking about "entrusting" Yanyu to him?
Did he really believe he had the right to make such a claim?
"…"
Nearly seventy years old, Toba Jianhui visibly struggled to maintain his composure after being dressed down by an eighteen-year-old youth. He steadied himself against the wall, one hand pressed to his forehead, and coughed twice into his fist.
As he looked at Lin Tian, a wave of sorrow washed over him.
"Then consider it the rambling of an old man," he said, his voice heavy with regret.
He absently stroked the thermos in his hands, leaning back against the wall.
"I once ntored soone like that child…"
"I know firsthand what happens when such playing spirals out of control. I've seen it destroy lives."
"Watching your performance just now made wonder—if I'd had a pianist like you in my orchestra thirty years ago, perhaps that boy might have had a different fate…"
Regret gnawed at him.
He had devoted his entire life to nurturing musicians, guiding countless perforrs to greatness. Yet, the shadow of that young flutist lingered, refusing to fade no matter how many years passed.
When Toba stumbled upon videos online showing Gan Yanyu—a striking echo of her grandfather—his sense of duty compelled him to act. He ca to Qingjiang, taking up the mantle of chief judge for The Parrot Cello Contest.
Nowadays, the reach of music was far greater than it had been two decades ago. A cellist's influence could ripple across the globe within monts. With Gan Yanyu's talent, there was no doubt her performances would eventually capture the world's attention.
He had to prevent history from repeating itself. He couldn't allow another prodigy to et the sa tragic end.
"I apologize," Toba continued, his tone sincere. "My earlier remarks were overly harsh—claiming her musical career would be ruined or worse. Perhaps there are better ways to handle such matters…"
"But—"
His voice suddenly hardened, cutting through the air with renewed intensity.
"I still stand by my belief. That girl's style of playing will inevitably lead to her downfall soday."
"You may have proven today that you're capable of protecting her, but much of that success is due to how perfectly Canon in D Major suited both of you. What happens when you don't have a piece like that? Can you truly protect her until the very end?"
Toba paused, his gaze piercing.
"If I were to entrust her to you entirely, it would be because I hope you can find answers to these questions. But one day, you too might fall victim to the sa destructive forces."
"That's not sothing you need to worry about," Lin Tian replied coolly, waving a dismissive hand.
"First of all, stop talking about ‘entrusting' her to anyone. Whether you say it or not, I'll stay by Yanyu's side—as her partner, forever. No matter what happens, I'll always be there."
He paused, his expression unwavering.
"Even if it ans walking toward destruction together, so be it. If that day cos, it will be our choice—not yours, not anyone else's."
With that, Lin Tian turned on his heel, leaving Toba Jianhui standing red-faced and speechless in the corridor.
But before he'd taken more than a few steps, Lin Tian stopped abruptly, as though rembering sothing.
Turning back, he flashed a mischievous smile.
"Oh, and by the way—Canon in D Major? I wrote that."
"So when you said there might not be another piece like this in the future… well, maybe that's not true after all."
This ti, Lin Tian opened the door to the green room and stepped inside, leaving Toba Jianhui rooted to the spot, his face flushed and his mind reeling.
What had he even gone out for again?
"Took you long enough," Gan Yanyu teased as Lin Tian returned, her lips pursed in mock irritation.
Ah, right. The bathroom.
Lin Tian chuckled sheepishly. He'd completely forgotten about that in the heat of confronting Toba.
"The line was long," he offered laly.
Truthfully, he'd almost joked about how troubleso it was to untangle himself afterward—but realizing how awkward it might sound if Gan Yanyu reacted with indifference, he decided against it.
"You t with Mr. Toba, didn't you?" Gan Yanyu asked suddenly, her tone calm but knowing.
"How did you know?"
"I went looking for you earlier," she explained. "I saw you two talking outside, so I ca back."
"What did you hear?" Lin Tian asked, suddenly feeling uneasy.
Gan Yanyu tilted her head thoughtfully.
"Hmm… Sothing about you and Toba planning to destroy together?"
"What?! Are you putting words in my mouth now?" Lin Tian exclaid, utterly baffled. How could anyone possibly misconstrue his words like that? Was Gan Yanyu's condition progressing to hallucinations?
"Just kidding!" Gan Yanyu burst into laughter, covering her mouth with her hand.
Leaning close, she whispered conspiratorially into his ear: "Actually, it was the part where you said, ‘I'll always, forever be by Yanyu's side.'"
Lin Tian froze, staring at her wide-eyed.
She grinned brightly, her eyes crinkling with mischief.
"Miss Gan…"
"Hm? What was that?" Gan Yanyu cupped her hand around her ear dramatically, pretending not to hear.
Leaning forward slightly, she added teasingly: "Didn't soone call ‘Yanyu' outside just now? Or does ‘forever' only apply if I'm ‘Yanyu,' but not ‘Miss Gan'?"
"No, no—it's not like that!" Lin Tian stamred, thoroughly defeated.
He sighed deeply, shaking his head in surrender. For soone who usually seed timid and reserved, Gan Yanyu certainly knew how to leave him flustered with just a few clever words.
Looking into her sparkling eyes, Lin Tian spoke with earnest sincerity: "Yanyu, I ant every word. I'll always be by your side, no matter where we go or what happens. Together, we'll keep making music."
" too," Gan Yanyu replied softly, her smile radiant.
"…"
"Hey, hey! They're about to announce the results for Group B!"
A frantic voice interrupted them, jolting everyone in the green room to their feet—including Yun Qiuqiu, who had remained quietly seated in the corner until now.
On the large screen, the judges resud their seats. The host took the stage, microphone in hand.
"After the intense competition among our four contestants, the winner of Group B has been decided!"
The atmosphere crackled with anticipation. Contestants in the green room leaned forward eagerly, while audience mbers whipped out their phones, ready to capture the mont. anwhile, the judges exchanged casual banter, seemingly unfazed—as if the outco held no surprises.
"After careful deliberation and fair judgnt, we are honored to announce that the winner of Group B in this year's Parrot Cello Contest semifinal is—"
"Gan Yanyu!"
Amid thunderous applause, the host announced:
"This contestant received nine perfect ‘A ' scores and three ‘A' scores, dominating the group with an overwhelming victory."
"She will advance to the finals next month, held here at the sa venue. Let us continue to look forward to her brilliant performance!"
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