Chapter 86: Gan Yanyu Heads Out First
"Huh? What?" Gan Yanyu's chopsticks froze mid-air. "You're not playing with ?"
"Of course I am, you idiot." Lin Tian raised his hand as if to flick the girl on the forehead, but she instinctively shielded her head before he could even try. "I'm just saying you might have to get there on your own. Got it?"
Lin Tian lowered his hand and spoke seriously. "We were supposed to leave right after school tomorrow—it was tid perfectly—but my horoom teacher just told they need to talk to after class. So, I might be a bit late."
"But don't worry," he added reassuringly. "I'll definitely make it before the performance starts. There's still a whole bunch of pre-show stuff anyway, right?"
"Oh." Gan Yanyu nodded but couldn't help asking one more question. "What does your horoom teacher want to talk to you about?"
"My grades have been slipping lately, so they want to have a heart-to-heart."
"That's… really sothing you need to discuss?"
Lin Tian held up his index finger. "You can't compare the level of attention given to an average student with soone in the top few ranks of their grade."
"Fine."
Though slightly disappointed that she wouldn't walk into the venue with Lin Tian at the sa ti, Gan Yanyu didn't press further once he explained.
"And besides," Lin Tian reminded her, "after this concert, you'll officially be back at school. You should start taking things seriously then."
"Yeah."
As if struck by a sudden thought, Gan Yanyu asked, "Does that an we'll get to eat lunch together from now on? And maybe find a place during lunch breaks to practice?"
"Who asked you to take this seriously?"
School life had been one of the rare tis when Lin Tian wasn't constantly around Gan Yanyu. But once she returned to school, there was no telling—they might end up practically glued together 24/7. Just thinking about it made him feel a little overwheld.
"…"
Lin Tian glanced over at Gan Yanyu, only for their eyes to et unexpectedly. For a mont, Lin Tian froze. The girl was staring straight into his eyes, her gaze unwavering.
"Lin Tian."
"Hmm?"
Gan Yanyu set down her chopsticks, having finished eating. "Let's begin."
Their final rehearsal session ended smoothly. Neither of them comnted on how well—or poorly—their duet went. At this point, critiques felt unnecessary. They sat together on the couch, chatting idly about tomorrow's schedule.
Then, out of nowhere, Gan Yanyu fell silent for a mont. "Do we have any beer?"
"What, are you planning to pull another all-nighter?" Lin Tian teased.
"No way. Definitely not. Tomorrow's the concert—I'm done practicing."
Truthfully, Gan Yanyu had practiced enough. She'd reached her peak; anything beyond this would be splitting hairs.
"I just feel like drinking."
"Alright."
Lin Tian got up and fetched a can for her.
Pop.
He handed it to her after opening it.
"Aren't you having any?" she asked, taking a small sip.
"Nope." Lin Tian smiled. "Not tonight."
---
Wednesday, 6 PM.
Qingzhou City, Qingtian Hall.
At the entrance of the "Resonance of Souls" concert hall, a bustling crowd filled the small plaza outside.
A tall girl stepped out of the car, dressed in a sleek black evening gown adorned with a peony pinned to her chest. Her long hair cascaded elegantly down her back.
The atmosphere buzzed with excitent. Young students mingled with office workers, while older attendees dressed in formal attire exuded an air of importance. Conversations rippled through the crowd as people waited eagerly.
The mont Gan Yanyu entered, whispers erupted nearby.
"She's here. She's really here!"
In seconds, reporters sward around her, caras flashing like strobe lights.
"Miss Gan Yanyu! We're from the local Pulse Music Channel. Could we ask you a few questions?"
Before she could respond, blinding flashes lit up the area.
"Miss Gan Yanyu, where did you disappear to this past year? Rumors say you went to England to polish your skills but failed to gain recognition there. Is that true?"
"Why did you choose to return to the holand with this particular concert?"
"You dropped out of the quarterfinals in the Parrot Cello Competition four years ago. Now that the next competition is approaching, do you plan to participate again?"
"As Grandpa Gan's granddaughter, many see you as his successor. However, so believe your current performances are far below expectations. How do you respond to these criticisms?"
Each question sliced through her like a knife, piercing deep into her heart. More passersby turned their curious gazes toward her, their stares burning hot against her skin.
Her pulse quickened.
"Enough! Miss Gan Yanyu needs to prepare backstage," a firm voice interrupted.
Gao Zhenyang stepped forward, raising his hands to block the reporters.
"If you have questions, save them for after the performance."
As a mber of the Qingzhou Music Association and part of the organizing committee for the event, his authoritative tone carried weight. The reporters reluctantly backed off, clearing a path.
"This way, please, Miss Gan Yanyu."
Gao Zhenyang gestured politely, guiding her toward the corridor leading backstage.
---
Backstage was tense yet efficient, staff mbers darting between rooms to ensure everything ran smoothly. Gao Zhenyang fidgeted nervously as they walked.
"I apologize, Miss Gan Yanyu. I arrived later than expected."
"It's fine. Thank you."
"What about Mr. Lin Tian?"
"He said he has sothing at school and will arrive later."
"Sothing at school?!" Gao Zhenyang stopped dead in his tracks, looking utterly incredulous. "Are you serious?"
"How long will he be delayed?"
"I'm not sure."
"Well, it shouldn't be a problem since you're scheduled last. That gives us so leeway." Gao Zhenyang wiped sweat from his brow. Arranging the order of performances had been within his control, thankfully.
"Please wait in the lounge. I still have matters to attend to."
"Okay."
After escorting Gan Yanyu to a private lounge, Gao Zhenyang left, closing the door behind him with a soft click.
Alone, Gan Yanyu sank into a chair and opened her cello case. Spotting a window in the room, she stood and approached it. From here, she could see both the stage and the seating area below. Audiences were trickling in, and faint murmurs drifted upward.
mories stirred uncomfortably, causing her head to spin slightly. Shaking them off, she returned to her seat and hesitated before pulling out her phone to call Lin Tian.
But the call never connected.
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