Chapter 98: The Duel Between Cellists
Almost as soon as Nanali's cello began to resonate, Lin Tian paused in his piano playing.
Such aggression.
It was different from Gan Yanyu's quiet yet commanding presence. Nanali's sound was sharp and forceful, each note cutting through the air like a blade. She had chosen to play near the tip of the bow, producing an even sharper, more piercing tone. This wasn't empty bravado—behind her playing lay a deep understanding of the instrunt. In her hands, the cello wasn't just a stringed instrunt; it felt more like a powerful composite bow—or perhaps Noah's Shield of Baraji.
Lin Tian was genuinely surprised. During their earlier interactions, he had underestimated her, dismissing her as nothing more than a bratty nuisance. Yet here she was, delivering a performance that left him astonished. The ferocity of her attack fit perfectly with her larger-than-life persona—the golden-haired noblewoman who exuded confidence and pride.
Miss Gan…
Turning his gaze toward Gan Yanyu, Lin Tian couldn't help but marvel internally. This ti, Gan Yanyu truly had t her match.
---
Gan Yanyu pulled the strings of her cello, watching Nanali across the room. Her expression betrayed a flicker of surprise.
She'd improved so much, Gan Yanyu thought. This was completely different from when they were in Manchester.
Back then, Nanali's playing carried thorns, yes—but they were tempered by a gentler approach. Now, her cello had transford into a weapon, fierce and unrelenting. Both speed and power had increased exponentially.
Faced with such relentless aggression, Gan Yanyu began to focus more intently. She pressed harder on the bow, quickening the tempo of her music. The two lodies intertwined, creating a duel within the notes of España Cañí.
At this mont, the two cellists stood like gladiators in an ancient Roman arena. Dust swirled around them, carried by winds scented with sand and sweat. Above them, Lin Tian played the piano, his fingers dancing over the keys, providing the backdrop for their battle.
Suddenly, Nanali charged forward like a tiger pouncing, her "blade" striking fiercely at Gan Yanyu's defenses. Each strike aid for a fatal blow, leaving no room for rcy. But Gan Yanyu sidestepped gracefully, parrying each attack with precision and elegance. Rather than a brute, she resembled a master swordsman—calm, calculated, and suprely skilled.
Yet Nanali wasn't reckless. Every move she made followed a clear strategy. As Gan Yanyu continued to block her attacks, Nanali adjusted her angles and techniques, refining her assault with every passing mont.
The duel reached its climax as the piece soared to its most thrilling section. The rapid-fire exchange of notes created a breathtaking march-like lody. Listening to the interplay between the two cellos, Lin Tian closed his eyes, savoring the experience.
Bringing Nanali to perform España Cañí with Gan Yanyu was the right decision, he thought. Her aggressive style had fully ignited Gan Yanyu's competitive spirit. Had it been just him accompanying her, the result wouldn't have been nearly as electrifying. Together, these two had elevated the piece to new heights.
Nanali, you've done well.
In real life, she'd proven herself a capable laborer. And now, musically, she'd pushed Gan Yanyu to new levels of excellence. Lin Tian found himself respecting this rival of Gan Yanyu.
---
As the final crescendo approached, Nanali locked eyes with Gan Yanyu, gritting her teeth. With one final surge, she unleashed the most ferocious attack yet—a torrent of sound rushing forth from her cello. This was her ultimate strike.
Gang Yanyu's calm deanor faltered briefly. Closing her eyes, she accepted the inevitable outco.
Victory has been decided.
---
The café fell silent once again. Nanali lowered her bow, slamming her fist onto the soft sofa.
"Damn it…" she muttered, frustration evident in her voice. Gone was her earlier arrogance, replaced by the defeated posture of soone grappling with their limits. It reminded Lin Tian of scenes from shonen ani where the protagonist kneels, lanting their inability to overco their rival.
"I worked so hard… Why?" Nanali clenched her lips tightly. Whether in emotional expression, technical interpretation, or sheer montum, she had fallen short—just slightly. But that slight gap was an insurmountable chasm between her and Gan Yanyu.
---
Leaning against the piano, Lin Tian observed silently. Even after countless defeats, her reaction remained intense.
"Miss Nanali," ca a soft voice.
Nanali looked up to see Gan Yanyu standing before her, bending down slightly.
"You've improved a lot."
"Really? Truly?"
"Yes."
A fleeting smile crossed Nanali's face, but she quickly suppressed it, returning to her usual expression. Rising to her feet, she pointed defiantly at Gan Yanyu.
"I won't give up, Gan Yanyu. I ca to Zhonghua to defeat you. Wait and see—I'll surpass you."
"Alright."
"The Parrot Cello Contest next month—I'll beat you then."
"What?" Lin Tian glanced at Gan Yanyu, perplexed.
"The preliminary rounds of the Parrot Cello Contest will take place at the end of next month," Gan Yanyu explained quietly.
---
Hosted by the Zhonghua Music Association, the contest was officially recognized as a provincial-level event, though its na varied by region. In Qingjiang Province, it was called The Parrot Cello Contest. The competition consisted of three stages—preliminaries, semifinals, and finals—each separated by half a month and requiring different pieces. Winning the Parrot Cello Contest earned participants a recomndation from the association, which was crucial for entering the prestigious Dragon Cello Competition the following year. Since the latter was invitation-only, success in the forr was vital.
"Are you participating?" Nanali asked, staring intently at Gan Yanyu.
"Yes."
"Good." Slinging her cello case over her shoulder, Nanali shot Lin Tian one last glance before walking out of the café.
---
Watching her leave, Lin Tian turned to Gan Yanyu, feeling a mix of admiration and concern.
"She's quite the opponent."
"Yes."
"That victory didn't co easily, did it?"
Lin Tian could tell. Though Nanali had never beaten Gan Yanyu before, today's performance revealed her as a formidable rival. That raw aggression would only grow stronger with ti. Several monts during the duel had tested Gan Yanyu's skill—if she hadn't been as adept, those attacks might have overwheld her.
One day, Nanali's ferocity might evolve into sothing truly terrifying.
"How old is she?"
"Nineteen."
Nineteen years old.
Indeed, in such a vast world, talent was hardly a rare commodity.
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