CHAPTER 285: CHAPTER 238 RANDOM PLAYING PRACTICE

"Just go then."

"Eh?"

Gan Yanyu, after waking up, gave such a straightforward reply that it took Lin Tian by surprise.

Lin Tian confirmed again:

"Are you sure?"

"Livehouse, do you like that kind of atmosphere?"

Now, Lin Tian was feeling somewhat guilty, as if he were tricking a good kid into going to a bar. And the key is that the kid has never been before and is now eagerly nodding along.

Once there, who knows if they would end up crying from being overwhelmed by the explosive atmosphere.

"It’s okay to go and experience it, right? Actually, I’ve been to such places in the UK before. Since it’s my first time in Tokyo, I should try some new things..."

"Little Gan, please tell me more about that part of your experience in the UK," Lin Tian interrupted Gan Yanyu.

"Alright then."

At that moment, Wei Xiaoxiao said,

"You don’t need to rush to say yes to me, go have fun first. I’ve got your tickets covered, and if you’re interested, you can do me the favor of performing. If you don’t want to perform, that’s alright too. I’ll just go again myself next time."

Hearing this, Lin Tian realized Wei Xiaoxiao wasn’t just feeling pressured because of the heavy burden, but she genuinely had something to do and couldn’t make it tomorrow.

With that being the case, Lin Tian felt no pressure and agreed.

"Okay."

"Ah~!"

Wei Xiaoxiao let out a long sigh of relief, showing a relieved expression,

"Just as I thought, there are indeed classical musicians who you can have a good exchange with!"

What kind of heavyweight classical musicians had this guy encountered before?

However, Lin Tian had noticed something as well.

Those in the entertainment industry, regardless of their level of skill, seem to have a heightened sense of caution towards potential troubles and criticism, hence they are a lot more careful in everything they do.

Commonly known as "idol baggage."

Perhaps the fanbase of classical music is somewhat restrained, so Lin Tian himself didn’t feel that kind of pressure.

...

The plane landed at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport.

Stepping off the plane, the biting cold air immediately made Lin Tian and his companions shrink their necks.

Lin Tian’s physical resistance had increased quite a bit, but he wasn’t magical, so faced with such cold wind, he still added another coat.

Checking into the hotel.

The company had booked a high-end themed hotel in Chiyoda District.

Lin Tian received his room card and, led by He Zhichen, opened the hotel room door.

The room was a one-bedroom suite with a huge balcony that got good light in the morning.

In the center of the living room, there was a piano.

Lin Tian walked over and touched the piano.

The texture was good, and there was no dust, indicating it had been specially prepared.

"We’ve arranged it with the hotel in advance for you," He Zhichen said, leaning against the wall of the living room.

"Don’t just focus on building rapport with Teacher Gan Yanyu, remember our mission."

"Okay."

"Hm, thanks for the hard work, Teacher Lin Tian. I’m going to rest now."

He Zhichen stood up, and then before leaving, he didn’t forget to look back and add,

"Oh, and after ten at night, don’t play the piano. It’s the hotel’s rule."

"Sure."

Lin Tian understood this reasoning.

"....."

After He Zhichen left, Lin Tian took a hot shower and reset his state of mind.

Then, Lin Tian sat in front of the piano.

"Dong—"

Lin Tian pressed a key.

He played a short segment to make sure everything was alright, then he lifted his hands and spontaneously played a piece of "Snow Dreams" on the piano.

"I feel good about it."

Lin Tian scrutinized the piano, lost in thought.

He felt quite embarrassed, as even though he was about to participate in a competition as a pianist, he didn’t know much about different brands of pianos nor the distinctions between high-end and cheap ones.

He just thought that this piano must not be cheap.

Thinking of the international piano competition next week, Lin Tian felt rather at a loss.

The truth was that he was quite nervous, he just never showed it in front of Mr. Gan and He Zhichen.

To be honest.

Up until now, Lin Tian still wasn’t prepared to compete alone.

He was always used to staying behind the scenes or taking the stage as an accompanist.

He was used to having a "first responsible person" shield in front of him.

No matter if Lin Tian’s performance was off or disappointing, ultimately, the first to bear the brunt was Gan Yanyu.

Victory and defeat were not essentially in Lin Tian’s name; he existed within a comfortable safe zone.

This was a significant difference in mentality.

Although under the influence of Gan Yanyu, Lin Tian had slowly grown fond of the stage, fond of the sensation of performing.

But it was hard to say whether this "liking" was because Gan Yanyu helped bear the pressure for him.

It was the same with playing video games.

If from the beginning, you had a pro leading the charge, playing AD while he supports and blocks bullets for you, playing CS while he uses the Desert Eagle so you can snipe... you’re unlikely not to fall in love with the game.

You get the positive feedback from winning, the thrill that you’re part of it, and when you lose, you’ve got someone to shoulder it for you.

As long as it’s not single-player games like cosmic robots where you don’t need teammates, you can have a good gaming experience...

Therefore, facing the upcoming competition, having to take the stage alone, Lin Tian was still a bit at a loss.

When it came to solo performances during the art exams, he had practiced for quite a long time.

Now it was a grand international competition.

He didn’t know if his "diamond-level" piano skills would be up to the task.

...

He would adjust his mentality later.

Time to practice!

Thinking this, Lin Tian started playing again.

Starting with the unfinished "Snow Dreams".

He played one by one the most memorable piano pieces from his past life.

"Autumn Whispers," "Nocturne No. 5," "Moonlight of Capri"...

Since these were pieces not meant to be published, Lin Tian could play them without any burden.

After playing the tender and emotional pieces, Lin Tian moved on to the vigorous "Flower Dance."

This piece was more of a test of hand speed, Lin Tian played rapidly, attempting to break through his own skills.

"..."

The sound of the piano echoed through the room, drifting out from the balcony of the 22nd floor, seeping through the half-closed door He Zhichen had left behind, and spreading into the corridor...

"?"

Holding her phone, Wei Xiaoxiao, who just happened to arrive in front of the door, froze when she heard the music.

She gently pushed open the ajar door.

Seeing before her, Lin Tian focused on playing the piano.

"It sounds so good...!"

Wei Xiaoxiao leaned against the door frame, not entering.

For a moment, she couldn’t help but hum along with the melody.

Though there were no lyrics, she improvised with "do do" and "la la."

Surprisingly, she grew more and more engrossed.

What was this music?

Wei Xiaoxiao was somewhat excited; this was completely at odds with her stereotype of classical musicians as dull and obscure!

Who said this music was outdated?

This song was so trendy!

".....What are you sneaking a peek at?"

At this moment, a female voice sounded nearby.

Wei Xiaoxiao turned around to see Gan Yanyu standing there, watching her with curiosity.