Otaku Translation: My Girlfriend Is a Cello Player C38

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It wasn’t as if she hadn’t been adorable before. But back then, when she stood there expressionless like a porcelain doll, she always gave off this endearingly clumsy vibe. Now, though, she was starting to show subtle cunning—a shift from innocence to calculated charm, much like the difference between Asuka Saito and Arina Hashimoto.

But one thing still puzzled Lin Tian: Why go through all this trouble with such a renowned musician for just a piano? Wasn’t it overkill?

At that moment, leaning casually against the wall, Wan Qi took another drag from his cigarette and said, “Actually, I could’ve bought you a new piano myself. But since I’m moving soon, lugging around something this big isn’t practical. Rather than letting it gather dust in some forgotten corner, why not pass it along to someone young and promising who can make better use of it?”

As he spoke, the old man turned his gaze toward Lin Tian, smiling warmly. “Young man, why don’t you give it a try now?”

Lin Tian understood immediately. Though Wan Qi framed it as testing the piano, what he really wanted was to gauge Lin Tian’s skill level. Given that they were accepting such a generous gift, Lin Tian saw no reason to refuse.

He sat down at the piano, fingers poised above the keys. Then, with a gentle touch, he began to play.

The room filled with beautiful music—the melody flowing effortlessly under his hands. He chose Marriage of Love, a piece he’d performed before. From the very first note, Lin Tian sensed the piano’s uniqueness. Its tone was richer and warmer than most pianos, a result of decades of natural wear and aging. After thirty years of meticulous care, its soundboard and strings had matured, producing deeper resonance and more nuanced harmonies.

This phenomenon was rare—it required both excellent maintenance and a bit of luck. When paired with Marriage of Love, the effect was magical. Each note danced lightly yet powerfully, creating an immersive experience.

Gan Yanyu listened intently, her chin resting on folded arms atop the piano. Her eyes sparkled as she watched Lin Tian, utterly captivated.

After finishing a section, Lin Tian paused and nodded approvingly. “Good piano.”

“Did you compose this piece too?” Wan Qi asked.

“Hmm?”

Wan Qi studied Lin Tian closely, recognition dawning across his face. With a slap to his thigh, he exclaimed, “Ah, so it is you!”

“Recently, a student showed me a video of a waiter performing this exact piece. At the time, I thought, ‘What a talented newcomer!’”

Beaming like he’d discovered hidden treasure, the old man pressed further. “What’s the name of this composition?”

“Marriage of Love,” Lin Tian replied.

“Wonderful!” Wan Qi stepped briskly out of the room, motioning for Lin Tian to follow. “Come, come, sit down and let’s chat.”

They settled into chairs around the tea table in the living room while the younger man who had opened the door served them tea. Gan Yanyu propped up her phone on the table, watching a video of Lin Tian’s restaurant performance for the first time. As she saw him flawlessly execute Marriage of Love, her eyes widened with admiration.

So… Greeting of Love wasn’t his only masterpiece?

“Lin Tian,” she murmured, “how many pieces have you written that I don’t know about?”

“Not many,” he admitted. “Just these two so far.”

As Lin Tian reached for his teacup, he noticed the piercing stare of the elder across from him. Those sharp hawk-like eyes made him uneasy.

“Young man,” Wan Qi began, breaking into a knowing smile, “I have a feeling…”

He sipped his tea slowly, locking eyes with Lin Tian. “You might become one of the greatest composers of our era—but not yet.”

“Not yet?” Lin Tian echoed, confused.

“To be a true composer, it’s not enough to write good music. You need depth, patience, even time. Some musicians only gain recognition after death.” Wan Qi chuckled darkly at his own morbid humor.

What kind of twisted joke was that? Lin Tian couldn’t help but sweat-drop.

The old man continued, shaking his head wistfully. “Pity. If I weren’t retiring, I’d bring you into my orchestra…” His gaze flickered to Gan Yanyu. “But your ambitions lie elsewhere, don’t they?”

Lin Tian nodded quietly. Truthfully, music wasn’t his passion—it was Gan Yanyu’s dream that drove him forward. His ultimate goal remained revenge against his parents, using whatever tools necessary, whether music or otherwise.

Turning to Gan Yanyu, Wan Qi added gravely, “Yanyu, think carefully. Achieving the highest honor in cello isn’t easy. There may be easier paths for you; you don’t need to exhaust yourself chasing competitions.”

“Master Wan,” Gan Yanyu replied firmly, “this is my choice—for myself and for Grandpa.”

Her resolve on this matter never wavered. While there were many ways to achieve fame as a musician, competition was the surest route to universal acclaim—for herself, her country, and the music she loved.

Seeing her determination, Wan Qi sighed deeply. Looking at his reflection in the teacup, he muttered softly, torn between pride and sorrow. “Old Hua, your granddaughter is exactly like you…”

With that, Wan Qi decided to get straight to the point. “Today, aside from granting Yanyu’s request for the piano, I have another purpose…”

He gestured to the young man serving tea, who stepped forward and introduced himself. “Allow me to introduce my student, Gao Zhenyang, lecturer in the orchestral department at Xingye Conservatory of Music.”

“Nice to meet you,” Gao greeted with a polite smile.

Lin Tian and Gan Yanyu nodded in response. Until now, Lin Tian had assumed the young man was merely household staff. But Xingye Conservatory? That was no small institution—it ranked among the top five music schools nationwide.

There was a saying: The professors teaching you in university are likely the most influential people you’ll ever encounter. Similarly, anyone teaching at Xingye carried significant weight in the music world. Despite appearing barely in his twenties, Gao Zhenyang’s title as a lecturer hinted at his impressive credentials.

“If you’re serious about competing in the Kölner Cup, blindly charging ahead won’t cut it. Without a management company, you’ll need guidance. Zhenyang briefly worked as a music agent after graduation and now serves as both a faculty member and a board director of our city’s Music Association.”

Wan Qi patted Gao’s shoulder affectionately. “I’ll be retiring soon and relocating to Europe, so I can’t assist you directly. But Zhenyang will be available to guide you moving forward.”

Lin Tian grasped the intent behind the gesture—they were being handed a mentor. Competitions involved endless red tape, and navigating them alone as high school students would be nearly impossible. Having someone experienced in their corner would prove invaluable.

Still, Lin Tian wondered aloud, “Doesn’t someone like him cost money?”

“Master Wan has done so much for me, and Master Gan has always been a cellist I deeply admire,” Gao responded earnestly. “Helping Mr. Lin, such a brilliant composer, and Miss Gan, such a gifted cellist, is truly an honor.”

Damn. Educated people sure knew how to flatter smoothly. Lin Tian had never been called “Mr. Lin” before—though apparently, in certain circles, everyone earned that title regardless of merit. Still, hearing it felt surprisingly nice.

“Well then, Mr. Gao,” Gan Yanyu interjected eagerly, “what do we lack in our performances right now?”

“Nothing,” Gao answered confidently, adjusting his glasses. “In my opinion, you’re already unmatched among peers your age. Participating in local competitions would be child’s play.”

Thwack! Wan Qi smacked Gao upside the head with his cigarette holder. “Don’t spout nonsense!”

Coughing nervously, Gao quickly composed himself. “Forgive me. Let me clarify. I’ve watched your videos on Tiktok, Miss Gan. Your skills are exceptional. Maintain this level, and you’ll easily qualify for contests like the Parrot Cello Competition. And Mr, Lin Tian? Not only is he a masterful composer, but his piano playing is unparalleled among peers.”

He paused, looking thoughtful. “The only thing missing is your résumé.”

Addressing Gan Yanyu directly, he asked, “You haven’t performed publicly in over a year, correct?”

She nodded, hiding her anxiety behind a sip of tea.

“In two weeks, there’s a concert at Qingtian Hall. No competition, no rankings—but several prominent music media outlets will attend, including NQ.”

“What’s NQ?” Lin Tian interrupted.

“NobleQuest,” Gan Yanyu explained softly. “A highly respected music publication focused on high-quality artistry. They review performances extensively, publishing scores and critiques that influence the entire industry.”

“I see.”

Though seemingly relaxed, the concert’s stakes were high due to the presence of these critics. Success could significantly boost their online presence.

But surely, performers at such events were selected elites?

“I happen to serve on the organizing committee for this concert,” Gao revealed. “I have a direct entry slot, which I’ll assign to Miss Gan. No preliminary rounds needed.”

“Got it.” Lin Tian understood now. This advisor role was proving incredibly useful.

However, Gan Yanyu hesitated. She hadn’t performed domestically in over a year. Could she still live up to expectations? Failure wouldn’t just embarrass her—it would tarnish her grandfather’s legacy.

At that moment, a hand landed gently on her shoulder. She looked up to see Lin Tian giving her a thumbs-up. “I’ll share the stage with you.”

“Oh, right,” Gao chimed in. “Performers can designate accompanists. You can choose Mr. Lin to accompany you.”

Gan Yanyu’s pupils quivered slightly. “Alright. I won’t hesitate anymore.”

“One more thing,” Gao added tentatively. “Have you two ever played together?”

“No,” they answered simultaneously.

“That’s critical,” Gao stressed. “Chemistry takes time to develop—and the concert is only two weeks away…”

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