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Chapter 56: Gan Yanyu’s Aspirations for the Future
Watching Gan Yanyu, who looked every bit like a university student, Lin Tian felt a strange sense of disorientation wash over him.
If… If he hadn’t happened to come home that day and found her sitting by the door. If he hadn’t rushed forward in that decisive moment to stop her from doing something irreversible. None of what followed would have happened—none of it. And Gan Yanyu’s dream of becoming a university student might never have materialized either.
"Lin Tian."
His thoughts were interrupted as she called out to him, waving with an infectious smile. "Let's go!"
Gao Zhenyang’s faculty was the School of Music Performance. After stopping a passing student to ask for directions, they quickly found their way. The entrance to the building exuded artistic flair, with colorful sculptures dotting the grounds and sleek modern architecture catching the eye.
As they approached, several students emerged from the main hall, laughing and chatting animatedly. Each carried a harp, likely returning from a recent performance on their way to the cafeteria. Their energy was palpable, radiating the boundless enthusiasm of youth.
Lin Tian couldn’t help but marvel at the sight. Harps—such rare instruments. Outside of a university setting, he doubted he’d ever encounter one in his daily life. Perhaps this was part of the magic of higher education: even the most niche fields could find a place here. He remembered hearing about universities offering specialized programs in everything from ancient artifact restoration to raisin drying, missile repair, and even animal linguistics. Take Ding Zhen, for example—a celebrated graduate of animal linguistics.
Once inside the building, Lin Tian sent Gao Zhenyang a message. "I’m here, Mr. Gao."
A few moments later, he received a reply: "Sorry, I’m tied up right now. Could you wait ten minutes? Then come up to the third floor."
"No problem," Lin Tian replied calmly. They had time to spare.
The two wandered leisurely along the corridors of the teaching building. Passing through an open hallway, Lin Tian glanced back—and realized Gan Yanyu was no longer beside him.
"Miss Gan?" He called out, searching for her, only to find her standing motionless in front of a wall adorned with trophies and certificates. Her eyes sparkled as she gazed intently at them.
"The silver medal from the Clarke International Competition—one of the most prestigious awards in piano competitions," she explained excitedly, pointing to one trophy after another. "And there’s the Verdi Opera Competition in Italy, which is super popular among Zhonghua musicians."
Her voice grew more animated with each description.
"Wow, did all these belong to students from this school?" she asked, awe-struck.
"Some are teachers’ awards too," Lin Tian pointed out, gesturing toward a cup engraved with a teacher’s name.
Turning around, Gan Yanyu spotted another treasure trove—a wall displaying faculty profiles. She practically sprinted over, her excitement bubbling over.
"Mr. Wang Wenwei! He actually teaches here?!" she exclaimed, pointing at one photo with her slender index finger while bouncing on her toes. "He’s literally in our percussion textbooks!"
Before she could finish, her gaze landed on another picture, widening her eyes further.
"Ms. Chen Yi! She collaborated with world-renowned conductor Illyasviel Oort!" Her disbelief was evident. "She’s also a teacher here? Incredible!"
Lin Tian didn’t recognize any of these names, but seeing Gan Yanyu so genuinely thrilled warmed his heart. He understood the exhilaration of discovering that someone you admired was closer than you imagined. It reminded him of how he’d feel if he ever visited Japan and stumbled upon a lecture by his idol, Kana-sensei.
"So Xingye Conservatory has so many amazing teachers…" Gan Yanyu stepped back, clasping her hands together against her chest as if making a heartfelt wish. "If I can get into this university, I’ll be content."
Hearing her words, Lin Tian fell into deep thought.
"Yanyu," he began hesitantly.
"Hmm?"
"You’re already such an incredible cellist. Do you really need to go to university?"
Even as he asked, Lin Tian knew it sounded odd. Why wouldn’t someone want to attend university? For high schoolers, it seemed almost instinctive. Yet, he wanted to understand what it meant to her. After all, when Gan Yanyu returned from England, one of her primary goals had been preparing for the gaokao—the national university entrance exam.
These teachers were impressive, sure—but wasn’t her grandfather extraordinary too? In terms of cello instruction, perhaps no one could surpass Grandpa Gan. Many highly successful individuals, including billionaires and innovators, had dropped out of university to pursue their dreams. If you had the skills to succeed in your field, was formal education truly necessary?
What did Gan Yanyu see in this path she so fervently desired?
"Of course it’s necessary!" she responded without hesitation, clasping her hands together earnestly. "University isn’t just about studying. Think about it—you meet so many people who share your passions, and you encounter mentors you’ve always admired. If I want to form a band, I can find classmates skilled in different instruments. If I love classical music, I can collaborate with others who feel the same way. We can create something beautiful together."
"So, networking is important," Lin Tian summarized. "That’s definitely one of the key reasons to attend university."
"Networking? No, it’s not just about that—it’s the atmosphere, the vibe!" Gan Yanyu corrected him sternly, raising a finger. She sighed inwardly; Lin Tian’s practical mindset sometimes missed the romance of it all.
Why must everything boil down to utility? Wouldn’t that make life dull?
Her expression softened again as she continued.
"Actually, earlier today, I saw those older students walking around campus. I envied them."
"Envied them?" Lin Tian echoed. "What about?"
"They seem so confident," she murmured, lowering her head slightly. "Confident because they worked hard to get into a place like this, where they can chase their dreams wholeheartedly. That kind of self-assurance… I admire it deeply."
Lin Tian felt a pang of emotion. As a high schooler himself, he’d felt a similar stirring while observing those university students earlier. For someone like Gan Yanyu, whose personality had always been reserved and quiet, this longing must run even deeper.
"I want that kind of life," she confessed softly, her hands pressed together near her face. "A life where we work hard but also take time to relax. Imagine stepping out of the classroom with our instruments during cherry blossom season, sitting on the grass under the falling petals, feeling the breeze, listening to beautiful melodies, eating sweet snacks…"
Her smile was serene, as though envisioning pure happiness.
"We?" Lin Tian repeated, caught off guard.
"You once said that if possible, we should try to go to the same city—and maybe even the same university," Gan Yanyu reminded him shyly, folding her hands behind her back. She walked up to him, then slowly raised her head to meet his gaze, her eyes unwavering.
"I’m going to apply to the conservatory. Will you join me?"
"Tian?"
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