Otaku Translation: My Girlfriend Is a Cello Player C149

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Chapter 149:

Forced Calm? Why give this skill to me? Shouldn’t it go to instead? Isn’t it obvious who needs calmness more during a performance?

This ability, "Forced Calm," wasn’t particularly strong or weak. Lin Tian had managed similar techniques before, but they came with limitations—usually requiring privacy and specific conditions, like being alone in a room with tissues nearby. Using such methods on stage was out of the question; it would distract the audience too much.

But now, with this official skill, those restrictions were gone. Onstage, it could be a game-changer. If Lin Tian felt his emotions spiraling while performing, he could reset himself to a calmer state and continue playing rationally. This was especially important when collaborating with someone as emotionally volatile as Gan Yanyu—it was like having an insurance policy against losing control.

However, the skill couldn’t be used indiscriminately. Music often required emotional immersion, and forcibly calming down at the wrong moment could ruin the entire piece. Timing was everything.

“…”

Lin Tian noticed something peculiar about this task: there was no theme provided. The only requirement was achieving 98% audience satisfaction. Did that include judges? If so, satisfying nearly everyone present—including critics like —would be incredibly challenging.

Tastes in music varied wildly, and pleasing everyone was impossible. Add to that the complex mix of personalities among the judges, including one who openly disliked Gan Yanyu, and the difficulty skyrocketed.

After some thought, Lin Tian realized he needed a "solid" piece—a song that would showcase Gan Yanyu’s talents without being overly obscure. It had to resonate with all listeners, not just connoisseurs.

Choosing became a dilemma. With no guidelines, Lin Tian hesitated. After all, this performance would take place at the prestigious . He couldn’t afford to pick carelessly.

Reflecting on past experiences, Lin Tian recalled how close Gan Yanyu had come to winning the . According to later data analysis by , she’d fallen short by the narrowest margin imaginable. Though she eventually regained her optimism, the loss remained a painful memory.

Close… by just a little.

An idea struck him. Quickly jotting down the title, Lin Tian wrote: Por Una Cabeza.

---

This piece was fascinating. Originally composed in 1935 by Argentine musician and poet Ángel Villoldo, Por Una Cabeza began as a tango song and was later adapted into instrumental versions countless times. Its timeless melody and distinctive rhythm still captivated audiences in 2024.

Like and fans’ cyclical preferences for followed by catchy tunes, this selection fit perfectly. Lin Tian was confident it would appeal widely.

The next day, Lin Tian met Gan Yanyu at a café for recording.

As soon as the first notes sounded, Gan Yanyu’s eyes lit up with surprise.

“Lin Tian, this new piece is so interesting! What’s it called?”

“Por Una Cabeza.”

Her reaction confirmed Lin Tian’s choice. Not only was the melody captivating, but its backstory carried a wry sense of humor. In its original lyrics, the song depicted a gambler comparing life to horse racing, always falling “by a head” (por una cabeza) short of victory. The lyrics brimmed with irony and self-deprecation, reflecting resilience amid perpetual near-misses.

Lin Tian chose this song partly to encourage Gan Yanyu. Life was long, and setbacks were temporary. Missing the Starlight Cup didn’t mean failure forever—they still had the Parrot Cello Contest, and beyond that, their whole lives ahead.

“Let’s try it,” Lin Tian said, moving to the piano.

“…”

After setting up the scene and starting the recording equipment, Lin Tian felt a bit rusty from the hiatus.

“Ready?” he asked.

“Yes,” Gan Yanyu nodded.

With that, she began playing. The rich tones of the cello filled the air, and their duet commenced. Originally written for violin, Lin Tian’s adaptation for cello retained the sultry essence while enriching the emotional depth.

When the piano joined in, the music soared. A dramatic key change introduced a passionate, fiery melody. Piano and cello intertwined, transforming the café into a lively ballroom.

In Lin Tian’s mind, they danced together fervently, hearts beating in sync. No words were needed; their connection transcended language. Petals seemed to swirl around them under soft lighting, creating a breathtaking scene.

But as the final notes faded, Lin Tian glanced up—and froze.

The girl who had just shared this magical moment looked troubled.

“This piece… it’s wonderful, but I don’t think it suits me.”

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