Otaku Translation: My Girlfriend Is a Cello Player C180

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Chapter 180: May Fall, But Never Fade

A Concert?

Lin Tian scrolled through the internet and stumbled upon a trending topic among fans—a concert. The demand was undeniable. Comments flooded his TikTok and Bilibili accounts, both in public posts and private messages.

It wasn’t an impossible idea.

Unlike competitions where performances were judged, a concert would be for the fans. No need to cater to anyone’s expectations; they could play purely for enjoyment. For Lin Tian, who usually performed under immense pressure, the thought of such freedom felt like a dream.

And then there was the other perk—money.

Idols made bank from concerts, so why couldn’t musicians rent out a venue and do the same? Lin Tian figured they could start planning once The Parrot Cello Contest wrapped up and their identities were fully revealed. Of course, he’d have to hash out the details with He Zhichen first.

As Lin Tian continued reading comments, he noticed another unexpected but heated discussion alongside the usual buzz about albums and concerts:

"Moonlight Bro, after your debut, will you still release music as frequently as before? Will you keep posting on platforms like before, or will we only be able to hear your songs through paid streaming services?"

---

Lin Tian understood their concerns. After all, Moonlight and Cat had amassed over 5 million TikTok followers and 2 million Bilibili subscribers in just a few months—not solely because of their musical talent, but also due to their insane upload frequency. Releasing two high-quality tracks per month was unheard of, especially in classical music.

Each piece showcased wildly different styles, unlike pop idols who often recycled similar melodies across albums. Take Xue Zhiqian, the legendary Chinese singer-songwriter. As a casual listener back in his past life, Lin Tian once mistook several of Xue’s hits—"Actor," "Gentleman," "Just Right," "How Far"—as variations of the same song. Only later did he realize each track stood alone while seamlessly blending into one cohesive discography. Once hooked on one, listeners inevitably fell for them all, expanding their playlists until they became lifelong fans.

This phenomenon reminded Lin Tian of Momoko Takano’s career trajectory. From her early days donning school uniforms to portraying office workers and eventually settling into married life, her evolution captivated audiences at every stage. Fans grew alongside her characters, forming deep emotional connections.

Of course, stylistic consistency didn’t equate to mediocrity. Many creators developed signature styles over time, making future works easier to produce. But geniuses like Gao Jin shattered norms by crafting wildly divergent hits like “My Good Brother,” “Perfect Timing,” “We’re Different,” and “Laughing in the Jianghu.” One moment, he’d pen heartfelt lyrics about serendipitous encounters; the next, he’d belt anthems about righteous justice. And if someone claimed they wrote these masterpieces within two weeks? Unbelievable.

---

To fans, Moonlight and Cat embodied this rare brilliance—but even more so. Their prolific output and stylistic range left jaws dropped. Naturally, concerns arose: Would signing with Yueyun Entertainment slow them down?

Fans worried that corporate interests might prioritize profit over accessibility. Worst-case scenarios included exclusive VIP-only releases, pay-per-album models, or drastically reduced update frequencies. Some feared TikTok and Bilibili uploads would cease entirely, leaving fans reliant on pricey subscriptions.

Most understood the necessity of monetization. Supporting artists was fair, but greedy practices—like requiring additional payments beyond VIP fees—would alienate loyal followers. They hoped Moonlight and Cat wouldn’t lose sight of their roots.

---

Amidst the heated debates, Moonlight and Cat’s Bilibili account posted a surprise update. It addressed fan concerns head-on:

"Seeing many questions in comments and private messages, I’ll address them here since my Weibo isn’t active yet.

“Regarding whether our music will become exclusively paid and if updates will slow down: After discussions with my team, I can assure everyone—Moonlight and Cat’s music won’t charge extra.

“Going forward, every track will have two versions:

“One version will remain as it always has been—recorded and uploaded by me and Cat-chan directly to TikTok and Bilibili. Free for everyone, though delayed by a week compared to the official release.

“The second version will be professionally recorded in the studio with added electronic accompaniments, enhancing production quality. This version will be accessible via VIP subscriptions on music platforms, with physical CDs available for purchase.

“Those unwilling to spend money can stick to the free version. Updates may vary in timing, but rest assured, the company won’t interfere with my creative process.

“Finally, I solemnly promise all supporters: Moonlight and Cat may someday collapse, but we will never compromise our essence."

---

This announcement sent shockwaves across the internet.

"May fall, but never fade… What a bold declaration!"

"Moonlight Bro is a true man. These words bring peace of mind."

"Tears! He’s always thinking of us students who can’t afford much. Offering two versions shows how much he cares."

Speculation swirled about Lin Tian’s financial status. Perhaps music was merely a hobby, funded by other ventures? Regardless, fans rallied behind him, showering his platform with nearly 100,000 yuan in donations within hours.

Why such an overwhelming response? Because no prominent musician had ever offered a “free version” specifically for cash-strapped fans. On global charts like HX-board—a prestigious ranking system tracking album sales and streaming figures—no top-tier artist had dared split their work this way. Moonlight and Cat’s gesture was unprecedented.

---

Capitalizing on the momentum, Yueyun Entertainment dropped another bombshell via Weibo:

Next week, Moonlight and Cat’s debut album would launch. It featured remastered versions of classics like Greeting of Love and A Step Away, plus unreleased movements. The accompanying A Step Away music video would premiere simultaneously across platforms.

Fans erupted. Just moments earlier, they’d celebrated Lin Tian’s heartfelt statement. Now, they vowed unwavering support.

"Charging ahead! Must buy Moonlight and Cat’s first album!"

"Let’s push Moonlight Bro onto HX-board and show the world our genius!"

"Can’t wait for the CD or vinyl release!"

To fans, Moonlight and Cat represented growth—from TikTok sensations to globally recognized musicians. Watching their rise evoked pride, akin to predicting greatness long before the world caught on. Anticipation brimmed for how their new album might shake up HX-board rankings.

But Lin Tian scratched his head. What exactly was HX-board? Gan Yanyu hadn’t mentioned it. Then again, she focused on performance, not composition. Rankings likely mattered less to her than to composers chasing fame and fortune.

Curious, Lin Tian researched. Turns out, HX-board ranked not just creativity but commercial success. Its three most prestigious lists—single sales, album sales, and overall index scores—were updated weekly, monthly, and annually. While top spots highlighted profitability, lower ranks hinted at artistic merit.

Browsing the current Top 100, Lin Tian noticed something striking: Not a single Zhonghua name appeared in the top 50. Names trickled in around positions 58, 76, and 92. Yet intriguingly, one artist ranked 92nd in overall score boasted a recent album selling at No. 21—outperforming higher-index competitors.

This mirrored trends Lin Tian remembered. In 2020, Xiao Zhan’s digital album Photon broke records on a major platform, topping global charts despite backlash against traffic-driven stardom. Still, Lin Tian knew better than to get ahead of himself. For now, he hoped their debut album wouldn’t flop—and at least hit He Zhichen’s boastful prediction of 110,000 copies sold.

---

January 1 – New Year’s Day

Despite the holiday cheer, Lin Tian’s mind was preoccupied. Early morning, Gan Yanyu arrived at his doorstep. After brushing teeth and changing clothes, they headed downstairs for breakfast at the café.

As they ate, the glass door swung open. A blonde girl carrying a cello strode in.

"Let me clarify—I’m not here because you asked for help," Nanali declared, hands on hips, her delicate face flushed. "I came purely to scout the competition. After all, we’ll face off soon in the semifinals."

Her tone was serious, but a playful glint sparkled in her eyes.

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