CHAPTER 677: CHAPTER 427: IT’S 2026, AND SOMEONE IS STILL GETTING MARRIED AT 19?

Nishikawa Yuubei?

Upon hearing this name, Lin Tian, Gan Yanyu, and He Zhichen were all momentarily taken aback.

Wan Qi didn’t notice their expressions and continued speaking,

"Nishikawa Yuubei, born in the ’90s, can be considered a prominent pianist among Japan’s younger generation, having appeared in many major international piano competitions."

"This person is not only an outstanding contemporary pianist but also a very talented composer. He often performs his own compositions in competitions, which gives him an exceptional understanding and interpretation of music, a talent not possessed by other performers."

The more Wan Qi spoke, the deeper his frown became,

"A remarkable pianist like him would generally not be associated with a cellist like Isaac. However, it’s said that Nishikawa Yuubei met Isaac at university—both having studied at Tokyo Art University—and they forged a deep friendship. Since last year, the two have frequently begun to collaborate."

"It can be said that the three trophies Kasak won have a significant contribution from Nishikawa Yuubei as the accompanist! His contributions to their musical understanding in their ensemble can’t be erased!"

Wan Qi looked at Lin Tian with a worried expression,

"This is a very formidable opponent!"

"..."

Lin Tian held his forehead, feeling a mix of emotions.

Yes, indeed a very formidable opponent.

Lin Tian knew this guy all too well; they had formed an inexplicable bond back when they were in Japan.

Originally, they weren’t even on the same track—one was aiming for the championship, and the other was just looking to gain some exposure, maybe get nominated for a few special awards and call it a win.

But coincidentally, they twice clashed over the themes of compositions, putting the two of them, who wouldn’t otherwise be compared, under the spotlight. It was really quite awkward.

To be honest.

Nishikawa Yuubei is a nice person.

Lin Tian even now feels a little embarrassed about it.

He never expected that,

At this highest stage for the cello, he would run into this old buddy once again.

Moreover, in almost the exact same position.

Fate indeed.

"Nishikawa Yuubei also won the Xiao Bang International Piano Competition in Tokyo last year. Since taking that championship, he has firmly established his position among the post-’90s pianists..."

Hearing this, Wan Qi suddenly seemed to remember something and looked at Lin Tian.

His brow furrowed slightly,

"I remember, the piano competition you entered last year..."

"The same one."

He Zhichen, standing nearby, added,

"The same competition as Nishikawa Yuubei."

"Oh oh!"

Only then did the old man react.

He had paid attention to the world piano competition that Lin Tian participated in last year for a while, but then hadn’t kept it in mind afterwards.

When the conversation reached this point, he suddenly recalled,

"So you guys... have already faced each other?"

"Mr. Wan, the Xiao Bang International was a performance competition," He Zhichen reminded,

"Mr. Lin Tian was participating internationally for the first time and wasn’t directly competing with Nishikawa Yuubei."

"Oh.. right! Right!"

Wan Qi slapped his forehead, "Oh dear, look at my memory....."

By this time, both Lin Tian and He Zhichen had fallen silent.

Because from the talk up till now... it’s quite obvious.

Mr. Wan... perhaps during the past year or more hasn’t really been keeping up with external competitions.

Even when it came to Lin Tian and Gan Yanyu’s competition, this guy didn’t seem all that attentive; otherwise, he wouldn’t be unaware of what the Dragon Violin Cup is about.

Lin Tian didn’t really mind, after all, the old man was no longer in the position of Music Association chairman.

Just feels purely.....

The retired life of an old artist... really is damn delightful!

If Lin Tian were retiring and living in a big city in Europe, having tea, he’d probably also pay no heed to external affairs, just fiddling with flowers and birds at home. Flowers being Gan Yanyu’s flowers, birds being Lin Tian’s birds.

"That’s great then!"

Wan Qi slapped his thigh and laughed heartily,

"The encounter at Xiao Bang wasn’t truly a conclusive match, was it? This time, you can have a proper and fair competition with the piano."

Hearing these words, Lin Tian paused.

However, Gan Yanyu suddenly perked up:

"That’s right, Lin Tian, this is a great opportunity."

Lin Tian looked at Gan Yanyu, and the young woman continued:

"If we have to say, in your last showdown, I think you beat Mr. Nishikawa in composition but lost to him in performance, so it should be considered a draw!"

"This time, we can beat him together in every aspect!"

Seeing Gan Yanyu exhibit such rare enthusiasm, Lin Tian gave it some serious thought.

Indeed.

To say that Lin Tian himself has no aspirations for piano performance at its peak, that’s impossible.

After all, the piano has been with him for such a long time; Lin Tian still holds affection for it.

While constantly rising in the field of composition, leading Gan Yanyu to conquer the cello’s pinnacle.

Poor piano, Lin Tian hasn’t brought it much glory.

Besides that trip to Japan, Lin Tian’s primary goal was to raise his fame and album sales.

Lin Tian has considered this issue.

But most of the time, since all he needed to focus on was fulfilling an accompanist role, he just set it aside.

Now, Nishikawa Yuubei clearly presents a great opportunity.

It’s like he’s provided a piano peak Lin Tian can climb.

If he can really defeat Nishikawa Yuubei head-on with the piano, Lin Tian will be able to give a very satisfying account of his piano career.

"....."

Lin Tian looked at Gan Yanyu, and what concerned him more was Gan Yanyu’s attitude.

"Wh... what’s up?"

Gan Yanyu shrank back when stared at.

"What’s the matter, Mr. Gan, do you really want to see me defeat Nishikawa Yuubei that badly?"

Lin Tian suddenly asked with a mischievous smile,

"Are you afraid that my accompaniment skills are lacking and I’ll hold you back at the crucial moment?"

"How could that be!"

This joke wasn’t funny at all, and the usually gentle Gan Yanyu couldn’t help raising a fist, pretending to punch Lin Tian’s shoulder.

Then Gan Yanyu whispered:

"I just hope, in the end, in this Keller Cup, Lin Tian, you can more fully enjoy the feeling of victory..."

This was also what worried Gan Yanyu.

The Keller Cup was their ultimate goal, but after all, it was a cello competition.

Even though Gan Yanyu understood that during this process, the two relied on each other and worked hard to reach here together.

The final glory of victory would lean more towards Gan Yanyu.

The world cellist title would also belong only to Gan Yanyu.

Whether it’s "joy" or "honor" emotion, Gan Yanyu would receive more.

Gan Yanyu felt this wasn’t fair to Lin Tian.

"Dummy, who cares about that."

Lin Tian reached out and tapped Gan Yanyu’s nose.

"If we win the championship, I’ll definitely be happier than you—because then we can fulfill the marriage promise immediately! That’s the most important!"

Upon hearing this, Gan Yanyu’s expression changed instantly.

The young girl pursed her lips and said:

"Who said it? Obviously, I’m happier!"

"Ha! Judging by what you said earlier, you clearly didn’t put the joy of marriage first, adding leverage from somewhere else?"

"Th... that’s not the case! Marriage is definitely the happiest thing....."

Gan Yanyu was tongue-tied, unable to argue with Lin Tian.

A nearby old man in his sixties was stunned:

"What marriage?"

Two youngsters who haven’t even left campus are getting married?

Isn’t it already 2026?

If not informed, the old man might think he’s returned to his "feudal" era where marrying at nineteen was more of their time.

Considering they’re still students who’ve yet to enter society, even in that era, this would be an early age.

"It’s like this."

He Zhichen explained to Wan Qi in the simplest possible terms,

"Lin Tian and Gan Yanyu had an agreement, once they win the Keller Cup championship, they would marry."

"There’s such a thing!"

Wan Qi immediately showed a smile and gave a tsk-tsk of approval,

"Good thing, good thing... In that case, if you win the championship, wouldn’t you be able to marry by the end of the year?"

If it were ordinary people, Wan Qi might not react so strongly.

But being able to witness the marriage of a talented young man like Lin Tian and an outstanding cellist like Gan Yanyu, Wan Qi felt it could be a great event in the music world!

"When you get married, don’t forget this old man."

Wan Qi continued.

Nearby, He Zhichen who had been explaining to Wan Qi now buried his head and started crying.

Especially hearing "able to marry by the end of the year," seemed to remind him of a very sad event, he was heartbroken and pounding his chest:

"How did I bet wrong! How could I lose the bet!!"

Wan Qi was left bewildered, not understanding why He Zhichen would think of gambling now.

But given how distressed he looked, he must have lost quite a bit of money, right?

At this time, Lin Tian and Gan Yanyu turned around together, facing Wan Qi.

Then they stood up together.

"Mr. Wan, thank you for today," Lin Tian said.

"Thank you for your suggestions and information," Gan Yanyu also said.

The two bowed together, startling the sixty-year-old man.

"Okay, okay, I’m just a retired old fellow, wanting to give you more help, but it’s really limited!"

Wan Qi waved his hand,

"At best, I’ve only given you some useless information."

"No, Mr. Wan, your information was very helpful."

Lin Tian said earnestly.

He looked at Gan Yanyu beside him.

He knew very well how nervous and uneasy Gan Yanyu was when she first arrived in Vienna. But after this chat, at least now there was some reassurance.

Next, he only needed to take Gan Yanyu to the preliminary match, get familiar with the situation, and calm Gan Yanyu’s mindset—actually, it’s all about gaining confidence from colorful pens.

Basically, it’s steady!

"As long as you find it helpful."

Wan Qi reclined back in the chair, smiled kindly, and said no more,

"Alright, I need to rest now."

The old man gave a lazy yawn,

"For the remaining journey in Vienna, you’ll have to rely on yourselves."