My Girlfriend Is a Cello Player-Chapter 11: Opportunities Keep Knocking

SWING Restaurant hadn't felt this lively in ages. The patrons, having set aside their meals, applauded wholeheartedly for the high school student who had just performed a breathtaking piano piece. A joyful energy filled the air, lingering long after the final note faded.
At the same time, a notification appeared before Lin Tian.
[Task Completed - Perform a piece of music using any instrument and receive praise from at least ten people.]
[Acquired: Musical Memory Enhancement Card]
A wave of euphoria washed over him as memories surged back into his mind—musical compositions he'd once known but forgotten, melodies heard only briefly now fully restored. Not only that, but details about the composers, the historical context, and even obscure trivia accompanied each tune. It was as though his brain had been rewired by an AI-powered memory enhancer.
Lin Tian rose from the piano bench, offering a polite nod and smile to the cheering crowd. Though some enthusiastic guests begged for an encore, he declined graciously. After all, the task was complete; there was no need to perform unpaid labor.
Returning to the counter, Lin Tian found himself surrounded by Xu Yong and several colleagues on break.
"Holy crap, Lin Tian! My man!" Xu Yong exclaimed, gripping Lin Tian's arm with exaggerated admiration. "I had no idea you could play like that! You looked so cool up there!"
"I picked it up recently," Lin Tian replied nonchalantly, gently extracting his arm.
What a turnaround. Just moments ago, Xu Yong had been ready to disown him entirely if things went south.
Even coworkers who rarely interacted with Lin Tian joined in the excitement.
"Lin Tian, I used to joke that you only got paid more because of your looks," one male colleague admitted sheepishly. "Now I see you deserve every penny—and then some."
Two female colleagues chimed in eagerly, leaning closer. "What was the name of that piece? It was incredible!"
"Teach me how to… um, express emotions through music sometime!" another added hastily, blushing when she realized her slip-up.
"Maybe later," Lin Tian responded vaguely, skillfully extricating himself from the growing crowd. He wasn't accustomed to being the center of attention, especially not socially. Still, he couldn't deny the allure of music—it truly was a powerful tool for connection.
No wonder college students often gravitated toward learning instruments. This "Silver-level" proficiency alone garnered such admiration. There was clearly potential to develop this skill further.
---
Just then, Manager Wang approached, his expression unusually warm.
"Lin Tian, that performance was spectacular!" he declared, clapping Lin Tian on the shoulder with uncharacteristic enthusiasm. "How about I raise your hourly wage to 45 yuan? And you can come in every night if you're free!"
Lin Tian raised an eyebrow. Something didn't sit right. This miserly manager wouldn't offer such generosity without strings attached.
"Of course," Wang continued, confirming Lin Tian's suspicions, "you'll simply need to play the piano for an hour during dinner peak hours each evening."
A five-yuan raise per hour in exchange for a pianist? What a bargain—for Wang, at least. But what caught Lin Tian's interest was the flexibility. Previously, as a part-time high schooler, his shifts were sporadic, limited to once or twice a week. Working daily at 45 yuan an hour would mean earning 3,000–4,000 yuan monthly—a decent sum for a student, even if modest by Qingzhou standards.
"I'll think about it," Lin Tian said diplomatically. Though tempted, he knew better than to commit rashly. His primary focus remained on bigger goals—and Gan Yanyu. Sacrificing precious time solely for restaurant work didn't align with those priorities.
"Don't think too hard, Lin Tian! How about 48 yuan?" Wang pressed.
Before Lin Tian could respond, a voice called out from table twelve: "Excuse me, young man!"
Seeing a customer beckon, Wang reluctantly released Lin Tian, allowing him to head over.
Approaching the table, Lin Tian asked politely, "Is there anything I can assist you with?"
Seated at the table was a well-dressed middle-aged man wearing glasses. As Lin Tian arrived, the man scrutinized him intently.
"May I have a word with you?" the stranger inquired.
"Uh…" Lin Tian hesitated. Female customers flirting with him was nothing new, but male patrons? This was a first.
"Let me introduce myself." The man slid a business card across the table.
[SYC Music Agency]
[Director of Music Department: Zhong Wei'an]
"I'm Zhong Wei'an, director of SYC's music department," the man explained.
"SYC?" Lin Tian repeated, glancing at the card.
"Yes, think of us as a music talent agency specializing in discovering professional musicians. Have you never encountered such companies?"
"No."
Zhong Wei'an exhaled, visibly relieved, and smiled warmly. "Your performance tonight was extraordinary. Might I ask, what was the name of the piece you played? I've been in this industry for years, yet I've never heard such a beautiful composition."
"Marriage of Love," Lin Tian replied smoothly.
"Marriage of Love? By which renowned composer?"
"Me."
Rather than fabricating an elaborate backstory, Lin Tian opted for straightforward honesty. Why complicate matters unnecessarily?
Zhong Wei'an's eyes lit up instantly. "Are you sure? Surely it wasn't composed by one of your teachers, credited to you as a favor?"
"If you're willing to pay, I can compose more pieces at that level," Lin Tian countered confidently. Thanks to the Musical Memory Enhancement Card, his compositional abilities were unmatched.
Overwhelmed with excitement, Zhong Wei'an nearly stumbled backward, gripping the edge of the table for support. "Y-you're serious?! Tell me your name again!"
"Lin Tian."
"Lin Tian- No, Mr. Lin, Listen, would you consider collaborating with our company? We could guide you down the path of becoming a professional pianist. Full career planning, concert opportunities, competitions—we'll ensure your talent shines brightly."
The normally composed director now spoke with unrestrained fervor, spittle flying as he outlined grand visions of stardom.
Lin Tian suppressed a sigh. A music talent agency? Was this what it felt like to be scouted? First the manager offered him extra shifts, and now this? Everyone seemed intent on handing him job offers left and right.
Did no one care that he was still a high school student?
Given the producer-focused nature of his system, going solo wasn't an option. Moreover, between managing his responsibilities and supporting Gan Yanyu, Lin Tian scarcely had time for distractions.
"My priority right now is preparing for university entrance exams. These opportunities don't interest me at the moment," he stated firmly.
Zhong sobered immediately. Of course—a student prioritizing academics above all else was perfectly reasonable. Taking a sip of tea, he regained composure.
"In that case, may I leave my business card with you? No rush. Contact me whenever you're ready."
"Sure." Lin Tian accepted the card indifferently, slipping it into his pocket. Future options were always welcome, after all.
Just then, Xu Yong rushed over, panting slightly. "Lin Tian, someone's here to see you."