My Girlfriend Is a Cello Player-Chapter 28: A Health Issue That Can't Wait

Chapter 28: A Health Issue That Can't Wait
The business card was handed to him by a middle-aged man he bumped into two days ago after finishing a performance at the restaurant he was working at.
Unexpectedly, Gan Yanyu, who was standing nearby, glanced at the card and read the name aloud.
"SYC?"
"You've heard of them?"
"They're a music agency—pretty famous in Qingzhou. They represent a lot of top-tier musicians," Gan Yanyu explained. "One of their violinists even competed in last year's national competition."
"So they're legit."
At the time, the man at Lin Tian Restaurant had seemed overly enthusiastic, which made Lin Tian instinctively skeptical about the caliber of the company.
Such is human nature.
The easier something is to obtain, the less valuable it seems.
But when you finally want in and they hit you with a three-round interview process, suddenly you're humbled.
"But how did you get this card?" Gan Yanyu asked.
"I met him while I was playing piano at the restaurant."
Lin Tian said it casually, but his words caused a small ripple of surprise in Gan Yanyu's mind.
To catch the attention of SYC, you'd have to be that good.
"What's the difference between a music agency and those celebrity management companies we usually hear about?"
Remembering that Gan Yanyu herself was signed to a music agency, Lin Tian decided to ask.
Though both were agencies, Lin Tian couldn't help but feel…
Signing musicians must be classier than signing celebrities, right?
It was like how the word "actress" technically just means someone who performs on screen—but people often associate it with something more glamorous or prestigious because everyone likes to assume higher status where possible.
"A difference in focus," Gan Yanyu replied.
Seeing Lin Tian genuinely interested for once, she raised her index finger and began explaining earnestly.
"The celebrity agencies most people think of are mainly focused on packaging, managing, promoting, and arranging collaborations for their stars."
"Music agencies, on the other hand, do all that too, but their primary focus is on music creation, production, distribution, and promotion. They also handle recording sessions, competitions, and performances for musicians."
"I see."
Lin Tian summarized it succinctly.
The former was all about marketing and riding the wave of popularity.
The latter was serious about music because they literally lived off it.
So reaching out to them was definitely the right move.
Lin Tian picked up the phone and dialed the number on the business card.
"Who's calling?"
"Lin Tian. We met at SWING Restaurant the other night."
"Oh, it's you!"
Upon hearing Lin Tian's introduction, Zhong Wei'an's voice immediately perked up with excitement.
"What's up, Mr. Lin Tian? Are you ready to become a professional pianist?"
"Not quite yet. I wanted to ask if your studio is available for rent. I can pay for it."
"May I ask what you need it for?"
"To record some pieces and film short videos."
Even as he spoke, Lin Tian felt a twinge of embarrassment.
After all, the equipment in their studio was meant for producing high-quality music releases—not shooting low-budget TikTok videos.
It was like hiring an expensive photographer, only to tell them you'll edit the photos yourself, then whip out your phone and slap a filter on shots taken with their ¥10,000 camera.
"No problem," Zhong Wei'an responded cheerfully.
"Really?" Lin Tian was caught off guard.
"Well, here's an idea," Zhong Wei'an continued. "Since you're planning to film short videos regularly, renting our studio every time would add up. Why don't I personally send you a set of recording equipment? You can use it at home—it'll be more than enough for your needs."
"And since you're still a student, I won't charge you. Just mention in your video descriptions that we provided the equipment. When you're able to buy new gear later, you can return ours. How does that sound?"
Zhong Wei'an finished speaking, leaving Lin Tian momentarily stunned.
What?
So students really could freeload?
The logic behind the offer was simple: Zhong Wei'an would lend Lin Tian the equipment, and Lin Tian would give them a shout-out in his videos.
On the surface, it seemed fair. But clearly, Zhong Wei'an was getting the short end of the stick.
Recording equipment worth thousands of dollars in exchange for a tiny text ad in Lin Tian's video description? The math didn't add up.
Lin Tian knew this was Zhong Wei'an's way of trying to win him over.
And frankly, he didn't mind.
"Deal."
"Great. Add me on WeChat and send me your address."
"Got it."
The call ended.
Gan Yanyu watched Lin Tian nervously, her hands fidgeting as she asked, "How did it go?"
"I got it—the recording equipment."
"How much did it cost?"
"Nothing."
"Wow…"
Gan Yanyu pumped her fist excitedly.
But a moment later—
"Cough, cough—"
She covered her mouth and turned away, suppressing another round of coughs.
"What's wrong?"
Lin Tian immediately stepped closer, concern etched on his face.
"It's nothing. My throat's been inflamed lately. Some medicine should fix it."
Gan Yanyu returned to the couch and opened her cello case, reaching into the smallest compartment. Her fingers found a red plastic bag.
Perhaps in her haste—or maybe to avoid letting Lin Tian see—she tugged at the bag too forcefully.
It ripped open, spilling dozens of pill bottles across the sofa and floor.
"Ah…"
Gan Yanyu scrambled to pick them up.
"It's okay, let me help."
Lin Tian knelt down but froze as he saw the contents.
Aside from common medications like licorice tablets and expectorants, there were antidepressants like fluoxetine and paroxetine, asthma treatments packed with hormones and regulators, and countless others whose purposes Lin Tian couldn't begin to guess.
The sheer volume was overwhelming.
Just looking at it made his skin crawl.
Lin Tian knew that some people carried emergency meds in their bags, especially if they had chronic conditions or sudden illnesses. But he'd never seen such an excessive amount stuffed into the hidden compartment of a cello case.
"Are…all these yours?"
He picked up a box of antidepressants, his expression grave.
"No, actually. I stopped taking antidepressants yesterday."
Gan Yanyu busied herself picking up the scattered boxes without meeting his eyes, twisting her little finger nervously.
"What about the rest?"
"They're just backups. In case I get sick and need them."
"Who keeps this many backups? Do you moonlight as a pharmacist or something? Do you even realize selling prescription drugs illegally is a crime??"
Lin Tian couldn't hold back anymore. He was visibly upset.
Seeing anyone, let alone a young woman, dealing with so many medications would make anyone anxious.
He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself before asking, "By the way, when are you supposed to go back to school?"
"The registrar said I need a clean bill of health from the hospital first." Gan Yanyu's voice wavered slightly.
"I knew it."
Lin Tian rubbed his temples. Truth be told, with his godlike system insight, he'd anticipated this situation long ago.
He placed a firm hand on Gan Yanyu's shoulder.