My Girlfriend Is a Cello Player-Chapter 40: Gan Yanyu Wants to Settle the Accounts

Chapter 40: Gan Yanyu Wants to Settle the Accounts
Can-Can Dance, a piece from Jacques Offenbach's 1858 operetta Orpheus in the Underworld, is better known as the "Infernal Galop" from the Overture to Heaven and Hell.
This operetta, set in the mythological underworld, is a comedy brimming with humor and satire. Its music was wildly popular in mid-19th century Paris, becoming emblematic of the city's vibrant culture. The lively rhythm of Can-Can Dance has endured for over two centuries, making it a staple at celebrations and on screen.
Even now, variations of this tune pop up everywhere. Twenty years ago, it was reimagined as the absurdly catchy "Comon, I'm a spinach, s-s-s-s-spinach(Note)" from The Lion Roars. Ten years back, it served as the ending theme for Inspector Biscuit. Great music withstands time, and choosing something upbeat can give any project that extra push toward popularity. Not everyone has an ear for deep emotion like in Greeting of Love, but almost anyone will perk up at the infectious melody of Can-Can Dance.
Ironically, even Greeting of Love gained mainstream recognition only when paired with novelty songs. Remember the viral hit during the pandemic? "I just want a Bing Dwen Dwen… Can someone help me get one?" (Note.2) That sugary tune could send your blood sugar soaring faster than three insulin shots! No wonder many music lovers prefer their favorite tracks stay under the radar—some treasures are best kept niche.
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Lin Tian quickly jotted down the sheet music for Can-Can. Then, sitting at the piano, he pressed the keys experimentally. After a few tries, his brow furrowed. Something felt off. A single instrument couldn't capture the energy of such an exuberant piece—it needed orchestration. Practice would be key.
Knock knock knock.
The door interrupted his thoughts. Opening it, Lin Tian found Gan Yanyu standing there. Clad in a loose white slip dress, her slender frame looked delicate and vulnerable. Her limbs were bare, giving her an almost fragile appearance that evoked an instinctive desire to protect her. Was she wearing sleepwear? Lin Tian hesitated to ask.
And then another thought crossed his mind: Had her period ended yet? He hoped not to relive the awkwardness of last time.
"What's wrong?" Gan Yanyu asked, noticing Lin Tian's odd expression. She instinctively shrank back slightly.
"Nothing," Lin Tian replied casually. "I was just wondering how much you weigh now."
Four days had passed since they began Gan Yanyu's rehabilitation plan. Each day, Lin Tian had ensured she consumed high-protein meals packed with nutrients, hoping to see some weight gain.
"42.5 kilograms," Gan Yanyu answered promptly. "I checked after my shower."
That made 85 pounds—a noticeable improvement from the initial 80-something pounds displayed by the system interface. Progress, albeit slow, was visible. Encouraged, Lin Tian said optimistically, "Once you hit 90 pounds, you should be able to return to school."
Gan Yanyu nodded softly. Then, remembering something, she reached for her phone. "By the way, how much do I owe you for these past couple of days' meals? Let me transfer the money."
"No need," Lin Tian said firmly, pressing her phone down before she could open her wallet app.
He'd recently received ten thousand yuan from the system. After paying rent and utilities, seven thousand remained. Originally, he'd planned to spend all of it on a piano, but thanks to Gan Yanyu borrowing one instead, they now had enough to cover living expenses for quite some time.
"But…" Gan Yanyu protested, growing flustered. "You don't have much either! How can you afford everything?"
She knew exactly how hard Lin Tian worked to earn every penny. Living alone without family support wasn't easy.
"I get a stipend," Lin Tian countered. "It's only fair if I contribute more."
"Your stipend is barely eight hundred yuan a month!" Lin Tian shot back. "What can you possibly manage with that?"
This figure came up during one of their runs together. Gan Yanyu's parents weren't foolish—they'd agreed to let her make her own choices while covertly controlling her independence through financial means. Eight hundred yuan wouldn't starve a high school student, but it certainly wouldn't allow for much freedom either. In Qingzhou, a first-tier city, a simple weekend outing could easily cost a hundred or two.
Her parents' tactic was clear: keep her dependent. But knowing Gan Yanyu's pride, asking them for more money was out of the question. Her original plan had been to cut ties entirely and find a part-time job.
"You don't need to worry about money," Lin Tian reassured her. "Thanks to you solving my piano issue, we've saved thousands."
"What do you mean ‘your piano issue'?" Gan Yanyu frowned, her voice tinged with indignation. "Isn't this something we're facing together?"
Lin Tian realized his mistake too late. Gan Yanyu's cheeks flushed visibly.
"You're right," he corrected himself hastily. "But since you helped us save so much, isn't it reasonable for me to handle other expenses?"
Truthfully, Lin Tian refused her contributions because he viewed the ten thousand yuan as shared earnings. It was the result of their joint efforts—the "Producer Task." Accepting her money would feel exploitative, even though they were partners. He intended to use the funds for their mutual benefit.
"The recording equipment was your idea, and borrowing the piano made sense too," Gan Yanyu argued stubbornly.
Seeing no end to their debate, Lin Tian pulled out his phone and showed her his WeChat balance: 7,753 yuan.
Gan Yanyu gasped. "Where did you get so much money?"
"A fan sponsored us," Lin Tian explained nonchalantly. "Someone who loved our videos messaged me privately after learning we're high schoolers. They sent ten thousand yuan to support us."
"That's so kind of them," Gan Yanyu murmured.
"Yes, and after paying the rent, we still have over seven thousand left. This money belongs to both of us, so stop mentioning reimbursing me, okay?"