My Girlfriend Is a Cello Player-Chapter 55: University Students Today

Chapter 55: University Students Today
The morning sun bathed the world in golden light, a gentle breeze carrying with it the crispness of early autumn. It was one of those perfect days for an outing—bright but not too warm, inviting yet serene.
At the entrance to their apartment building, Lin Tian stood hunched over his phone, scrolling idly. A sharp, melodic voice broke through his concentration.
"I'm here."
He looked up just as Gan Yanyu appeared around the corner, her long black hair flowing behind her like ink spilled across a canvas. She wore a loose white T-shirt adorned with a bold cartoon graphic that gave off an effortless cool vibe. Below, denim shorts revealed legs so smooth and endless they could've been mistaken for a highway stretching into infinity, ending only at pristine white sneakers.
Slung over her shoulder was her cello case, its weight doing little to dampen her energy. She waved her hand playfully in front of Lin Tian's face.
"Lin Tian, what are you spacing out about?"
"Why are you dressed like this?" he asked, gesturing vaguely toward her outfit.
"These? I bought them back when I was in England—is it really that strange?"
Gan Yanyu glanced down at herself nervously, tugging slightly on the hem of her shirt.
"Not exactly 'strange,'" Lin Tian replied after a pause. But it wasn't something he'd expect from her. In his mind, Gan Yanyu's wardrobe consisted mostly of school uniforms or elegant dresses—the kind reminiscent of classic Hong Kong actresses, though hers leaned more modern and sophisticated. There were sleek, monochrome maxi dresses exuding grace, or playful floral sundresses that screamed summer charm. He couldn't decide which suited her better: the uniform or the dresses. After all, his memory of her scent came exclusively from the former.
But this? This casual, carefree blend of a T-shirt and jeans? It felt foreign, almost like seeing someone else entirely. For a moment, Lin Tian swore she looked like she'd stepped straight out of another era—or maybe another version of herself.
"Miss Gan," he said finally, breaking the silence.
"Hmm?"
"Grab the edge of your shirt."
"Again? Why do I have to grab it again?"
"Just hurry up and do it," Lin Tian urged.
With a sigh, Gan Yanyu pinched the fabric between her fingers. "Like this?"
"No, no—not pinch. Grab it firmly. Pull more of the material into your palm."
She complied, bunching up a generous handful of the soft cotton before giving it a firm tug downward. Instantly, the loose T-shirt tightened against her figure, accentuating every curve. The subtle outline of her chest pressed gently against the fabric, while a sliver of skin peeked out where the shirt rode up. Paired with the denim shorts, the effect was striking—a flawless silhouette.
Lin Tian couldn't help but admire the sight. Every time Gan Yanyu wore something like this, he found himself marveling at the contrast. Somehow, these rare moments made her usual elegance feel even more captivating.
"Miss Gan," he began slowly, "have you gained some weight recently?"
Her eyes lit up with pride. "I'm 95 pounds now!"
"Good job!" Lin Tian grinned. "All those meals haven't gone to waste. Keep it up, and we'll get you back to school in no time."
Watching her transform—from frailty to strength, from uncertainty to confidence—filled him with a sense of accomplishment akin to raising a Pokémon. Perhaps this was the joy of nurturing, of watching someone grow under your care.
Gan Yanyu nodded eagerly. Over the past weeks, she had put in tremendous effort. While Lin Tian attended classes during the day, she stayed home, running laps, working out, taking vitamins religiously, and educating herself online about healthy living. Her determination stemmed from a single goal: returning to school stronger, healthier, and ready to spend more time pursuing music alongside Lin Tian.
"Let's go," she said brightly.
They boarded the subway, heading toward Xingye Conservatory of Music. Lin Tian decided today would be different—he wouldn't think about compositions, assignments, or scroll through social media notifications. Instead, he would savor this fleeting weekend, one of the last few breaks he'd have as a high school senior.
Upon arriving at the conservatory gates, they slipped inside without hassle—it was an open campus, after all. Saturdays were quieter than weekdays, but scattered groups of students still wandered the grounds. Mingling among them brought an odd sensation, one Lin Tian recognized well. Having attended university in his past life, he knew the subtle differences between high schoolers and university students.
High school students, molded by rigid schedules and parental oversight, rarely paid much attention to appearances. University students, however, often took great pride in their looks. Guys experimented with hairstyles, and girls treated makeup as a rite of passage. That's why some overlooked classmates suddenly blossomed into "campus goddesses" once they entered university.
Walking side by side with Gan Yanyu, Lin Tian noticed her unease.
"Do you think people can tell we're high schoolers?" She kept inching closer to him, her voice tinged with nervousness.
"No one cares enough to notice," Lin Tian responded.
"But I still feel like we're sneaking in like thieves."
"We only look like it because you're acting all suspicious. Besides, you look like a university student anyway, especially with that cello strapped to your back. If anything, they'll assume you belong here." Lin Tian reassured her.
Privately, though, Lin Tian knew his earlier observations didn't apply to Gan Yanyu. Her beauty transcended such distinctions. With her natural black hair, bare face, and effortless charm, she radiated a raw elegance unmatched by even the most polished university girls. Meanwhile, thanks to his signature M-shaped bangs—a hairstyle synonymous with anime protagonists bent on saving the world—Lin Tian carried his own youthful aura.
"Really?" Gan Yanyu asked skeptically, stepping ahead to block his path. She turned sideways, posing dramatically. "Do I look like a student here?"
Though unsure why it mattered so much to her, Lin Tian nodded. "Definitely."
Her face lit up instantly. Buoyed by his words, she quickened her pace, inhaling deeply as if absorbing the essence of the place. Around them, the conservatory brimmed with artistic energy. Statues dotted the landscape, including a towering musical note sculpture at the heart of the central plaza. Its abstract design commanded attention, embodying both creativity and sophistication.
"Lin Tian! Lin Tian!" Gan Yanyu called excitedly, standing beside the statue. "Take a picture of me!"
"Sure." He pulled out his phone, aiming the camera at her. Just as he pressed the shutter button, a group of students carrying textbooks walked by, glancing curiously in their direction. Gan Yanyu flushed red, caught off guard, but quickly threw up a peace sign as Lin Tian called out, "Say cheese!"