My Girlfriend Is a Cello Player-Chapter 58: The Symphony of the Conservatory

Chapter 58: The Symphony of the Conservatory
"Shit, this is bad." Lin Tian cursed inwardly, but before he could react—
"Who the hell are you calling a second-rate school?!"
The university students around them had already raised their voices in outrage.
"What? You come to our campus and insult our academy? Who do you think you are, some cocky high school brat? Prove it—actually pass the exam first!" one shouted.
"Yeah, sure, I complain about this damn school every day, but I'm the only one allowed to do that!" another chimed in.
"..."
As the verbal jabs grew increasingly heated—and with the potential for physical confrontation looming—Lin Tian immediately sensed the situation spiraling out of control. Without hesitation, he grabbed Gan Yanyu's hand and yelled:
"Run!"
And just like that, they bolted down the hallway, sprinting as if their lives depended on it.
"..."
Watching the two take off, the university students froze momentarily.
Wait...they're running?
Are these kids here to steal something?
It didn't take long for someone to notice where the pair had been lingering earlier: the academy's Wall of Honor.
"They were standing there for so long... Do you think they stole a trophy or something?" one student suggested.
That single comment reignited the group's energy. With so many trophies displayed, who could say for sure which ones might be missing? Better safe than sorry.
"Damn it! Chase them!"
One particularly bold university student took the lead, shouting encouragement as he sprinted after them. A chorus of male students followed suit, eager to catch the alleged thieves.
---
Meanwhile, Lin Tian was utterly baffled. Sure, his words may have been a tad offensive, but did it really warrant an all-out chase? Still, there was no time to look back and confirm—he could only keep running.
Fortunately, thanks to Lin Tian and Gan Yanyu's recent habit of jogging at night, their stamina far surpassed that of the average university student. These dorm-dwelling gamers, accustomed to sedentary lifestyles filled with video games and procrastination, struggled to close the gap right away.
Thus began a wild chase through the conservatory corridors. As they ran past the orchestral practice room, sultry saxophone melodies spilled into the air, reminiscent of the playful tunes from Tom and Jerry. This added a comical undertone to the chaotic scene.
When they passed the vocal training hall, a choir's powerful harmonies echoed through the space, grand and majestic, evoking images of Ultraman rising to save the day. It gave their frantic escape an almost legendary quality.
In classrooms where lectures droned on, professors reading from PowerPoint slides, curious heads poked out to investigate the commotion. The cacophony of shouts, footsteps, and music blended together, forming the conservatory's most unique symphony yet.
And leading this impromptu performance was none other than Lin Tian himself—the conductor of chaos.
Gan Yanyu, her wrist firmly held in Lin Tian's grasp, felt her heart race in sync with his determined strides. No explanation was needed; just a simple command—"Run"—and she trusted him completely, following wherever he led.
Recalling Lin Tian's earlier promise to work hard alongside her, Gan Yanyu's chest swelled with emotion. If his previous words about studying together had been mere encouragement, then this moment—this act of pulling her along, running side by side—solidified their shared future.
Together, they would aim for the conservatory.
---
Though the pursuing university students lacked physical fitness, they weren't short on wits. Realizing they were losing ground, they quickly devised a plan to surround Lin Tian and Gan Yanyu.
Lin Tian, ever resourceful, spotted an opportunity. He led Gan Yanyu upstairs, using the building's layout to his advantage. On the third floor, he ducked around a corner, exploiting a blind spot to evade their pursuers. Then, spotting an empty piano classroom, he yanked open the door and pulled Gan Yanyu inside.
With the door shut behind them, the noise outside gradually faded. Lin Tian let out a sigh of relief.
Turning to Gan Yanyu, he saw her panting heavily, sweat glistening on her forehead. "Are you okay?"
Remembering her asthma, Lin Tian's concern deepened.
"I'm fine," Gan Yanyu replied softly, catching her breath. "I've been exercising regularly lately. This isn't too much for me."
Only then did Lin Tian realize he was still holding her wrist. He quickly released it, feeling a bit sheepish.
Their eyes met, and suddenly—
"Pfft."
They both burst into laughter.
"You really went too far, talking trash about their school like that. See? Almost got us beaten up!" Gan Yanyu teased, covering her mouth to stifle her giggles.
"How was I supposed to know they'd be getting out of class right then?" Lin Tian shot back, mimicking her playful tone.
He couldn't deny it—they'd gotten so caught up in their conversation that they'd completely lost track of their surroundings. Insulting someone's school while standing right in front of its students was akin to yelling "Kobe sucks!" in front of diehard Lakers fans. If they'd been caught, it wouldn't have been entirely undeserved.
---
"Hey, you two."
A voice interrupted their moment of levity. Both turned in surprise.
At the front of the classroom, seated at a grand piano, was Gao Zhenyang. Beside him stood three students, equally stunned by the unexpected intrusion.
Lin Tian mentally slapped himself. Just moments ago, he'd boasted about how focused conversations made him oblivious to his surroundings—and now here he was, caught red-handed again.
"Mr. Gao," Lin Tian greeted quickly, stepping forward.
Gan Yanyu followed suit, composing herself.
"What was all that noise outside?" Gao Zhenyang asked curiously.
"No idea. Maybe some esports team won a championship?" Lin Tian offered casually.
"Ah, that makes sense," Gao Zhenyang nodded knowingly. Every year around this time, students celebrated gaming victories with raucous parades across campus.
"I was explaining something to these students when the commotion started. I told you two to wait downstairs for ten minutes, but looks like you decided to explore on your own."
After dismissing his students with instructions to return tomorrow for further guidance, Gao Zhenyang finally turned his full attention to Lin Tian and Gan Yanyu.
"Mr. Lin and Miss Gan, thank you for waiting. Please, have a seat."
His words sent shockwaves through the departing trio. They whipped their heads around, staring incredulously at Lin Tian and Gan Yanyu.
Did Mr. Gao just address them with honorifics? That form of address is usually reserved for esteemed colleagues within the music community!
"Sir, who are they?" a bespectacled student asked hesitantly.
"Two incredibly talented musicians—who happen to still be in their final year of high school," Gao Zhenyang explained without hesitation, a proud smile on his face.
High school students?! The revelation left the young man dumbfounded. He scrutinized the duo once more, struggling to reconcile their youthful appearances with such lofty titles.
Every musician accepted into this prestigious conservatory prided themselves on years of rigorous training. Some had practiced since childhood. How could two ordinary high schoolers stand shoulder-to-shoulder with seasoned instructors?
---
"Shall we begin the duet now?" Gan Yanyu asked, breaking the tension.