My Girlfriend Is a Cello Player-Chapter 77: Sweet Love, But...

Chapter 77: Sweet Love, But...
"Love is just a tiny, insignificant part of life."
"There are so many things in this world far more important than dating."
...
These two sentences were spoken by Xu Yong's close friend just a few days ago. It was on one of those perfect afternoons—sunshine streaming through the windows, a gentle breeze brushing past—as if nature itself had conspired to make the moment unforgettable.
Now, about this so-called "close friend," it's quite a story.
It all began back in their first year of high school. Xu Yong sat at the very last row of the classroom, while Lin Tian, a boy with an expressionless face and quiet demeanor, was assigned to be his desk partner, seated by the window.
From the moment Xu Yong laid eyes on Lin Tian, he knew they wouldn't get along. Lin Tian looked like someone who barely spoke unless necessary, and Xu Yong couldn't imagine ever finding common ground with him.
But then something unexpected happened. One day, when Xu Yong sneakily ate Lin Tian's takeout without permission, Lin Tian transformed into what could only be described as a verbal assassin. In under three seconds, Lin Tian tore apart Xu Yong's entire family tree, threatening to personally inspect any offerings made to Xu Yong's mother.
Xu Yong was left speechless—and slightly teary-eyed.
Right there and then, he realized that Lin Tian wasn't just some random classmate; no, Lin Tian was the brother he never had. Sure, Xu Yong often teased Lin Tian for being motherless, but deep down, he truly admired the guy.
Lin Tian worked hard, focused relentlessly, and never let anything distract him once he set his mind on something. Despite coming from a broken home—or perhaps because of it—he excelled academically, held down jobs to support himself, and carried the weight of responsibility like no one else. Whenever Xu Yong mocked Lin Tian for being motherless, it wasn't out of spite—it was actually his way of showing respect.
So when Lin Tian dropped those profound words about love not mattering much, Xu Yong felt them hit home like a freight train.
Yes, how true it was. There were so many things in life more important than romance. And yet, here was Xu Yong—a guy who practically lived and breathed women—constantly lost in confusion, always chasing shadows.
Thinking back on his high school years so far, Xu Yong realized his mind had been consumed by thoughts of girls. Whether it was gossip about pretty underclassmen or rankings of the most beautiful girls in each grade, his brain was perpetually occupied.
And yet… wasn't school supposed to be about personal growth? About acquiring knowledge, developing skills, cultivating social responsibility, and nurturing creativity? Wasn't education meant to shape not only individual futures but also society's hopes for its youth?
The realization made Xu Yong cringe with shame.
No wonder Lin Tian was always ahead of everyone else. While Xu Yong wasted his time obsessing over women and relationships, Lin Tian thought bigger—about the world, about making something meaningful of his life. Maybe it really was time for Xu Yong to change.
---
In the dim light of his bedroom, Xu Yong turned off his computer after some serious reflection. He tossed away the tissue he'd used earlier and sighed deeply.
Human beings, he mused, always seemed to ponder life's deeper questions at moments like these—and sometimes, they even managed to figure things out.
Earlier, while browsing online, Xu Yong had suddenly remembered her—the girl who haunted his dreams. So naturally, he did what any hormonal teenager would do. But afterward, he found himself still thinking about her. Not because of what he'd done, but simply because he missed her.
This time, though, Xu Yong felt different. Perhaps Lin Tian was right. Maybe love really was overrated. Screw romance—it could all go die in a hole.
With that thought, he flicked on his bedside lamp and opened TikTok for his nightly scroll session. He swiped past the usual trashy videos that usually made him gag and decided to look for a movie recap instead. Ideally, something lighthearted where handsome heroes and beautiful heroines went on adventures, defeated monsters, sacrificed bad guys, and ended up together in the end. A simple, feel-good story before bed.
Just as he was thinking this, a particular video caught his eye.
"2.3 million likes?" Xu Yong muttered, surprised. "Am I seriously the last person to see this?"
Curious, he clicked play. The video showed a piano and a cello placed side by side, with a man and woman sitting in front of the camera. Their faces weren't visible, but it seemed like they were preparing to perform.
"Sol-la-si-do-la, mi-fa-sol-la-si~"
"Do-la-mi-fa-sol, la-si-do-la-mi~"
The girl hummed softly, her voice sweet and melodic. Then the man chimed in, coaching her: "Come on, I'm a banana, fragrant and fruity banana~"
Wait a second… That voice. Why did it sound so familiar?
Xu Yong hesitated. His parents were asleep in the next room, so he kept the volume low to avoid getting caught. As a result, he couldn't hear clearly. By the time he adjusted the volume, the man had already started playing the piano.
To the cheerful tune, the couple swayed and sang along happily.
"Come on, I'm a pineapple, bo-bo-bo-bo-pineapple~"
"La-la, la-la-la-la~~"
…
What a bizarre video.
But strangely…
It was kind of fun?
The music drowned out their voices, creating a fuzzy, warm sensation that somehow resonated deeply within Xu Yong. He rolled over in bed, feeling oddly captivated.
The piece was called Can-Can Dance. Normally, Xu Yong hated it and skipped any video featuring the song, marking them as "not interested." This was the first time he'd listened to the full track.
For some reason, the combination of the music and the video sparked a vivid mental image: a young couple living in a cozy rented apartment, making music together, sharing laughter and joy. It was sweet, almost unbearably so.
He continued watching.
The man playfully tapped the woman's head. "You idiot, your rhyme doesn't match. You're singing it wrong."
"Oh, fine. Then I'll be a pineapple too."
"Bo-bo-bo-bo-pineapple."
"Alright, you can have the pineapple. I'll be the big banana."
…
Xu Yong flipped excitedly in bed, giggling uncontrollably. These two were absolutely nuts—but so damn cute. How could anyone be this adorable?
Listening to them, he couldn't help but smile like an idiot, imagining himself in their shoes. He laughed softly, rolling around like a fish out of water. Who wouldn't want such sweet, pure love?
…
But then, Lin Tian's words echoed in his mind again.
His goofy grin froze instantly.
Damn it. Here he was, falling into the same trap again.
Xu Yong pinched himself hard. Hadn't he promised to follow Lin Tian's advice and stop obsessing over romance? Lin Tian operated on an entirely different intellectual plane, and here he was, drooling over some sugary display of affection.
Gritting his teeth, Xu Yong forced himself to look away from the screen. Reluctantly, he glanced at the uploader's name.
Moonlight and Cat.
"Huh?"
Why did that name feel so familiar?
Suddenly, it hit him.
"Oh my god, isn't that Lin Tian?!"
Xu Yong stared harder at the video. The more he looked, the more he recognized the figures onscreen. Holy crap—it was Lin Tian and Gan Yanyu!
All this time, Lin Tian preached about how unimportant love was, and now here he was, posting videos of himself goofing around with a girl! Xu Yong's heart sank. Moments ago, he'd been gleefully rolling around in bed. Now, he pounded the mattress in frustration, devastated.
"Lin Tian, you son of a—"
"You really are the worst…"