Lin Yuan certainly didn't need to wait for death to achieve godhood; the Earth behind him was an inexhaustible treasure trove of art. Moreover, he firmly believed that the system would eventually conquer the ravages of illness!
It's worth mentioning here that novels like "The Gift of the Magi" often carry deeper meanings, reflecting societal class contradictions and injustices of the time.
However, Lin Yuan lived on the Blue Star. So, this story was just a story, with the text emphasizing the narrative itself, lacking the profound implications found in discussions of that era.
At this moment, he was having a meal in the cafeteria. Xia Fan and Jian Yi sat across from him.
Today, Xia Fan seemed a bit absent-minded, her gaze unfocused. Jian Yi, noticing this, waved his hand in front of Xia Fan's eyes: "What are you thinking about? So lost in thought?"
Lin Yuan also looked at this good friend with concern. Xia Fan raised her head, awkwardly saying, "Don't laugh at me, but I signed up again for this year's 'Rising Star.'"
Hearing this, Jian Yi and Lin Yuan exchanged a glance, then burst into laughter.
As the most popular talent show in Qin Prefecture, "Rising Star" was held annually. Many young girls with dreams of music aspired to participate—Xia Fan was one of them.
However, in the past two years, Xia Fan had already participated twice in "Rising Star," and both times, she stopped at the top one hundred. This setback deeply affected her, and last year, when she was eliminated, she tearfully declared, "I will never participate in this show again."
The words from last year were still fresh in their minds.
Yet, as soon as the registration for "Rising Star" opened this year, Xia Fan eagerly signed up again, seemingly forgetting her own words and the disappointments of the previous two attempts.
"Do you two want to die?"
Xia Fan glared at the two laughing friends. Lin Yuan instantly composed himself, saying, "I support you."
Jian Yi also put on a serious expression, "Chase your dreams."
Xia Fan's expression eased slightly.
But these two burst into laughter again.
Xia Fan couldn't contain her anger, "Do you find it so amusing?"
The survival instinct kept Jianyi and Lin Yuan from bursting into laughter.
Xia Fan hummed, "This is the third time. I promise, this year will be my last participation!"
Jian Yi murmured, "You said the same thing last year..."
Then, he exclaimed in pain as Xia Fan stepped on his foot.
Lin Yuan said, "During the competition, we'll be there cheering for you from the audience, just like the past two years."
"That works."
Xia Fan stood up, "Since that's the case, both of you help me. I think the reason I didn't make it to the top 100 in the past two years was mainly due to the song selection. This year, I'll choose a song that suits me perfectly and leaves the judges speechless."
"Agreed."
Lin Yuan and Jian Yi didn't refuse.
Actually, it was mainly Lin Yuan's opinion.
Jian Yi, a guy with no sense of musicality, simply categorized music as either "good" or "not good."
After some thought, Lin Yuan said, "The song you sang last year was actually good. The main reason the judges didn't select you was because your song style was niche."
As a good friend, Lin Yuan understood Xia Fan's talent.
With Xia Fan's abilities, participating in "Rising Star" was a real opportunity. The problem with Xia Fan was in the competition strategy.
This girl liked niche songs a lot.
Competitions emphasize the live experience, and songs that get the audience excited are more likely to stand out. Niche songs may not resonate as much.
...
After finishing their meal, the three of them started planning for Xia Fan's song selection in "Rising Star."
Xia Fan took out her prepared song list, "Lin Yuan, circle the recommended songs for me, and I'll practice them more."
"Sure."
Lin Yuan glanced at Xia Fan's song list. The girl still couldn't shake her preference for niche music. Besides niche songs, Lin Yuan also saw two familiar songs in the list,
one was "Big Fish."
The other was "Flammable and Explosive."
Lin Yuan looked at Xia Fan and immediately crossed out "Big Fish."
Xia Fan's voice couldn't bring out the advantages of this song.
He pointed to another song, "You can try 'Flammable and Explosive.'"
"Okay."
This was one of Xia Fan's favorite songs.
After some thought, Lin Yuan added, "I'm not suggesting you sing this song in the preliminary audition. You'll be fine in the audition. Save this song for the top 100 competition."
Xia Fan nodded.
Most of the contestants entering the top 100 were highly professional at this stage. At this point, it wasn't surprising to see who advanced and who didn't. In the past two years, she has been too straightforward, thinking that singing well would guarantee her a spot in the top 100, not realizing that all the contestants who made it to the top 100 were strong.
He offered some more suggestions.
Lin Yuan almost deleted half of Xia Fan's song list. He looked at the remaining songs and said, "You can practice these well; they can all be used as competition pieces."
"Okay."
Xia Fan still trusted Lin Yuan relatively, even though many songs Lin Yuan deleted were ones she really wanted to sing.
After the discussion.
An hour had already passed.
Lin Yuan and Jian Yi both had to leave. With no classes scheduled for this afternoon, Lin Yuan hesitated for a moment and summoned the system, "Can I improve my piano skills through practice?"
[Indeed.]
The system replied, [The system has endowed the host with a professional-level piano proficiency. However, if the host diligently practices on this foundation, autonomous progress is achievable]
"Understood."
Lin Yuan headed to the piano room.
Everyone enjoys reaping the benefits without putting in the effort, and Lin Yuan is no exception. Who wouldn't dislike the feeling of getting something for nothing?
But apart from waiting for the system to upgrade him, Lin Yuan also doesn't resist the idea of self-improvement. Otherwise, why bother paying attention in every university class?
After all, the system provides songs, right?
If he approached it with this mindset, Lin Yuan could leisurely go through his campus life and even his entire life. However, that would be too dull.
The efficiency of self-improvement compared to the system is indeed negligible.
But Lin Yuan quite likes the feeling of making insignificant progress through effort. Humans, as creatures, need a sense of achievement.
Arriving at the piano room, Lin Yuan played a few familiar pieces first.
After his hands warmed up, he played "Dream Wedding." This was a piece he obtained from the silver treasure chest, still lying in his inventory.
Notes flowed from his fingertips.
Lin Yuan gently closed his eyes.
Gradually, he increased the speed, attempting to improvise on "Dream Wedding." Many pianists try this improvisation; sometimes, it can transform the original piece beyond recognition.
However, this attempt was not successful.
Lin Yuan felt that he lacked certain piano literacy, unable to imbue the piece with a richer soul.
This is the downside of system upgrades. Lin Yuan achieved professional-level piano skills instantly, and indeed, the technique was professional. However, he lacked the accumulation of certain elements.
Just like singing without emotion.
In reality, Lin Yuan's piano lacked much emotion; the professional-level skill enhancement made him seem like an emotionless playing machine.
"This might be the direction I need to improve in the future."
Lin Yuan had a realization in his heart, so he slowed down the speed, letting the piece return to its original key. While playing, he engaged in some deeper contemplation.
What Lin Yuan didn't know was...
As his piano notes wafted through, in the adjacent piano room, a girl who was dozing off in front of the piano suddenly opened her eyes and stood up abruptly.