{Chapter: 315 Job offer!}
"When Tartini awoke, he rushed to transcribe what he remembered of the music. That composition became known as The Devil's Trill Sonata. However, even Tartini admitted that what he wrote down was but a shadow of what he had heard in the dream. He said—and I quote—that he would give up all his compositions just to hear that infernal sonata one more time, played to perfection."
A gasp swept through the audience. The legend had always sounded like an eerie tale meant to entertain. But after hearing Lin Yuan's performance, it didn't feel so far-fetched anymore.
A gasp swept through the audience. The legend had always sounded like an eerie tale meant to entertain. But after hearing Lin Yuan's performance, it didn't feel so far-fetched anymore.
He Tao looked around and nodded slowly. "Yes. After hearing that just now… I believe the legend."
He took a deep breath and added, "I've attended countless recitals, concerts, and international competitions over the past few decades. I've met world-class violinists from all corners of the globe—some of the greatest living artists of our time. Many have attempted this piece. Most failed to capture its essence. But today…" He paused again, his eyes locking onto Lin Yuan. "Today, I witnessed the most perfect rendition I've ever heard in my entire life."
There was an audible swell of awe in the room.
He Tao's voice softened but carried immense weight. "The gentleman who just performed has a skill that surpasses even the most revered masters I've met. No exaggeration. Not one-tenth of their skill compares to what we just witnessed."
He turned toward Lin Yuan with visible respect, his hands clasped formally in front of him. "May I ask… the name of the man behind the violin?"
Lin Yuan smiled calmly, eyes half-lidded like someone who didn't see what the fuss was about. "Of course," he replied with a light nod. "My name is… Gui Yuan."
There was a slight ripple of confusion. "Gui Yuan?"
The vice-principal blinked, puzzled. It wasn't a name he recognized from any of the major classical music circuits or international registries.
Gui Qingtong, seated among the students, looked startled at Lin Yuan's choice of surname. He had changed it to match hers. A flicker of warmth danced in her eyes, her fingers clutching her school uniform tightly.
Beside her, Xie Shixuan whispered the name under her breath, as if tasting it on her tongue. "Gui… Yuan…"
Then He Tao straightened, as if remembering something important. "Ah, yes!" he said quickly. "Mr. Gui Yuan—I must make a shameless request."
He bowed deeply, his tone reverent. "Your skills are beyond what this humble institution has ever seen. I speak not just as an administrator, but as a lifelong lover of the violin. I have seen and heard so many in my forty—no, nearly fifty years of experience. And not once, not once, have I seen someone as talented as you."
His eyes shone with excitement. "Our conservatory has long lacked a true master in the violin arts. May I ask if you would be willing to accept a position here—perhaps as a special guest lecturer or full-time instructor? We are prepared to offer the highest possible salary, and even special privileges, should you be willing to guide the next generation of musicians!"
There was a breathless silence. All eyes turned to Lin Yuan, waiting for his answer.
Everyone was genuinely astonished by the sincerity in Vice Principal He Tao's voice as he earnestly extended an invitation to Lin Yuan, asking him to become a violin instructor at their esteemed institution.
Such a proposition, especially coming from a person in He Tao's position, was no small matter. His tone, body language, and even the glint in his eyes conveyed how deeply he admired Lin Yuan's musical prowess. The entire auditorium fell into stunned silence, everyone holding their breath in anticipation of Lin Yuan's response.
However, Lin Yuan only offered a polite smile and shook his head, calmly refusing, "Thank you, but I'm afraid I'm not very interested in teaching at the moment."
He Tao, still determined and unable to accept such a talent slipping through his fingers so easily, quickly added with more urgency, "If salary is the issue, let me be more direct. In addition to the highest remuneration the Jiangbei Conservatory can offer, I am also willing to recommend you for a position equal to mine. I will personally speak with the principal. With your skills, it's not just possible — it's deserved!"
The audience collectively gasped, completely shocked by how far the vice principal was willing to go. Offering a status equal to his own was unprecedented. Teachers and students alike couldn't believe their ears.
Despite the enticing offer, Lin Yuan simply gave another gentle smile and shook his head again. "Vice Principal He, I genuinely appreciate your kind words and generous offer. But I'm afraid my heart is not in academia. I really must decline."
This time, He Tao let out a deep sigh and slowly returned to his seat, a trace of disappointment visible on his face. He had tried every card he could play, but it still wasn't enough to move Lin Yuan.
As he sat down, He Tao couldn't help but feel a little bitter inside. Although he had not seen the Bugatti Veyron Lin Yuan arrived in, he had noticed the man's wristwatch — a rare, limited-edition Vacheron Constantin. A single glance was enough to tell that it easily exceeded ten million yuan in value.
Not to mention the suit Lin Yuan was wearing. While it bore no overt logos, those in the know would recognize it as a custom creation from a high-end European atelier known for its discreet yet luxurious tailoring. Everything about Lin Yuan's appearance screamed wealth and elegance, though always with a sense of understated confidence.
Clearly, this was no ordinary man. And while the vice principal had laid out an offer that would make even some world-class musicians consider a change in career, to Lin Yuan, it didn't even seem to register as a temptation.
Meanwhile, Lin Yuan walked off the stage, setting his violin back in its case. As he did so, a thought crossed his mind — the phone he had handed to Xie Shixuan, which contained the accompaniment score for their earlier duet.
He turned back to retrieve it. Walking calmly toward the piano, he smiled as he approached her. "Thank you for the accompaniment, classmate Xie Shixuan," he said graciously.
Blushing slightly, Xie Shixuan quickly replied, "It's nothing! I know Qingtong, so… you can just call me Shixuan."
She looked flustered but delighted. As she sat frozen on the piano bench, she couldn't help but shake Lin Yuan's hand repeatedly, as if she didn't want to let go.
Noticing her awkward position and how rigidly she was seated, Lin Yuan raised an eyebrow. "You're not getting up?"
"Ah… th-that… my legs feel a little weak," she stammered, visibly trembling. Her forehead was dotted with beads of sweat.
Lin Yuan instantly understood the reason. It wasn't just the heat of the moment — it was the aftershock of their performance. The piece he had just played, The Devil's Trill, was notoriously sinister and demanding. His divine-level skill on the violin amplified its intensity, and Xie Shixuan, as his accompanist, had been the most directly affected.
Of course she would be shaken. That piece was a storm to the soul.
Lin Yuan softened his expression and extended his hand kindly. "Shall I help you up?"
"Ah? O-Okay… th-thank you…" she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. Her heart was thumping erratically as she gently placed her soft, pale hand into his.
Lin Yuan's large, warm hand wrapped around hers with ease and helped her to her feet.
"O-Okay," she mumbled again, trying to steady herself.
As she stood, she could feel the lingering heat from his palm, the firmness of his grip, and the gentleness behind it. Her cheeks flushed slightly. She had never held hands with a boy before—let alone a mature man with such presence and charm.
She quickly tried to rid her mind of any strange thoughts. 'No no no! What am I thinking?!' she scolded herself inwardly. 'This man is Gui Qingtong's father!'
She and Qingtong were close friends. They shared secrets, helped each other with homework, and even exchanged holiday gifts. How could she be having such thoughts about her best friend's father? That was a huge no! A betrayal of friendship!
But even as she scolded herself, the thoughts refused to go away.
Try as she might to shake off the swirling emotions, she couldn't. Her curiosity, admiration, and the lingering warmth in her hand were all too much.
At that moment, she made a small but firm decision in her heart.
After this event was over, she would go directly to Gui Qingtong. She had to find out the truth. Who exactly was this man? Was he really just a handsome, wealthy father? Or was there something more to him?
And maybe… just maybe… she could get his contact information, too.