Chapter Seventy-Three: The New Year's Gala (Part One)

Today was a perfect day for the students of Innovation High School. New Year's Day had arrived, and although they could have chosen to go home for the holiday, none of them did. Instead, they all stayed, eagerly awaiting the New Year's Eve gala that would take place that evening. For them, home was always there, but to miss tonight’s gala would have been a true regret.

Because it was New Year's Day, there were no classes scheduled. The students either studied on their own in the classrooms or headed early to the auditorium to wait for the evening’s festivities to begin.

“Tan Linlin, why did you drag us here so early? The gala doesn’t start until six, and it’s only two in the afternoon. I just don’t get you,” Wang Tao complained, his head drooping as he addressed Tan Linlin.

“If we don’t come early, how are we supposed to get good seats? Honestly!” Today, Tan Linlin was dressed in a bright red coat, her chubby face lightly made up.

“Hey, chubby, just look around—there’s hardly anyone in the auditorium! I really don’t get you. Your act was cut from the program and you’re still this enthusiastic,” Xu Tong grumbled, gesturing at the scattered handful of people in the hall.

“What did you just say? Whose act was cut?” Tan Linlin put her hands on her hips, her almond-shaped brows raised in challenge.

“Who knows whose? I certainly don’t,” Xu Tong replied with a crooked grin.

“If I don’t deal with you for a day, you start thinking you can tear the roof down, don’t you?” Tan Linlin rolled up her sleeves, her pale arms swinging as she lunged at Xu Tong. Not to be outdone, Xu Tong raised his fists in defense.

Liu Na and Kang Yan hurried over to separate them. “He’s always asking for it,” Tan Linlin grumbled, sitting back down with an angry huff.

“We live in a harmonious society—words, not fists, are the mark of a gentleman, as Confucius said,” Lin Xudong said, shaking his head sagely, a classic in hand.

“What’s it to you? Go do your own thing,” Tan Linlin shouted at him again. Lin Xudong shrank back, returning to his reading.

“Hey, do you think Meng Ranjan will perform tonight? Haven’t seen her dance in ages,” Yuan Weiye blurted out, oblivious to the murderous looks from the others.

“Get him!” Tan Linlin shouted. The group immediately surrounded Yuan Weiye, pummeling him with playful punches.

Ever since that incident, they’d all held a grudge against Meng Ranjan. Yuan Weiye had really put his foot in it, so getting roughed up was only fair.

As time passed, more and more people filled the auditorium. Many students were buzzing about the upcoming New Year's gala.

“Did you hear? Wang Yuqing is hosting tonight! She’s the girl of my dreams,” declared a freckled boy to those around him.

“Old news,” scoffed another student. “I saw her rehearsing with Gao Zheng days ago at the arts center.”

“You mean Gao Zheng is the male host tonight?” a girl nearby chimed in.

“Exactly. It’s always been Chai Yuan before—I wonder why they switched to Gao Zheng this time.”

“Wow, my dream guy is hosting!” The girl was nearly swooning.

“Hey, Lily? Breaking news—the male host tonight is Gao Zheng. Don’t go home, hurry over! I’ll save you a seat,” another girl said, pulling out her phone to call her best friend.

Backstage, Wang Yuqing clutched the hem of her dress, lips pursed in anxiety as she confided in Xiao Lin, “I’m still a little nervous.”

“It’s fine! Being nervous is normal. I used to be terrified before going on stage, but once you’re up there, you’ll relax. Just believe in yourself—you can do this,” Xiao Lin encouraged her.

“Don’t worry, Yuqing. I’ll help you up there,” Gao Zheng added warmly.

“All performers, please assemble backstage. The show is about to start. Hosts, get ready—you’re on in five minutes,” Director Zhang called out through a megaphone.

“Come on, Yuqing, let’s get ready,” Gao Zheng said.

“All right. Xiao Lin, I’ll head over now,” Wang Yuqing said to Xiao Lin.

“Go on! Good luck!” Xiao Lin gave her a thumbs-up.

“I will!” Wang Yuqing nodded, clenching her small fists for courage before heading off with Gao Zheng.

Watching her leave, a glint flashed in Xiao Lin’s eyes. “Tonight, a big surprise awaits you. I hope it doesn’t startle you too much.”

By now, the auditorium was overflowing, students packed into every available space. Innovation High’s hall was large, but the turnout was overwhelming—every seat was taken, and many had to stand. Tan Linlin and her friends had managed seats in the third row—the best any student could hope for. The second row was reserved for teachers, and the first, naturally, for the school leadership.

“Everyone, please quiet down—the gala is about to begin!” A deep voice rang out over the loudspeakers.

As the last note died away, the red curtains on the grand stage slowly parted. Gentle music began to play. Multicolored lights danced over the crimson carpet, creating a breathtaking, dreamlike effect that wrapped the stage in a rainbow ribbon. As everyone marveled at the lighting, they noticed a stunning girl in a white gown tiptoeing gracefully toward center stage. At the same time, from the opposite side, a handsome young man in a vintage prince’s outfit walked forward with stately elegance. The two met at the center, spun gracefully, and stood side by side, facing the audience. A warm amber spotlight bathed them, perfectly highlighting their poise and bearing.

The girl, dressed all in white, had a lovely, heart-shaped face, her long black hair cascading over her shoulders. Her large, sparkling eyes shone like stars, her nose was high and delicate, her lips a charming rosebud. She was slender and graceful, her posture dignified and refined. Her gown flowed down to her ankles, layers of delicate lace adorned with pearls that shimmered under the lights, making her appear both noble and sweet, so beautiful she seemed unreal—like a fairy from a painting, enchanting all who beheld her.

Beside her, the young man’s chiseled features exuded a cool, reserved charm. His thick brows, straight nose, and perfect lips gave him an air of nobility. Dressed in a black tuxedo and white breeches, he looked more regal and elegant than any prince, his bearing setting him apart from the crowd.

“Dear teachers, fellow students, good evening. I am your host, Wang Yuqing.” Wang Yuqing’s clear, melodious voice reached every corner of the auditorium.

“And I am your host, Gao Zheng.” Gao Zheng, beside her, bowed gracefully.