Chapter Seventy-Four: The New Year's Gala (Part Two)

Once again, the wheel of time carves a deep mark in our hearts. Bathed in the gentle warmth of the winter sun, we greet the arrival of New Year’s Day, 2014, with hearts brimming with joy.

“Yes, time passes in the blink of an eye. So much of our youth and so many dreams are buried in yesterday, but the future belongs to us as well. The magnificent tomorrow awaits our striving. Let us join hands and welcome the coming of a new year together.”

As soon as Wang Yuqing and Gao Zheng finished speaking, an eruption of screams and thunderous applause filled the auditorium. Every student was waving a glow stick—these were handed out at the entrance. Tan Linlin, for instance, held one in each hand and spun them gleefully.

“First, let us introduce our honored guests: they are, Secretary Wang Yuan, Party Secretary of Innovation High School…” With every name Gao Zheng read aloud, Wang Yuqing would add, “Welcome!” and applause would follow. Each guest whose name was called would rise, acknowledge the audience, and then sit down again.

After more than thirty names, enthusiasm began to wane. Many students started to grumble.

“Why announce so many officials? Let’s get started already.”

“Really, they’re not even going to perform. Why mention them?”

Once the last guest’s name was read, Wang Yuqing, her lips parted in a gentle smile, said, “What is youth? Is it graceful poetry? The dew of dawn? Or a smile that stirs the heart? Everyone has their own unique memories of youth. Looking back at the past, living in the present, we all carry many stories in our hearts. Now, please enjoy the song ‘Youth Diary’ performed for us by Li Ran’er.”

Wang Yuqing and Gao Zheng left the stage as the lights shifted to a soft green and fresh, light music began to play. A girl in a long green dress began to sing: “I wander through the diary of my youth, each lost step a line upon the page…”

“Phew, I was so nervous!” Backstage, Wang Yuqing pressed a hand to her chest, still feeling the sweat on her palms from her time on stage.

“Not bad, Yuqing. I told you, you’d do great. Here, have some water to soothe your throat.” Xiao Lin handed her a bottle.

Wang Yuqing accepted it with a bright, playful smile.

“Here’s one for you,” Xiao Lin tossed a bottle to Gao Zheng as well. “Which number is your act? Don’t freeze up with nerves and forget your lyrics when it’s your turn!” Xiao Lin shot him a mischievous sideways glance.

“I’m eleventh. Nervous? I’ve never been nervous. You should worry about embarrassing yourself up there.” Gao Zheng took the bottle, opened it, and took a sip, not missing the chance to shoot back.

“All right, you two are just like Linlin and Xu Tong—always bickering the moment you meet. Gao Zheng, get ready, you’re up to announce the next act,” Wang Yuqing reminded him.

The two hosts alternated, each announcing acts on their own, except for the opening and closing, when they appeared together. This gave them both a chance to rest.

The performances followed one after another, flawlessly coordinated, without a single error. The applause from the crowd never ceased. After more than half an hour, the tenth act concluded, and next up was Gao Zheng’s song.

As Wang Yuqing went onstage to announce, Gao Zheng threw Xiao Lin a triumphant glance. “Xiao Lin, my act is next. Let me tell you a secret—I prepared this song especially for Yuqing. Try not to get too excited, all right?”

Xiao Lin, seeing Gao Zheng’s smug expression, felt the urge to kick him. What’s he so pleased about? Just wait, I’ll show you how it’s done, Xiao Lin muttered inwardly.

“Who hangs two strips of crimson and green, half red, half violet across the sky? A seven-colored rainbow, seven hues, exquisite and enchanting, wondrous in its charm. Now, please enjoy the song ‘Rainbow’ from our classmate Gao Zheng,” Wang Yuqing announced.

Gao Zheng walked on stage with a guitar in his arms. As the two hosts brushed past each other, he whispered to Wang Yuqing, “Yuqing, listen carefully when I sing.” Wang Yuqing nodded gently in acknowledgment.

“Gao Zheng! Gao Zheng!” The students’ shouts had already rung out, the girls’ voices especially shrill. Gao Zheng was famous throughout Innovation High—young, affluent, multi-talented, and it seemed there wasn’t a single girl in school who didn’t adore him.

Gao Zheng hugged his guitar to his chest, reached for the microphone, and said, “Before I begin, allow me to say a few words.”

The hall instantly fell silent, every eye fixed upon him, waiting to hear what he would say next.

“What’s going on? This wasn’t in the rehearsal. What’s that kid up to?” Director Zhang was utterly puzzled.

“This song is dedicated to a girl. Rainbows are beautiful, but in my heart, she is even more beautiful than a rainbow. After the rain comes the rainbow, and her name is Yuqing. Please allow me to sing this song for her.”

For a dozen seconds, the hall remained hushed, then suddenly erupted in deafening cheers. Many boys stood up and shouted, “Yuqing! Yuqing!” Faces flushed with excitement, students clapped furiously. Even the girls, moved by Gao Zheng’s romantic gesture, joined in, screaming Wang Yuqing’s name and wildly waving their glow sticks. For a moment, Wang Yuqing’s name was the only sound echoing in the auditorium.

Backstage, Wang Yuqing stood stunned, at a loss. Xiao Lin’s fists clenched, his face dark with fury. What is this guy doing?

“Xiao Lin, he…?” Wang Yuqing looked at him, completely at a loss.

“It’s nothing. Just ignore him; pretend he’s lost his mind,” Xiao Lin replied coolly. Pretty bold, confessing to the whole school—but does he really think he’s won? Xiao Lin smirked to himself.

“Love, don’t disguise it; lost, don’t let yourself wander…” Gao Zheng nodded with satisfaction and began to strum his guitar.

One had to admit, Gao Zheng could sing. His voice had that unique masculine timbre, and he performed “Rainbow” with soul-stirring emotion. Coupled with his skillful guitar playing, noble bearing, and handsome face, the shrieks from the audience never ceased from the first note to the last.

“Yuqing, how was it? Wasn’t I great?” Gao Zheng dashed backstage after his performance, eager for praise.

“Gao Zheng… you… could you not… on stage…” Wang Yuqing’s cheeks flushed as she stammered.

“It was just so-so,” Xiao Lin interjected, raining on Gao Zheng’s parade.

Gao Zheng was about to retort when a furious voice called out from behind. “Gao Zheng, you brat! Who told you to pull that stunt? Wait till I tell your father.”

Gao Zheng turned to see Director Zhang, his face ablaze with anger. Even Gao Zheng, usually nonchalant, knew he was in the wrong and laughed sheepishly. “Uncle Zhang, calm down, calm down.”

“Come with me. We need to have a word.” Director Zhang dragged Gao Zheng aside for a lecture.

“Yuqing, the magic act is about to start. Let me go over a few important points with you,” Xiao Lin said.

“All right.” Wang Yuqing composed herself and began to listen carefully to Xiao Lin’s instructions.