The students down there had been silent all along. At this point, they couldn’t hold it in any longer and shouted out collectively. However, this time they were less unified, some shouted in disbelief, while others voiced their belief.
The host waited for the noise to die down a bit before continuing, "I know all of you don’t believe it. In fact, just a few hours ago, none of us backstage did either. But now, we do."
"It’s unbelievable, without any professional guidance or rehearsal, but, just like that, the pair’s coordination was seamless. Throughout the entire performance, all we saw was the beauty of the dance, the perfect union of feminine grace and masculine strength, and not a trace of danger."
"That’s an incredible level of understanding and trust!"
"Do you think it’s apt to name the programme ’Trust’?"
Nearly instantly, the whole auditorium erupted into a resounding cheer of approval.
That roar shook the heavens!
The host, feeling the atmosphere was not lively enough, added: "I think that doesn’t sound quite right."
The crowd suddenly hushed now, sensing the host was implying something more.
"Let me give you guys a bit more insider information. We can confirm, the boy, before this event, absolutely did not rehearse this dance with the girl, in fact, he had never seen this girl’s dance before. Because he came just to watch the girl’s performance, from his hometown six hundred miles away."
Everyone was still taking that in when the host continued to stir emotions: "And listen to this! Some boys should not think of writing love letters to her just because she’s pretty. The reason behind her dance this time was because her boyfriend, who came to watch, was afraid that the thin shoes she wore during the dance would cause her to catch a cold on the freezing stage..."
The host’s words were drowned out by the cacophony of gasps, screams, and boos from below.... The whole area resounded in a messy chorus...
Barely to prevent getting cold feet had we gotten such a magnificent palm dance performance?
The reason was so mighty that many girls had stars sparkling in their eyes, and many of the boys were sour at heart...
And so, the host was again left awkwardly speechless—the crowd beneath was creating a commotion.
While the crowd in front was in an uproar, Yan Fei, who had just changed out of his clothes, quirked his mouth in disapproval: "These hosts really know how to overstate things. What do you mean, ’Trust’? You’re my wife, how could I let you fall?"
The excitement of Miss Xu Xiaoyan had subsided by now, and she agreed with him but still defended the host, saying: "He’s just trying to build up the atmosphere!"
Yan Fei, unwilling to delve further into the issue, changed the subject, "Have you worked up an appetite from all the dancing? Let’s go back and get some food before heading back to sleep in the dorm!"
"Sure!" she immediately perked up. "Tell me! What tasty food do you plan to make for me?"
"We should eat less at night. I’ve already prepared some cucumbers and tomatoes, and a carp. I’ll steam the carp..."
Watching the pair hand in hand as they walk out, the students in the backstage who had and hadn’t performed alike were left speechless. Some even glanced at the calendar to confirm that it was indeed New Year’s Day and therefore, still winter.
Then all their faces were filled with bitterness.
We admit defeat in the face of your public display of affection! We simply don’t have your ability to dance effortlessly even in the palm of your hand. But, can you please not tell us about going back to eat cucumbers and tomatoes when all we have is cold shredded radish in the morning, boiled radish chunks for lunch, and sautéed radish slices for dinner? At the very least, if you do say so, be kind enough to extend us an invitation! Even though we are certain...
To go or not to go? What a dilemma!
The host on stage continued excitedly, "Do you guys know? The rose petals behind this curtain are real! Just how they ended up there, that remains a mystery! We couldn’t bear to clean up these petals, so let’s welcome the next act on this petal-covered stage..."
Miss Xu Xiaoyan happily inquired, "Yan Xiaofei, you only went out for a little while this evening, and you’ve prepared so much. Did you spend a lot of money?"
Yan Fei chuckled and replied, "I picked it up for free. These petals fell on their own, they don’t cost a thing..."
It was true, so many roses had been planted on Vegetable Garden Island. When they finally bloomed, that darn little tiger messed up quite a few by running around. Yan Fei figured, since the girl couldn’t see anyway, he might as well collect most of the petals.
The girl was quite curious, "Where did you hide all the petals?"
Yan Fei was disdainful, "They told me to wear that savage suit which was so raggedy that you could hide anything anywhere. As long as I moved quickly, who could see where I pulled out anything from..."
"Ah, I see!" she said, utterly convinced. "Yan Xiaofei, I never realized how incredible you are!"
"Of course, let’s go get dinner now, and we can go out tomorrow..."