It was Wang Xiangxiang’s turn to perform. She walked to the center of the stage, and like Wen Nuan, she, too, a lady from a distinguished family, possessed a presence that did not concede to Wen Nuan’s.
Looking down at the audience, she smiled faintly, her bright red lips opening, "My talent showcase will also be playing the guqin."
At these words, Wen Nuan’s eyes widened in shock. She couldn’t believe Xiangxiang would play the guqin as well. With the current situation, it wasn’t enough to win by playing the guqin alone. Why didn’t she dance? Could it be she didn’t know how? If she knew how to dance, it would be a reckless move to play the guqin instead. With that realization, Wen Nuan calmed down, feeling as though heaven was indeed helping her—she was assured of victory.
At Xiangxiang’s declaration, the audience also stirred, expressing shock followed by the sentiment that if it was just another guqin performance, there wouldn’t be much to look forward to. Their sacred votes were now likely to go to another girl.
Upon hearing Xiangxiang’s intention to play the guqin again, Xiaoxiao’s first reaction was that she indeed must not know how to dance. They all felt nervous for Xiangxiang, but as soon as the melody began, Xiaoxiao’s lips formed a grin. She had said it—Xiangxiang wasn’t as foolish as everyone thought. She had indeed held back a trick up her sleeve.
The sound of the guqin instantly quieted the uproar, as the melody was one they had never heard before. As regular students of the guqin, they thought they had heard many pieces, but Xiangxiang’s performance was markedly different, piquing everyone’s interest.
What was even more intriguing came later—Wang Xiangxiang actually began to sing:
Don’t worry about how it all will end,
At least we have had our moments of togetherness.
There’s no need for painstaking mutual restraint,
Nor for promises to be made with words.
To have been in your heart is enough for me,
Life is filled with many memories,
I only wish that in your recollection, there’s a place for me.
This song was taught to her by Xiaoxiao during the idle days she spent recuperating at the Yang Family’s estate. It was her first time incorporating the song with her playing, unsure of how well she was doing. Dancing was indeed not her forte. She had already showcased her other talents, leaving only singing, but singing without musical accompaniment seemed dry and was unlikely to ensure victory. To win over Wen Nuan, she boldly ventured to try.
Moreover, she truly loved this piece, for the lyrics voiced her current state of mind. She felt her desires were not grand; having had Chu Lian keep her in his heart at some point was enough for her.
She sang the lyrics over and over again, oblivious to the fact that she was already in tears.
By this time, Wen Nuan was stunned. She hadn’t realized such an emotional revelation could be part of a performance. Seeing Xiangxiang crying like that, it must have had something to do with that man.
After the song finished, the venue fell into a hushed silence, everyone savoring the composition and deciphering the meaning behind the lyrics. Surely the song reached deep into the girl’s heart, or else she wouldn’t be crying.
Someone started clapping, leading to a thunderous applause from the crowd. The outcome was self-evident; no vote was needed to foresee the result.
Wen Nuan gracefully admitted her defeat, "No need to vote, I concede."
"Actually, I don’t think I’ve lost to you." These words came from the heart—if Xiaoxiao hadn’t taught her the song, she really wouldn’t have had any talent to compete with.
The triumphant Wang Xiangxiang visibly relaxed, her tear-stained face breaking into a smile as beautiful as a rainbow after the rain.
She looked towards Chu Lian in the audience with a joyful smile. She wanted him to see that she had won.
But at that moment, Chu Lian was petrified. Why was she crying, and for whom?