In the backstage makeup room, Shen Jianian sat in front of a mirror filled with light bulbs, having her final adjustments done by the stylist.
To complement the white satin dress she was wearing tonight, her makeup was refined but not overly vivid. Her long hair was all swept up, with a few strands left to fall by her ears, and on her head, she wore a simple and elegant crown.
The main part of the crown was formed by two crossed lines, adorned with tiny diamonds, and a teardrop-shaped sapphire was embedded at the crossing point.
"Everything looks perfect," the stylist announced after tidying up the details, taking a few moments to admire the person in the mirror.
Shen Jianian curved her lips into a grateful smile.
The phone placed on the dressing table rang at this moment, and Shen Jianian picked it up to take a look.
The message was from Bai Changxia, asking if she was prepared.
Shen Jianian opened the camera to take a selfie in the mirror, then sent the photo to her.
Bai Changxia quickly replied with a series of starry-eyed emojis, along with her praise: "You’re truly so beautiful, darling! You are going to stun everyone tonight!"
Shen Jianian lifted her gaze to look at herself in the mirror, indeed more striking than usual. Suddenly, she thought of Fu Jichen, wondering if he had arrived yet.
Perhaps it was fate; just as she thought of him, a call notification popped up on the screen. Surprised, Shen Jianian answered the call, "Hey, have you arrived?"
There was some background noise from Fu Jichen’s side, suggesting he was in a crowded place, indicating he had already arrived.
Sure enough, his deep and mellow voice sounded through the phone: "I got here an hour ago."
Shen Jianian unintentionally lifted her eyelids, seeing the upward curve at the corner of her mouth in the makeup mirror, subtly pursing her lips, before softly saying, "Why did you come so early?"
Fu Jichen didn’t evade the question, straightforwardly sharing his feelings: "I was afraid of traffic delays and didn’t want to miss your opening act." He had informed his assistant three days in advance to cancel all evening plans.
Shen Jianian’s fingers curled slightly, her heart racing.
"Are you nervous?" Fu Jichen asked.
Shen Jianian was no stranger to public performances, so she didn’t have stage fright; however, thinking about him sitting in the audience tonight watching her, made her heart unexpectedly tighten.
"It’s good that you’re not nervous," Fu Jichen smiled, "See you soon."
Shen Jianian understood he was wrapping up the call, responding lightly with an "Mm."
After hanging up, she lifted her gaze once more—the person in the mirror was already flushed, the foundation couldn’t hide it. No wonder she felt slightly warm. Wanting to cool down, she considered pressing the back of her hand to her cheek but worried it might smudge her makeup, forcing herself to endure, taking deep breaths to calm her emotions.
The young lady temporarily serving as Shen Jianian’s assistant came over to remind her she was due on stage in three minutes.
The opening act tonight would be recorded until midnight.
She was the first to perform and wouldn’t have to wait long.
Afterward, the show would travel to New York, Paris, London, and other cities worldwide for filming, with Beicheng being the starting point and end point of the program.
Shen Jianian had rehearsed twice before, thoroughly familiar with the proceedings.
Hearing the host call her name, she lifted her eyes, her expression changing instantly, taking on a calm and dignified demeanor. She held the cello and bow in one hand, lifted her intricate gown hem in the other, ascending the steps with poise, walking step by step onto the stage.
The ceiling of the concert hall sparkled with tiny lights, and those amidst it seemed to be floating through a vast galaxy.
Cascading pearl-silk ribbons floated down from above the stage, shining bright under scattered lights like starlight.
Shen Jianian sat in the center of the stage, as during rehearsals, as the first note sounded, the spotlight perfectly landed on her, simultaneously drawing countless gazes from the audience to her.
She was the most radiant star in the room.
In the middle seats at the front, Fu Jichen focused intensely on the stage’s performer, unable to look away, his eyes filled with gentle affection.
She looked just like a bride at her wedding in her white gown and crown.
Her demeanor was graceful and easy-going to others but, for him, due to his fondness for her, there was an inevitable touch of shy bashfulness.
The song wasn’t too long nor too short, with the last note lingering in the hall, the lights came fully alive, and the audience spontaneously began to applaud.
The applause sounded like thunder and lasted for a long time.
Bai Changxia was so moved that her palms turned red, her eyes also reddened, wanting to rush forward to give Shen Jianian a hug, telling her she truly performed wonderfully.
She inadvertently glanced at the man on her right, noticing his expression seemed calm, his lips carrying a faint hint of affectionate smile.
People in business are indeed steady and composed, not showing their emotions.
The debut performance concluded successfully.
Shen Jianian had already changed back into her clothes, watching from backstage like everyone else.
At dispersal, it was past midnight. She greeted Fu Jichen, stating she needed to retrieve her cello and personal items from backstage.
Fu Jichen released her hand, reassuringly cautioning, "Be careful while walking, it’s crowded, and try not to get bumped."
Shen Jianian responded with an "I know," squeezing through the throng to reach backstage, gathering her cello and shoulder bag.
"Mr. Shen, sorry to bother you, can I have your autograph?"
A young girl came over holding a palm-sized photo and a pen, her eyes brimming with anticipation.
Shen Jianian paused, looking at the photo in her hand, it showed her wearing the gown on stage tonight, taken with a Polaroid, giving it a retro feel with its slightly fuzzy quality.
Surprised, she asked, "When did you take this?"
Feeling embarrassed, the girl touched her ear and whispered, "I asked a friend who snagged a ticket to take it from the audience; I really like you, I’m your fan, so could I please have an autograph?"
Shen Jianian didn’t doubt her because even on her first rehearsal visit, this young girl had been especially warm, taking great care of her.
Putting down the cello case and bag, she reached a hand out to her: "Alright, give it to me."
The girl’s eyes brightened, eagerly handing it over: "Thank you!"
Shen Jianian held a gold pen, signing her name and today’s date on the photo’s bottom right corner. The young girl reverently held the photo, saying: "I’m going to put it inside my phone case and carry it with me every day."
Amused, Shen Jianian capped the pen, about to return it when suddenly a group rushed up beside her: "Mr. Shen, could you sign for us too?"
They were all part of the onsite staff.
The previous times they had met Shen Jianian, they were busy with tasks, and Shen Jianian was also occupied, leaving little free time. They hesitated to disturb her; now, with the performance done, they felt free.
They hadn’t prepared paper and pen, tugging at their shirt corners for Shen Jianian to sign on, claiming they wouldn’t wash the clothes but would frame them instead.
Finding it amusing yet unable to refuse, Shen Jianian ended up signing each of their requests.
Fu Jichen waited for a long time without seeing her return, casually stopped a staff member to ask for directions, and headed backstage. From afar, he saw Shen Jianian surrounded by people seemingly asking her for autographs.
Fu Jichen stood at the backstage exit, calling out to her.
The call wasn’t loud, yet everyone there heard it. They looked toward the voice, spotting a few steps away, a young man dressed in a shirt and suit holding a bouquet of white roses.
The man’s demeanor was stern, one hand pocketed, emanating an imposing aura, making the flower-holding seem somewhat out of place.
But when he looked at a certain someone, his gaze turned soft and doting, inducing a strange harmony.