Chapter 60: Performance
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Bai Zheng saw this as a good opportunity to convince Wen Nian and seized the moment. “We’ve had an accident with one of the performers at the last minute. Could you do us a favor and play a piano solo for us?” he requested.
Wen Nian was taken aback for a moment before inquiring, “Is it because the ukulele performer can’t go on stage?”
Bai Zheng nodded in affirmation. “Yes, unfortunately, the ukulele performer is injured. I had asked you before, but you turned me down. However, now that we unexpectedly have this chance to meet again just before the performance, I believe it’s a sign that you’re destined to perform in this gala. Please, just consider it!”
The members of the club were surprised to see their minister shamelessly begging Wen Nian. It was well-known in the piano field that Bai Zheng had high standards and was very selective with whom he worked. Few people were considered worthy of his attention.
Amused by Bai Zheng’s persistence, Wen Nian chuckled and replied, “Well, if you don’t mind that I don’t have a gown, then I’m okay with performing.”
Bai Zheng smiled in response and said, “Of course not! Who says that playing the piano requires a gown?”
Wen Nian’s shyness vanished as she realized that if other performers had been available, she might not have stepped in. However, given that it was Huang Yue who had put in so much effort, she would be letting Huang Yue down if she had not taken over.
…..
At that moment, Huang Yue, who had jsut arrived at the hospital, was unaware that Wen Nian had easily obtained the opportunity she had been longing for.
It was a little late to rent another gown. Moreover, Wen Nian also wanted to end her studies early and go home. No. 1 High School’s autumn and winter school uniform was just an ordinary set of casual sportswear. Wen Nian rejected the heavy makeup on the stage and put on light makeup herself. On this basis, she applied a little more makeup.
When Bai Zheng asked Wen Nian what song she wanted to play, she chose a piece that matched the theme of the school anniversary. After a moment of contemplation, she replied, “The Story of Time.”
Bai Zheng made the announcement for the song “The Story of Time” and Wen Nian was the eighth performer to appear on stage.
Xu Chang hurried to the entrance of No. 1 High School with the intention of finding an internet cafe nearby to book for the entire night. However, upon arriving, he noticed that the entrance of the school was bustling with activity. He changed his plan and decided to inquire about what was happening before making a decision.
Although Xu Chang didn’t know much about music, he stayed in the music industry because he found that the musicians in it were passionate about music and not solely focused on fame and fortune. He believed that by building genuine relationships with them, he could get them to write songs for him at a low price in the future.
Through Bai Zheng’s attitude, Xu Chang knew that he had to acknowledge that girl’s playing skills. Then, she would definitely have a place at tonight’s school anniversary performance.
There was no need for anyone to lead him into the school. Xu Chang simply followed the sound of the music and eventually found his way to the entrance of the auditorium.
There were a lot of people gathered at the entrance, but Xu Chang wasn’t particularly tall, so he had to squeeze into the crowd and jump around to try and catch a glimpse inside.
After not spotting the face from the video on stage, Xu Chang walked over to a nearby flower bed at the entrance of the auditorium and sat down. He took out the remaining steamed bun from his bag and began to eat it.
After the group dance on stage had ended, the auditorium lights were turned off. Then, five seconds later, a beam of white light scattered down from above the stage. As the light illuminated the stage, the audience saw a girl in a school uniform with a ponytail sitting in front of the piano.
Wen Nian recalled the innocent and happy times before high school. Her slender and fair fingers pressed the piano keys.
There was a sense of nostalgia in the air as the sound of the zither filled the auditorium. The audience was transported back to their youth, to a time when they sat in the classroom listening to their teachers, ran freely in the fields, and secretly watched their crush from behind a tree.
“The melodious tunc told the story of time’s relentless passage and the loss of sentimental youth.”
The good and memorable moments will always remain engraved in our memories and serve as our driving force when we face difficulties and setbacks in the future.
Upon hearing the sound of the piano, Xu Chang quickly stood up and rushed to the door, filled with anticipation. When he saw that it was Wen Nian, he breathed a sigh of relief.
Standing quietly behind the crowd, he listened to the music and was transported back to his youth by the melodious piano. Filled with a renewed sense of determination, he vowed to become the top director in the country.
After Wen Nian finished playing, she noticed the lack of applause and felt a bit awkward, but still prepared to walk to the front of the stage.
While the young people present may not have fully grasped the poignant sense of time conveyed in the song, many of the middle-aged alumni in attendance were deeply moved.
Once the lights on the stage were all turned on, the audience suddenly snapped out of their trance. Someone took the lead and began applauding, soon joined by others until the sound grew louder and louder.
Wen Nian breathed a sigh of relief at the audience’s reaction. She bowed deeply and walked off the stage with a smile..