Backstage

"Do you know how much pressure your teacher is under?" Ayase's hands didn't stop, but her voice turned colder.

"She is a newcomer, becoming the homeroom teacher of the most important class in the first grade soon after entering the school. How much pressure is she under?"

"Moreover, this year's first-grade class is the best in the school's ten-year history. Do you know how much resistance and criticism there is behind this?"

"At first, I thought her support was an effort that would not be in vain, but after seeing you, I suddenly felt that calling you geniuses is a waste, and I feel sorry for your teacher."

"Except for Lian'er, your performances are all unsatisfactory." She looked up at the mirror and revealed a faint smile: "Don't think about arguing. I can feel your current emotions. If Lian'er is just nervous about her first stage performance, then what about you?"

"This, I think you know better than I do. But if I don't say it out loud, you won't admit it, right?"

"Bai Tiange, a famous internet singer known for your deep, husky, and sexy voice. Although you rarely have new works due to your age, every song you release is a masterpiece."

"You even caused a sensation at a recent online music festival with your singing. Even though you've never shown your face publicly, you shouldn't be nervous about this, right? Fear, worry, your usual cold demeanor has become fragile at this moment."

She slowly combed Chu Lian's long hair, "Earlier, I discussed with Lian'er about choosing the lead singer. I insisted on choosing you. But now, it seems I was wrong..."

Her words made the boy, who had been stunned, clench his fists. Through the mirror, Chu Lian could see the unwillingness on his face.

"Wang Tingsi, are you heartbroken because Lian'er ignored you? Or are you scared when you see me? Here you are, listless, sighing after hearing the performances of other classes. Such incompetence makes me feel that I overestimated you a few days ago."

"I... No matter what you say, I'll prove myself later." He loosened his clenched fists for a moment, then tightened them again, turning all his strength into anger.

He could be looked down upon by anyone, but he wouldn't allow himself to be looked down upon in front of Chu Lian, especially not by Ayase, who was so close to Chu Lian.

"And you? Cai Ya, the genius girl singer, the future superstar of China. Is this your unmotivated look?"

"With this attitude, afraid before the battle, thinking that your band only trained for a few days and can't match others because of the short rehearsal time, so you want to give up?" Ayase's eyes glanced at her, and her words made the proud girl lift her head.

"I know your music and dance skills are very high, but that doesn't give you the right to look down on me! Those guys aren't enough to be my opponents!"

"And I wasn't thinking of giving up just now, I was just resting. Even if we only trained for one day, I'm still better than them!" The girl's words were full of pride, her slightly curly hair floating with her movements, exuding confidence.

"Well, I hope this is your true feeling. The weak make excuses, the strong explain with their strength. If you can really do it, I'll promise you one thing, how about that?"

Ayase smiled lightly, her laughter carrying a complex meaning, a mix of mockery and approval. But in any case, the proud girl's words indicated that her fighting spirit had been ignited, "Remember your words, I'll make you admit your mistake!"

"Lux Lyle, as the daughter of a prince, you came here with great dreams. Are you wavering when you see those who are better than you?"

"I don't think you can achieve your dreams this way. If you really think you can, then go ahead." Ayase's words left Lux Lyle stunned. She didn't expect this elegant woman to say such things.

After a moment of silence, she bit her lip and said, "Just because we had less training time doesn't mean they can surpass me..."

Her words were not very forceful but earnest. She had roughly guessed that the woman in front of her definitely knew her background. If she pretended to be nonchalant at this moment, she would probably find it difficult to integrate into this class in the future.

Ayase looked at her carefully for a few moments, then turned to the last boy and said, "What's wrong? The pressure didn't get you down, but my presence made you feel inferior?"

"You really lack self-confidence. How can you make the person you like notice you this way? How can you deserve her?" As she said this, her eyes unconsciously glanced at Chu Lian, making everyone except the parties involved understand.

"I'm not here to put pressure on you. Don't worry, I won't do anything to you. If Lian'er hadn't asked me, I wouldn't have come."

Ayase's gaze refocused on Chu Lian. She didn't look at Zhang Feng because she knew that the more someone like him was criticized, the more he would try to prove himself.

Her words just now had already restored him to his usual state, or even better. When he goes on stage later, he might even deliver a performance that surprises everyone.

"Nana, don't worry that I'll bully you. I cherish cute things. Even if they are a bit disobedient, as long as they don't harm anyone, they are still within the range of being cute. So, don't be afraid of me. I won't do anything to you." After saying this to the silent Liuli Nana, Chu Lian's new look was also completed.

Her long hair, which already reached her waist, had been turned into a pair of symmetrical twin tails by Ayase's skillful hands. This somewhat covered her originally delicate temperament and added some youthful vitality, making her look vibrant and energetic.

Clearly, Ayase had wanted to style Chu Lian's hair into twin tails for a long time, but she had never succeeded due to Chu Lian's resistance. Now, because Chu Lian had a request for her, she did not resist, allowing Ayase to finally achieve the twin-tails look for Chu Lian.

Judging by Ayase's expression in the mirror, which was like seeing the cutest thing ever, it was clear how pleased she was with Chu Lian's new look.

Hmm, Chu Lian's silent protest could be ignored. As long as she didn't say it out loud, it was an unspoken agreement.

"Xiuer, don't let her change her hairstyle, okay? Otherwise, she might never wear twin tails again. You don't want her twin tails to be just a fleeting moment, do you?"

Ayase handed the comb to Li Xiuer beside her, speaking softly. But she knew these words were enough to make Li Xiuer obediently ensure Chu Lian kept the hairstyle.

After all, there were many Chu Lian fans! Many! Many! Important things must be said three times!

"Looks like you've regained your fighting spirit? Lian'er and your teacher's efforts and care haven't been in vain. Do your best, don't let your teacher down. Otherwise, you might never see her again." Leaving these words, Ayase elegantly walked towards the dressing room door and opened it.

Suddenly, she turned around and chuckled, "I hope to see more progress next time. Good luck..." This momentary smile made the dressing room feel like a dream.

Closing the door behind her, Ayase brushed past the woman leaning against the wall. After taking a few steps, the woman's belated question came: "Thank you. If it weren't for you, they might have been influenced by me and unable to perform to their potential. Losing my job is nothing, but if they were doubted because of it, I would..."

"It's nothing. As a newcomer, facing various difficulties and uncertainties is quite common." Ayase didn't stop walking as she spoke. "If you want to thank someone, thank Lian'er. If she didn't like you as her teacher and asked me to help you, I wouldn't have come..."

"Anyway, thank you..." The teacher's words made Ayase pause for a moment. "Fine, thank me if you want. They are a group of highly talented kids. Having you as their teacher might be their good fortune."

The teacher wanted to say more, but the woman in red had already turned a corner and disappeared. She could only murmur to herself, "Having me as their teacher is their good fortune?"

She didn't understand the meaning of these words but knew she couldn't dwell on it any longer. It was time for them to go on stage.

Stretching out her hand, she opened the door and saw a group of young faces, either excited or calm. They might not have matured yet, but at this moment, they were in the best state they had ever been.

The teacher didn't say anything extra, just softly said, "Everyone, it's time to go on stage..."