Candidates

Below, those with high vocal talent were all vying for the chance to perform on stage, causing an already somewhat chaotic classroom to become even more disorderly.

The teacher stood at the front, trying to make a choice, but seeing the situation, she was at a loss.

Perhaps she could ask the quiet girl? She turned her gaze to Chu Lian, who was silently looking out the window, and thought to herself.

Cai Ya, sitting next to Chu Lian, had a habit of glancing at her from time to time and somewhat understood that she might be in one of her trance-like states again.

Yesterday, she had seen Chu Lian go into such a state several times for no apparent reason. Although she knew that Chu Lian might be having some good ideas during these moments, she couldn't help but want to interrupt her now.

As if sensing Cai Ya's dilemma, Chu Lian turned around at the right moment, her large eyes filled with a bit of confusion as she looked at her and asked, "Cai Ya, why do you keep looking at me? Is there something you want to discuss with me?"

Startled by Chu Lian's sudden attention, Cai Ya became flustered and quickly turned her head, raising her chin and saying, "No, there's nothing I need to discuss with you. Don't misunderstand, I was just looking out the window."

"Is that so?" Chu Lian's eyes flashed with a hint of slyness. Knowing Cai Ya was pretending, she didn't expose her but sighed softly, "Then it seems we'll have to find someone else to be the lead singer." She could roughly guess what Cai Ya was thinking, so she directly brought up the issue, making her beg and making it hard for her to refuse.

"Ah..." Cai Ya let out a soft exclamation, a faint blush rising on her fair cheeks. She turned her head, glaring fiercely at the smiling Chu Lian and asked in a mosquito-like voice, "Chu Lian, can I be the lead singer for this song?"

Although she found her small expression amusing, Chu Lian knew that if she continued teasing her, this proud young lady would definitely get angry.

So, she put away her playful demeanor and seriously replied, "Yes, this song, as you can tell, is about reminiscing the past, missing someone you couldn't have, longing for someone who lives in your memory, regretting not being able to be with someone you loved."

"This kind of emotional song is most suitable for male singers. And this song is best performed as a duet by two males. It's not that girls can't sing it, it's just that they can't be the primary lead singer. Are you willing to accept that?"

Hearing her words, Cai Ya subconsciously bit her lower lip with her white teeth, her eyes full of unwillingness. She truly liked this song and, even though she knew it wasn't suitable for her to sing, she didn't want to give up and decided to fight for it. But she didn't expect this outcome.

Being the secondary lead singer was acceptable, but if the other person wasn't very strong, she wouldn't be satisfied as just support. However, was there any male singer in their class who could match her singing ability? So, it seemed she would have to regretfully miss the chance to sing this song.

Even if there was another opportunity to perform this song in the future, it wouldn't feel the same as now. It's hard to describe, just a feeling of sadness and disappointment. Her pride kept her from expressing this feeling, but in places where no one could see, her eyes turned slightly red.

Indeed, for someone who loves singing and finally finds a song she likes but doesn't get the composer's approval to perform, it would be a significant blow.

Seeing this proud young lady seemingly lost in her emotions, Chu Lian couldn't help but feel sympathetic. She decided to tell her something in advance.

As Cai Ya struggled with her emotions, a gentle voice suddenly whispered in her ear, "Don't worry, there are still a few people in the class who sing well. Maybe not as good as you, but close. There's a boy whose voice is perfect for this song. I'm planning to recommend him to sing with you. Trust me, you won't be disappointed."

It was Chu Lian's voice. Cai Ya suddenly felt shy, as if Chu Lian knew all about her feelings. It was embarrassing. First, she dealt a blow to her, and now she came to give her hope when she was feeling down. Was she toying with her?

Of course, she would never say these things out loud. In response to Chu Lian's words, she simply snorted heavily through her nose.

"This girl is really quite tsundere, but at least she's salvageable. She's not so proud and tsundere that she's unbearable," Ayase, who had been watching the drama unfold, finally broke her silence to comment.

"Ahem, tsundere is quite cute, quite cute, as long as it's not too excessive, it's just moe..." Chu Lian hurriedly changed the subject, fearing that Ayase would continue her sharp remarks.

"You're no different. Criticizing her is like criticizing yourself," Ayase, ever sharp, easily saw through Chu Lian's small ploy. She usually stayed silent not out of ignorance but out of laziness. Seeing Chu Lian defend Cai Ya, she made her comment and then went back to rest.

"Sigh, both are hard to deal with..." Chu Lian thought to herself. Sometimes she felt quite unfortunate, as she always seemed to get caught in these situations, but she had brought it upon herself. It was just karma.

Seeing her classmates still arguing about who should perform and noticing her teacher looking at her with a hint of pleading, Chu Lian knew it was time for her to speak up. If she let them continue arguing, they might not resolve it even after a whole day.

This group of students is indeed a high-IQ and high-talent group, but their emotional intelligence is still too low. Without two or three years of experience, it is difficult to become truly mature. Right now, they are acting just like ordinary middle school students, which is understandable.

Standing up, she clapped her hands. The crisp sound spread throughout the classroom, gradually quieting the noisy students. Since she was the original author and singer, her opinion on who should ultimately sing was highly influential.

Seeing her stand up as if she had something to announce, the students who were still arguing quickly closed their mouths and turned their attention to her.

"Everyone's active participation is a good thing and is an acknowledgment of my work."

Chu Lian first addressed the students sincerely and then continued, "But how long will this arguing go on? I know everyone wants this opportunity, but only two people can sing on stage, and even with the band, there are only seven spots."

"This means that some students won't be able to go on stage, so arguing won't change that. Let's let the most capable students go on stage and aim for a good ranking. Next time there's a similar event, we can let others have a chance."

Chu Lian's message was clear: "Those who lack the ability should step aside this time, and let the top performers go on stage to try to secure the field trip qualification. Other opportunities will come later."

They might not be fully mature in their thinking, but they are not foolish. Almost everyone understood her point. While some were dissatisfied, they also recognized the truth in her words and accepted it.

Now they wanted to know who would have the chance to go on stage.

"If everyone trusts me, how about I recommend a few people?" Seeing that her words had an effect, Chu Lian did not hide her purpose.

"Let's do it this way: the lead singers will be Cai Ya and Bai Tiange, the guitarists will be me and Liuli Nana, and for the drummer, bassist, and synthesizer, let's choose the most suitable and best student who has learned these instruments. Does this arrangement work?"

Such a result surprised not only the other students but also Cai Ya, who wondered why the male lead singer had to be Bai Tian Ge, the expressionless boy.

Chu Lian knew there would be controversy over her choice of Bai Tian Ge as the male lead singer, but she couldn't explain that Ayase had suggested it. Trusting Ayase completely, Chu Lian followed her advice, despite her own doubts.

"Whether he's suitable, capable, and competent will be known this afternoon when we all gather in the music room. I believe he won't disappoint us. Right, Bai Tiange?" She directed her gaze at the boy who was clearly stunned.

His vacant eyes, upon meeting her starry gaze, suddenly lit up. He nodded involuntarily, "I think, I can do it..."

Although his voice had not yet matured, it carried an indescribable quality. To express it accurately, it was both sexy and full of a sense of vicissitude.

Hearing this voice, Chu Lian knew that Ayase's decision was right. He could definitely handle the lead singer role, and this afternoon, he would surprise everyone...