As the twentieth program, the performance of "You and I Remain" by the Storm Band of Class 2-3 came to an end, the long-haired female host slowly walked onto the stage.
Holding a microphone in her hand, she smiled and said, "Thank you to Class 2-3 for bringing us the performance 'You and I Remain.' That line, 'Looking back at this moment, youth knows no sorrow; ten years later, when we look back, it will seem the same.'"
"This song really touched my heart, making us all sigh at the beauty of our youth. It is also the most cheered original song since the opening of our school celebration. But with such a performance, it ends here, leaving us wanting more, right?"
After saying a lot, she noticed that the stage was cleared and continued, "If that's the case, you are in luck. The next song is also an original piece with the theme of 'Springtime of Youth.' I've listened to it, and it's absolutely wonderful. So, let's welcome the next performance, 'Having You In My Life' by the Rain Band from Class 1-1…"
After finishing her speech, she stepped aside to await the arrival of the performers and introduce them to the audience.
First, a few school staff members came out holding drums, synthesizers, and microphones. They placed the instruments on the stage and then left.
Following them, Wang Tingsi, dressed in a white shirt and blue jeans, ran out. He went to the synthesizer and pressed a few keys hard, producing a series of unconnected notes. Although chaotic, they were very energetic. Clearly, he was already in a high-spirited state.
"Wang Tingsi, a well-known teenage star, recently transferred to our school for academic reasons. Now, he is performing as the synthesizer player for the Rain Band."
Next, Zhang Feng, dressed in similar attire, came out. With his head slightly lowered, he slowly walked to the drum set and sat down. He didn't hit the drums but swayed his body, seemingly already in a self-immersed state.
"Quiet Zhang Feng, whose favorite instrument is the wild drum set, is truly an unexpected choice. This combination of motion and stillness makes one eager to watch!"
Bai Tiange followed Zhang Feng, with a cold expression on his face. He wore a white shirt and black jeans, looking even more striking than the quiet Zhang Feng. After all, at thirteen years old and standing 1.6 meters tall, he stood out among his peers.
Despite his young age, his height accentuated his slender figure. He didn't speak, only quietly stood in front of the right microphone, placing his hands on it and closing his eyes.
"The taciturn, cold-faced young handsome boy, Bai Tiange. As the lead vocalist for this song, it's his first time showcasing his singing in front of an audience. Will he surprise us? Let's look forward to it."
If the boys' appearance was somewhat plain, with only Wang Tingsi bringing some excitement, the subsequent entrance of the four girls caused a stir among the audience.
With her golden hair draping over her shoulders, clad in a pale yellow lace dress covering her slightly developing body, and with her naturally snow-like skin, her elegance exuded a touch of nobility.
She held a bass guitar, standing between Zhang Feng and Wang Tingsi. Her fingers plucked a few notes on the strings, her mouth opening and closing as if singing something.
"Lux Lyle, a noble young lady from England and the bass player of the Rain Band."
Liuli Nana, dressed in black with short hair, her petite frame accentuated by the slimming color, looked like a cute black cat. Her large eyes were slightly closed as she carried her guitar to stand to the right of Bai Tiange.
"Liuli Nana, the adorable little girl from Japan, is the guitarist for the Rain Band."
With a slightly raised head, the girl carried a mix of pride and charm. Her slightly curly long hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her fitted purple dress highlighted her budding curves. She walked to the left microphone, adjusted it, and then took it off the stand, holding it in her hand.
"Cai Ya, the genius music girl who showcased her unparalleled talent on the Spring Festival Gala stage. Although young, she is already famous throughout China. Now, she is the second lead vocalist for the Rain Band. Are you excited to see her perform?"
Her question prompted some cheers from the audience. Clearly, Cai Ya's fame far exceeded that of the previous performers, and she had many fans even within the school.
Of course, with cheers also came dissatisfaction. After all, for fans, seeing their favorite star perform after her peers was unacceptable.
"Why is my Cai Ya only the second lead vocalist? Who arranged this? Her fame and potential are far greater than the others. I protest..."
Although such protests were few, ignoring them wasn't ideal. So Cai Ya raised her left hand, brought the microphone to her lips, and said, "If it weren't for my request to sing this song, I wouldn't be the second lead vocalist, let alone the tenth."
"Because this is a song best sung by a boy, you'll understand why once you hear it. So there's no need to feel sorry for me; it's nothing."
Her words managed to quiet the audience somewhat. Though some remained skeptical, they adopted a "wait and see" attitude and stayed silent.
Seeing the audience calm down, the host signaled the backstage crew to bring out the final member of the Rain Band. After all, the previous scene was not suitable for Chu Lian to make her entrance; if the audience hadn't quieted down, things could have gotten out of hand.
Dressed in a pure white dress, with a white flower crown on her head, and twin ponytails that added a touch of youthful energy, Chu Lian's pure and sweet face wore a gentle smile. Her appearance under the sunlight seemed to freeze time.
Holding a guitar, she walked slowly to stand to the left of Cai Ya, then suddenly gave the audience a gentle smile, causing them to burst into excited cheers.
Who was this little angelic beauty smiling at? No one knew, but her smile undeniably left many breathless because her smile and her beauty were simply too pure.
"Oh, oh, oh... a little angel, a cute little girl, a loli... oh, oh... am I being enchanted by her? Am I becoming a lolicon?!"
"Ah, ah, ah, I can't stand it. So what if I'm a lolicon? How could anyone not be enchanted by this cute loli?!" This is the inner monologue of the older audience members, who were beginning to show signs of corruption.
"My God, did she... did she smile at me? Did she smile at me? God above, I must have seen a real angel!" This was the reaction of a white student who believed in God, as he excitedly crossed himself as if thanking heaven for this gift.
"She's so beautiful, she's so gorgeous... the previous ones were cute too, but all of them together don't make me feel as moved as she does. That one smile made me feel breathless, this... this..." This was the thought of boys a few years older than her.
"So cute, I really want to hug her, I want to smell her, I want her to be my pillow..." Well, girls are naturally less immune to cute things, especially when it comes to Chu Lian, whose cuteness had broken all limits. However, this mentality seemed to be leading them into a certain secret garden.
Chu Lian, who had changed out of her white hanfu into a white long dress, chose this color that could instantly increase her charm by 20%. It was her greatest weapon now.
No matter how young she was, no matter how her appearance hadn't fully matured, her naturally bestowed beauty, combined with the passive effect of "Serene Orchid of the Secluded Vale," brought her charm to its peak. Even seasoned beauties might not be able to compete with her.
After all, her charm, combined with her age, had reached a level that captivated both men and women.
Little did they know, someone was sneering inwardly: "Hmph, a bunch of lolicons, one smile from her and you're all like this. These men are truly hopeless!"
Beside her, the female host began to introduce Chu Lian: "The pride of Suchen, the twelve-year-old literary prodigy Chu Lian, who has just transferred to our school. She is here as the leader and guitarist of the Rain Band."
"And one more thing, this song 'Having You In My Life' was written, composed, and sung by Chu Lian herself. So, fans of Chu Lian, look forward to it!"
Her words once again drew gasps from the audience. Smiling at the Rain Band members, the host made a gesture of invitation and said, "Now, let's welcome the Rain Band to perform 'Having You In My Life'..."
After speaking, she walked down the stage steps, leaving the space for the seven people on stage.
"Zheng..." Everyone was ready. Once again, it was Chu Lian who played the first note, followed by the rest of the band joining in.
This debut song heralded the arrival of a musical prodigy in the eyes of the world...