Chapter 62

However, when Wen Zhengyou came to school again the next day, he found that the situation was a bit different. It wasn't just lively; it was overly enthusiastic. If the event lasted for two hours, singing alone would take up about twenty performances. Or even less. Some small activities could be interspersed in between. If there were also comedy talk shows, the number of programs would be even fewer.

On average, there were five classes per grade, and three grades in total. With one program from each class, that would already be fifteen. Now, the number of registrations was more than double that. Wen Zhengyou looked at the literary club members who were smiling as they registered or registered for their classmates, feeling somewhat helpless and headache.

It's either drought or flood. Can't it be just right? But when he found out the reason for such enthusiasm, Wen Zhengyou was speechless. It all boiled down to himself. The reason they registered was to perform with Wen Zhengyou. After all, it was a school celebration, and there were no outsiders. What was there to be ashamed of in a performance he would see?

If at first, people thought there weren't many participants, it was because they were instinctively embarrassed to face their classmates' gazes and attention, or perhaps a bit nervous. But now, it was different. Most were female students, with a few male students. Performing with Wen Zhengyou gave the girls a chance to get closer to him. The boys hoped to use Wen Zhengyou's influence to perform better and impress the girls they liked.

Wen Zhengyou, of course, wasn't so popular that he was adored by both genders. Compared to the girls, the boys just didn't pick fights with him and could get along well. But to say they idolized him was a bit excessive. Although some boys were jealous of his popularity with girls, they were young and could eventually understand.

Wen Zhengyou was only one person, and among so many girls, none of them were particularly impressive to him. Those who had a crush on him or liked him would eventually find their own partners. Just like fans of an idol, they might be obsessed, but they would still date and have normal lives. Few would remain unmarried because of their infatuation.

This made it even harder to agree. Wen Zhengyou understood this, feeling both helpless and amused. What did they think he was? This was the essence of the relationship between idols and fans. They could imagine him as anything, high or low, deified or anti. But they wouldn't treat him as a person. The girls liked him for his appearance and various talents.

The boys even had the idea of using him to show off in front of girls, which was even more hateful. Moreover, if he agreed to one, what about the others? He had high hopes for this performance, and if it was ruined by their antics, he'd rather not do it at all. Rubbing his head, Wen Zhengyou frowned, thinking of a solution. After a while, he smiled and chuckled softly.

Song Huirin bit her lip, staring at him. She didn't miss any of his subtle changes.

Moving closer, Song Huirin asked casually, "What? Have you thought of a solution or agreed to their request?"

Wen Zhengyou came to his senses and saw Song Huirin sitting beside him. He was about to smile and answer but suddenly stood up and bowed, "Senior, I thought of a solution. I'll have them draw lots, and whoever gets picked will perform with me."

Song Huirin wasn't particularly interested in the solution; she was more concerned about Wen Zhengyou's attitude towards her. She had regretted not finding him yesterday. She wanted to find an opportunity to mend their relationship, but he didn't give her any chance. This made Song Huirin both angry and regretful. But she could only pretend to be calm and composed.

But she was just a junior high school girl, not a mature adult. Despite her attempt to remain calm, she still seemed a bit unnatural, "Oh. Then... then go ahead and prepare."

Wen Zhengyou bowed again and turned to instruct the other literary club members. The members didn't notice anything special between the two.

After all, they were good friends, but the etiquette between seniors and juniors was always maintained. Everyone did this. Respecting the president in front of others was normal. After the members left to make arrangements, Wen Zhengyou also bowed to Song Huirin and left the activity room.

The key part still needed to be handled by him. But the complex look in Song Huirin's eyes was something Wen Zhengyou didn't notice.

Actually, this solution was simple and easy to implement. It could easily achieve his goal. If you all want to perform with me, with your own motives, fine. I'll be your sacrifice. But remember, there's only one Wen Zhengyou. If you want to perform with me, it can only be one group.

Drawing lots, whoever gets picked, that's it. Fair, right? Reasonable, right? No one can say anything. The conditions are mutual. You get the benefits, and you also have to fulfill your obligations. There are too many programs, so some must be cut. But if you don't get picked and quit, that's not allowed. Even if you didn't get picked, you had a chance before the draw.

From the initial enthusiasm to the current problem, it's much simpler now. I'll put in effort, and you'll put in effort. I'll participate in one of your programs, but you must ensure that the entire event has enough programs to last until the end. And no half-hearted efforts; the quality must be guaranteed.

Arriving at the second-year class, Wen Zhengyou's eyes flickered. But talk is one thing, action is another. Right now, I just want you to put in effort, but I... don't want to. I'm sorry, but I have to let you down.

Knocking and opening the door, Wen Zhengyou squinted with a smile, "Is Kim Tae-yeon here?"

Kim Tae-yeon followed Wen Zhengyou, feeling a mix of unfamiliarity and familiarity from the strange gazes of the boys and girls around her. Some gazes were particularly intense. Kim Tae-yeon, who was waiting for Lee Yaeun to apologize and buy her milk, was called out.

What could he want? Why did he have to call me out in front of everyone and take me so far? Kim Tae-yeon was very confused.

But when she saw Lee Yaeun holding two boxes of milk and looking at her with a tight-lipped expression, Kim Tae-yeon instinctively opened her mouth to say something, but Lee Yaeun silently turned around, unlike her usual lively self, and slowly walked back to the class.

"Let's... stop here." In the middle of the playground, Kim Tae-yeon decided not to go any further.

At that moment, her mind was filled with the unfamiliar image of Lee Yaeun, even more unfamiliar than the transfer student. This shouldn't be the case. I've known Yaeun for a long time, so why haven't I seen her like this?

Wen Zhengyou turned to look at Kim Tae-yeon, who was frowning and looking down, a bit puzzled. But looking around, although it wasn't very private, no one would overhear. So, let's talk here.

Clearing his throat, Wen Zhengyou organized his words, "Tae-yeon, I have a favor to ask."

Kim Tae-yeon kept her head down, her hands fidgeting, "I've already chosen my program and will bring the CD to the literary club activity room later."

Wen Zhengyou was taken aback and smiled, "It's not about that, it's something else."

Kim Tae-yeon frowned and looked up, her lips tight, not saying anything. Her expression clearly showed confusion. Wen Zhengyou thought for a moment and realized he might have been a bit rude.

Yesterday's invitation ended in an unpleasant way. Now, asking for a favor that might be a burden, he should at least explain everything clearly.

Organizing his words, Wen Zhengyou explained the current situation of the enthusiastic students to Kim Tae-yeon. As she listened, her frown deepened, but she patiently let him finish.

"But you know, most of them are just joking and not really serious about the performance. This stage is my debut, even though it's not a formal debut, it's still a valuable experience. I want to do well, so I need your help. Can you be the one to draw the lot?"

Kim Tae-yeon understood what he was asking for and thought for a moment, hesitantly saying, "This... this doesn't seem right."

Wen Zhengyou was taken aback but expected her reaction, "It's okay. I don't think anyone will notice. And even if they do, you can blame it on me, saying I asked you to do it. The truth is, I did, and they won't do anything to you."

But Kim Tae-yeon bit her lip and finally shook her head, "I'm sorry. I'm not good at lying. I... I can't help you. I'll go back now." She bowed to Wen Zhengyou and turned to leave.

Wen Zhengyou, surprised, stepped forward to stop her, "Kim Tae-yeon, this isn't really about lying, and... "

Before he could finish, Kim Tae-yeon shook her head and walked away. Wen Zhengyou, helpless, caught up again, "Tae-yeon, if you don't agree to help, at least you won't refuse to draw lots, right?"

Kim Tae-yeon was about to say something, but Wen Zhengyou waved his hand, "I know, you don't care about working with me, but I want to work with you. I'm not asking you to cheat, so why won't you give me a fair chance?"

Kim Tae-yeon frowned, thinking, and didn't say whether she agreed or not. She bowed slightly and turned to leave again. Wen Zhengyou, confused, scratched his head and didn't chase after her, as he was truly at a loss this time.

(Thank you to sooyeon.xi for the support, and to tianxia pig pig.xi and fallenone.xi for the support. Very grateful. zzang. O(∩_∩)O)

{Piaotian Literature}