Chapter 29

At this moment, Cheng Xiaoyu's heart was still beating a bit fast. It was his first time performing in such a grand setting, but his rapid heartbeat wasn't due to nervousness; rather, he found it exhilarating. The spotlight on him made his blood boil uncontrollably. The intense gazes from the audience gave him an impulse to play another brilliant piece. He loved this feeling, feeling like the king of the music empire.

Xia Shamo and Chen Haoran also felt an incredible sense of exhilaration. They had always known they could do well, but today was the first time they performed with Cheng Xiaoyu's synthesizer in such a grand setting, and their state of mind was almost completely open. Their performance was not only perfect but also transcendent. They felt that such a piece should cause a sensation, but the result was even more surprising. The entire auditorium seemed to have been cleansed, with enthusiastic applause that lasted for a long time, and the calls for an encore echoed throughout the campus. Nothing could better prove their success.

Wang Ou, in the audience, clapped until his hands were red. For the first time, he truly regretted not learning an instrument. He wanted to stand on stage with them; such a feeling must be wonderful.

Zhou Peipei was very surprised. She knew Cheng Xiaoyu was busy with music, working late into the night, but she never expected that his music had completely transcended the scope of a student. This was a masterpiece by a master.

Ji Yunyun stared at Lei Feng on stage, never expecting that the interesting fat guy named Cheng Xiaoyu would once again conquer her world. The last time it was with a poem, and this time with two songs.

Xu Qinling, standing behind the curtain, never expected to feel a bit of regret for tripping that fat guy. She originally thought it was just an ordinary performance, but it unexpectedly shook her entire body and soul.

Ji Xin, on the stage, smiled and introduced Cheng Xiaoyu to the teacher from Shanggao. From the moment she went to the bar to watch their rehearsal, she was conquered by Cheng Xiaoyu's music. This was a new form of music, a symphony with opera singing and the rhythm of pop music. Such a creative idea was a stroke of genius, and such a genius was her student.

Su Yuxi was silent, recalling Cheng Xiaoyu playing "Castle in the Sky" and his casual remark about just playing for fun. Perhaps she had never wanted to understand his world. For the first time, a feeling of regret spread in her heart, but her pride wouldn't allow her to admit she was wrong. Even if she had already taken a wrong turn, she wouldn't take the initiative to change anything.

Cheng Xiaoyu and his two companions were still not satisfied when they prepared to leave the stage, but Xu Qinling called them back. The audience was too enthusiastic, and the calls for an encore almost echoed throughout the entire Fudan campus.

When Cheng Xiaoyu and his companions returned to the stage, Xu Qinling signaled for everyone to be quiet and said, "Let's do a brief interview. Let's get to know the three students from Fudan High School again, and let them introduce themselves." She handed the microphone to Chen Haoran, who was closest to her. Cheng Xiaoyu was truly afraid of Xu Qinling, standing on the far right, as far away from her as possible.

Chen Haoran took the microphone and briefly said, "I am the drummer, Chen Haoran." As usual, his poker face remained unchanged, even in such a grand setting. After speaking, he passed the microphone to Xia Shamo.

Xia Shamo's face turned slightly red as she said, "Hello everyone." The applause below was overwhelming. When it subsided a bit, she continued, "I am Xia Shamo from Class 2, Grade 3 of Fudan High School, SUMMER." The blush on her face was visible to the whole world, and there were even calls for the goddess Xia. Xia Shamo secretly glanced at Cheng Xiaoyu and passed the microphone to him.

Cheng Xiaoyu took the microphone and, in a rustic manner, tapped it twice, producing two "puff" sounds. The audience burst into laughter at his comical actions and expressions. Cheng Xiaoyu smiled and said, "I think everyone should have remembered me before my performance. Yes, I am the one who fell twice in the Fudan Auditorium. Those who know about this, please don't tell others; it's not very glorious." The audience responded with a wave of sympathetic murmurs. Cheng Xiaoyu paused and said, "I hope everyone remembers not only us but also our music. Thank you all." He then passed the microphone to Chen Haoran. Everyone gave the humorous fat guy enthusiastic applause and cheers.

Xu Qinling, feeling a bit awkward inside, smiled and continued, "When I announced the program, I was very curious. Why is the name of your performance so strange, called 'Sinful Crown,' 'Sword Pulling,' and 'Huangpu River'?"

Seeing that Chen Haoran and Xia Shamo were looking at Cheng Xiaoyu, Xu Qinling had no choice but to turn and hand the microphone to Cheng Xiaoyu.

Cheng Xiaoyu took the opportunity to touch Xu Qinling's ivory-like hand. Xu Qinling gritted her teeth in anger but didn't dare to do anything at the moment. Without a doubt, Cheng Xiaoyu had made it onto her death blacklist, and the goodwill she had just built was immediately gone. The curses in her heart were enough to crush Cheng Xiaoyu.

Cheng Xiaoyu felt that he had taken a small advantage but still thought he had lost. He wanted to find a way to get some interest back, as the fall earlier would have made anyone else lose the courage to stay on stage.

This time, he took the microphone and, without joking, explained, "I think everyone understands 'Huangpu River'; it's the name of the second song. 'Sword Pulling' is the name of the first song, and 'Sinful Crown' is the name of our band."

Xu Qinling, not planning to let him off, asked, "Why is it called 'Sinful Crown'? The name sounds very...," leaving the audience to fill in the blanks with words like "stupid" or "idiotic."

Cheng Xiaoyu paused and said, "Actually, I didn't get the approval of my two teammates for this name. I came up with it on my own. Why is it called 'Sinful Crown'? Because the three of us in the band are big eaters, at the king level. We are often among the first to rush to the cafeteria during lunch breaks, so we are called the 'Hungriest Crown.' The 'H' in 'Hungriest' and the 'E' in 'Hungry.' Of course, I wouldn't say this to my teammates. I would say that the world is full of sinners, and we hope to use music to remove the evil in everyone's hearts. The crown represents our expectations for ourselves and our aspirations for music and the future." The applause from the audience grew even louder.

"Are these pieces all original works of your band?" Xu Qinling asked with a smile.

Cheng Xiaoyu nodded and said, "Yes," but didn't mention that they were his own compositions. Xia Shamo and Chen Haoran wanted to say something, but they didn't have the microphone.

Xu Qinling, determined not to let Su Yuxi's brother escape her grasp, smiled and asked, "With so many audience members hoping for more, do you have any other pieces prepared?"

Cheng Xiaoyu, a seasoned performer, naturally didn't agree. If he did, he would be doing something that would offend people. He immediately replied, "Thank you all for your support, but please understand. The rehearsal time was very tight, and we only have two songs. There are other wonderful performances waiting for you to enjoy."

Xu Qinling, seeing that this fat guy was unusually clever, decisively ended the interview to prevent him from stealing the spotlight.

When Cheng Xiaoyu and his companions left the stage, there was another thunderous round of applause.

They were famous, especially Xia Shamo. As soon as they left the stage, a young girl from a lower grade asked Xia Shamo for an autograph and a photo. Cheng Xiaoyu and Chen Haoran were ignored, with most people surrounding Xia Shamo.

At this moment, Xu Qinling, wearing a blue evening gown, walked to the backstage and gave Cheng Xiaoyu a charming smile, signaling him to come over.

Cheng Xiaoyu grinned at Xu Qinling, then raised his middle finger and turned to run away without looking back.

Xu Qinling, who had almost never been refused since childhood, felt a strong sense of anger. The first time she was teased was by this fat guy, and the first time she was refused was also by this fat guy. She vowed to make him pay, even if he was Su Yuxi's brother. She angrily took out her phone from her bag, which a classmate was holding, and texted Su Yuxi, "Your brother is quite interesting!"

"Didn't notice it. Did he offend you again?"

"Not really, he runs away like a mouse when he sees me."

"Ningning, don't bully him. He's quite pitiful." Initially, Xu Qinling had tripped Cheng Xiaoyu, and although Su Yuxi didn't see the specific action, she could guess it was Xu Qinling.

"Hey, feeling sorry for your talented brother? Who told you not to say you knew me?"

"Fine, I give up. What do you want?" Su Yuxi typed helplessly.

"Isn't it almost a holiday? Find a time to get him out, and don't say it's my request. I have to go on stage soon, I'll call you later." Xu Qinling pressed send, put her phone back in the bag, and handed it to the girl holding her things, then quickly walked to the stage with the microphone.

Cheng Xiaoyu was truly a bit afraid of this quirky short-haired girl. He thought, "If I can't deal with her, I can at least avoid her." Thinking that Xu Qinling was Su Yuxi's friend made his head hurt. He also regretted touching her earlier, but recalling the smooth feeling, he thought it was worth it.

Only now did Cheng Xiaoyu feel hungry. He and Xia Shamo had hardly eaten anything since their lunch break, and the snacks at the salon were not enough to fill his stomach. The hunger hit him like a wave after the tension subsided. Cheng Xiaoyu swallowed and thought about going out to buy something to eat, as the evening party was almost over. He told Chen Haoran to watch the synthesizer and saw Xia Shamo taking photos with a group of girls, so he went out alone to find something to eat.

As he walked out of the backstage corridor, he was blocked by Ji Yunyun, who was standing at the door. Ji Yunyun's class's Xinjiang dance had also been selected, and she hadn't taken off her makeup yet. Her exotic makeup, despite not being very well done, couldn't hide her beauty and added a unique charm. She was still wearing her performance costume, with a thick coat over it. The red sheer skirt didn't provide much warmth, and Cheng Xiaoyu could see her long, white legs through the sheer fabric, even noticing her shivering in the cold.

"Hey! Lei Feng? Is that your pen name?" Ji Yunyun asked, stopping Cheng Xiaoyu with her big, blinking eyes.

Cheng Xiaoyu was a bit surprised. He had seen Ji Yunyun waiting in the corridor but didn't think it was for him. He replied without thinking, "Oh, you mean last time? Lei Feng is a good person in our hometown who does good deeds."

"Oh, so you mean you were doing a good deed last time?" Ji Yunyun asked, not letting it go.

Cheng Xiaoyu, a bit afraid of her persistence, quickly said, "Not really. I really noticed those two guys had bad intentions. I followed them for a long time and didn't know they were targeting you!"

Ji Yunyun laughed, "I'm not here to cause trouble. I'm here to thank you."

Cheng Xiaoyu waved his hand, "No need. I didn't do much, and besides, Ms. Ji has always been good to me."

Ji Yunyun looked down at her black dance shoes, thinking, "Why doesn't he ask for my phone number? Am I not pretty enough today? No, he has that enchanting Xia Shamo by his side, so why would he look at me?"

Seeing that Ji Yunyun wasn't speaking, Cheng Xiaoyu said, "If there's nothing, I'll go now."

Ji Yunyun said, "Oh," and moved aside.

Cheng Xiaoyu sidestepped and passed by Ji Yunyun, a pleasant scent invading his senses.

Just as he was about to leave the backstage, Ji Yunyun turned and called out, "Hey, Cheng Xiaoyu, what's your phone number?"

Cheng Xiaoyu turned back, "Ah! My phone? Do you need it for something?"

Ji Yunyun quickly walked over, her light footsteps echoing in the narrow corridor. When she reached Cheng Xiaoyu, she said, "I still owe you money for the CD you bought for me. Give me your phone number so I can pay you back."

Cheng Xiaoyu, not wanting to get involved with this literary girl, smiled and said, "It's no big deal, just a small amount, forget it."

Ji Yunyun, however, took out her phone from her coat without a word and handed it to Cheng Xiaoyu.

Cheng Xiaoyu, smiling bitterly, pushed his glasses up and took Ji Yunyun's phone with a cute charm, inputted his phone number, and returned it to her.

Ji Yunyun immediately called the number, and when she saw Cheng Xiaoyu's phone light up, she hung up and typed "Lei Feng" into her phone.

Then she winked at Cheng Xiaoyu and said, "Happy New Year, Cheng Xiaoyu. See you next year."

Cheng Xiaoyu also smiled and said, "Happy New Year. I'll go now." He turned and walked out the door.

As he stepped out, the cold air enveloped him like a wave. He was still only wearing a shirt and a suit. Shivering, Cheng Xiaoyu started jogging, looking up at the vast starry sky. Tomorrow was the year 2010.

Cheng Xiaoyu silently wished, "Happy New Year, everyone I know. Happy New Year, everyone in my memories."

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