The director's notice arrived in the afternoon: the live performance would begin at ten that night.
All the trainees buzzed with excitement.
Song Xi emerged and happened to see two figures talking closely ahead.
Upon a closer look, they were Liu Dongdong and Qin Feng!
Recalling Mi Xuan's reminder, a sense of caution arose in her heart. She then walked into the classroom and waved to Tao Qingyu, "Tao Qingyu, I need to tell you something..."
According to the draw for performance order, Song Xi's group was scheduled to perform fourth.
By eight in the evening, the backstage was in a state of utter chaos.
To fit the stage style, Song Xi's group opted for a classical Chinese aesthetic.
Stage makeup and costumes were masters at enhancing each person's best features. As a result, everyone on view appeared to be a refined gentleman, as gentle as jade.
Song Xi, in particular, was breathtakingly beautiful.
Even without makeup during her usual training sessions, she was captivating.
Much less so now, with her lips painted a delicate red, a long skirt trailing on the ground, and a pipa slung at her waist, she looked as if she had stepped out of a painting.
A gasp of admiration echoed from the makeup room, making Song Xi feel quite shy.
Everyone stared, mesmerized. It had to be said, Song Xi's face was indeed exceptionally striking.
Mi Xuan rushed forward and, without any hesitation, pulled out her phone to take a selfie.
While taking the photo, she whispered, "I suddenly feel like your boyfriend isn't good enough for you anymore."
Song Xi: "..."
Liu Dongdong looked at Tao Qingyu. Even he, who was usually solely focused on training, watched with unblinking eyes.
What a temptress!
Qin Feng looked at Song Xi's attire, his throat feeling dry. Reluctantly, he withdrew his gaze and asked Liu Dongdong by his ear, "How's the preparation?"
Liu Dongdong sneered, "Don't worry, once she goes out, I'll break her pipa. When she embarrasses herself on stage, she'll be roasted alive!"
A flash of triumph glinted in Qin Feng's eyes. This way, he'd eliminate a few more competitors! He was destined to debut!
As the performance began, the remaining groups sat backstage, awaiting their turn.
There was a television in front of them, broadcasting live.
The audience below was a dense mass, numbering at least a thousand people.
The soaring cheers and screams seemed powerful enough to shake the roof.
Ye Tian was incredibly nervous, constantly wiping sweat with tissues, his makeup almost ruined.
"Deep breaths, inhale—"
Tao Qingyu comforted him while calling a makeup artist over for a touch-up.
Song Xi shook her head with a smile.
Just then, her phone vibrated. It was Lou Yuming.
【Where are you?】
Song Xi replied: 【Backstage】
Lou Yuming: 【When will it be over?】
Song Xi: 【Don't know, did you go back to B City?】
He fell silent.
Song Xi furrowed her brows, a hint of displeasure surfacing at Lou Yuming's habit of disappearing mid-conversation. "I'm going to the restroom."
Meanwhile.
The head director received a piece of gossip: a VIP was expected to visit today.
He immediately mobilized people to search discreetly, but after a long search, not a single person was found.
The head director was frantic and prayed silently: God, please let there be no mishaps today!
In the crowded throng, Yao Yifan used his body to shield against the enthusiastic audience, struggling to utter a sentence.
"Sir... Sir, perhaps we should go upstairs to watch? There are just too many people here..."
The man remained unperturbed. His tall figure stood out in the crowd, exuding an extraordinary aura.
He wore sunglasses, revealing only his strong jawline and sharp, thin lips, projecting an aura of unapproachability.
"Here is fine."
If he showed himself ostentatiously, this little thing, Song Xi, would surely get angry with him again.
Since she didn't want to make their relationship public, he would let her have her way.
Besides...
Lou Yuming added, "It's not crowded at all."
Yao Yifan's face contorted, silently roaring: That's because I'm blocking for you, AAAAAAAAH!