Chapter Seventy-Two: Rehearsal

Inside the auditorium of Innovation High School, a scene of bustling activity unfolded. Teachers and students, clad in various outfits, hurried back and forth—changing clothes, clearing their throats, rehearsing lines, adjusting sound and lighting. Tomorrow was New Year’s Day, signaling the start of the New Year’s Eve gala, and everyone involved in the performances was nervously preparing for the final rehearsal.

Among them was Xiao Lin, dressed in a black tailcoat over a crisp white shirt, dark trousers completing the ensemble. His fresh, handsome face made him look both elegant and spirited. The auditorium’s air conditioning meant that he didn’t feel cold despite his light attire. With a serious expression, he carefully inspected the box before him, filled with the assorted props he would use for his magic performance. He checked each item meticulously—any mistake could become a joke on stage. He still had to coordinate with the lighting and sound technicians; their cooperation was crucial for the magic act.

“This is such a hassle,” Xiao Lin sighed. He had been busy for a week; except for the clothes provided by the school, all the props for his performance were bought or crafted by himself. If it weren’t for Yu Qing, he wouldn’t bother with this. Yu Qing, tomorrow I’ll give you a surprise, he thought silently.

“Hey, Xiao Lin, Xiao Lin!” A pretty girl in a white long dress, lightly lifting her hem, called out his name as she ran towards him. Xiao Lin looked up at her—she seemed like a white fairy—and a warm smile curved his lips.

“Yu Qing, slow down! Running around in a dress—where’s your ladylike image?” Xiao Lin teased gently.

“Hehe.” Wang Yu Qing, hearing Xiao Lin’s words, stuck out her pink tongue playfully, then spun elegantly so her white dress fluttered. “Xiao Lin, do you think I look good in this outfit?”

Xiao Lin gazed at her strapless white dress, its delicate lace setting off her slender legs and graceful figure. Her fingers brushed her lips and tucked loose strands behind her ear, the movement lively as an elf. A faint jasmine fragrance drifted from her, and her gaze, soft and mischievous, held both affection and playful spirit. He couldn’t help swallowing. “You look beautiful. Really, you look wonderful.”

Yu Qing giggled at his praise, delighted that the person she loved found her attractive—no greater joy.

“This is my evening dress for hosting—teacher picked it for me. Hey, Xiao Lin, what are you doing? What’s in that black box?” Yu Qing asked, tilting her head inquisitively.

“These are props, for the magic show. By the way, Yu Qing, I need to discuss something with you,” Xiao Lin said, pausing his task and adopting a serious tone.

“Hmm? What is it?” Seeing his earnest expression, Yu Qing prepared to listen carefully.

“Well, for tomorrow’s magic show, I need you to be my assistant.”

“Pfft, what? Me? An assistant?” Yu Qing stared at him in disbelief, pointing to herself.

“Yes, you’re the female host, so it has to be you. Look at the Spring Festival Gala—didn’t Dong Qing act as Liu Qian’s assistant?”

“But I don’t know how! If I mess it up, maybe let Gao Zheng do it, he’s a host too,” Yu Qing protested, waving her hands.

“Oh, come on, why would I ask him? It has to be you, it’s simple, I’ll show you what to do—just one or two things I need help with. The rest I can handle myself. Yu Qing, if you don’t help me, my performance tomorrow will be ruined,” Xiao Lin pleaded earnestly.

“Alright then,” Yu Qing agreed reluctantly, seeing his concern. Xiao Lin, meanwhile, looked triumphant as if his scheme had succeeded.

“Yu Qing, why did you come here?” A clear voice called out.

Both turned to see Gao Zheng. This time, he’d finally shed his signature black trench coat and donned a black evening jacket, white breeches, black boots, and a gold-red sash—a classic prince’s attire, making him appear both dashing and noble.

“I came to talk to Xiao Lin. What’s up?” Yu Qing asked, pushing her bangs aside.

“We’re about to start the rehearsal. We need to get ready and take our places,” Gao Zheng said.

“Oh, let’s go then. Xiao Lin, teach me how to do it later,” Yu Qing called to Xiao Lin before heading backstage.

“Xiao Lin, I’m looking forward to your performance,” Gao Zheng said with a sly smile.

“Go on, be a host,” Xiao Lin replied curtly, waving him off. He had no desire to chat with this rival, and focused on checking his props. Gao Zheng didn’t mind; ever since their duel, he’d changed his opinion of Xiao Lin, and their relationship now hovered somewhere between rivals and friends.

“The rehearsal is officially starting—everyone must treat it seriously, as if it’s tomorrow’s formal performance,” announced a slightly plump man in a suit, holding a microphone. He was Director Zhang from the Arts Center, the organizer of the gala.

As his words ended, the stage curtain rose and the lights and sound were ready. This year’s New Year’s Eve gala at Innovation High was unprecedented in scale; nearly thirty programs were scheduled, showcasing all the talented students and staff. It must be mentioned that Tan Linlin’s act didn’t pass the review. After watching her performance, the reviewing teacher simply said, “Is this child alright?” Her dance was apparently too much for most to handle, so poor Tan Linlin could only be an audience member.

Yu Qing and Gao Zheng now stood on stage, reading their scripts. Next came the choir, folk dances, modern street dance, songs, comedic sketches, dramas—every approved act took their turn in an orderly rehearsal. Xiao Lin’s magic act, a first for Innovation High, was scheduled last, both in the rehearsal and tomorrow’s official show. At the moment, he was in the sound booth consulting with the technicians.

The rehearsal lasted three hours. Director Zhang, pleased with the outcome, waved everyone off. “That’s enough! Go rest. Tomorrow, perform just as you did today.”

Xiao Lin, Yu Qing, and the others left exhausted. Yu Qing decided not to go home, instead opting to rest in the girls’ dormitory. She called her uncle to let him know. Innovation High was very considerate; every dormitory had spare beds for day students who couldn’t return home, with bedding available from the housekeeper aunties.