Chapter 75: Xiao Lin Confesses

On the stage, a comedic skit had just reached its funniest moment, sending the audience into peals of laughter. But Wang Yuqing was in no mood to enjoy the performance. She was nervously reviewing the steps that Xiao Lin had taught her. Meanwhile, Xiao Lin was meticulously checking the props, making final preparations before their act—because after this skit, it would be Xiao Lin’s turn to perform his magic show. At that moment, even Xiao Lin’s palms were damp with sweat. It wasn’t just stage fright; it was because he had something important to do during his act tonight—something that made his heart uneasy.

“You look nervous, don’t you?” Gao Zheng seemed relaxed now, standing to the side watching Xiao Lin busily at work, his leg swinging nonchalantly.

Xiao Lin ignored him, thinking to himself, Just wait, I’ll show you what real manly charm looks like.

Suddenly, a burst of applause erupted from the audience—the skit had ended. Gao Zheng straightened his clothes, walked onto the stage, and announced in his distinctive voice, “Thank you for that wonderful skit.” More applause followed.

He paused, then continued, “Do you know what happens when skill meets wit? What kind of performance is called ‘miraculous’? What can turn your understanding upside down? Please open your eyes wide—you’re about to step into a world of magic. It’s time to witness a miracle.”

As Gao Zheng’s final words fell, the entire auditorium was plunged into darkness. The sudden blackness drew startled exclamations from the students below.

With a swift “whoosh,” a bright spotlight snapped on, tracing a circle on the stage. The students were amazed to see a young man standing in the circle, dressed in a tailcoat and wearing a tall magician’s hat, his head bowed so his face was hidden.

“What’s going on—is this really a magic show?”
“Who is that guy? He looks so cool!”
Whispers rippled through the audience. Suddenly, the boy on stage began to move, his gloved hands dancing through the air with elegant, practiced gestures. Then, something astonishing happened. The white gloves gradually turned red, and from each fingertip burst colorful jets of flame, each about ten centimeters high—ten fingers, each emitting vibrant fire, creating a dazzling spectacle. With the deliberate flourishes of his hands, he conjured a scene of pure beauty. After several seconds, the flames vanished, and the gloves returned to white.

The young man slowly removed his hat, revealing a fresh, handsome face. He smiled and bowed, “Good evening, everyone. I am the magician Xiao Lin, and I will now take you into a world of magic.”

Thunderous applause resounded.

“Isn’t that Xiao Lin? He’s so handsome!” a girl exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.
“He’s amazing, a real magician! This guy is awesome,” a boy said with genuine admiration.

“Look, that’s Xiao Lin from Class One—the biggest dark horse in the last exams!” Many recognized him; in the Innovative High School, Xiao Lin was already something of a celebrity. Many students now knew the strikingly handsome boy.

“Next, I’d like to invite a beautiful young lady to the stage as my assistant. Please welcome Wang Yuqing.” Xiao Lin gestured toward the edge of the stage, where another spotlight illuminated a graceful girl approaching him slowly. Her presence drew yet another round of cheers from the audience.

Xiao Lin gestured for silence, and the crowd instantly quieted, eyes fixed on his next move. He retrieved a flat balloon from a nearby box, then took up a pump and began inflating it. Before long, a human-sized, transparent balloon appeared on stage. Xiao Lin turned the balloon from side to side to show the audience that it was seamless and whole. Then, with a flourish, he blew air into both hands, and in the blink of an eye, he lifted the giant balloon and slipped it over Wang Yuqing’s head. The audience gasped, then saw Wang Yuqing standing inside the balloon, smiling radiantly at them.

“This is unreal! How is that possible?”
“There’s no way—how did she get inside?”
“I can’t believe my eyes!”

Xiao Lin only smiled, reaching out to the air above and seeming to pluck a silver needle from thin air. The spotlight caught the needle’s gleam. He drove the needle into the balloon with a sharp motion—pop! The balloon exploded, scattering a shower of colorful petals that drifted gently around Wang Yuqing.

“Fairy Scattering Flowers,” Xiao Lin announced.

The applause erupted again, the teachers and students clapping with all their might for the spectacular performance.

Xiao Lin, with Wang Yuqing’s help, then performed one marvel after another: passing coins through a table, cutting paper into birds, mysterious predictions, cards through walls, and vacuum exchanges—each more fascinating than the last. The audience was entranced, and many girls were already whispering to find out if Xiao Lin had a girlfriend.

After completing the final magic trick from the rehearsal, Xiao Lin glanced at Wang Yuqing and silently steeled his resolve.

“For my next magic trick, I dedicate it to a special girl. It was her arrival that opened my long-closed heart, that helped me find my old self, that made me realize there’s someone in this world worth waiting for. Please, give me ten seconds.”

With deep emotion, Xiao Lin walked up to Wang Yuqing, his handsome face full of gentle affection, quietly gazing at the beautiful girl before him, his heart burning with passion.

A commotion swept through the audience—was this a confession?

Wang Yuqing stood transfixed, her heart pounding wildly. Xiao Lin’s words had set her cheeks aflame, but her heart brimmed with sweetness. Is he finally confessing to me? After all these years? Her beautiful eyes grew misty with tears of joy.

When the ten seconds were up, Xiao Lin suddenly spun around. His tailcoat slipped off, revealing a set of blue and white clothes. On the back, four characters read “Donghai Middle School.” Everyone was puzzled—what kind of outfit was this?

But Wang Yuqing recognized it immediately—it was their old middle school uniform. Xiao Lin had worn this very outfit the first time he appeared before her, stepping straight into her heart.

Now, Xiao Lin was holding a bouquet of pure white jasmine. He knelt before Wang Yuqing, raised the flowers, and said softly and earnestly, “I’m back. I brought you the boy from those days. In my memories, there was a girl who loved jasmine flowers, who always carried their sweet fragrance. If I’m not mistaken, that was you. Yuqing, this bouquet of jasmine is for you. From now on, I will cherish and protect you. Please, give me a chance—will you?”

(Ten centimeters is about four inches; the flames were hidden in advance, and the giant balloon trick relied on lighting effects and special techniques to create an illusion for the audience.)