In the provincial capital, late autumn brought a growing chill, but it did nothing to dampen the vibrant atmosphere inside the provincial gymnasium. This venue, capable of holding thousands, was packed to capacity, with colorful flags fluttering in the breeze. A huge banner proclaiming the "13th Provincial Youth Dance Competition" hung above the stage, its red background and gold lettering gleaming brightly, complementing the posters of the contestants displayed on the surrounding walls. The venue was well-heated, and the air was filled with the subtle scents of hairspray, cosmetics, and the aromas of tea and candy emanating from the audience, creating a unique atmosphere that was both tense and exciting. Above the stage, dozens of spotlights shone like brilliant stars, illuminating the stage surface as if it were daytime. The smooth floor reflected the lights, like a giant mirror, awaiting the dancers to shine.

Backstage, the dressing room was a hive of activity. Young girls in colorful dance costumes sat before mirrors, their makeup meticulously applied by the makeup artists. Some wore flowing sleeves and long gowns for classical dance, others sported dynamic outfits for modern dance, and still others, like Shen Nianxi, wore pristine white ballet tutus, resembling a flock of swans about to take flight. Shen Nianxi sat before a mirror in the corner, while Lin Wanqiu carefully adjusted the hem of her ballet tutus.

Today, Shen Nianxi wore a custom-made ballet tutu, its layers of skirt resembling blooming white lotus flowers, the hem embroidered with delicate pearls that shimmered softly under the lights. Her hair was meticulously styled into a high bun, revealing her slender and graceful neck and full forehead. The makeup artist applied a light stage makeup, with a touch of mascara on her long eyelashes and a small rhinestone adorning the corner of her eye, adding a touch of liveliness and charm to her already delicate face.

"Xixi, don't be nervous, just like you practice normally," Lin Wanqiu said gently, adjusting her daughter's skirt, her eyes filled with tenderness and anticipation. Her fingertips lightly brushed her daughter's cheek, feeling the delicate skin, her heart overflowing with emotion. The graceful little girl before her seemed like just yesterday the timid little girl following behind her, asking for candy, but now she had grown into a young dancer capable of standing on the stage of a provincial competition.

Shen Nianxi nodded, her small hand tightly gripping Lin Wanqiu's, her fingertips slightly cool. "Mom, I'm not nervous, just a little excited." Her voice trembled slightly, but her eyes shone with unwavering determination. She had poured so much effort into this competition. Countless mornings, while other children were still asleep, she was already in the practice room practicing; countless nights, while other children were playing, she was still correcting her movements in front of the mirror. She knew that this competition was not only a test of her years of hard work, but also a response to her parents' expectations.

Shen Tingzhou stood to the side, holding a bottle of warm water. His face remained as composed as ever, but his eyes betrayed his deep concern for his daughter. He stepped forward, gently patted Shen Nianxi's shoulder, and said, "Nianxi, Dad believes in you. You are the best. No matter the outcome of the competition, you will always be the most outstanding in Dad's heart."

Shen Nian'an also said, "Little sister, relax. Your brother is cheering you on from the audience. Remember to just show your best performance and don't put too much pressure on yourself."

"Yes! I understand, Dad, Mom, Brother!" Shen Nianxi nodded heavily, keeping her family's encouragement in mind. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and recalled the dance moves she had performed countless times in her mind, from the opening tiptoeing and spinning, to the jumps and lifts in the middle, and finally the finishing pose, every detail was clearly presented before her eyes.

At this moment, a staff member walked in and called out, "Contestants, please get ready. The competition will begin in half an hour."

Lin Wanqiu helped Shen Nianxi tidy up her hair one last time and said, "Xixi, it's time to go to the waiting area. Your mother, your father, your brother, and I are in the first row. You'll definitely be able to see us."

"Mmm!" Shen Nianxi nodded, opened her arms, and gave Lin Wanqiu a big hug. Then she hugged Shen Tingzhou and Shen Nian'an separately before turning and following the staff towards the waiting area. Although her steps were a little unsteady, they carried an indomitable courage.

Lin Wanqiu, Shen Tingzhou, and Shen Nian'an also hurriedly came out of the dressing room and into the audience seats. They sat in the center of the first row, with a wide view and a clear view of every detail on the stage. Shen Nian'an took out her camera, adjusted the equipment, and prepared to record the exciting moments of her sister's competition.

As a burst of rousing music filled the air, the competition officially began. The host, dressed in a glamorous gown, strode confidently onto the stage and introduced the competition rules and the judging panel with an engaging voice. The judges for this competition were all leading experts in the domestic dance world, including several national first-class performers and renowned choreographers. Their professional and insightful critiques elevated the overall prestige of the competition.

The first to take the stage was a classical dancer. She wore a light green dress, held a silk fan, and danced gracefully to the accompaniment of melodious guzheng music. Her movements were fluid and beautiful, her dance light and agile, like a classical beauty who had stepped out of a painting, winning rounds of applause from the audience.

Next, the contestants took to the stage one by one. Some danced modern dance with passionate and unrestrained movements, full of youthful energy; others danced folk dance with rich styles and distinctive local characteristics; still others danced Latin dance with clean movements and a strong sense of rhythm. Every contestant performed at their best, creating a spectacular show on stage, with applause and cheers rising and falling.

Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou sat in the audience, admiring the contestants' wonderful performances while feeling nervous for their daughter who was about to perform. Lin Wanqiu's palms were slightly sweaty. She held Shen Tingzhou's hand tightly. Shen Tingzhou sensed her nervousness, gently patted the back of her hand, and whispered, "Don't worry, Xixi is well prepared. She can definitely do it."

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