The conference center on the top floor of Yiyuan Building,

We are currently in a state of calm before the storm, a state of turmoil.

The small opera house, which could originally accommodate 500 people, was now packed with people, even in the aisles.

Several distorted faces were pasted onto the glass window of the back door.

They were all students from regular classes who had come after hearing about it.

As the stirring "Radetzky March" began to play.

The doors to the conference center were slowly pushed open by two ushers.

The buzzing that had been going on was now replaced by whispers.

The moment they saw the line of figures at the door, they stood at attention in unison.

The spotlight shone precisely on the doorway, as if it had been rehearsed long ago.

Minister Zheng Songxue, who was walking at the very front, clearly enjoyed the moment when she was the center of attention.

His steps became more steady, and the authoritative aura inherent in his executive jacket was fully unleashed.

Jiang Changfeng was slightly behind by half a body length.

With the humility and pride characteristic of a host on his face, he walked along, turning to the side to make a gesture of leading the way.

"Whoosh—"

Applause broke out.

Although it was clear that the applause was forced upon them as a "polite gesture."

But with so many people, it sounded quite impressive.

Lin Que mingled at the very back of the volunteer team, trying his best to hide himself in the shadows.

In such situations, the sheer heat of those high-powered spotlights on your face is enough to make you uncomfortable.

He didn't want to steal the spotlight from his superiors.

The group walked along the side passage, which was covered with a red carpet, toward the stage.

As Lin Que passed by the audience seats, he could clearly feel that...

Those previously somewhat dazed gazes instantly turned fervent when they landed on the beige figure in the middle of the group.

"Look! It really is Ye Xi!"

"She has even more charisma in person than in photos!"

"Those legs... those proportions... compared to her, I feel like I was just added to make up the numbers."

The murmurs were low, but they were loud enough to be heard.

It's like boiling water, bubbling and bubbling out.

I sat down, tested the microphone, and the process went smoothly.

First, Jiang Changfeng delivered a welcoming speech.

It was all just platitudes like "it would be an honor to have you here" and "I strongly support you."

The applause from the audience was sparse.

Many students have already started looking down and playing with their fingers, or secretly passing notes.

Next, Minister Zheng Songxue gave a speech.

This leader clearly came prepared, discussing everything from the overall framework of arts education across the province to the future prospects of holistic education.

Minister Zheng discussed macroeconomic control and future prospects.

Every sentence looks like it was copied and pasted from a document.

Even the pauses sound like chanting.

Professor Yu Yan then took the microphone and launched into a string of incomprehensible acoustic jargon.

The boy in the front row who was originally sitting upright...

My head has started bobbing up and down like a chick pecking at rice.

Until the host announced that name.

"Now, let's give a warm round of applause to our special guest for this exchange meeting."

Ye Xi, an internationally renowned young pianist,

Come forward and speak!

"boom--"

This time, the head of student affairs didn't need to give him a meaningful look.

The audience erupted in applause, which was more than five times louder than before.

Several boys in the back row couldn't help but whistle.

Then Fei Yuncheng glared back at him fiercely.

Ye Xi stood up.

She took off her winter coat, revealing a well-tailored black dress underneath, which made her skin appear even whiter and radiant.

She walked lightly to the standing microphone.

The light shone on her face, and for that instant, her smile was flawless.

It possesses both the aloofness of an artist and the warmth of a peer.

The commotion below the stage instantly subsided, and everyone held their breath.

We eagerly await to hear what profound artistic insights this gifted young woman will offer.

"Hello everyone, I am Ye Xi."

The sound was crisp and clear, spreading to every corner of the auditorium through the speakers.

"Actually, I'm quite nervous standing here."

Ye Xi tilted her head slightly.

"Before coming here, I prepared a very long script about how to practice the piano and how to compete."

Ye Xi held a folded piece of paper in her hand, but did not unfold it; instead, she gently placed it aside.

"But I changed my mind in the car just now."

The audience was silent; everyone was staring at her.

"Minister Zheng and Principal Jiang just spoke at length about the profound significance of art."

Ye Xi's fingers rested lightly on the microphone stand, and her tone became more casual.