In the sweltering summer of 1991, cicadas sang their praises, and waves of heat swept across the land, carrying with them a vibrant energy. Along the streets of Beijing, lush plane trees provided dense shade from the blazing sun, and occasional gentle breezes brought refreshing coolness. Inside the small auditorium of the Great Hall of the People, the venue for the National Children's Dance Competition, the atmosphere was bustling with activity, brightly lit, and filled with a tense yet enthusiastic spirit. Young contestants from all over the country, dressed in dazzling dance costumes, nervously prepared backstage, their youthful faces reflecting both trepidation and a burning desire for their dreams.
Shen Nianxi wore a custom-made lake-blue dance dress, the hem adorned with tiny crystals that sparkled brilliantly under the lights. Her hair was meticulously styled into a high bun, adorned with a small pearl hair ornament, making her delicate, exquisite face appear even more lively and adorable. At this moment, she stood in front of the mirror backstage, practicing the key dance moves repeatedly to the rhythm of the music. Her small figure twirled and leaped in front of the mirror, like a fledgling swallow about to take flight.
Lin Wanqiu stood to the side, holding a clean towel, her eyes gently gazing at her daughter. She wore a light purple dress, her long hair elegantly styled in a bun, and her face lightly powdered. Her eyes were filled with both anticipation and worry for her daughter. For this competition, she had specially put aside all her affairs at the food shop and the scholarship fund to accompany Nianxi to Beijing. These past few days, she had spent every day with her daughter at rehearsals, preparing nutritious meals for her, and cheering her on, hoping she could perform at her best in the competition.
"Xixi, don't be nervous, take a deep breath." Lin Wanqiu stepped forward and gently wiped the thin layer of sweat from her daughter's forehead with a towel. Her voice was so gentle it could melt water. "You've practiced very well. As long as you perform normally, you'll definitely get good results. Mom believes in you."
Shen Nianxi stopped what she was doing, looked up at Lin Wanqiu, a hint of nervousness flashing in her eyes, but she still nodded firmly: "Mom, I'm not nervous. I will definitely dance well and won't let you and Dad down." Although she said this, her small hands, tightly gripping the hem of her skirt, betrayed her inner unease. This was her first time standing on such a big stage, facing so many judges and audience members, it would be a lie to say she wasn't nervous.
Shen Tingzhou walked in from outside, holding a bottle of chilled mineral water. He walked to Shen Nianxi's side, squatted down, looked her straight in the eyes, and said firmly, "Xixi, do you remember what Daddy told you? No matter what the result is, as long as you bravely stand on the stage and show your best self, you are the best. Daddy and Mommy will always cheer for you."
His eyes were deep and reliable, carrying a reassuring power. Looking at her father, Shen Nianxi's tension gradually dissipated. These past few days, her father had been by her side, correcting her dance moves, encouraging her not to be afraid of failure, and making her feel incredibly safe.
"Dad, I remember." Shen Nianxi took the bottled water, took a small sip, and a bright smile appeared on her face. "I will definitely face the competition bravely and show my best self."
Shen Nian'an walked over from the audience. He had rushed to the venue right after finishing his class. Dressed in casual clothes, he stood tall and had a gentle smile on his face: "Xixi, are you ready? I've already saved you a spot. I'll be cheering you on from the stands when you compete."
"I'm ready, brother!" Shen Nianxi said excitedly. "After the competition, you must tell me if I jumped well."
"Definitely!" Shen Nian'an smiled and patted her head. "Xixi is so great, she'll definitely dance very well."
Just then, a staff member's voice came over the loudspeaker: "Contestants participating in the children's solo dance competition, please get ready, the competition is about to begin."
Shen Nianxi's heart raced instantly, her smile faded slightly, and her eyes were filled with nervousness and anticipation. Lin Wanqiu took her hand and gently patted it: "Nianxi, you can do it! Mom believes in you!"
Shen Tingzhou patted her on the shoulder: "Go, baby, show your strength."
Shen Nianxi nodded and turned to follow the staff towards the waiting area. Her small figure looked particularly thin in the crowd, but she still stood up straight, showing an indomitable spirit.
Lin Wanqiu, Shen Tingzhou, and Shen Nian'an quickly walked to the audience seats and found a place near the front. The audience seats were already full, with parents of the contestants, dance enthusiasts, and media reporters. Everyone was excitedly discussing the upcoming competition, and the air was filled with a tense yet enthusiastic atmosphere.
"Dad, Mom, do you think Xixi will be nervous?" Shen Nian'an asked with some concern, looking towards the waiting area.
“She will definitely be a little nervous, but Xixi has grown up and she can overcome it,” Lin Wanqiu said, her eyes full of trust in her daughter. “She has been practicing so hard these days for this stage. I believe she can perform at her best.”
Shen Tingzhou nodded, his gaze fixed on Shen Nianxi in the waiting area, and said firmly, "Xixi is a determined child, she will not let us down."
The competition officially began. The first contestant stepped onto the stage, and as the music started, she began to dance gracefully. Her movements were beautiful and fluid, earning rounds of applause from the audience. Next, one contestant after another took the stage, each with their own unique style—some lively and adorable, some gentle and moving, and some powerful and majestic—every performance was spectacular.
Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou sat below the stage, feeling both nervous and expectant. Watching the contestants on stage, they couldn't help but compare them to Nianxi, their anxiety growing with each comparison. Shen Nian'an, meanwhile, held her camera, ready to capture the highlights of her sister's competition.
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