As the first snow melted, a lingering chill remained in the air of Beijing, but this did nothing to dampen the vibrant atmosphere inside the Chang'an Grand Theatre. Golden sunlight streamed through the towering domed windows, casting shimmering light onto the crimson velvet curtains, creating a spectacle like a flowing galaxy. The theatre was packed, the air thick with the subtle scent of perfume and the anxious anticipation of the audience, who eagerly awaited the start of the National Children's Dance Competition finals.
In the backstage dressing room, Shen Nianxi sat before the vanity mirror, her small body ramrod straight. She wore a custom-made Chinese red dance dress, the hem embroidered with lifelike peacock feathers that trembled gently with her breath, like a peacock about to spread its tail feathers. The makeup artist was carefully applying delicate makeup to her eyebrows and eyes, the pale pink blush spreading across her apple-shaped face, making her bright black and white eyes appear even more lively and expressive.
"Nianxi, don't be nervous, just act like you're practicing." Lin Wanqiu sat beside her daughter, gently holding her slightly cool little hand, her voice gentle yet strong. For this competition, she had specially put aside her busy work at the food factory and accompanied her daughter on a long journey to Beijing. Seeing the fleeting anxiety in her daughter's eyes, she felt both heartache and pride. "My Nianxi is the best. No matter the result, you will always be the brightest little star in your mother's heart."
Shen Nianxi looked up at her mother through the mirror. Lin Wanqiu was wearing a beige wool coat, her hair neatly tied in a bun, a gentle smile on her face, her eyes full of trust and encouragement. That gaze, like the warm winter sun, instantly dispelled Shen Nianxi's unease. She nodded vigorously, a determined look on her face: "Mom, I'm not nervous! I'll definitely do my best and win the gold medal for you and Dad!"
Shen Tingzhou stepped forward, extending his rough yet warm hand to gently pat his daughter's shoulder. This usually stern and unsmiling man's eyes were now filled with tenderness: "Nianxi, relax and dance. Your father and mother are watching you from below the stage. Remember, enjoying the process of dancing is more important than the result." He took out a safety amulet tied with a red string from his pocket and gently placed it around Shen Nianxi's neck. "This is something your father specially asked for for you. It will keep you safe and bring you good luck."
Shen Nianxi looked down at the warm, smooth amulet on her chest, a surge of warmth welling up inside her. This amulet was brought from Mount Putuo by her father's comrade-in-arms; it was said to have been blessed and carried the full love and expectations of her parents. She raised her hand to stroke the amulet, a confident smile spreading across her lips: "Thank you, Dad. I will definitely carry its good fortune and dance my best dance!"
Not far away, Shen Nian'an and Su Wanqing were also cheering her on. Shen Nian'an was wearing a sharp suit, while Su Wanqing wore a light blue dress. The two stood together, a handsome man and a beautiful woman, a perfect match. "Nianxi, your brother believes you can definitely win the championship!" Shen Nian'an said with a smile, handing her a bottle of warm honey water. "Drink some water to soothe your throat and stay in top form."
Su Wanqing also squatted down and gently smoothed the wrinkles on Shen Nianxi's skirt: "Nianxi, your dance is fantastic, with a strong sense of rhythm and full of emotion. When you go on stage later, follow the rhythm of the music, immerse yourself in your own world, and show your love for dance. The judges and the audience will definitely be moved by you."
"Thank you, brother! Thank you, sister-in-law!" Shen Nianxi said sweetly, her eyes sparkling with excitement. With the encouragement and support of her family, she felt more confident, and her slightly trembling legs became steady.
At that moment, a staff member walked in and shouted, "Contestants, please get ready. The competition will begin in ten minutes!"
Lin Wanqiu quickly helped her daughter straighten her dance dress and then carefully checked her shoes: "Are your shoes okay? Are the shoelaces tied tightly?"
"Mom, everything's ready!" Chen Nianxi stood up, twirled around, her red dress fluttering like a graceful little peacock. "I'm going to wait backstage now. You all have to cheer me on from the audience!"
"Go ahead and don't worry, we'll always be here!" Lin Wanqiu waved her hand, watching her daughter's figure disappear through the door, a slight tension rising in her heart. She took a deep breath and turned to Shen Tingzhou, saying, "Old Shen, do you think Nianxi is too nervous? I saw her palms were sweating just now."
“It’s normal for our child to be a little nervous during her first time participating in such a big competition.” Shen Tingzhou held his wife’s hand and patted it gently. “Trust her, our daughter has never let us down.”
Shen Nian'an and Su Wanqing also comforted her, saying, "Mother, Nianxi practices so hard and has a solid foundation. She will definitely perform well."
The group quickly walked to the audience seats and found their reserved seats. At this moment, the theater lights gradually dimmed, leaving only the spotlights on the stage, illuminating the central performance area like stars surrounding the moon. Melodious music began, and the host, dressed in a gorgeous gown, walked onto the stage and announced in a passionate voice: "The National Children's Dance Competition Finals are now officially beginning!"
Thunderous applause erupted from the audience, instantly igniting their enthusiasm. The competition proceeded according to the draw order, and Shen Nianxi drew number eighteen, making her the third to last to perform. Watching each contestant take the stage, Lin Wanqiu's heart pounded with anxiety, her palms sweating. These contestants were all exceptionally talented; some possessed graceful dance moves, others displayed masterful technique, making the competition fiercely competitive.
“Mom, don’t worry too much. Nianxi has her own strengths.” Shen Nian’an saw her mother’s anxiety and comforted her softly. “Nianxi’s dance is not only technical but also emotional. She can perfectly express the story of the dance through her body language, which is something many contestants cannot do.”
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