Chapter 118: Proud White Moonlight 11 Happy New Year
With New Year's Day approaching, some students in the class are busy rehearsing and preparing for program reviews, while others are busy reviewing and preparing for the final exams.
Ali was unable to write or do exercises due to a wrist injury, nor could he help with rehearsals, so he had to stay in the classroom every day to read and review.
Fortunately, the results of the program review came out quickly. Two of the three programs from Class 1 passed, and one program from Class 4 passed, which was Sun Huiyue's classical dance solo.
Upon hearing the news, Ali was happier than anyone else. He would go to watch Sun Huiyue rehearse from time to time to cheer her up.
Sun Huiyue has been learning dancing since she was a child and has solid basic skills. When she was in junior high school, she was always present at various evening parties, and this New Year's Eve party was no exception.
"You will surely amaze everyone then!"
As Ali was looking forward to it, the New Year's Eve party arrived as scheduled.
It didn't snow that day, but the sky was gloomy and extremely cold. The school was on holiday from the second class in the afternoon and held a party in the auditorium in the evening.
Ali went home early to have dinner, hurriedly put on his down jacket and rushed to the school auditorium.
She walked into the backstage as if she knew the place well and found Sun Huiyue putting on makeup in a small lounge.
"Yueyue, you look so beautiful today!"
Ah Li trotted forward and hugged Sun Huiyue, but was pushed away as if Sun Huiyue had expected it: "No, no, no, I'm putting on eyeliner!"
Ali went to tease her with a smile, and Sun Huiyue was so angry that she threw her eyeliner and easily subdued Ali, who only had one good hand left.
"Are you still being naughty?" Sun Huiyue threatened her viciously with her face half made up, which was really scary.
Ali understood the principle of retreating when faced with difficulties, and quickly begged for mercy and apologized, and only then did Sun Huiyue let her go.
Seeing Sun Huiyue turn around and continue putting on makeup, Ali took out a hand warmer and a bottle of hot water from his schoolbag and placed them next to her.
Sun Huiyue has always had the habit of not eating before going on stage, and the dance costumes she wears are thin, so she always has stomachaches before performances. Ali always prepares something to warm her stomach.
Seeing her performance costume for tonight hanging aside and only half ironed, Ali picked it up and continued ironing it. Since he could only move one hand, it was a bit difficult.
Sun Huiyue was putting on her makeup when she glanced at her distractedly: "Don't bother, I'll do it myself later."
Ali ignored her: "Time is tight, you should finish your makeup first, I can do this."
Sun Huiyue will be performing a classical dance tonight. The dance costume she has prepared is a light red flowing sleeve, which is very fairy-like.
When she put it on, Ali was even more amazed.
Sun Huiyue rushed to the final rehearsal and left without saying a few words. Ali's phone rang. It was the bouquet of flowers she ordered for Sun Huiyue to celebrate the success of tonight's performance.
While answering the phone, Ali walked out and accidentally bumped into someone behind a dark curtain.
The man immediately supported her, and the scent on his body seemed familiar.
Ali carefully identified it for a while: "...Jiang Ye?"
He seemed to smile, his voice was particularly clear: "You really came."
Just as Ali was about to open his mouth to explain, Jiang Ye said, "I have to go backstage, so I won't talk to you anymore. Don't rush off after the show, wait for me."
After saying that, he left in a hurry.
The evening party started soon, and Sun Huiyue's performance was the fourth one. Ali had already set up his camera in the audience and was waiting for her to appear with bated breath.
"...Now, please enjoy the dance 'Apricot Blossoms in the Sky' performed by Sun Huiyue from Class 4, Grade 1."
The spotlight poured down like moonlight, illuminating the slender figure on the stage.
As the music gradually rose, Sun Huiyue gently gathered her sleeves and her figure spun gracefully to the beat.
Ali stared at his camera nervously, making sure every move of Sun Huiyue was recorded.
The light red sleeves and skirt fluttered together, like layers of petals suddenly blooming, which was beautiful beyond words.
After the dance, Sun Huiyue froze in a very graceful posture, with her head slightly lowered, like a picture of a classical lady.
Immediately afterwards, the audience erupted in warm applause. Ali was also very excited and tremblingly pressed the stop recording button.
She couldn't clap, so she could only cheer for Sun Huiyue in her heart.
After packing up the camera and putting it into the bag, Ali rushed backstage with the bouquet of flowers, only to find that Sun Huiyue's small lounge was crowded with people from various shows.
She kept standing on tiptoe and finally saw Sun Huiyue who was still removing her makeup.
Seeing this, Ali stopped trying to squeeze in and waited in the corridor for Sun Huiyue to come out.
In just a short while, two or three programs had passed on the stage, and Ali heard the host's announcement again.
"Next, we would like to invite Jiang Ye from Class 1, Grade 1, to perform a piano solo, 'Moonlight'."
As if unconsciously, Ali slowly walked towards the light on the side curtain.
Tonight, Jiang Ye had put away his usual flamboyance and unruliness. He was wearing a well-tailored white suit. He walked onto the stage calmly, nodded slightly, and sat down in front of the piano.
As the first note fell, the church gradually fell silent, and Debussy's "Moonlight" flowed from his fingertips, gentle and melancholy, completely different from his usual self.
Ali held his breath unconsciously, quietly looking at the immersed figure in the center of the stage.
After the song is over, the lingering sound lingers in the air.
After a moment of silence, there was thunderous applause. Jiang Ye stood up and bowed. His eyes quickly swept across the seating area of Class 1, but he did not see Ali among them.
The light in his eyes gradually dimmed, and there was no trace of joy on his face.
The backstage was packed with people who came to congratulate her, and the lounge was piled high with bouquets of flowers and gifts. Jiang Ye looked upset, and without even removing her makeup, she put on her bag and turned around and left in a huff.
Just as he was about to reach the exit, he unexpectedly saw a petite figure standing not far away. Ali was standing with her back to the light, being squeezed by the people passing by.
Jiang Ye's eyes lit up, and he walked towards her against the flow of people, held her in his arms, and led her out of the crowded area.
Ah Li looked at the hand he was holding, and was a little confused about what to say: "You play the piano really well, I didn't expect..."
"You didn't expect that a playboy like me would do something seriously?" Jiang Ye raised her eyebrows, being careful not to let the crowd touch her injured hand.
"No!" Ali hurriedly explained, but heard Jiang Ye laugh: "I'm just kidding, don't be so nervous."
The two gradually moved away from the crowd, leaving all the noise behind.
Jiang Ye stopped and turned to look at her: "Does your wrist still hurt?"
Ali raised his right hand and moved his fingers: "Much better, I can even move it slightly now."
"That's good," Jiang Ye seemed to be thinking about something and suddenly asked, "You didn't prepare a gift for me?"
Ali was stunned, her face flushed. She raised her plastered hand and quickly made an excuse: "I... really can't prepare."
Jiang Ye didn't seem surprised by her perfunctory answer. His eyes softened and he suddenly leaned closer: "Then dance with me, it'll be a gift."
Ali's eyes widened: "Here? Now? And my hands are like this..."
"Not here," Jiang Ye blinked and smiled mysteriously, "Follow me."
He naturally took the bag from her shoulder and led her out of the side door of the auditorium. The cold air of the winter night instantly hit them in the face.
Ali followed Jiang Ye around the art building and came to the small square behind the auditorium. There was no one here, only a retro-style street lamp was on, spreading a sense of tranquility in the night.
Jiang Ye took out his cell phone, tapped a few times, and then put it back in his pocket. Soft music started playing, which was the "Moonlight" he had just played.
"That way we can dance." He smiled, held out his hand to her and invited her to dance.
Ali looked at him hesitantly: "But I can't, and..."
"No buts," Jiang Ye stepped forward without hesitation, gently holding her plastered arm with his left hand, and with his other hand, he placed her left hand on his shoulder, his movements gentler than ever before, "Let's dance like this."
The distance between them was so close that they could feel each other's breath. Ali could smell the faint mint scent on him, which was cool and refreshing.
"I really can't dance." Ali spoke again, his heart beating like a drum.
Jiang Ye gently supported her back, his steps slow and firm: "Just follow me."
At first, Ali was so nervous that her body was stiff, and her already uncoordinated limbs looked even more funny, stepping on his feet from time to time, but Jiang Ye just smiled, occasionally made a joke with her, and patiently adjusted his rhythm.
Gradually, Ali relaxed and slowly rotated under the street light following his guidance.
In the cold wind of the winter night, the warmth from his palms continued to flow in, bringing warmth and comfort.
"Do you know why it's the song 'Moonlight'?" Jiang Ye suddenly asked her.
Ali stuttered for a moment, his voice very soft: "Because... it's a world-famous song?"
Jiang Ye raised his hand slightly and led her around: "Isn't 'Moonlight' your favorite song?"
The dizzy feeling made Ali a little unsteady and her heart started beating wildly. Fortunately, Jiang Ye supported her and prevented her from falling.
When she heard the announcement from the side, she felt that Jiang Ye's choice of song might have other meanings, but she didn't dare to think about herself. She didn't expect him to say it directly at this moment.
Ali didn't know what to reply for a moment.
The music continued slowly, their steps moved in perfect sync. Ali gradually forgot about the injury on his wrist and could only feel his firm support and guidance.
As the music came to an end, Jiang Ye took her to complete one last spin, and finally they froze in a hugging posture.
"Thank you for your gift." Jiang Ye said.
"I...actually didn't do anything." Ali murmured.
"You're here, that's enough."
Cheers and applause of the countdown came from afar, and gorgeous fireworks suddenly exploded in the sky, and the colorful light illuminated their faces.
In the flickering light and shadow, Jiang Ye slowly lowered his head: "Happy New Year, A-li."
Ali looked up and met his deep eyes.
"Happy New Year, Jiang Ye." She responded, her voice unconsciously becoming a little softer.
That night, something different flowed silently between the two of them.
The new year has quietly arrived, bringing with it joy and unexpected surprises.
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