Chapter 63
The anniversary gala at Jingyun University was a great success, as evidenced by the expressions of the university leaders and guests in the audience.
All the performers were students, mostly members of the arts department, with some selected from applicants within the school.
Most of them had considerable performance experience beforehand, and their confidence and skill on stage already added a lot to the show.
The entire school anniversary celebration, from beginning to end, and all the big and small things were handled by the students themselves. Every program on stage was so well-made that it was as if you had accidentally stumbled into a TV gala.
As the song and dance performance ended and the dazzling lights gradually dimmed, the audience erupted in enthusiastic applause.
"Very good, Principal Wang, your education of the students is quite good." A leader with a dignified and serious appearance clapped his hands reservedly and said in a deep voice, "I heard that quite a few students achieved outstanding results in this exam?"
"That's right! A well-rounded and multifaceted development—students like this will have a bright future!"
Principal Wang smiled and said, "You flatter me. The children are excellent on their own, and the school is just providing a platform for them to showcase themselves."
“Hey, that’s not quite right. No matter how outstanding they are, without Jingyun, how can they bring out their strengths?” The leader casually named a few people, then paused, a hint of a smile in his eyes.
"These few students have achieved quite a lot, it really makes me feel ashamed and embarrassed. Truly, the younger generation surpasses the older, huh? Hahaha—"
Principal Wang suppressed his pride and said modestly, "Jingyun's consistent teaching philosophy is to encourage students to find what they love in different fields and work hard for it. As long as they can persist in doing one thing well, grades are not the only standard to measure their excellence."
"Of course, they also have very high standards for themselves. Even while developing their hobbies and special skills, they still haven't neglected their studies."
"Um."
The leader nodded slightly, then asked curiously, "I heard that you recruited a rather outstanding student some time ago? You even poached him from No. 11 Middle School. Old Wang, that's not right of you. Principal Li of No. 11 Middle School has complained to me about this quite a bit."
Principal Wang smiled calmly, "We only know that this student's family situation is special, and No. 11 Middle School can't provide better conditions. Of course, we just talked to the student, and the child made the decision himself, so it's not appropriate to say that he was poached."
Of course, these are just polite words.
In fact, Jing Yun had been searching for and wielding a shovel to find students like Meng Er since the beginning of the first semester.
However, among these people, Meng Er's resume is the most outstanding.
This year's students are excellent, but perhaps too excellent. Their achievements will certainly become a golden brand for Jingyun, but Jingyun does not want to let go of the title of "top scholar".
He and several of his colleagues shared almost the same goal.
Jingyun's goal is not to be admired in one aspect, but to be on par with other schools, and even to be jokingly called an aristocratic school.
In fact, Jingyun has gradually been labeled with various negative tags because of this.
Academic performance is not important in Jingyun.
If you don't have money, why are you studying Jingyun University?
Special admissions students are nothing more than stepping stones used to fill vacancies.
This is undoubtedly contrary to Jingyun's original founding philosophy, and will naturally have a great negative impact on its future development.
People like Meng Er are part of the measures Jing Yun took in an attempt to change things.
They negotiated a betting agreement with these students, in which they gave up guaranteed admission to universities and chose to take the national college entrance examination (Gaokao). Their 'rewards' would be based on their exam scores and the universities they applied to.
Most of these students quickly immerse themselves in the library and classrooms after entering Jingyun, studying diligently.
On the contrary, the things that Meng Er did that had reached their ears several times seemed to them to be somewhat irresponsible.
The leader smiled noncommittally, then let out a slightly surprised "What a coincidence, the next performance is by that child? I've heard that he plays the violin quite well."
"Yes, it's a good thing to have a hobby to relax after studying. We've always thought so." Principal Wang looked at the stage, and the host who was announcing the program bowed slightly before leaving the stage.
He wasn't too concerned about Meng Er's performance, since when he decided to poach her, her resume had been clearly circulated among the school's leaders.
Principal Wang didn't care how well Meng Er played the violin, as long as it was decent.
If she were truly top-notch, she wouldn't have been chosen by Jingyun solely based on her grades.
Before the main performer even took the stage, a commotion suddenly broke out in the auditorium.
The group of people who had been whispering to each other or watching the stage turned their heads to look behind them as if they had sensed something, and then expressions of doubt, frowning and other changes appeared one by one.
In the dimly lit auditorium, which can hold thousands of people, students suddenly stood up one after another.
When Principal Wang saw this scene, he subconsciously looked at the leader sitting next to him. He saw that the leader's usually serious and calm face suddenly changed slightly. Although he quickly returned to normal, the probing look in his eyes did not escape his notice.
The situation happened somewhat suddenly; at first, only one or two students scattered around got up and left.
But soon, like a chain reaction, more and more students began to do the same thing.
The atmosphere in the auditorium suddenly became restless, with scattered, muffled voices of surprise and doubt rising up. In a short time, hundreds of students had already left the audience in front of everyone.
"What...does this mean?" The leader's voice was noticeably deeper. "Principal Wang, this gala is being broadcast live to Jingyun's alumni."
He tapped his fingers on the armrest, making a soft, rhythmic sound.
On the stage, a figure carrying a violin walks towards the center.
Seemingly oblivious to what was happening below, her cold, beautiful eyes were slightly lowered, and her dark brown violin rested on her neck, her posture casual and natural, ready to begin playing.
The students who were supposed to leave didn't actually leave; most of them were stopped by student council members and staff as they walked out of the audience seats.
They seemed completely unconcerned, even joking and laughing with the anxious and furious staff members.
Principal Wang winked at several teachers who were looking at him, then pursed his lips seriously and said, "Don't worry, this matter will be resolved soon."
The melodious sound of a violin suddenly poured out into the auditorium.
The leader's eyes suddenly lit up, as if he had forgotten what was happening. He raised his hand to stop Principal Wang from speaking again, and then turned his palm toward the stage.
He gestured for Principal Wang to listen attentively.
Many people in the audience reacted in much the same way he did, and most were drawn to the music that inexplicably brought them peace.
The control room was in chaos. Qin Duo braced his hands on the edge of the control panel, his slightly narrow fox-like eyes fixed on the girl on the screen who seemed oblivious to everything around her.
"Didn't they say the matter was resolved? What are these idiots thinking?! So many leaders, are they all crazy?!"
"Now! Right now! Get them back to their seats immediately! Does anyone know these idiots? Does anyone know who's in charge? Whether you threaten them or yell at them, get them back to their seats right now!"
"I'm speechless. I should have just canceled Meng Er's program. Now look what's happened, how are we going to clean this up?"
"...There were two shots that we didn't have time to switch to; about half of the footage from just now has already been broadcast live."
"Depend on!"
"Minister, what should we do now? You should make a decision."
In the chaotic dispatch room, an officer stepped forward, frowning and speaking rapidly.
Qin Duo smiled almost imperceptibly, then his lips pressed into a straight line, his expression turning serious and solemn. "The incident has already happened, so let's deal with it first. Also, please record the names and classes of the students who participated in this incident tonight."
His slender fingers tapped lightly on the control panel. Half of the headphones were filled with anxious calls from various channels, while the other half were filled with the beautiful and melodious sound of a violin.
He calmly stated, "So that it can be submitted to the school when accountability is sought later."
"Yes." After receiving instructions on what to do next, everyone quickly got to work.
Inside the auditorium, some audience members had their eyes slightly closed, their faces showing an expression of enjoyment and immersion, while others had bright eyes, watching the girl on stage playing the violin with admiration.
"I'm starting to believe that claim. If it's this level of skill, it's not surprising that this student was able to steal Tang Anru's spot on the show," Chu Sijun said jokingly, seemingly with a sigh, as he listened to the melodious piano music.
No one responded to the joke for a moment.
He glanced at Deng Ruyue, whose face, which usually carried a confident yet restrained sharpness, now showed a hint of intoxication.
Chu Sijun opened his mouth, but Deng Ruyue stopped him by raising her finger to her lips and shushing him.
Deng Ruyue could hardly contain the amazement that welled up in her eyes.
She hadn't planned to come tonight, since her friend Tang Anru had gotten the opportunity to go on an exchange trip and wouldn't be performing at Jingyun's school anniversary celebration, so there was no need for her to waste her time coming.
But Tang Anru was very curious about just how amazing this girl, who received such high praise from Qin Duo, really was.
So they simply assigned this task to Deng Ruyue, letting her watch the performance, give her feedback, and then leave.
Thinking about this, Deng Ruyue couldn't help but find it somewhat amusing.
She rested her head on one hand, closed her eyes slightly, and listened to the music as it neared its end.
What should the best music look like? Deng Ruyue considers herself to have a certain appreciation for music, after all, it's a skill they must possess. Whether she likes it or not, she wants to be able to participate when others talk about it.
Deng Ruyue happens to be one of those people who has a fondness for music.
Although her best friend was just curious when she casually asked her to listen to the audio and give her an evaluation, Deng Ruyue couldn't help but have some critical thoughts.
But from the moment Meng Er plucked the strings, Deng Ruyue was quickly drawn into the world constructed by Meng Er's music.
The bright moonlight spilled into the forest, covering the lush green leaves that were being blown by the wind with a thin layer of frost.
The stream flows gently, moving freely through the forest.
The fawns leaped lightly, their graceful movements adding a touch of life and vibrancy to the tranquil forest night.
Just as the moonlight awakened the entire sleeping forest, the silence lasted only a moment, and before the night could be swallowed up, the first rays of dawn broke.
At this moment, Deng Ruyue had to admit that she had initially been somewhat indifferent to the student named Meng Er, but now she couldn't help but feel a desire to befriend him.
She really wanted to meet the person who could imbue the music with such a profound meaning.
When the song ended, the girl on stage remained calm and indifferent, just as she had when she arrived.
She didn't care what happened down there.
"This is a very interesting person," Deng Ruyue commented softly.
Chu Sijun looked slightly surprised and couldn't help but glance at the people who were already walking off the stage. "Is it that exaggerated?"
"Ha, it's normal that someone with such poor taste like you wouldn't be able to tell."
"...Speak properly, why are you suddenly attacking my taste? Besides, didn't you come here expecting a show? Tsk, but this violin playing is indeed quite good, much better than the sound of my cousin sawing wood."
Chu Sijun leaned back in his chair and smiled.
Deng Ruyue shook her head. "Her skill is even better than An Ru's."
"ah?"
Chu Sijun was truly shocked. There were actually quite a few people in their circle who specialized in art. They were from wealthy families and had plenty of free time. As long as they weren't only children, those who wanted to pursue this path usually had plenty of resources to nurture them.
Tang Anru was among the most serious and hardworking group, and her level of effort was quite admirable in their eyes.
This is why she has garnered so much admiration.
She's not just learning a skill to embellish her appearance.
Moreover, Deng Ruyue and Tang Anru had a good relationship, so Chu Sijun was indeed very surprised to hear Deng Ruyue give such an evaluation of Meng Er.
However, Chu Sijun smiled and said, "Talent is incomparable. It's just a pity that she has such a background, it's too difficult for her to stand out."
Moreover, given the current situation where hundreds of students chose to leave during her performance, the root of the matter may no longer have much to do with Meng Er, but once the news gets out, she will be implicated in no way.
The law does not punish the masses, so the school naturally cannot deal with hundreds of students at once, and the student union in charge of the school anniversary celebration cannot take the blame.
In the end, Meng Er was left to suffer some injustice and take the blame.
Deng Ruyue's eyes darkened, then she took out her phone, lowered her eyes to stare at the screen, and tapped away rapidly with her fingers.
"What are you going to do?" Chu Sijun glanced at it casually, then looked slightly surprised and moved a little closer.
“Anru would not want someone with such strength to be disturbed by external factors. We haven’t been back to school for too long, which is why some people feel that they can be encouraged to do things in our name.”
Deng Ruyue's lips twitched slightly, her fingers moving incessantly. "I didn't want to get involved before, but now I do, understand?"
"OK, I understand!" Chu Sijun made a gesture, smiled, and said nothing more.
In the front row of the audience, a group of school leaders had somewhat complicated expressions.
Especially when I heard those specially invited 'audience members' around me praising the violin performance one after another.
It was as if the chaos that occurred alongside the performance had never existed; for a moment, no one mentioned it.
I thought I would have to smile and explain, but now I'm listening to those special audience members analyzing the music I just heard, from technique to artistic conception, from style to charm, and finally they ask in confusion.
"However, I've never heard this piece before. Could it be...? That's unlikely. It's already quite remarkable that she can handle this piece at her age."
As soon as he finished speaking, one person after another expressed their desire to meet and chat with the students who had just performed.
Others, though they simply thought it sounded nice, wisely kept quiet after seeing the statements from those in the middle positions.
Principal Wang's feelings at this moment were quite complicated. The slight dissatisfaction he had with Meng Er was quickly worn away by the praise from the leaders around him.
"Yes, yes, we never overemphasize the excellence of our students, nor do we use them as a means of publicity. If they are willing to showcase themselves, the school dares to provide this platform," Principal Wang said righteously.
The leader smiled and said meaningfully, "But it seems that some students at your school have different opinions."
Principal Wang paused for a moment, his expression becoming slightly serious. "I will investigate this matter thoroughly after the school anniversary celebration. Students are young and impetuous, and sometimes they can cause a big commotion over something that makes us all laugh and cry."
"Hmm... I think this kid is pretty good. Old Wang, you should also be fair and just in handling things." The leader said calmly, "I'm not interfering with your management methods, I'm just mentioning it casually."
"Yes, I understand." Principal Wang forced a smile.
Even if this leader didn't reprimand him, there was absolutely no way he would make Meng Er suffer any more consequences in handling this matter.
But an unavoidable feeling of helplessness welled up inside. If only they had known Meng Er had such abilities, the school could have easily opened doors for her, allowing her to excel in both her talents and studies, and gain an extra shining title—how wonderful that would have been!
The commotion continued unabated, and the host, with great professionalism, took to the stage to announce the program, but failed to attract the attention of the audience.
At this point, the students who wanted to leave were persuaded to return to their seats.
Their expressions were no longer as flamboyant as before, and mostly carried a hint of embarrassment.
They never expected that their plan, which had been brewing for quite some time, would inexplicably have the opposite effect.
The performers on stage didn't even bother to glance at them, and the audience wasn't affected by their behavior at all. When the group of people stood in the aisle, they were already too embarrassed to stand still.
Some even harbored resentment towards those who initially instigated the movement.
They say Meng Er was forced in to replace Senior Tang, but judging from her performance, she's not that much worse than Senior Tang.
They were complete strangers to Meng Er, having only heard about the glass greenhouse incident and instinctively felt disgusted by her attitude of silently slapping the entire group in the face.
Now they've ended up in a completely inexplicable situation.
Fortunately, there were quite a few partners acting together, which calmed everyone down a bit. If they were all embarrassed together, then it wouldn't be so bad for them to be embarrassed individually.
The show on stage continued, but many people were still thinking about the figure from earlier.
J practically hopped in front of Meng Er, hands on her hips, her voice high-pitched but forceful, "They've gone too far! Why are they treating you like this? It's so disrespectful and rude!"
Lina and Andrew exchanged a glance, then looked at Meng Er, and shrugged helplessly in unison.
They couldn't dissuade J, this fangirl of Meng Er.
"Why are you so angry?" Meng Er smiled faintly, and reached out with his free hand to pat her head.
J pouted in dissatisfaction, "Because they are very rude!"
I thought about it.
"Especially towards someone like you, it's simply unforgivable!"
J is innocent and naive, but still a bit shy, and it's rare for her to show her emotions like this.
Meng Er hadn't really cared what had happened, but seeing how genuinely she felt indignant on her behalf, he paused for a moment while touching her head.
Her clear eyes gazed at the celebration venue, which was even more lively and relaxed than the main hall.
She said softly, "Since that's the case..."
"Why don't we isolate those rude guys together and put on another show?"
J's large, azure eyes, which had been filled with anger, suddenly became puzzled upon hearing her words, and she tilted her head in confusion.
Only the other two seasoned veterans became excited upon hearing this, but when they met Meng Er's all-knowing gaze, they restrained themselves and pretended to cough lightly twice.
"J!"
Lina smiled charmingly and called the little girl's name.
"Um??"
Andrew winked to the side, indicating, "Come with me to get the 'friends' we left here."
J stared in astonishment, then belatedly realized what was happening.
It turns out that Lina and Andrew had brought their instruments with them when they went out today because they had made preparations in advance!
...
Jingyun's school anniversary celebration was lively and bustling, and the Lian family's old house in Yunhai City was no less so.
The old man's life can be described as legendary, and his children have all achieved extraordinary things. Whether you look up to them or down to them, the right to sit at this birthday banquet is, in many people's eyes, almost equivalent to a symbol of status.
In the days following receiving the birthday banquet invitation, one inevitably had to say a few words to everyone they met.
The guests were well aware of the elderly man's quiet and unassuming nature, so most of the vehicles parked outside the old house were also discreet and understated.
Everyone passing by wore a cheerful and smiling expression. Couples with their children were all polite and exuded an air of nobility.
Lian Yi wore a dress today, a rare occurrence. The bright red color didn't look tacky on her at all. Her slightly wavy long hair was styled smoothly and glossy, with a simple yet elegant look.
Inside the warm and cozy room, amidst the rustic furnishings, a group of adults were chatting happily around two elderly people.
Lian Yi leaned lazily against the octagonal table and couldn't help but yawn.
It's always the same scene. The words spoken are almost identical, just in different guise. Like the person speaking now, the chairman of some electronics company? He's in his fifties, and he's squatting in front of the old man, pretending to be simple-minded, to offer his congratulations.
Lian Yi was almost amused. She glanced at the chairman's son sitting opposite her, who was sitting with a serious expression and didn't say anything, and she burst out laughing without hesitation.
"Why are you still laughing here?" Lian Suning walked over. As the eldest son and daughter, she was responsible for helping to receive guests. She had finally found a moment to visit Lian Yi, only to find her laughing gleefully.
“Your friend has arrived. I’ve arranged for him to sit in Chunhua Garden.”
Lian Suning lowered her voice and asked, "Do your second uncle and aunt... know about this?"
Currently, the Lian and Gu groups are cooperating closely.
Although the Lian family is more powerful than the Gu family, in this strategic cooperation, the Lian family's stance is clearly more submissive in another area.
As Lian Suning spoke, she glanced over there.
Although a group of people were standing in the inner hall, all looking at the two elders, the distance between them still revealed a difference in their closeness to each other.
Her father and second uncle, as their children, naturally stood on either side of their parents. But the fact that Chairman Gu and Gu Yiyu were also standing so close together was quite intriguing.
Not to mention Gu Yiyu, who was known for his rebellious and unruly nature, walked in today with a head of jet-black hair, although his expression was initially somewhat reluctant.
These subtle clues are enough to explain a great deal.
Lian Yi twitched the corner of her mouth. "Big sister, don't worry about this. Do they even know that today is Grandpa's birthday? Do they think they would dare to cause trouble on Grandpa's birthday?"
Lian Suning was speechless at these self-righteous words, and with a mixture of anger and amusement, she reached out and tapped Lian Yi's cheek with her finger.
"You."
Wasn't she also different in her affection for Lian Yi?
Even though Lian Suning thought what Lian Yi was going to do was a bit ridiculous, she couldn't help but think that as long as Lian Yi was happy, she would try to dissuade her if necessary.
Isn't it... not yet time for her to stop it?
"Oh right, Xi Lai and the others have arrived too," Lian Suning said. "You can decide which side you want to see. I'll go and get busy now."
"Wait a minute, big sister."
Lian Yi called out to her, tilted her head back, and blinked, "Have the Li family from the north sent anyone?"
"The Li family..."
Lian Suning paused, then rubbed her forehead. "You mean, Jiang Yu?"
She suddenly realized that she was so busy that she was completely overwhelmed. When her gentle gaze met Lian Yi's, she couldn't help but sway slightly.
With Xie Ling in front and Jiang Yu behind, if Lian Suning didn't know Lian Yi well enough and knew that she always had a childlike nature and always wanted to have fun, she really would have asked Lian Yi what her plans were.
In Lian Suning's view, Jiang Yu was naturally a much better choice than Xie Ling.
Regardless of their childhood friendship or family background, the most important thing was the way Jiang Yu treated Lian Yi.
But when he looked into those clear amber eyes, he couldn't utter a single word.
Even though Lian Suning knew it was a good day, she couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Her younger sister really wasn't very bright in some ways.
But as long as Lian Yi protects herself well, she doesn't care what happens to those two people. Ultimately, as long as Lian Yi is happy, that's all that matters.
“He’s here too. As the new head of the Li family, he’s made a lot of people curious about him.” Lian Suning paused. “His performance tonight was a bit unexpected. I only remember him always following you around. I didn’t expect that when he was on his own, his presence was just as strong as those people.”
Lian Yi smiled, her eyes crinkling. "Of course."
She stood up and straightened her back to relieve the stiffness from sitting in the chair.
"Big sister, you go ahead and do your work. I'll just wander around by myself."
The entire old house was bustling with activity in preparation for the old man's birthday banquet. Everyone was on high alert, and even the guests who came to the banquet, while appearing cheerful on the surface, were actually quite cunning and calculating.
Only Lian Yi could be so relaxed and composed.
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