The talented vocalists in the class were all vying for the chance to perform on stage, and what was already a somewhat chaotic classroom soon descended into disarray.
The teacher stood at the front, hoping to make a decision, but the scene left her feeling helpless.
Perhaps she should ask the quiet girl who hadn't said anything yet? Her gaze shifted to Chu Lian, who was calmly gazing out the window.
Sitting next to Chu Lian, Cai Ya had a habit of glancing at her now and then. She guessed that Chu Lian had once again entered one of her introspective states, detached from the world around her.
She had seen her like this several times yesterday. Although she knew Chu Lian might be gaining creative inspiration during these moments, she couldn't resist the urge to interrupt.
As if sensing her internal conflict, Chu Lian turned toward her at just the right moment, her large eyes filled with curiosity. "Cai Ya, why do you keep looking at me? Is there something you want to discuss?"
Caught off guard, Cai Ya panicked slightly and quickly turned her head. Tilting her chin up, she said, "N-No, I wasn't looking for you. Don't get the wrong idea. I just happened to glance out the window."
"Is that so?" A glint of mischief flashed in Chu Lian's eyes. She could tell Cai Ya was being stubborn, but didn't expose her. Instead, she sighed softly. "In that case, I suppose someone else will have to be the lead vocalist."
She had a good idea what Cai Ya was thinking, so she laid the issue bare: either ask, or miss the chance.
"Ah..." Cai Ya let out a soft gasp. A faint blush crept across her pale cheeks as she turned to glare at Chu Lian, who was smiling mischievously. In a voice as soft as a mosquito, she asked, "Chu Lian, can I be the lead vocalist for this song?"
Though Chu Lian found her flustered expression amusing, she knew pushing any further would risk upsetting the proud young lady.
So, putting aside the teasing, she answered seriously: "You can tell this song is about nostalgia—remembering someone you once loved but couldn't be with, someone now only in memory."
"These kinds of emotional songs are best sung by male voices. This particular piece is most suitable for a duet between two male singers. It's not that girls can't sing it, just that a girl shouldn't be the lead. Are you okay with that?"
As Chu Lian spoke, Cai Ya instinctively bit her lower lip. Her eyes filled with unwillingness. She loved this song. Even knowing it didn't suit her voice, she still didn't want to give up. That's why she tried to fight for it. But she hadn't expected this outcome.
Being the second vocalist wasn't unacceptable. But unless the male lead had vocal skills on par with hers, she wouldn't be satisfied with supporting him. And who in Class 1 could match her in singing?
Most likely, she would miss the chance to perform this song. Even if there were a future opportunity, it wouldn't feel the same. There was no clear way to describe the feeling—it was just... disappointment and sadness.
Her pride kept her from expressing it openly, but in the unseen corner of her eye, a hint of red began to show.
Indeed, for someone who loved singing, finding a song she truly resonated with and then being denied the chance to perform it—it was a heavy blow.
Seeing the proud young lady sinking into her emotions, Chu Lian felt a twinge of sympathy. Fine. She might as well reveal the rest.
As Cai Ya silently wallowed in her tangled emotions, a gentle voice whispered beside her: "Don't worry. There are a few guys in class with pretty solid vocals. Maybe not quite as good as you, but not far off. There's one boy whose voice fits this song perfectly. I plan to recommend him to sing with you. Don't worry—you won't be disappointed."
It was Chu Lian's voice. Cai Ya suddenly felt embarrassed. It was like her every feeling had been seen through. So shameful. And to think, just after dealing a blow to her, Chu Lian had come over to offer her hope.
Was she teasing her on purpose?
Of course, everything she was thinking, she would never say aloud. To Chu Lian's words, she merely responded with a heavy "hmph" through her nose—her way of answering.
"This girl really is tsundere. But at least she's still salvageable—not so prideful and stubborn that she's unbearable," Ayase had been silently watching the drama unfold. Seeing Cai Ya's reaction, she finally muttered a little critique.
"Ahem, tsundere is pretty cute—really cute—as long as it's not over the top…" Chu Lian, hearing Ayase's jab, quickly tried to steer the conversation away before it turned too snarky.
"You're not one to talk. Talking about her is basically talking about yourself," Ayase, ever astute, wasn't so easily distracted. She could tolerate Chu Lian's antics once in a while for amusement, but most of her tricks were full of holes—Ayase had just been too lazy to point them out before. Seeing Chu Lian defend Cai Ya now, she had tossed in a teasing comment and then gone back to rest.
"Ugh, neither of you are easy to deal with…" Chu Lian felt a little pitiful at times. Somehow, she always ended up catching the stray fire. But then again, she had brought this all upon herself. Karma, perhaps.
Seeing her classmates still arguing over who should perform and the teacher casting her a hopeful, almost pleading look, Chu Lian knew it was time to step in. If she didn't, they could argue all day without resolving anything.
These students were indeed a group of high-IQ, high-talent individuals. But emotionally? They were still too immature. Without a couple more years of tempering, they wouldn't become anything truly remarkable. Right now, they were no different from middle schoolers.
She stood up and clapped her hands. The crisp sound quickly drew attention, quieting the room. As the songwriter and original performer, everyone knew her opinion would hold great weight in deciding who got to sing.
Seeing her stand with purpose, the arguing students immediately fell silent and looked toward her attentively.
"Everyone's enthusiasm is a good thing—and it shows your recognition of my work."
Chu Lian began with sincerity. Then she continued, "But if we keep fighting like this, when will it ever end? I understand you all want this opportunity, but only two people can sing. Even with the band, that's only seven spots total."
"That means some people won't make it on stage this time. So instead of arguing, why don't we let the most capable among us perform and aim for a win? Next time there's an event, we can rotate and let others take the spotlight."
Her message was clear: those without sufficient skill should step back. Let the top performers take the stage and aim for the study trip qualification. The rest could have their chance later.
They were immature, not stupid. Nearly everyone understood what she meant. While some were displeased, they recognized the truth and didn't object further.
Now, what everyone wanted to know was—who would be chosen to go on stage?
"If you all trust me, then let me recommend the performers," Chu Lian said, no longer hiding her intentions.
"Here's the plan: lead vocals will be Cai Ya and Bai Tiange. The guitarists will be myself and Ruriko Nana. For the drums, bass, and synthesizer, we'll choose the most skilled students who've studied those instruments. How does that sound?"
This outcome surprised even Cai Ya. Chu Lian and Nana as guitarists was fine—but why pick the stone-faced Bai Tiange as the male lead vocalist?
Chu Lian knew this choice would be questioned. But she couldn't explain that it was Ayase who told her to choose him. Chu Lian trusted Ayase completely—though curious, she followed the suggestion and chose Bai Tiange.
"Whether he's suitable or not, whether he has the skill—you'll find out when we rehearse in the music room this afternoon. I believe he won't let us down. Right, Bai Tiange?"
She turned her gaze to the boy, who seemed momentarily stunned.
His dazed eyes, once they met her bright, star-like gaze, suddenly lit up. He nodded involuntarily. "I think… I can do it."
His voice hadn't fully matured, but it carried a unique quality. If one had to describe it—sexy and melancholic.
Hearing that voice, Chu Lian knew Ayase had been right. He was absolutely suited to be the lead male vocalist. This afternoon, he would blow them all away.