As the twentieth performance came to an end—Class 2, Grade 11's Wind and Rain Band playing "You and I Remain the Same"—the long-haired female host slowly walked onto the stage.
Holding the microphone in her hand, she smiled and said, "Thank you to Class 2, Grade 11 for bringing us the performance 'You and I Remain the Same.' That line: 'Looking back at this moment, youth knew no sorrow. Ten years later, when you and I look back, it will still feel the same.'"
"This song truly spoke to my heart, making one sigh at how beautiful our youth is. It's also been the most cheered-for original song since the opening of our school anniversary celebration. But now that it's over, doesn't it feel a bit unsatisfying?"
After speaking at length and seeing the stage had been cleared, she continued, "If that left you wanting more, then you're in luck. The next performance is also an original song themed around 'youth and time.' I've listened to it—it's absolutely wonderful. Now, let's welcome the next act: the Seven Rain Band from Class 1, Grade 7, performing 'Having You in My Life'..."
After she finished, she stepped to the side to wait for the performers to come on stage and introduce them to the audience.
First to appear were several school staff carrying a drum kit, synthesizer, and microphones. After setting the equipment on stage, they left.
Next, Wang Tingsi dashed out wearing a white shirt and blue jeans. He ran to the synthesizer and pressed several keys in a row, producing a series of disjointed yet energetic notes. Though chaotic, they were filled with enthusiasm—he was clearly getting hyped by the crowd.
"Wang Tingsi, the well-known teenage star, recently transferred to our school due to academic reasons. Today, he appears as the synthesizer player for the Seven Rain Band."
Following him was Zhang Feng, dressed in the same outfit. He walked slowly with his head slightly bowed and sat down behind the drum kit. He didn't start playing, but his swaying body showed he was already immersed in his own rhythm.
"The quiet Zhang Feng, whose favorite instrument is the wild drum kit—an unexpected yet intriguing choice. The contrast between motion and stillness gives off a compelling anticipation!"
Bai Tiange came out next, a serious expression on his face. Also wearing a white shirt and black jeans, he was even more striking than the calm Zhang Feng. At just thirteen years old, he stood tall at 1.6 meters, towering over his peers.
His young age only emphasized his lean build. Without saying a word, he silently stood at the microphone on the right, placing both hands on it and closing his eyes.
"The quiet and stoic little heartthrob, Bai Tiange. As the primary vocalist for this song, it's his first time singing in front of an audience. Will he surprise us? Let's look forward to it."
If the boys' entrance was a bit underwhelming—aside from the excitement brought by Wang Tingsi—the four girls who followed drew gasps from the entire audience.
Golden hair cascaded down her shoulders, and a pale yellow lace-trimmed dress covered her slightly developing figure. Combined with her snow-like fair skin, her elegance carried a hint of nobility.
Holding a bass, she stood between Zhang Feng and Wang Tingsi. Her fingers plucked a few notes from the strings, and her lips moved as if softly singing something.
"Lux Lyle, a noble young lady from the United Kingdom and the bassist of the Seven Rain Band."
Ruriko Nana wore all black. Her medium-short hair and petite frame made her look like an adorable black cat in this slimming color. Her large eyes were gently closed as she held her guitar and walked to the right of Bai Tiange.
"Ruriko Nana, the cute little loli from Nihon, serving as the guitarist of the Seven Rain Band."
With her head slightly raised, the girl exuded both pride and charm. Her slightly wavy long hair draped over her shoulders, and her purple dress, perfectly tailored, revealed the curves of her developing figure. She walked to the microphone on the left, adjusted it, then removed it from the stand and held it in her hand.
"Cai Ya, the musical prodigy who once showcased her unparalleled talent on the Spring Festival Gala stage. Though young, she's already a household name in Huaxia. And now, she appears as the second vocalist of the Seven Rain Band. Seeing her take the stage, are you excited?"
Her question drew cheers from parts of the audience. Clearly, Cai Ya's fame far surpassed the previous performers, and even within the school, she had plenty of fans.
Of course, where there was cheering, there was also dissatisfaction. After all, their favorite idol was placed after her peers in the performance lineup—how could they accept that?
"Ugh, why is my Cai Ya only the second vocalist? Whoever arranged this must be nuts! She's way more famous and talented than the others. I protest..."
Although these complaints were few, it wasn't good to let them go unchecked. So Cai Ya raised her left hand, brought the microphone to her lips, and spoke: "If I hadn't requested to sing this song myself, I wouldn't even be the tenth vocalist, let alone the second."
"That's because this is a song that only boys can really bring to life. I think you'll understand why once you hear it. So don't feel it's unfair to me—it's really no big deal."
Her words finally quieted the crowd. Though some remained skeptical, most adopted a "let's hear it first" attitude and stayed silent.
Seeing the audience settle down, the host signaled for the final member of the Seven Rain Band to be brought out. After all, it really wouldn't have been the right time for Chu Lian to appear earlier—if the crowd hadn't calmed down, things might have gotten out of control.
Dressed in a long, snow-white gown and wearing a white floral headband, her twin ponytails added a youthful energy. A gentle, sweet smile graced her pure and pretty face. As she stepped into the sunlight, time itself seemed to freeze.
Holding her guitar, she slowly walked to Cai Ya's left and took her position. Then, suddenly, she turned to the audience and offered a radiant smile—instantly sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Who was this angelic little beauty smiling at? No one knew, but that smile made many feel breathless. Her smile, her beauty, was just too pure.
"Ohhh... An angel, a cute little girl, a loli... Ohhh... Am I being enchanted by her? Am I walking the path of a lolicon?!"
"Aaaah, I can't take it! So what if I'm a lolicon? How could anyone not fall for such an adorable loli?!" This reflected the inner thoughts of the older crowd—they were clearly starting to rot a bit.
"My God, she... she smiled at me? She smiled at me?! God above, I must've seen a real angel!" exclaimed a devout white student, drawing a cross on his chest as if thanking heaven for the blessing.
"She's so beautiful... Even though the previous girls were cute, none of them stirred my heart like she did. That one smile actually made me feel like I couldn't breathe... this... this..." This was the sentiment shared by boys just a few years older than her.
"So cute... I want to hug her, smell her scent, make her my pillow..." Mm, girls naturally had low resistance to cute things. And Chu Lian, whose cuteness had surpassed all limits, was irresistible. But this mindset... felt like stepping into a certain secret garden.
Having swapped her white hanfu for a white long dress, Chu Lian picked the same color again because it instantly boosted her charm by 20%—her greatest weapon at the moment.
Despite her young age and incomplete features, her naturally gifted looks combined with the passive ability "Orchid in the Valley" had pushed her charm to its peak. Even renowned beauties might not hold a candle to her.
Indeed, her charm plus her cuteness made her irresistible to both men and women.
Little did they know, a certain someone was sneering inside: "Hmph, a bunch of hopeless lolicons. One smile and you're all like this. Men really are beyond saving!"
Next to her, the female host began introducing Chu Lian: "The pride of Sucheng, the twelve-year-old literary prodigy Chu Lian, who just recently transferred to our school. Today, she takes the stage as the captain and guitarist of the Seven Rain Band."
"One more thing—this song, 'Having You in My Life,' was written, composed, and sung by Chu Lian herself. So for those who adore her, look forward to it!"
Her words drew gasps from the crowd once again. Smiling at the members of Seven Rain Band, the host made a welcoming gesture and said, "Now then, let our Seven Rain Band perform 'Having You in My Life' for everyone..."
With that, she descended the side steps of the stage, leaving the space to the seven performers.
Zheng... Everyone was ready. Once again, it was Chu Lian who strummed the first note, followed by the rest of the band joining in.
This song, making its debut before the world, heralded the rise of a genius musical girl—a star born in a flash of brilliance...