Chapter 4, Tianlai Cup
Xie De looked at her with great interest, "Oh, what made you suddenly come to this realization?"
Tang raised his eyebrows and said apologetically, "This is how I walk, slowly and leisurely. Why don't you go ahead? After all, we have already arrived at school."
Of course! Fan Congsi chuckled as she patted her head, watching everyone put their things away, being the last to leave the auditorium
Tang Yi was at a loss for words, and she certainly couldn't say that she was being forced. Blushing, she shyly said: "I am worried that I might not sing well, and I am a bit scared..."
"How about the song 'Sweet Honey' that you sang last time? You can give it a try first." Fan Congsi inquired with her gaze, then turned around to greet the staff. In less than half a minute, the familiar melody of 'Sweet Honey' began to play in the air.
Fan Congsi was very surprised to see her, "Are you here to help as well?"
Despite being mentally prepared, many contestants were still caught off guard and fled in all directions when struck. Ultimately, unable to withstand the pressure, they abandoned the microphone and fled the stage in a disheveled manner
Tang Yi was left with lingering fears after being intimidated by the intense actions of the audience below the stage
Tang shook his head and said with a苦着脸: "I am here to withdraw from the competition. Where is Senior Xie? I have searched everywhere for him but cannot find him." It is indeed not an easy task to catch a glimpse of this person, as he is elusive and rarely seen.
Fan thought for a moment and nodded, "This is also good." A pale yellow crescent moon hung solitary in the pitch-black night sky, contrasting with the sparse starlight in the distance, making the surroundings exceptionally tranquil. Tang Yi followed behind Chen Shang, deliberately walking slowly. Chen Shang stopped twice to wait for her and impatiently said, "Where's your turtle? Can you hurry up?"
Xie lightly patted her head and said insincerely, "Not bad, not bad, commendable courage"
Tang Yi naturally said: "Let's eat."
So handsome, just as expressionless as in the legends
Tang Yi stood by and watched him fumble with the lock, clearly reciting a series of numbers. This was Chen's first time locking the classroom door; the key was inserted inside, and turning it left was not right, nor was turning it right, causing him to break into a sweat. He bent down and asked her what that string of numbers was. She replied with a mischievous sense of triumph, "It's Senior Xie’s phone number, don’t you have it?" After saying this, she did not wait for Chen and left on her own.
Completed! She was utterly despondent
"If you don't sing well, what gets thrown away won't just be a ball of toilet paper, but thousands of balls of toilet paper." He said cheerfully, "By the way, I waited for you for one hour and five minutes. I was thinking, if you didn't come tonight, I would just consider it as having daydreamed for an hour, but you just had to show up."
A row of tall French sycamores is planted along both sides of the road, their branches and leaves lush and verdant, emitting a faint green glow under the streetlights, as if tinted by color. When the wind blows, it produces a crisp rustling sound. The chirping of insects and croaking of frogs in the grass beneath the trees rise and fall in succession, making the atmosphere seem particularly lively due to the silence between the two individuals walking along the path
Tang Yi felt a bit embarrassed as everyone laughed. Fan Congsi, noticing her awkwardness, quickly stood up and said, "Alright, alright, stop it now." Despite his efforts, everyone insisted on continuing, so he had no choice but to sit down next to Tang Yi
He regarded him as nothing, turned his head to Tang Yi and said: "I am leaving, next time if you have something, just call me directly." He took a red pen from the pen holder on the lectern, tore off a piece of tissue paper, wrote his mobile number on it, and then handed it to Tang Yi
Tang Yi felt a chill run down her spine as he looked at her, and she forced a laugh, saying: "I don't sing well. Let's just forget about it." Xie then shoved the registration form into her hand and, with her eyes downcast and a hint of impatience, said: "It doesn't matter if you don't sing well; at most, you'll be booed for a while and then come down. Life can't always be smooth sailing."
The boy ignored the clamoring of the crowd, allowing himself to be covered in scraps of paper and vegetable leaves, as he steadfastly continued to sing into the microphone. Tang Yi felt that the audience's roar was so intense that the floor of the grand auditorium was shaking, and he couldn't help but admire the boy's courage to remain oblivious. Some could no longer tolerate it and actually ran up on stage, grabbing a cake in hand and smashing it onto his face.
The grand auditorium of No. 19 Middle School has been transformed for the "Tianlai Cup" event. When Tang Yi arrived, the staff were adjusting the sound system and testing the lights. Even before approaching the auditorium, the sound of percussion instruments could be heard resonating through the walls, surging in from all directions like a tidal wave, causing one's heart and blood to race; soon after, brilliant colored lights shot down from various directions above the stage, instantly illuminating the entire auditorium, creating a dreamlike scene reminiscent of a fairy tale; finally, fireworks fell like raindrops, forming a curtain of starlight, bursting open with a bang, visually stunning to the extreme
When Tang Yi learned that the "Tianlai Cup" was renowned for its explosive matches, her face turned pale, and she hurried to find Xie De to withdraw from the competition. Xie De completely ignored her and casually sent her away with someone else.
Tang Yi felt that his words were truly pleasant to hear, "Thank you." She made a fist with her right hand in a gesture of encouragement, "I was originally determined to withdraw from the competition, but after what you said, I will definitely practice hard when I go back."
Out of tune
A group of people arrived at the "Jinbangyuan" restaurant near the school. Fan Congsi asked the person behind him: "Have Ah Shang and the others arrived?"
Tang Yi felt inexplicably nervous upon seeing him and respectfully called out, "Senior." The person following Xie De had already handed over the registration form. She seemed a bit troubled and stammered, "Senior, I, I don't really know how to sing..." Xie De gave her a meaningful glance and elongated his tone as he asked, "You can't sing?"
Who? Tang was completely baffled.
Under the pressure of his formidable presence, Tang Yi had no choice but to grit his teeth and fill out the registration form
"I don't know, but you'll find out when you get to the classroom." The person pushed Tang Yi forward, "Hurry up, hurry up."
What are you doing!" Tang Yi exclaimed as she pushed him away, looking at the dirty pile on the ground, yet she never had the courage to pick it up
Chen Shang suddenly said to Fan Congsi: "I left my backpack in the classroom, and I need to go back for a moment. I will walk back with her, so you won't have to come back again"
The two-story auditorium, capable of accommodating thousands of people, was not merely full; it was standing-room only. The corridors, aisles, and beneath the stage were packed with frenzied spectators, with not a single person quietly seated to watch the competition. The sounds of whistles, screams, and curses filled the air. Many people excitedly stood on their chairs, and countless paper airplanes, eggshells, and vegetables rained down mercilessly on the contestants on stage. The chant of "Get off, get off, get off..." grew louder with each repetition. The auditorium, overwhelmed by the excess of attendees, had air that was murky and stifling, yet it could not dampen the enthusiasm and harshness of the public judges.
If there is nothing else, I will take my leave. Tang Yi frowned, thinking that he was playing tricks on her again
Xie De rarely returns to school, and upon hearing that Tang Yi is looking for him everywhere, he calls her dormitory but no one answers. He then decides to go directly to her classroom to find her, only to discover that she is not there. Since he has nothing to do in the evening, he simply sits down to wait. The outstanding students of No. 19 Middle School, upon seeing the legendary Xie De, excitedly whisper to each other, "Oh my, so this is Xie De!"
"Go away!" Tang Yi pushed him away forcefully and walked back to his seat to pack his bag
The female host then said: "However, I think everyone would prefer to come to Mars. Is tonight's gala going to be a hit?"
Tang Yi was also quite surprised to see him, thinking to himself that it truly is a small world, as they could run into each other anywhere
Tang let out a chuckle
Someone whispered again: "Does everyone still remember the last time the student council intervened to clarify the matter of the 'beating post' for Tang Yi? It seems that now, it is simply the president stepping in to support Tang Yi!"
After finishing the meal, she said she wanted to go back. Someone remarked that it was still early, and that they could go out and have some fun after dinner. She quietly mentioned that she needed to return to the classroom for evening self-study. Fan Congsi understood that she was different from them, stood up, and said, "Alright, I will walk you back, and then I will come back later." He turned around to get his coat. He still needed to compile the preliminary list for the "Tianlai Cup" with everyone later that evening
Fan Congsi, unfazed by the unusual sight, calmly said: "Since everyone is so enthusiastic, let us now invite contestant number 8 to perform 'Over Fire'!"
Tang received it in a daze, looking down at the series of numbers on it, feeling uneasy in his heart, only sensing that his behavior was strange. He smiled at the two, with only one corner of his mouth moving, and without even saying a word of "goodbye," he just walked away.
Although I am also very curious, I do not know anything at all. Xia Wenqian replied cautiously
"That's right, this is the Tang Yi I know. How can you give up so easily!" He glanced at his watch; it was almost 7 o'clock. He clapped his hands and said to everyone, "Alright, that's it for today. We'll continue tomorrow. Thank you all for your hard work. Go home and rest well." He turned to Tang Yi and asked, "Have you eaten? Would you like to join us for a meal?"
At the end of October and the beginning of November, the autumn wind blows gently, and the weather carries a distinct chill. A few umbrella-shaped osmanthus trees in front of the dormitory building emit a fragrant aroma that is refreshing and can be detected even while lying in bed. After a bout of autumn rain, the ground is covered with small, pale yellow flower fragments resembling grains of rice. Tang Yisu has always been sensitive to the cold, so she put on a thin sweater early. When she returned to the dormitory after lunch, she noticed two giant posters displayed in the square in front of the library. One of the posters depicted a scene where, amidst an impenetrable darkness, the clouds parted to reveal the sun rising, with a microphone teetering on the brink of falling. The words "Tianlai Cup" were prominently displayed in bright letters, resembling a full moon embedded in the boundless night sky. She thought the poster was well-made and stood there for a while to admire it.
No one answered, and everyone looked at him with unease.
The lights suddenly dimmed, and the audience gradually calmed down. After a while, a beam of bluish-green light quickly circled the auditorium, followed by the sparkling stage curtain being drawn back. After a burst of dazzling fireworks, the male and female hosts walked out hand in hand, with the male being Fan Congsi, while the female, Tang Yi, was unfamiliar to the audience.
She hurriedly closed the door and said somewhat awkwardly, "I wasn't doing anything, just looking around." She touched the steps, which were covered with a thick layer of dust, and still sat down, casually asking, "What are you doing here?"
Fan Congsi smiled and said, "Do not underestimate yourself. I have heard you sing on television, and your voice is very beautiful. There is nothing to be afraid of. Although the 'Tianlai Cup' is most famous for its elimination, with your excellent singing, the audience will be applauding and will not want to see you off the stage." Her eyes were filled with encouragement.
Chen finally spoke up, his voice harsh and menacing, "You cannot like him!"
Tang bit her lip and said with a hesitant expression: "I, I have no experience..." If she sang poorly, she would be criticized, so it was better to hide her shortcomings than to embarrass herself.
In a state of disarray, several people pushed the door open. He asked cheerfully, "What are you talking about? It's so lively; I heard it in the corridor just now." Suddenly seeing Tang Yi, he was somewhat surprised and frowned, saying, "What are you doing here?"
Xie heard the noise coming from behind and calmly picked up the blackboard eraser to wipe off the drawing. Only then did he turn around to look at Tang Yi, raising an eyebrow and saying: "I heard from the student council that you ask everyone where I am. What do you need from me?"
Chen rushed out when he saw that she had turned off the lights, and said eagerly: "I will lock the door, I will lock the door"
The audience's taste has been refined by the annual "Tianlai Cup," and someone immediately pointed at the green glow stick, saying in a strange tone: "Look, will-o'-the-wisps!" This elicited a burst of laughter from the crowd
Thus, when Tang returned, what she saw was an empty classroom. She was also surprised to see Xie De and cleared her throat to explain: "It's all right now. I was originally going to ask you to withdraw from the competition, but now—sigh, I won't withdraw."
Tang Yi was both astonished and frightened, patting her chest as she slipped out through the side door, standing in the aisle and desperately breathing in fresh air. Putting herself in the situation, if that boy on stage were to be herself, it would be strange if she didn't shed tears
Fan Congsi shrugged and stood up, saying, "Such minor cases in the preliminary rounds will not occur; we will take full responsibility for them." After a pause, he asked her, "Since you have registered, why do you want to withdraw from the competition?"
Before going to bed, she suddenly thought, didn't Chen say he was going back to the classroom to get his backpack? Where is his backpack?
... ...
Tang Yi felt both angry and amused, and provocatively asked: "What if I like it? What if I don't like it?"
Chen sneered and said: "This indicates that our audience is demanding and professional, unable to tolerate even a grain of sand in their eyes. Do you think the 'Tianlai Cup' is a showcase for flashy moves and superficial performances? If you lack genuine skill, then do not step onto the grand stage of the auditorium; if you do, be prepared to face criticism."
"Are you looking for me? Is there something you need?" Tang asked while giving a glare to a certain person who was being unreasonable. Chen, feeling disgruntled, let go and quietly stood beside her
... ...
"Go back and wait to be hit," she said weakly
"I don't want to." Tang Yi, carrying his backpack, walked to the door to turn off the lights. "Snap, snap, snap—" one by one, the fluorescent lights went out, leaving a brief circle of light. The two of them instantly melted into the darkness
On that day, Tang Yi finished dinner and went to the auditorium to watch the opening ceremony of the "Tianlai Cup." By the time she arrived, the school leaders and representatives of the sponsors had already delivered their speeches, and the preliminary rounds had begun. She sneaked in through a small side door at the back stage and was startled by the scene inside.
Xie De smiled at him and softly said in his ear: "A Shang, this is not how you pursue a girl." Chen Shang took two steps back and looked at him with a hostile gaze
Chen pushed him away with a look of disgust, "Aren't you very busy? In the future, avoid provoking her... me."
The girls surrounded Xia Wenqian, who had the best relationship with Tang Yi, and asked with curious expressions: "What is the relationship between Tang Yi and him? What kind of relationship? Could he be pursuing Tang Yi?" Otherwise, why would he so openly sit in the classroom waiting for her to return?
"Just average," he said expressionlessly. It was unclear whether he meant that the song "Tian Mi Mi" sung by Tang Yi was average or if he was referring to the choice of the song "Tian Mi Mi" as being average. He suddenly asked, "Do you have any paper?" Tang Yi took a roll of paper from his drawer and handed it to him. He tore off a few sheets to wipe his hands, and after finishing, he threw the trash at Tang Yi's face.
Fan Congsi, seeing that she was silent, answered for her: "Tang Yi also participated in the 'Tianlai Cup', and everyone is having a meal together, it's lively with many people."
Well... "Sweet Honey"... When it comes to singing, Tang Yi lacks confidence
"He is my friend, you cannot like him," Chen Shang said domineeringly
Tang was bewildered by how he could utter such absurd words, staring at him with wide eyes. After a considerable time, she finally regained her composure and, lifting her chin, coldly replied: "This is none of your business"
No matter what, it is not possible
Chen saw that she was angry and, as if to make amends, said: "Alright, alright, I will give you my phone number. You can contact me if you need anything." He turned to look for paper and a pen
"Are you all studying? Can you be a bit quieter?" Although Xie De's voice was not loud, it immediately left everyone speechless. He looked around, seemingly impatient, and asked somewhat unhappily, "Where has Tang Yi gone?"
Xie clapped his hands, neither too light nor too heavy, and it was unclear whether it was encouragement or sarcasm. "What song do you plan to sing for the preliminary round?"
Two individuals were engaged in a relentless tug-of-war. A passing classmate, upon seeing Tang Yi, excitedly rushed over, panting, and said: "Tang Yi, what are you doing here? Everyone has been looking for you."
Tang Yi and Chen Shang arrived at the teaching building with confusion. They saw that the classroom was brightly lit, with doors and windows wide open. Normally, the first three rows of seats would be filled with people, but at this moment, they were completely empty, with not a single person present. In front of the blackboard stood a tall figure, who was doodling on it with a black marker, appearing quite bored. The drawing depicted the profile of a woman with long hair; despite being just a few strokes, the facial features were vividly expressive.
Go down, go down
Tang Yi chose a rather inconspicuous corner to sit down. Someone laughed and said, "Congsi, Congsi, how can you leave someone sitting so far away by themselves?" Fan Congsi smiled and said nothing. The crowd then began to tease, "Come sit together, come sit together, just a moment ago you were singing so sweetly, and now you pretend not to know each other."
"Where are you going?" Chen Shang called out to him
Tang was momentarily at a loss for words, rubbing his forehead and saying, "Wasn't that a bit too harsh? I've never seen such a... fierce audience."
"He is not leaving, do you still want to keep him for dinner?" Chen almost died of anger, snatched the tissue paper from Tang Yi's hand, crumpled it into a ball, and forcefully stomped on it on the ground
Is he waiting for Tang Yi
Does a drake dare to sing?
As the music began to play, a very delicate-looking young man had just sung a line, and the audience below immediately erupted in a chorus of criticism
Tang made a face at his back
It seems that the student council is organizing some activities. Several tables are set up under the tree, and the rock music is playing loudly, attracting passing students to come and take a look. After a while, the music stopped, and a four-member band, with electric guitars, a saxophone, and a drum set, began to perform on the spot. Both their playing and singing were very professional. The crowd continued to grow, and bursts of enthusiastic applause erupted from time to time. The person in charge, holding a microphone, shouted loudly: "The annual 'Tianlai Cup' has begun again. Those who wish to sign up should hurry; as long as you pay a registration fee of twenty yuan, you can stand on the highest-level Starlight Stage of No. 19 Middle School to showcase your singing talent!" The crowd continued to grow, and bursts of enthusiastic applause erupted from time to time. The person in charge, holding a microphone, shouted loudly: "The annual 'Tianlai Cup' has begun again. Those who wish to sign up should hurry; as long as you pay a registration fee of twenty yuan, you can stand on the highest-level Starlight Stage of No. 19 Middle School to showcase your singing talent!"
He... he left? Tang Yi was at a loss as she watched Xie leave. She waited for her for an hour, even sending people to look for her, yet she actually left without saying anything.
Not yet, they said they are on the way and will arrive shortly
"Well, I..." Tang Yi looked at his sincere invitation, making it difficult to refuse, "Is it possible?"
Tang Yi was thoroughly enjoying the music. Xie De approached, slightly raised his chin, and pointed towards the direction under the tree where names were being registered, saying in an irresistible tone: "Sign up."
As they quickly approached the "Aiwan Pavilion," Chen turned back to look at her and said with a somewhat poor expression, "I have something to tell you"
"Thank you?" Chen was quite surprised to see him suddenly appear.
Tang Yi is truly wronged with no place to voice her grievances, who has she offended? She did not even have time to retort when she heard Chen Shang frown and say: "Xie De, what are you acting crazy about again?" How could he tease her right in front of her?
Tang immediately felt a sense of respect and said, "Wasn't it stated that the performance time is two minutes? They have only sung a couple of lines, how could you cut off the microphone so soon?" She spoke out in defense.
The boy touched his face, holding his breath and continuing to sing, while the microphone had already been muted and the lights gradually dimmed
I am a staff member," he said, looking down at Tang Yi as he approached.
Experience, after all, is cultivated through practice. Follow me. Fan Congsi led her to the front desk, picked up a microphone to test the sound, and smiled as he handed it to her. Tang Yi took it in her hand, puzzled about what he intended to do.
Tang Yi was thrown directly and looked at him angrily
Tang Yi felt a shiver run down her spine at the thought of these overwhelming things crashing down upon her. She made a round in the backstage but could not find Xie De; instead, she encountered Fan Congsi. Everyone else was bustling about in a flurry, yet he sat there leisurely, sipping water, with paper and a pen resting on his lap, exuding an air of command.
Xie sat down by the door, seemingly oblivious, moving a chair to enjoy the evening breeze as if no one were around
When an expert makes a move, one can immediately tell the outcome. Is singing a couple of lines not enough? The microphone cannot simply be turned off at my discretion; it is the audience that dictates when to cut. For instance, that young man who just sang "Over Fire" was utterly lacking in self-awareness. Even after performing so poorly, he refused to leave the stage. Should we keep him on stage, wasting everyone's time?
The staff were bustling in and out, busy moving props. Tang Yi felt that she was in the way standing by the roadside, so she simply went to the lounge at the end of the corridor. She stepped up several steps and gently pushed the door open a crack, only to see the spacious backstage crowded with contestants, gathered in small groups, either sitting or standing, speaking softly to one another
Cutting wheat
Tang was momentarily taken aback, staring blankly at him. Fan Congsi waved his hand in front of her eyes and said with a smile: "What are you dazed about? The prelude is already over"
Chen Shang was pricked by her smile, "Hey, will you agree or not?"
Chen complained, yet he still patiently slowed his pace.
Tang ignored him and turned to leave. Chen grabbed her and wouldn't let go, looking determined not to give up until he received an answer
Then, we will wait in the private room
Tang Yi waved his hand and said, "No need to see me off, no need to see me off, it's just a few steps, very close." Sitting across from Fan Congsi, the boy teased, "Junior, why not give Congsi a chance to be a hero and escort you?" This made everyone laugh.
"Can you not be so childish?" Tang said as he forcefully twisted his hand, rolling his eyes and adding, "I will naturally agree to reasonable requests, but unreasonable ones are certainly out of the question"
Tang turned around and saw Chen Shang coming out of the men's restroom nearby, looking at him with a strange expression
Xia Wenqian could not endure the silent and strange atmosphere in the classroom, quickly packed her backpack, and left in a hurry. Seeing her leave, everyone else followed suit and left as well. The elite class was small and could not accommodate such a prominent figure. As the saying goes, it is easy to invite a deity but difficult to send one away; it was better for them to leave first.
Chen looked at her with uncertainty, then glanced at Fan Congsi, "How did you two end up together?"
The crowd collectively exclaimed "Oh," and instantly erupted in chaos
Fan Congsi
Now sing
"Anyway, it would be useless for you to have his phone number, so you might as well just throw it away," Chen said with great satisfaction as he looked at the crumpled tissue paper on the ground.
Hello, what are you doing
Fan Congsi was dressed in a deep blue gown, his hair slicked back, revealing a full and smooth forehead, which made him appear even more handsome and elegant. "Welcome everyone back to Earth," he said humorously
Tang boldly stated: "At worst, I might be booed off the stage, but it's nothing to make a big deal about"
Indeed, the sound equipment here is far superior to that in KTV, so there's no harm in practicing. Fan Congsi signaled her to get ready and gestured to the sound engineer behind her, saying: "Let's do it again." After finishing the song, Fan Congsi applauded and said: "See, isn't this great? As long as you practice the prepared songs a few more times, you will definitely succeed."
Tang Yi raised her head and exclaimed "Oh" in surprise, saying, "Go ahead." Seeing Chen's serious expression, she thought to herself that she did not know what unpleasant words he was about to say. After waiting for a long time, however, the other party remained silent with a sullen face.
The Tang translation considers the "Heavenly Sound Cup" to be at most an on-campus singing competition, but upon witnessing it firsthand, I was taken aback by its exquisite and luxurious stage, which resembled a star-studded concert. Almost the entire student council was mobilized, pulling curtains and arranging props, busily engaged in their tasks. Posters, flowers, balloons, and glow sticks were strewn all over the ground, which was understandable; however, what was jarring was that the aisles were filled with baskets of paper airplanes, eggshells, radish peels, and rotten vegetable leaves.
Xie walked over and affectionately put his arm around Chen's shoulder, saying: "Ah Shang, you are becoming more and more successful, even daring to scold me. You weren't like this when you were asking for my help."
Oh? What work are you responsible for