VOL.04
Alright! The ball officially begins now! First, let us invite Princess Hayakawa and Prince Hayakawa to dance a piece for us! And please, everyone, enjoy this beautiful evening happily!" The excited voice of Sister Ai came from the stage, followed by the music, the spotlight flickered, and everyone's gaze was drawn to the center of the hall
"Since that's the case, Xiao Yi! Then I will be waiting for your good news!" Sister Ai smiled and said
I huddled in the corner of the auditorium, gazing at the large posters of Jin Yingming and He Yingyue surrounding me, feeling a somewhat inexplicable sense of melancholy
I raised my head in surprise and saw that Jin Yingming was coldly staring at those girls who were whispering to each other
"Montaiyi ... ... are you ... ... are you okay?" I asked anxiously
Ah! Suddenly! Montai shouted loudly!
Autumn, autumn! How delightful!
A clean slate? ... So does that mean I can continue to stay at Hayakawa? ... ...
Beichenxing? ! - And beside him, there was Shangxiaxi, who wore a face of indifference.
Wait! A glint suddenly flashed in Montaiyi's eyes as he pointed at Jin Yingming's nose and shouted, "Dead rat! Don't you always want to steal my thunder? Good! Do you dare to have a fair bet with me?"
Is he... is he angry because of me
You! ... ...'' Montai Yi's expression changed drastically at this remark from Zilei, and I hurriedly pulled Montai Yi back with all my might to prevent him from doing something terrible!
Xia Xi, do you really want to jump or not
I am sorry ... ... I am sorry !!'' I turned around and hurriedly apologized
He? Who?
I instinctively lowered my head to look at the red student skirt I was wearing
"Dead rat! How dare you kick me! I will beat you to death... Ah! It hurts so much!" Just as Montai Yi's fist was about to smash into Jin Yingming's face, Sister Yuan Ai suddenly appeared! She mercilessly grabbed Montai Yi's ear!
The annual Hayakawa Ball finally commenced amidst my anxious apprehension and Montai's eager anticipation
Before I could regain my senses, He Yingyue had already taken Bei Chenxing's hand and walked away, leaving only me and the silent Jin Yingming.
Oh no, oh no! I just accidentally stepped on Montaichi's foot!
What a beautiful scene! ... The prince leads the princess onto the magnificent stage, it turns out that such stories really exist in real life
Wuwuwuwu! It's so difficult! I was not born with a talent for dancing, and now I feel like I'm jumping around on the ground, afraid of stepping on an ant! My movements must look extremely awkward!
Before Montai finished speaking, I collided forcefully with a person behind me
In an instant, I seemed to be transported back to that night under the starry sky... I gazed from a distance at those two dazzling individuals, who were softly discussing their own topics. Perhaps from that moment, I should have understood that their being together was the most fitting "fairy tale of the prince and princess"
Very well! I shall let you witness the extraordinary abilities of this heroic figure! Hmph! Little sparrow! Let us go!
It is done ... ... The great war is about to begin ... ...
... ...
Jump ... ... dance? ! I ... ... I can't ... ... ah ... ...
Of course
Amidst a chorus of discussions, He Yingyue held Jin Yingming's hand and walked from the main entrance to the center of the stage
Jin Yingming ... ... I ... ...
"Miss Ma Qiuxiu, I wonder if you would do me the honor?" Bei Chenxing said as he had already taken my hand and pushed Shang Xiaxi to Montai's side
I am doing well like this now... Hehe
Wuwu ... ? ... Your voices are too loud, aren't they! ? How embarrassing! I wish I could shrink my head back into my clothes again!
Wow! Jin Yingming is staring at us!
Are we going to switch dance partners again? What exactly does Bei Chenxing want to do? I looked at Bei Chenxing, who was always smiling, with a puzzled expression. Suddenly, I felt that there was a hint of elusive brilliance in his gaze towards He Yingyue.
Ma Qiuxiu, what exactly are you thinking? Aren't these two people in front of you the most perfect pair?
Two weeks? Hahaha! That's still such a long time! Enough for me to create a legend!
At the intersection of the spotlight, He Yingyue twirled gracefully with Jin Yingming, dancing to the music. The snow-white little dress on He Yingyue billowed lightly with her nimble steps, radiating brilliance like a sprite in the night sky
Indeed ...! ... I did not misread it! I really am in sixth place?! I actually tied with Zilei for the ranking?! ... Then what about the bet between her and me ...
Dead mouse! Get out of the way! You are not allowed to touch my little sparrow
in two weeks
My clumsy footsteps attracted the attention of many people nearby
The North Morning Star saw me in silence, gently took my hand, and led me towards the center of the auditorium, while the bickering voices of Montaichi and Shangxiaxi faded further behind us. ... My thoughts, too, seemed to remain with them, drifting further and further away from me ...
"Montai Yi, how about changing dance partners?" Beichen Xing suddenly said
Before I could finish speaking, Jin Yingming simply issued the order
I... I said... I won't jump..." I said with a sense of grievance, lowering my head
Swaying... Swaying...
I am sorry
During the exam, Jin Yingming looked at me with some confusion
Is this true? Dancing with Jin Yingming? ... I suddenly feel as if I am dreaming, and it is a dream so blissful that I am almost suffocating from happiness
I followed the gaze of the North Morning Star and looked!
As soon as Montai saw Shang Xi Xi, he suddenly fell silent, pouting as he reached for Shang Xi Xi's hands, which were adorned with snow-white gloves. Meanwhile, he stubbornly shouted at Bei Chen Xing: "Just dance this one piece, did you hear? No plans to catch the little sparrows, did you hear?"
The river's reflection of the moon is truly beautiful! She is undoubtedly the Princess Hayakawa!
It is you who should roll away!" Montai shouted angrily while forcefully pushing Jin Yingming's shoulder
I was taken aback
left, right, left ... ...
I am sorry! I am sorry!
Do you want to save face? Alright! The final exams are approaching! If you pass all your subjects, I will never pull your ear in front of others again!" Ran Ai Jie released her hand and coldly glared at Meng Tai Yi.
Eh? ... ... ... What ...? ... What is happening to me? Why is my heart racing ...? ! ... ... ! It's all that idiot Montai's fault! ... ! Why does he have to hold me so tightly, so close to him ... ...
Forget it, let's make do! Let's go... let's go dance! Before Montai could finish his sentence, he pulled me towards the center of the hall.
However, Montai suddenly shook off Shang Xiaxi's hand, rushed over, and pushed Jin Yingming aside!
"Maqiuqiu! Where do you think you're running to?! Quickly tell me, what means did you use to cheat and obtain so many votes?!" The sumo wrestler from the Huazhi group suddenly spotted me retreating in the crowd and hurriedly pushed through the crowd to come over.
Ah! I really can't stand you! Forget it, forget it! I, the great one, am magnanimous! Just don't step on my feet again!" Montaiyi said, as he took my hand again.
You ... ... Hello! I responded somewhat awkwardly
Ah! It is Jin Yingming! And He Yingyue! ... When did we come to their side? I do not know why, but upon seeing He Yingyue, I suddenly feel a bit like escaping
My mind suddenly went blank
Hello, Qiuqiu!
Ah! Montaiyi! You need to jump more seriously!" Shang Xiayi said with dissatisfaction
Hmm? Jin Yingming? Angry?!
Ah?! Little sparrow! How can you dance with a dead rat?!
The sudden appearance of Montaigne's large throat startled me, and I seemed to hear the sound of a beautiful dream shattering. I looked up and saw Jin Yingming's slightly furrowed brow
Dance. Jin Yingming suddenly exclaimed these two words, and I quickly extended my hand.
I clumsily moved my feet, following in the footsteps of Jin Yingming
I looked towards Sister Yuan Ai on stage in a state of panic, and Sister Yuan Ai happily winked at me to express her congratulations
Wow... Sister Yuan Ai's figure is truly amazing
Did you not wear it? Why not wear it? That outfit of yours will definitely cause a sensation in the entire venue! With that, our popularity will surely surpass that dead rat! As soon as Jin Yingming was mentioned, Montai's expression immediately turned fierce again
Jin Yingming immediately retaliated by kicking Montaiyi.
The school is filled with a lively atmosphere, and everywhere you look, there are posters of Jin Yingming and He Yingyue. Even the auditorium where the dance is being held has been newly renovated and looks completely refreshed
... ...
Oh? Final exams? Ah! My goodness! I have been so preoccupied with dealing with these matters that I actually forgot such an important thing!
Everyone, please be quiet! At today's dance party, we will also announce the top ten male and female vote counts for the 'Most Popular Award' in this cultural festival's popularity voting! Please pay attention to the LCD display on the right side of the stage! Sister Yuan Ai just pointed to a large LCD screen hanging on the right wall of the stage, and the screen immediately displayed a series of red names!
... ...
Ah! What?! I still have to jump? No... I really can't do it... Wuwuwuwu...
I did not wear the skirt
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Where is the dress that I had Zhang Qizhen send to you
Ah... Yes! I suddenly came to my senses and looked at the North Morning Star in front of me
Thud thud thud thud
I ... ... I ... ...'' The sumo woman, upon seeing Montaiyi, shrank back behind the approaching Zilei, much like a mouse would when encountering a cat
Little Sparrow! What is wrong with you? Please! Why are you dressed so poorly today! Montai Yi completely disregarded my feelings and suddenly shouted at me.
You little rascal! You are causing trouble here again!
Hand ... ... hand. ... ... ... hand ... ... Jin Yingming grasped my hand ... ...
Isn't that Ma Qiuxiu? Isn't she Montaiyi's girlfriend? How could she be dancing with Jin Yingming?
Hehe! It's alright... However, I think I might not be able to complete the task of teaching you how to dance!" Beichenxing said with a pained expression.
Montage One
Ah! It has come out! It has come out!
Perhaps I will never be as radiant as she is
Ah? What kind of nonsense is Montaiyi up to again? It surely can't be anything good
Before the ball begins, let us first invite the "Princess Hayakawa"—classmate Kagawa Tsuki, and the "Prince Hayakawa"—classmate Jin Yingming, who were selected by everyone's votes during this cultural festival to make their entrance
Ah? Five feet?
Ah? Oh...
I don't know! But look! Her dancing posture is quite strange!
But... I... I can't jump! I waved my hands in panic.
Hehe, this bet sounds a bit interesting...
Hello! What process are you talking about? The little sparrow is participating in the voting openly and justly!
For someone like Jin Yingming, the Prince of Hayakawa, the final exams must really be a piece of cake
My goodness! What on earth is this?! Montaiyi?! What does your exam results have to do with me?! Moreover, how could Jin Yingming possibly agree to such a ridiculous bet?!
What?! Jin Yingming actually agreed! I saw that everyone in the audience, except for me, had their jaws nearly dropping to the ground in astonishment!
I had no choice but to lower my head, my face flushed, and continue to move my feet mechanically like a marionette.
Montai Yi! Let go of your dirty hands!
It is alright... Ah! He has arrived, let him continue to teach you!
Hey! Old woman! You are going too far! Why are you pulling my ear in front of so many people? Can you show me a little respect?
Well then! When is the exam!
Two weeks? No way! How could it be so fast!
You are still the same, haha, reckless Miss Sparrow. The person I bumped into was not angry; instead, they smiled at me.
"It's strange if nothing happens! Silly sparrow! Can you dance?" Montai shouted angrily
In the voting for the selection of Princess Hayakawa, the top ten female candidates are as follows: First place, He Yingyue, with 1,001 votes; second place, Shang Xiayi, with 865 votes ... ...
"Get lost!" Jin Yingming said coldly
Hmph! Someone who is clearly engaged yet still flirts around has no right to say such things in front of me! — Let's go!" Zilei shot a glance at Montaiyi and turned around, leading the Huazhi group away.
How can that dress be worn! The hem is so short that it barely covers my underwear, and the top is so tight that I can hardly breathe
Oh my God! ... ... Who will come to save me!
Hehehe! I mean, it's really ugly...
I rubbed my eyes, looking at the large screen in disbelief
Because it is written above: "The sixth place, Zi Lei and Ma Qiuqiu, tied with 231 votes!"
Suddenly encountering the angry gaze of Shang Xia Xi when turning back
However, Monta paid no attention to my expression of pain and forcibly moved me to the center of the dance floor
The lights shimmered brilliantly, and the round red dining table was adorned with exquisite pastries and colorful beverages. The musical ensemble on the stage was playing beautiful music, while groups of students and teachers, dressed in their finest attire, stood around the dining table, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a luxurious grand banquet hall
"It's alright, trust me, I can teach you just as well as Montaigne, hehe." Beichenxing completely ignored my refusal and began to teach me the dance steps on his own.
Left side! Right side! Left side! Turn around! Montai Yi was directing my actions with great seriousness
Forward! Backward! Backward! Backward... Ah! Be careful!
Huh? I... I also want to leave
I quickly turned to Sister Yuan Ai for help
Not speaking means agreeing! — Alright! If anyone has the highest total score in the final exam, that person can go on a date with the little sparrow on Valentine's Day!
Husband and wife? ... ! ... ... Montaiyi and Shangxiaxi. ... ... Indeed, I actually forgot that they were engaged! ... It seems that I am an unnecessary person here ...
Final exams? So what! It's just an exam! It's merely about passing all subjects! For me, Montai, a hero among heroes, it's nothing at all! Old woman! You better keep your word!
"Moon, I miss the last time we danced together!" Ming said, "I wonder if we could switch partners?" Beichenxing asked with a smile.
Lifting my head, I realized that today's Montai has also changed. The black tailcoat paired with a lace shirt, along with those bright big eyes and thick eyebrows, truly makes him look like a handsome gentleman! ... However ...? ... What is that large string of skull necklaces hanging around his neck?
"Qiu Qiu, pay attention! You have stepped on my foot five times!" Beichenxing said with a smile, looking at me with a sense of grievance
I am so close to Jin Yingming! I feel as if I can sense the breath he exhales from his nose! ... I ... ... I can't take it anymore. ... ...! I am just too nervous! My heart feels like it is about to jump out!
Wuwuwuwu! Jin Yingming is incredibly handsome today! A prince should look just like him! I really like him!
"Alright, Miss Sparrow, let's go over there. It would be better to give the young couple a chance to cultivate their feelings, wouldn't it?" Beichenxing suddenly leaned close to my ear and whispered.
I lowered my head to take a look! My goodness! I don't know when I had left several grimy footprints on Beichenxing's shiny leather shoes!
How is this possible?! The votes are actually the same?!" Zilei's voice came from not far away, and I immediately felt a shiver run through me, involuntarily moving towards the outskirts of the crowd.
The ethereal reflection of the river and moon appears so endearing, in comparison to her, I truly feel like an ugly duckling
As soon as Sister Ai finished speaking, a thunderous applause erupted in the auditorium
Good evening, esteemed teachers and fellow students! The evening gala is about to commence! Sister Yuan Ai, dressed in a bright pink qipao, appeared on the circular stage in the center of the auditorium, immediately capturing everyone's attention
The votes for Ma Qiuxiu inexplicably placed her in sixth place, and you must have contributed quite a bit to that, right! Hmph!" Zi Lei glared at me fiercely, hands on her hips, and said, "Ma Qiuxiu, although I do not acknowledge it, since the voting results are out! I will not pursue the process any further. You truly have remarkable skills! Hmph! — However, since we are tied, our wager shall be nullified, and we owe each other nothing!"
Jin Yingming? Even when he is angry, he is still so handsome!
Montai looked at me in surprise
Before I could refuse, Montai had already pulled me into his embrace, swaying to the music!
Cheating? Hey! Use your brain when you speak! When did the little sparrow cheat? Don't shout recklessly without evidence! Montai's domineering voice suddenly appeared behind me, startling both me and the sumo girl.
... ... Good, that is acceptable
Is it possible? Has Sister Ai also been bought off by Montai?
Continue
I ... ... I actually ranked sixth ! !
Of course! How could I possibly feel at ease letting you stay with a dead rat!" Montaiyi said, dragging me out of the auditorium without further ado
Such grandeur leaves me, a first-time participant in the cultural festival ball, feeling somewhat apprehensive
Alas! How terrible! ... I was just preoccupied with thinking about Montaigne's matters...
Who is it! Can you dance! A voice of an angry woman reached my ears
Ah? Exchange? Why exchange dance partners? I looked at Beichenxing in surprise
When the red characters reached the sixth line, the entire audience was in an uproar
While I was still hesitating, the river's reflection and the moon were already greeting me with a bright smile