These were destined not to be calm days. Lu Heng didn't need an explanation from Xiang Yu. He merely said, "What can I do? My girlfriend is just too likable." Xiang Yu, having a clear conscience, didn't think there was anything wrong with his words. But then he let out a light chuckle, self-mocking and helpless. Xiang Yu felt very confused and didn't pay much attention, thinking about having to face Xue Min again and feeling an urge to run away. It seemed like she was really bad at dealing with emotional issues, always wanting to escape. When they said goodbye, Xiang Yu wanted to ask if Lu Heng would come to the next two performances, but she couldn't bring herself to say it. Even though she had nothing to feel guilty about this time, she didn't know how to start. They didn't hug, just exchanged simple goodbyes, and then Lu Heng turned and left.
Two days later, there was another performance. Xiang Yu was somewhat absent-minded, not knowing if Lu Heng would come. Although she had mentioned it during their last conversation, they hadn't spoken in the two days since they parted. Xiang Yu didn't understand what was wrong with her. She felt she had done nothing wrong, so why should she have to placate Lu Heng's inexplicable sulkiness? Yet she felt very aggrieved. Now, she was the one feeling upset and irritable, as if her frustration had no outlet. Xiang Yu's performance could only be described as mediocre. Several times on stage, she glanced towards the audience, and during a break backstage, Xue Yu, the president, noticed but said nothing. Xiang Yu knew she was in the wrong and silently reminded herself not to display her feelings so openly. Zhang Xiaoyue, thinking she was close enough to Xiang Yu, privately pulled her aside and scolded, "What's wrong with you? This is a formal performance!" Xiang Yu felt even more aggrieved but was angry at herself for being so weak. She pursed her lips and said, "I'm sorry, I'll adjust." "That's better. Come here, let me hug you," Zhang Xiaoyue said, opening her arms. Xiang Yu quickly dodged aside, awkwardly laughing, "No need, no need." For the rest of the performance, Xiang Yu tried to think of nothing else and gradually got into character.
By the end of the performance, Lu Heng still hadn't shown up, but Xiao Zhanyuan did. Unlike Lu Heng, he didn't go backstage to find Xiang Yu but waited quietly outside until she came out. They had planned to have dinner together after the performance, so Xiang Yu came out with a group. Everyone turned to look at Xiao Zhanyuan, who, with his distinctive presence, stood out in the crowd. At that moment, everyone's curious eyes shifted between Xiao Zhanyuan and Xiang Yu. Xiang Yu felt her ears heat up and heard someone snort softly next to her, "What? A new guy?" She turned to see Xue Min with a mocking smile. Xiang Yu didn't want to respond and apologized to Zhang Xiaoyue, "Sorry, I won't join you for dinner today." Then she walked towards Xiao Zhanyuan. Behind her, Xue Yu held back Xue Min and left with the others.
Xiao Zhanyuan stood there, looking even thinner, his facial features more pronounced. He gazed at Xiang Yu with a faint smile. Feeling guilty towards Xiao Zhanyuan, Xiang Yu felt more uneasy but had no choice but to approach him, pretending to be relaxed. "You, a busy person, what brings you here?" The smile in Xiao Zhanyuan's eyes deepened, as if he could easily see through Xiang Yu's facade and her unease. "I came to see your performance. I wanted to come since watching your rehearsal last time." "Oh, have you eaten? How about I treat you to dinner?" Xiang Yu bit her lip. Xiao Zhanyuan laughed, "It seems like you always ask me if I've eaten when we meet. Do we have nothing else to talk about besides eating?" Xiang Yu was at a loss for words. She missed the Xiao Zhanyuan from their childhood, who listened to her and did whatever she asked. Seeing her distracted, Xiao Zhanyuan waved a hand in front of her face. "I'm not hungry. How about showing me around your school? I've been here a few times but never had a chance to explore."