The lights flickered, the stage brightened, and under the dazzling lights, Guo Ting stood like a goddess with an aura of her own.
She waited for the atmosphere to reach a climax, relishing the compliments and adoration from the audience. A full minute passed before she calmly waved to the people below the stage, holding the microphone with a faint smile, "Thank you, students, thank you, parents, for your presence. I declare the send-off ceremony for the 12th graders officially begins—"
"Wow—"
The applause was thunderous, coming on cue.
"First, let's welcome the school leaders to their seats with enthusiastic applause!" Guo Ting's voice rose again, high yet gentle, as she took out the list of announcements, ready to read out the names of the school leaders in order.
But—
Seconds ticked by, and Guo Ting did not speak. Always a flawless emcee, she now stood on stage, apparently struck mute, looking slightly embarrassed.
