The performances were in full swing. Cheers and applause intertwined seamlessly, filling the entire auditorium. The students released their energy as if they wanted to pour out all the pressure they had been holding onto during this one evening. A variety of performances left Su Feiyan in awe: cross-talk, comedy skits, dances, solo songs, choir performances, and even a play prepared by the freshmen. In that moment, he felt deeply grateful to be at this school, thankful for his courage to step out of the blind circle and into a broader world.
Meanwhile, his mother and Lin Xi were engrossed in conversation. No one but them knew what they were talking about. Every time Su Feiyan tried to eavesdrop, he failed. They seemed to always know when he was listening, and their voices would lower so he couldn't hear a word.
His father patted him on the shoulder and whispered with a grin, "Don't bother; you won't hear anything. Girls' eavesdropping skills are maxed out; it's a secret weapon of theirs."
After that, Su Feiyan had no choice but to sit quietly with his father and sister to watch the performances. Of course, with his sister around, "quietly" was completely impossible.
"Brother, brother, this dance is so beautiful! I want to learn to dance too!" Su Feiya tugged at his arm excitedly, her voice full of enthusiasm.
"Sure, sure," Su Feiyan replied absentmindedly, but inwardly sighed. He knew his sister's three-minute passion for new things all too well.
The performances continued one after another, and the show was nearing its end. After the current solo performance, it would finally be Su Feiyan's turn.
His mother finally finished her conversation with Lin Xi. Su Feiyan couldn't help but wonder what they had been talking about for so long. How had his mother managed to make shy, introverted Lin Xi chat for such a long time? He had to admit—his mom's social skills were top-tier. It seemed like all mothers had this innate ability.
"Alright, it's your turn! Nervous?" his mother asked gently.
"Actually, I'm fine. Your son has plenty of stage experience," Su Feiyan replied confidently, though a slight tension lingered in his chest. Maybe it was because his family was here. Or maybe it was because Lin Xi was here. He silently promised himself to give his best performance.
"Xiao Feiyan!" A familiar voice suddenly called out, and Su Feiyan stood up in surprise.
"Teacher! You really came!" He stood up and gave his teacher a big hug.
"Of course I came! How could I miss the performance of my most outstanding student?" his teacher said with a smile, pulling him toward the backstage area. "I'll walk you to the stage in a moment. Remember, don't get nervous—just play like you always do. Adjust the bench after you sit down, and don't forget to bow after the performance."
"Got it," Su Feiyan nodded.
"Oh, by the way!" his teacher added as they walked. "That adorable little deskmate of yours will also be watching from the audience. Alright, let's get ready."
The host's voice came through the microphone: "For our final performance tonight, let's welcome Su Feiyan, who will be performing a piano solo: Debussy's 'Clair de Lune.'"
A wave of applause and cheers swept through the room, growing louder and louder. He thought he could hear his father, sister, mother, and even a faint cheer from Lin Xi amidst the crowd.
Accompanied by his teacher, Su Feiyan stepped into the spotlight, standing center stage. He knew that countless pairs of eyes were fixed on him. A bright beam of light illuminated him, making him the focus of everyone's attention.
He sat down, adjusted the bench to the right height, and placed his fingers gently on the keys. The moment his fingers touched the piano, a strange yet comforting sense of familiarity flowed through him. It was the same piano from the music room, the one that had accompanied him through countless hours of practice. He realized this was the very piano he had played for Lin Xi.
But wait—he thought—this wasn't the piano they used during the rehearsal. Someone must have known how familiar he was with this one and swapped it for tonight.
He pushed the thought aside, deciding it could wait. Taking a deep breath, he brought his focus back to the moment. His performance began.