Chapter 167: Offstage
The Autumn Art Festival featured a series of magnificent performances, including dazzling dance routines, hilarious plays, breathtaking magic shows, and soul-stirring singing.
Here, everyone witnessed the radiant other side of their familiar classmates, which was the first time the first-year students experienced the beautiful sights of Jiangcheng NOHS.
Many of them never expected that this top-ranked prestigious school in the province would be filled with such talented individuals. These were the same students who were expected to be academic geniuses, studying day and night. It turned out that they had gathered a multitude of talents.
Of course, Mei Fang was also one of the publicly recognized geniuses who was beyond everyones expectations. After the curtain call ended, he, Lin Youxi, and Xia Yuan chatted animatedly together backstage for a long time. When they came out, they drew the gaze of numerous students.
Beautiful and talented girls were naturally popular, but boys tended to be more reserved, especially the proud boys of Jiangcheng NOHS. They would never stare shamelessly at Xia Yuan and Lin Youxi without moving their gazes away, to avoid getting disapproving looks from others.
However, the treatment of boys was different. Handsome boys often attracted the attention of girls, and a handsome and talented boy was even rarer.
And girls at the age of 15 or 16 were bold in their affections. Most of them were not shy about expressing their emotions and stared straight at Mei Fang without caring, making Xia Yuan and Lin Youxi suddenly feel immense pressure.
Hey, lets go! Lets find a place to take group photos!
Xia Yuan had never been one to miss such a memorable opportunity, so the three of them pulled Xiang Bingbing over and wandered around the auditorium before finally choosing the lobby for taking photos.
Are you ready? Ill take a picture for you guys.
Ah Fang, hold up your guitar!
What about your guitar? Why arent you holding it?
Xia Yuan shook her head with a smile and said, It would be too crowded for two people to hold guitars for a photo, one guitar is enough.
Xia Yuan squeezed in next to Mei Fang, and this time Lin Youxi didnt choose to stand beside Mei Fang but instead linked her arm with Xia Yuans and leaned against her.
Shouldnt she stand next to Ah Fang as well?
Just as Xia Yuan was puzzled by Lin Youxis intention, Xiang Bingbing, who was preparing to take the photo, suddenly burst into laughter.
Fuhaha you guys look like a family of three like this. With Youxi and Mei Fang as the parents and Yuan Yuan as the daughter.
Are you mocking me for my height?! Xia Yuan pouted a little because she was indeed the shortest among the three.
I used to be taller than Ah Fang
Lin Youxi linked her arm with Xia Yuans, and Xia Yuan naturally linked her arm with Mei Fangs. Both of Mei Fangs hands were on the guitar as if getting ready to play.
It seems like everyone is ready Before we take the photo, let me ask everyone a question. Are the peaches from the Shennongjia sweet or not?
Sweet!
Xia Yuan and Mei Fang almost simultaneously spoke in cooperation, while Lin Youxi closed her mouth and maintained an elegant smile. Xiang Bingbing pressed the shutter and captured this memorable moment for the trio.
Quick, lets see how the photo turned out. Xia Yuan hurriedly leaned over to take a look.
Wow, its amazing! Lets print this photo and put it at home, what do you think?
Good idea, Lin Youxi nodded. But lets only print one copy. It would be strange to have three copies in one house.
Hehe youre right.
Xiang Bingbing didnt pay much attention to the conversation between the three of them. She returned the camera to Mei Fang and said, With this, Chaoxiong and I have completed our work for today. Ive endured a lot of scolding from Chaoxiong to capture your performance perfectly.
Haha thank you for your hard work, Bingbing. Well treat you to a meal!
Then you better make sure to feed me well! I havent had a proper meal in a while.
Sure, well eat to our hearts content then!
Xia Yuan knew that Mei Fang was wealthy, but of course, she wouldnt casually spend his money. She planned to take Bingbing to a buffet next time to broaden her horizons.
The girls held hands and headed to the restroom together. Mei Fang had no need to use the restroom and went straight back to the classroom with the camera in his hand.
As he reached the door of the auditorium, he happened to see Liu Xiaoyu leaning against the door with her hand on her chest, as if taking a deep breath.
When she opened her eyes, she happened to meet Mei Fangs gaze. Mei Fang waved and smiled at her, but Liu Xiaoyu suddenly made a strange move
Instead of waving back at Mei Fang as usual, she turned around, as if she was about to guide him out of the auditorium, revealing her backless cheongsam to him.
W-Wait for me
Liu Xiaoyu pressed her chest and then awkwardly greeted Mei Fang.
C-Congratulations! Your performance was fantastic.
Haha its nothing. Its all thanks to Yuan Yuan and Youxi supporting me.
This scene evoked a sense of inexplicable guilt in Mei Fang. In his previous life, he had wanted to congratulate Liu Xiaoyu in person after she came down from the stage, but she was surrounded by other students. At that time, she didnt pay much attention to Mei Fangs presence, and Mei Fang only offered a simple congratulations the next day.
Now, their roles seemed to have switched.
Mei Fang was now the shining youth on the stage, while Liu Xiaoyu could only welcome the guests outside the stage as a miss etiquette and silently watch everyones performances.
It gave him a feeling as if he had taken away her youth and luck.
That cheongsam youre wearing today is also very beautiful.
T-Thank you.
Mei Fang scratched his head and wondered if he shouldnt have said that. He suddenly realized that he was still holding the camera.
Would you like me to take some photos for you? To keep as a remembrance?
Um sure, that would be nice.
Liu Xiaoyu didnt refuse but instead placed her hands in front of her abdomen in a more formal posture. However, being stared at by Mei Fang made her feel a bit embarrassed.
This way, doesnt it look a bit strange?
No, not at all. I think it looks quite good.
Mei Fang quickly took a few shots of Liu Xiaoyu.
Is it done? I want to see them.
Mei Fang took a few steps back and waved with a smile at Liu Xiaoyu, It seems like Im not that good at taking photos. Ill have a professional do it later.
Professional?
At that moment, Xiang Bingbing came over with Xia Yuan and Lin Youxi, linking their shoulders and smiling happily. They seemed like children beside Xiang Bingbing.
Oh, its Mei Fang. What are you doing here?
Oh, its Xiaoyu!
Xia Yuan immediately ran up to Liu Xiaoyu excitedly and greeted her, Today was so busy, and I didnt get a chance to talk to you. Your cheongsam looks amazing.
Hehe you all did great in your performance too. Liu Xiaoyu looked at Lin Youxi beside her, Especially Class Monitor Youxi. I usually see you being so serious, but I didnt expect you to have such a soft side.
I just deliberately showed that side of me for the sake of singing. Its the technique Yuan Yuan taught me.
Huh? When did I teach Youxi that? Xia Yuan didnt think much of it, and enthusiastically nodded, Ah, yes, thats right Youxi is amazing, she learned it quickly.
The two of them were used to hyping each other up, and after their praise session, Xia Yuan pulled Liu Xiaoyu closer.
You are the hero of our accompaniment arrangement this time. Without your help, I wouldnt have been able to handle it alone. Lets have a meal together sometime! No, this weekend!
Youre welcome I just did what I was supposed to do
Liu Xiaoyu held Xia Yuans hand, Can we take a few photos together?
Sure, lets take some photos together! Youxi, come too.
The three of them asked Xiang Bingbing to take group photos.
You guys are so nice! I also want to take some photos with you. Your name is Liu Xiaoyu, right? Youre so cute.
Y-Youre also cute.
It was the first time Liu Xiaoyu had met Xiang Bingbing, and she didnt expect her to be so overwhelmingly cute.
Mei Fang, Mei Fang, can you help us take some photos?
Just to clarify in advance, my photography skills are terrible. If you dont blame me, then sure.
Go, go, Hurry up and take it! Ive been hugging Xiaoyu for so long, my hands are getting numb.
Xia Yuan urged Mei Fang to take the photos quickly, and Mei Fang squatted down and took several shots from different angles.
Choose a few from these, there should be some good ones
Mei Fang showed the results to the girls, and everyone started looking through the pictures.
These turned out quite good
Xia Yuan was browsing the photos when she accidentally came across two photos that Mei Fang had taken of Liu Xiaoyu.
Wow! These two pictures they look so beautiful! Did Ah Fang take these too?
Xia Yuanchong puffed his cheeks at Mei Fang and said, Youve never been so serious when taking pictures of me before.
Thats not true
Yes, it is, Lin Youxi said from the side, adding fuel to the fire.
Liu Xiaoyu is naturally beautiful, it has nothing to do with me.
Mei Fangs excuse-filled praise made Liu Xiaoyu blush. Of course, for the water balancing master like him, it was just a casual comment, but only intensified the jealousy of Lin Youxi and Xia Yuan.
Are you saying that Youxi and I arent good-looking?
I never said that! Dont make things up!
Oh theres no need to argue about these things. I think everyone looks great. Xiang Bingbing stepped forward and wrapped her arm around Mei Fangs shoulder. Mei Fang is definitely going to become a star in the future. I should take a commemorative photo with him first, so I can brag about it later!
Xiang Bingbings action of hugging Mei Fang gave off the feeling of an older sister holding her younger brother. Mei Fang didnt dare to move, fearing that he might accidentally ruin the shot.
Yuan Yuan, can you take a photo of me and Mei Fang?
Uhum Xia Yuan hesitated for a while before extending her hand. Only one photo.
Take several, I want to choose the best one.
Just one photo is enough to make it look good!
Xia Yuan took the camera and carefully took a photo of Xiang Bingbing and Mei Fang.
Hmm, this strange feeling
Xia Yuan showed the camera to Xiang Bingbing and then quickly snatched her Ah Fang back from Xiang Bingbings arm.
This one its passable, but its far worse than the photos Mei Fang and I took. Its a bit blurry. Can you take another one?
Xia Yuan held Mei Fang tightly and refused to let Xiang Bingbing take him. I said only one photo. Our Ah Fang wont lend himself to taking photos with other girls.
But didnt you lend Ah Fang to Peng Xue before just because she wanted to experience what its like to take a photo with a boyfriend?
Lin Youxis remark left Xia Yuan blushing and stammering, Th-That was its different! Okay, okay lets take one more, but just one more, okay?
Xiaoyu, would you like to join us too? It might look better if we take a photo together. Its my first time seeing a real cheongsam, so lets take a photo together.
Liu Xiaoyu hesitated, unsure if it would make Xia Yuan unhappy if she agreed, so she glanced at Xia Yuan.
Its fine, Xiaoyu If you want to take a photo, go ahead. Its really fine, but this really is the last one.
Xia Yuan felt a sense of wanting to cry but couldnt shed tears. Liu Xiaoyu saw this and shook her head, saying, I Im fine. We dont have to take a photo.
You should take it, its okay! Ah Fang took such good pictures of you, he must want to take a photo with you too
Xia Yuan reluctantly pushed Liu Xiaoyu towards Xiang Bingbing and Mei Fang with a wronged expression. Mei Fang looked helpless as he exchanged a glance with Lin Youxi, clearly blaming her for meddling too much; if it wasnt for her, there wouldnt be so much trouble.
Lin Youxi put on a rather amusing expression, observing Mei Fangs pitiful reaction.
This time, Xiang Bingbing bent her body, placing one hand on Mei Fangs shoulder and the other on Liu Xiaoyus. The three of them stood a little apart, making Mei Fang feel less awkward.
Pose properly, Ah Fang. Dont look so lifeless.
Xia Yuan was determined to take a good photo, so she instructed the three of them to strike a pose.
Xiang Bingbing gestured with her hands on both their shoulders, making the V sign, and Mei Fang and Liu Xiaoyu followed suit.
Done! Hmm, this one turned out pretty good. Take a look, what do you think?
Liu Xiaoyu and Xiang Bingbing leaned in to look at the photo.
Well its quite nice.
It looks symmetric I feel a strange beauty in its symmetry! Alright, this is good enough!
A few more photos were taken behind the scenes, except for Mei Fang, who tried to avoid taking individual photos with Liu Xiaoyu and Xiang Bingbing.
Taking a photo with Xiang Bingbing didnt matter much, but he wanted to minimize being in photos with Liu Xiaoyu.
Mei Fang wasnt narcissistic enough to think that singing one song would make Liu Xiaoyu fall for him. After all, in their past lives, it was evident that Liu Xiaoyu didnt have any feelings for him beyond friendship.
So, this was also his way of declaring to Xia Yuan and Lin Youxi that he belonged to them.
The Autumn Art Festival finally came to an end. After a busy day, Xia Yuan practically hung onto Mei Fangs arm as they walked home.
Im so exhausted
Were not home yet, calm down. If someone sees us and reports us to our homeroom teachers, well be in trouble.
Its not as exaggerated as youre making it sound. Geez Oh, right, right! Xia Yuan quickly stepped forward to stop Mei Fang and Lin Youxi, then suggested, We definitely wont have much time to hug or only hug briefly when we get home like this. Lets recharge our energy here in the pavilion.
Together or separately? Lin Youxi asked.
Together here?! Xia Yuan blushed and refuted, Lets do it separately.
Then, Yuan Yuan, you go first. I can see that youre exhausted. Lin Youxi smiled and added, Ill give you some privacy.
Well hug for just five minutes!
Xia Yuan pulled Mei Fang and they sat down in the pavilion.
How does it feel to step on stage for the first time?
Its wonderful, Mei Fang nodded. My life is without regrets.
Why are you already talking about having no regrets in our youth? Its too early for that. There are still many things we can do in the future. After the Autumn Art Festival, theres the New Years Eve Gala. We can prepare a few new songs and gather ten in total. We can release an album together, shoot an MV, and then upload it to C Site.
But thats thinking too far ahead Its not even a sure thing yet
While Mei Fang was complaining, Xia Yuan got up from her position and jumped onto Mei Fang, sitting on him, and gently rubbed his cheek.
Its really nice
Ive been wondering if the reason you refused to perform on stage before this is because I mocked you back then. If I really did cause you to lose that courage, I would regret it for the rest of my life.
Its not that serious but I still want to thank you and Youxi, Mei Fang shook his head. You didnt leave the stage and stayed with me, facing everyones gaze. Im truly touched.
Hehe Its impressive, isnt it? But I cant take credit. It was Youxis idea; shes more thoughtful than me.
Xia Yuan murmured, lifting her head and tapping Mei Fangs nose, then resting her forehead against his.
In your eyes, I must always be a child who never grows up, right?
How is that possible? Do you want me to show off my skills again?
Ah Fang, youre such a naughty boy!
Not as much as you.
Youre still saying that!
Xia Yuan playfully pinched Mei Fangs cheek. Since the incident when she said something inappropriate to him while eating chicken soup, she had been rolling in bed for dozens of rounds that night. Since then, she started avoiding such topics, not wanting to appear to him as that kind of girl.
Okay, okay, no more teasing. Satisfied, Xia Yuan lay on Mei Fangs shoulder. I need to recharge my energy.
As soon as Xia Yuan finished speaking, Lin Youxi tapped her shoulder.
Is it time already?
Lin Youxi nodded. But you can go over the time limit. Ill just do the same.
Then lets not do that.
Xia Yuan quickly made room for Lin Youxi. Both Mei Fang and Xia Yuan thought Lin Youxi would ask Mei Fang to stand up and lean against her, but this time, Lin Youxi sat directly in Mei Fangs lap.
Mei Fang was like her throne now; she leaned back against him, relaxed and lying comfortably in his arms.
Then she held Mei Fangs arms to wrap herself with them and closed her eyes, letting out a comfortable sigh.
Its quite warm
Xia Yuan blushed as she watched.
But it was clearly me who made it warm.
When Lin Youxi opened her eyes, she noticed Xia Yuans complaining expression.
Why dont you go for a walk, Yuan Yuan?
I know, I know!
Xia Yuan dejectedly went off to take a walk.
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