CHAPTER 563: NEW YEAR’S GALA IS COMING_2

No one expected someone to run to the restroom three times in such a short span.

Inside the theater, everyone was busy with their respective tasks, and no one paid attention to a lighting technician rushing to the restroom three times. The lights had been installed, and next came the tuning process. Li Xiaojun went to discuss with the lighting technician.

At noon, at twelve o’clock, during the box lunch break, Ling Yue—who was the main planner for the evening gala—held a brief meeting. Thirty minutes later, the rehearsal began.

"Has everyone needed for the rehearsal arrived?"

One of the student council members responsible for the rehearsal raised their hand: "No, not everyone."

Ling Yue cast a sharp glance at them.

The girl quickly spoke up: "Shen You’an from Class A in the first year hasn’t arrived."

Shen You’an?

Ling Yue frowned.

"Did anyone call her?"

The girl murmured timidly: "We did, but she said she has something to do this afternoon and can’t make it. She’ll go straight on stage tonight."

"Straight on stage? Does she think she’s some genius pianist who doesn’t need to rehearse? That’s way too arrogant."

Someone mocked, "Well, she just won the CMO gold medal. She’s got quite the ego, clearly doesn’t think much of our little gala here."

"I think she’s just throwing in the towel and doesn’t even know how many keys are on the piano. I heard it’s because she got provoked by Qin Xiangge that she signed up for the piano solo. Tsk tsk, no matter how clever a top student is, they can’t resist taunts. To compete with Qin Xiangge on piano? She’s lost her mind."

"Sister Yue, honestly, let’s just forget about her. In the end, if someone embarrasses themselves on stage, it’s her, not us. We’ve done our duty; no one can blame us."

Ling Yue frowned and interrupted, "Do you realize the caliber of tonight’s guests? If there’s a hole in the program, it’s not just Shen You’an who’ll be embarrassed; it’ll reflect poorly on all of us. Contact Shen You’an again. If she doesn’t show up for rehearsal, I’ll have no choice but to cut her program."

"Senior." Qin Xiangge stepped forward, dressed in an elegant gown.

Her makeup was flawlessly done, and her long hair flowed over her shoulders. She exuded a gentle and dignified air, drawing everyone’s attention.

Ling Yue’s tone softened upon seeing her: "Why are you here?"

"Senior, Shen is a highly responsible person. She wouldn’t miss rehearsal without a valid reason. I think she might truly have something important going on. Please give her another chance."

"But..." Ling Yue looked troubled.

Qin Xiangge said with absolute confidence, "I’ve heard Shen play the piano before. Her skill surpasses mine by far. Senior, she must have confidence in her abilities to skip rehearsal. Think about it—she just won the CMO gold medal, and the school leadership is enamored with her right now. If you cancel her program, and she complains to the administration, won’t you wind up with unnecessary trouble? Those who know take it as your responsibility; those who don’t might think you’re deliberately targeting her."

As the event planner, Ling Yue had to consider more than the others did. Qin Xiangge’s reasoning hit the right note, successfully persuading her.

She nodded. "Fine, for your sake, I’ll give her one more chance."

One thing was certain—if anyone ended up disgraced, it’d be Shen You’an, and no one could pin the fault on her.

Qin Xiangge’s lips curved into a smile. "Thank you, Senior."

Ling Yue glanced at her sideways. "You really have a soft spot for her."

Qin Xiangge chuckled lightly. "We’re in the same class; we see each other every day. If I can help, why not?"

"Let’s hope she appreciates your kindness."

Ling Yue was called away.

Qin Xiangge’s gaze lowered slightly, hiding the cold glint in her eyes.

She certainly wasn’t as kind-hearted as she appeared.

How could she let Shen You’an’s program be canceled? That would rob her of the opportunity to humiliate Shen publicly.

Qin Xiangge raised her head to look at the grand stage lighting above her. Those lights had been specially prepared just for her. She would make sure everyone saw Shen You’an’s disgrace tonight.

Backstage, Luuo Yunqi sat in a corner, headphones on, humming softly along with the melody.

Xiao Ling, dressed in a dance outfit, walked up to her. "Yunqi, are you ready? You’re up next."

Luuo Yunqi opened her eyes and pressed her lips together tightly. "I don’t know... I’ve never sung in public before."

"Don’t be nervous. Your voice is naturally stunning. Besides, you’re destined to be a star in the future—performing on bigger stages for thousands of audiences. Just treat this as practice."

Luuo Yunqi seemed distracted, glancing down at her phone intermittently.

A staff member called Luuo Yunqi’s name—it was her turn to rehearse.

Luuo Yunqi put away her phone and followed them to the waiting area by the stage.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed with a notification. Unable to resist, Luuo Yunqi pulled it out to check.

A WeChat message popped up: "I’ve looked into it. That girl’s last name is Yu, from Jingzhou."

Luuo Yunqi’s grip tightened on her phone. Surname Yu, from Jingzhou.