In front of the stage, the host sang the closing line in a passionate voice that seemed to "make the enemy shudder with fear", "Dear leaders, distinguished guests, dear teachers and students, in this season of harvesting hope and showing the grace of youth, we gather together, let us weave singing and dancing into a sea of music, let the songs and laughter spread across the country... The art performance report of the junior high school of the No. 1 Middle School of the city... officially begins..."
The performance begins.
The first program was a chorus of the first-year junior high school students singing "My Motherland". The slightly immature chorus did not lose the grandeur and vastness of the song. Although the sound effects were not that good in that era, and although every student in a white shirt and a red scarf had his face painted like a monkey's butt, Cheng Ran felt as if he saw himself in the past.
Those were the years when he was full of hope for everything in the world, full of novelty and defenseless acceptance of exploration. Now, although his body is still young, his soul is old, penetrating the past and the future... His youth has long been left here, in the time frozen in this song and the old-fashioned auditorium.
When you go back to those days, can you still be flattered by an encouragement, or feel excited for winning a certain competition, or just for having fought hard? Can you still remember the first time you left home, the passion for exploring the future and the sadness of separation, can you recall the first time you confessed your love, the tingling tension in your limbs and the beating heartbeat
It's hard to get that feeling back.
That is why the only first time is so precious.
Seeing those young faces, Cheng Ran suddenly felt very envious.
He simply found a step at the edge of the first row closest to the stage and sat down, enjoying the shows unfolding before his eyes.
Jiang Hongshao came out. Generally speaking, the whole auditorium was very orderly. Most of the students had been watching the show obediently. Only when there were funny parts in the skit would the whole audience burst into chaotic laughter. The rest of the applause was generally uniform as the show went on.
First, someone helped to bring in musical instruments and stools. After Jiang Hongshao, who was playing the piano solo, came out and sat down, many cheers came from all directions, which triggered a wave of **.
Yes, in Cheng Ran's memory, there seemed to be such a scene with Jiang Hongshao, but he remembered that at that time he slipped out of the designated position of the class in advance, shuttled to the back row at the end of the hall, went outside with Yu Xiao and a few others to buy some food, and strolled around for most of the performance time before coming back. When he came back, he saw the end of Jiang Hongshao's performance. At that time, he just watched from a distance, just like the people around him.
Cheng Ran was attracted by her seriousness and devotion. Pleasant music jumped out in the rhythm of her fingertips, sometimes the water under the bridge was sobbing and the spring was gurgling, sometimes there were swords and horses, wildfires raging on the prairie, and big drums were beating, sometimes rocks flew through the sky and waves crashed against the shore, and sometimes there was a lonely fisherman singing in the pavilion.
For a moment, everyone felt as if they were seeing a series of pictures in which a female general commanded thousands of troops to charge into battle, and when the fighting took a break, she walked in the misty tower in a plain red skirt with a look of compassion for the people.
The music alternated between passionate and lingering, and suddenly stopped in the middle of a rush. People felt their spirits empty, and had not yet recovered from the emotions of the soaring music. The staff went up one after another to move the piano, and Jiang Hongshao stood up and bowed.
People burst into warm applause.
Principal Zhou Tao sat in the first row and nodded. "Although the existing cultural relics research materials are not enough for us to fully restore the ancient konghou's techniques, this modern konghou, when played to perfection, can still give us a glimpse of the ancient charm! To be able to play like this, you must have at least the basic skills of the guzheng and guqin. After all, the modern konghou is also a new instrument developed based on these..."
Then Cheng Ran heard a lot of inquiries coming from all around.
"Who is that..."
"Hongshao from Class 1, Grade 9, Jiang Hongshao..."
"Oh, I've seen this before... There are talents like this..."
"Ah... Why did I only discover her when I was about to graduate..."
"What's the big deal? I've been admitted to a high school, and it's the first one, so we can meet then..."
"I've decided. I'm going to pursue her in high school..."
"Forget it..."
There were murmurs all around, and even after several shows, the discussion couldn't be stopped.
Until a solo performance began on the stage, a thin boy from Class 7, with his hands in his trouser pockets, sang in Cantonese with a melancholy face, "Today, I watch the snow drifting by in the cold night, drifting far away with a cooled heart, chasing in the wind and rain... I can't tell the shadow in the fog..." It was a song called "Boundless Oceans and Sky", which was released by Gangdu in 1993. It was very popular and many people sang along and immersed themselves in it.
But this boy's voice broke during the chorus, "Forgive me for my uninhibited and free-spirited life, but I'm also afraid that one day I'll fall...", which caused a burst of laughter. Some people commented, "Pretty! So silly!"
But someone immediately retorted, "What are you laughing at... Would you dare to stand up there?"
Yu Xiao came over and whispered, "Our class will be performing the next show. Just help move the desks and chairs for the skit in front... Make room for our class in advance."
The skit ended with laughter after the solo, and Cheng Ran stood up and walked to the table behind the curtain with Yu Xiao and a few other boys in the class. When they passed by a group of girls standing in the back row, Su Qian, Zhang Xiaojia and other girls in ancient costumes whispered, "Thank you!"
As if stimulated by these words, several boys were as light as a swallow, and they couldn't wait to show their strength. They trotted downstairs carrying tables, chairs and benches.
Zhang Xiaojia looked at Cheng Ran's back and said to Yang Xia in white in front of him, "Actually, Cheng Ran is pretty good."
There were only a few dozen seconds left before the performance. As Zhang Xiaojia was speaking, Yang Xia's eyes fell on Cheng Ran. The figure was carrying a chair and gradually disappeared into the shadows behind the scenes.
…
…
Cheng Ran moved the chairs to the designated location, stacking them one on top of another. Suddenly, he seemed to catch a glimpse of an acquaintance. It was Jiang Chuan. He was in the backstage sound control room, opened the window, and pointed fingers at Cheng Ran.
Jiangchuan picked up the Sony Walkman, opened the lid, took out a tape and waved.
Cheng Ran frowned, not understanding what he meant. At this time, the music had already started, and their class 4's "Moon Lake" dance began. The stage was bright and the music was beating the eardrums.
Cheng Ran waved to him, indicating that he should come over and talk to him if he had anything to say.
But seeing that he didn't know whether Jiangchuan had misunderstood the gesture, he went back to the music control room.
I guess it’s not a big deal. He will come to me after the performance.
Jiang Chuan had indeed misunderstood. He was actually making a final confirmation. After he took out the tape, Cheng Ran did not come over to stop him, and did not even make any similar moves, which meant that everything went according to plan.
But is it really possible? Should we really continue? Jiang Chuan still felt that it was too bold. He probably only had the courage of a guy like Cheng Ran. He had also gone to Cheng Ran and Yu Xiao to confirm it at first.
"Should we still implement our plan? It seems a bit risky..."
What did Yu Xiao say in front of Cheng Ran at that time: "What's the risk... Who is Cheng Ran... He will definitely succeed!"
For the final confirmation, at this final countdown moment, Jiang Chuan just took out the tape, and Cheng Ran did not stop him... In other words, let's proceed as planned!
Thinking of this, Jiang Chuan's heart began to burn inexplicably.
I think many people want to have a great life in the last period of junior high school, but most people are just mediocre. Cheng Ran is really admirable...
If it could really succeed... Jiang Chuan looked at the beautiful white figure on the stage and couldn't help but feel nervous and excited. Then this would be perfect!
…
…
Although I have seen the rehearsal, the "Moon Lake" performed by Yang Xia and the girls in Class 4 is still very different on the real stage. The girls spent a month choreographing this dance, and everyone hopes to leave the best footnote in the last moments of high school and show their best side.
On the stage, the girls were dancing gracefully. The highlight was that the girls lined up in two rows and danced with their sleeves fluttering in the air, while Yang Xia in white was dancing among them like a butterfly. Her steps were sometimes brisk, sometimes slow, and sometimes fast. The long legs outlined by her gauze skirt inadvertently revealed a specific contour, causing the Adam's apples of many boys who were in love to rise and fall rapidly.
The music reached its graceful end, and all the girls gathered in the center, and then waved their sleeves to simulate the momentum of a spring. Yang Xia was in the center, implying purity, kneeling on her knees, leaning back, throwing her two white sleeves to the sky, and bending her body backwards. The girl's body was graceful and the scene was frozen. In return, she received warm applause.
Yu Xiao rushed over with a big bunch of flowers and stuffed them directly into Cheng Ran's arms, "Quick, quick, quick! Go up and present the flowers! It's up to you."
Before Cheng Ran could react, Yu Xiao pointed anxiously at the stage, "Hurry up! It's time to take a bow!"
Then push and shove from behind.
There is nothing wrong with giving flowers. When each program is over, there will usually be people rushing forward. Some come here to arrange programs for their class, and some come here on their own initiative. Sometimes, there will be laughter from the audience. The more flowers a person receives, the more popular he or she is.
Cheng Ran thought that this was probably arranged by the class, so it didn't matter if he sent the bouquet up. So he walked up with the bouquet.
At this time, the host came over and the show started to end. The girls from Class 4 were all heading backstage. Only Yang Xia was at the front. When she saw Cheng Ran going on stage to present flowers, she naturally stopped for a moment.
Suddenly the lights dimmed and a spotlight fell on Cheng Ran who was walking on the stage.
It was an incandescent circle of light that fell from the sky, and Cheng Ran was a little confused for a moment.
At this time, he also saw Yang Xia's face, which was full of a bad premonition.
At the same time, there was a burst of noise coming from the speakers.
Jiang Chuan was originally from the Student Union, and he was the one who managed and played the music for the art performance. There were people in the clubhouse who specialized in operating these devices, but the specific arrangement of the music for the performance was still decided by the Student Union. So Jiang Chuan let the spotlight fall on Cheng Ran and put the tape into the player.
A soothing music came.
Then, with such music as the background, Cheng Ran's steps towards Yang Xia suddenly stopped, but it was too late. He was no more than three meters away from Yang Xia at this time. Then, what came out from the loudspeaker was the real voice of his reciting in Mandarin.
"If I love you
It is not like the climbing trumpet creeper.
Use your high branches to show off yourself,
If I love you
Never learn to be a lovelorn bird
Repeat the monotonous song for Green Shade.
… ”
There were discussions from the audience, "What..."
"Why are you reciting poetry, especially love poetry? Could it be..."
"That girl is the beauty of Class 4, Yang Xia. This one is Cheng Ran... the one who made a bet with the teacher..."
"Wow! Are you kidding me..."
The rustling of human voices became more and more intense like the tide.
…
The recitation continues.
“It is not just like a dangerous peak, it increases your height and highlights your majesty.
Even daylight.
Even spring rain.
…
I must be a kapok tree near you,
As the image of the tree stands with you.
roots, clenched in the ground;
Leaves touch each other in the clouds.
Yang Xia, this poem represents my feelings and is for you! "
…
What the hell is this!
Cheng Ran was completely madly insane.
Because the light was shining on him, Cheng Ran could not see the situation below the stage except Yang Xia who was very close to him. There was a dark tide there, but Cheng Ran knew that those were people. His ears were filled with loud sounds of "Oh oh" erupting from all directions.
Principal Zhou Tao in the first row opened his mouth in slight surprise, but in the end said nothing.
The faculty and staff looked at Cheng Ran on the stage. Some laughed, "These young people... this is youth..."
Jiangchuan, Yu Xiao's mystery, tape...
Cheng Ran suddenly realized that everything was connected. He also remembered the most subtle corner of his memory.
That is true... But that was a month before the performance. At that time, Cheng Ran was planning to do something big, so he went to Yu Xiao's house and found Jiang Chuan, who was always holding his Walkman in his hand at school, to record the poem that Cheng Ran was going to express his love at the performance, which was Shu Ting's famous love poem "To the Oak Tree".
However, this had never happened in the previous life. It was like a joke, a sudden burst of courage in the young man's excited mood, just like you knew the girl's phone number, and then, under the encouragement of a group of friends, you pressed buttons one by one, but when the number was about to be dialed to establish contact with her and you were about to hear that voice, you suddenly hung up the phone.
In his previous life, Cheng Ran didn't have the courage, and his best friends like Yu Xiao naturally didn't think he could succeed. So this incident didn't happen, and he naturally forgot about it afterwards.
Who knew that he would be reborn, and his performance after rebirth made Yu Xiao believe that he was capable of achieving his goal. Even Jiang Chuan did not doubt it. After just confirming it twice, he made up his mind to help him.
So this incident happened by accident.
This is considered...
Did you screw yourself?...
Cheng Ran looked at Yang Xia, who was shocked at first, then her face changed drastically and tears suddenly flowed out. Just as Cheng Ran was about to explain, Yang Xia took off her headdress and put the flowers in it.
Without caring about the pulling of her hair and the hair that was scattered after being forcibly torn off, she smashed the hairpin towards Cheng Ran's chest.
The iron on the hairpin left several bloody marks on Cheng Ran's neck, which was burning. The pearls on it splattered and fell to the ground in a mess, followed by her crying voice.
"Cheng Ran! Why are you so annoying!"
The host was right next to him and the microphone was very close, so the echo of this sentence was long and far-reaching.
Why are you so annoying...
Hate it, hate it...
She kicked Cheng Ran on the back of his thigh. Even though he was wearing dance shoes, Cheng Ran felt a piercing pain and frowned.
He saw the look in Yang Xia's eyes, which was full of resentment that he had ruined the most beautiful scene of her high school years.
Cheng Ran sighed. There are always all kinds of accidents in life, but no accident is as bizarre as the one before him. His past self dug a big hole for his future self.
There was no point in saying anything now. Yang Xia slowly backed away with tears in her eyes, turned around and ran away.
The host was stunned, and the noise in the whole school paused at this moment.
Is this a failed confession
After Cheng Ran's brain briefly transformed and responded to this incident, he reached out to the host. The female host had obviously not recovered from the incident yet, and saw Cheng Ran grabbing her hand, and the microphone fell into Cheng Ran's hand.
Cheng Ran held the microphone, still facing the audience under the white light above his head.
You could hear a pin drop in the venue.
Even singing hymns in church is not so solemn.
After a pause, Cheng Ran put on a serious face and said to the microphone, "As the successor of the Four Modernizations, everyone should take this as a lesson... At this stage, you should focus your mind and energy on studying! In the reserved program just now, I demonstrated to everyone what the consequences of not studying hard and falling in love early will be..."
After a short silence.
In an instant, the sound of a bang exploded again. Almost every corner of the hall was shaken up and down.
"It is still possible..." A large group of people were dumbfounded.
Li Zhan pointed at Cheng Ran and said to Zhang Ming beside him, "Look how cunning he is! Vice Principal Zhang, look how cunning he is!"
The students from the next class and the next class all gave a thumbs up, "Cheng Ran... this is really... so steady, brother... "
"Awesome... I can make it right this way..."
"This shrimp is so smart... Who is he... It's quite a sensation!"
Some people also expressed doubts, "Is this really a reserved program, a performance that the two of them had discussed?"
"It must be fake... But it looks so real, it scared me just now!"
“It’s absolutely true!”
…
…
Jiang Hongshao, who witnessed everything from the audience, was stunned at first, but then she saw the changes in Cheng Ran's expression from beginning to end and his declaration, and she couldn't help but burst out laughing.