Chu Lian arrived at school only to realize she was actually a bit late. Unlike the so-called top school she previously attended, this place had a very strong academic atmosphere. The students were self-disciplined, making her feel a bit embarrassed just leaning on her desk.
She noticed quite a few students sneaking glances at her, their eyes showing surprise, admiration, or curiosity. These complex looks weren't there before. Something had definitely changed.
"Chu Lian, who taught you the guzheng? I don't study it, but it sounded amazing... and who was that lady in red? Is she really your sister? She's so beautiful!" Before class started, Li Xiu'er secretly ran over and leaned close to Chu Lian's face, whispering her questions.
"Huh? You saw the video I uploaded to M Station? I thought you guys wouldn't be watching that." Chu Lian was a bit surprised. If they went on M Station, at least a few of them must have seen her video. But yesterday, aside from Cai Ya being pressured to speak up, no one else seemed to mention it.
"Of course we go on there. Actually, it's not just M Station. People from our school also check Youku, QQ, and other sites to watch and upload their own works. I don't like big platforms, so I picked the more down-to-earth M Station. Anyway, you still haven't told me who taught you the guzheng..." Li Xiu'er wrinkled her nose and whispered.
"The guzheng? I taught myself. In fact, I don't just play the guzheng—I know other traditional instruments too..." Seeing the topic wasn't changing, Chu Lian blinked and spoke with a touch of pride. If it could distract Li Xiu'er from asking about the lady in red, then anything else was fine.
"Wow, Chu Lian, you're amazing..." Li Xiu'er, being inexperienced and pure-hearted—and also seeing Chu Lian as her idol—believed her without a hint of doubt.
"Oh right, I figured out how they all found out about you. It seems both of your videos were reposted to Youku. People who usually browse that site just discovered them. I..."
Li Xiu'er glanced at Chu Lian, then continued, "I didn't see your first video before, since I'm not really into cutesy stuff. But when I saw the guzheng performance, I clicked right away..."
Li Xiu'er didn't hide the truth. And indeed, the stir caused by Chu Lian's videos online was growing more intense. The new video had splashed into the online world like water into a pan of oil, creating endless waves—all while Chu Lian herself remained unaware.
That was her own fault. She kept reminding herself to check on her video stats, but always got distracted with other tasks and forgot. As a result, she only knew about her M Station data—nothing else.
If not for Li Xiu'er bringing it up, she might've continued thinking her videos were only popular within M Station. She didn't expect they had already been reuploaded to the biggest video site in the country. Judging from that, the buzz was probably significant, leaving her both happy and concerned.
She was happy because this kind of popularity came without any self-promotion—definitely a good thing. But she was also worried that if she attracted too much attention too soon, it might lead to problems she couldn't handle at her current level.
But there was nothing she could do to stop it. Any interference would only backfire. For now, she could only take things one step at a time and adopt a "deal with it as it comes" approach.
Ayase, lying on her sofa and seemingly asleep, was actually watching Chu Lian's reaction in secret. Seeing her choose this approach, she first nodded, then shook her head. Clearly, Chu Lian still lacked the strength to fully support her confidence.
Wanting to know more about how things would unfold, Chu Lian chatted with Li Xiu'er a bit longer. They only separated once it was almost time for class.
Because of yesterday's homeroom meeting, today's first period was also a class meeting. During this session, the class would select the performances to represent them in the school festival. The students were all aware of this, so when the teacher slowly walked in carrying a stack of papers, everyone instinctively turned to look at her.
The teacher was slightly surprised but also pleased. It seemed this year's school celebration had genuinely piqued the interest of these elite students, making them more invested in the selection process.
After all, in their eyes, having their work chosen to be performed was a form of recognition for their abilities.
Helping the class win the qualification for the study trip would be a great honor. Even if they didn't place well, performing alongside other excellent entries would still be a worthwhile experience.
They weren't thinking about adult power plays or politics—just what students their age should be focused on. Chu Lian shook her head inwardly. She had already seen through the real situation yesterday.
Still, she held great respect for this teacher who always faced the students with a composed smile despite carrying many burdens and had never once complained. So, even without the system task driving her, she would give her all for this class performance.
After the bell rang and students had greeted and taken their seats, the teacher adjusted her glasses and spoke seriously: "Yesterday, I received thirty-three submissions from students. Though seven students didn't turn anything in, I'm still very pleased."
"Unfortunately, we can only choose the ten most suitable entries to go forward for the voting stage. That means some of your works won't be considered, despite your sincerity and effort. But don't worry, there will be other opportunities. I believe next time, it'll be your turn."
The students were mentally prepared and didn't show much dissatisfaction—just some regret, already thinking about doing better next time.
"The selected entries are: Cai Ya's song 'The Day in My Dreams'; Wang Tingsi's stage play 'That Summer'; Li Xiu'er's stage play 'Remember Me'; Ruriko Nana's song 'Cicada Song'; Lux Lyle's English song 'This Summer'; Duan Yuan's song 'Where Star Dreams Return'; Zhang Feng's short drama 'Can't Forget You'; Bai Tiange's short drama 'This Dream, So Long'; Liu Yanran's prose recital 'Ten Miles of Fireworks Like a Song, A Farewell at the Pavilion'; and Chu Lian's song 'Having You in My Life.'"
The teacher turned to the blackboard to write the selected works, while some students began distributing information packets about the ten entries. The thick stack would probably take at least twenty minutes to read.
Chu Lian skimmed the materials in her hand, then started quietly observing those whose names had been called.
Cai Ya's expression was tense, but her eyes glowed with confidence; Li Xiu'er had her head down like a shy ostrich—not much confidence there; Wang Tingsi? Still ignoring him; Zhang Feng kept fiddling with his glasses, clearly nervous.
Lux Lyle was one of the school's many foreign students, reportedly from a noble British family. There were three white students in this class alone.
She was the most dazzling among them—beautiful, confident, elegant, fluent in Chinese, and well-liked.
Her golden hair sparkled in the sunlight through the window, giving her an almost ethereal glow. Chu Lian had noticed her before but didn't expect her to compose a song good enough to make the cut. Clearly very capable.
Ruriko Nana, petite and cat-like, had an anime character vibe and came from a Japanese family that moved to China out of admiration for its culture.
She was musically gifted and a skilled artist. That her song was selected wasn't surprising. And since the song was in Chinese, it made her even more formidable. Chu Lian quietly marked her as not to be underestimated.
Duan Yuan was perhaps the most goddess-like girl in class—not the prettiest, but with the graceful bearing of a proper lady. Her calm demeanor and occasional gentle smile were incredibly charming. Clearly, she came from a wealthy, well-mannered family.
Bai Tiange had the worst popularity in class. Though very good-looking, his cold, aloof expression made him seem unapproachable. If not for his regular contributions to class activities, people might have forgotten he existed. He was a kind-hearted but socially inept boy.
Liu Yanran, true to her name, had a classic beauty well beyond her years. If she dressed in traditional clothing, she might rival Chu Lian in charm. Her every movement exuded gentleness. If she maintained this and refined her grace as she matured, she'd be like a figure from a painting.
Chu Lian quickly categorized them all in her mind. Her best impression was of the traditional Liu Yanran, followed by the ladylike Duan Yuan, then the shy Bai Tiange, then the multi-talented Ruriko Nana, and lastly, the shrewd-seeming Lux Lyle.
These were the students whose works had been selected—and arguably the most outstanding individuals in their class.
Things were getting more interesting. Yes... this might actually be quite fun...
A glimmer of something unusual flashed through Chu Lian's eyes.