Performing the Butterfly Lovers

As the intermission approached, Mu Qingxi and Qin Yu hurriedly changed into their performance costumes. In an instant, two dashing young gentlemen appeared before everyone; only, one was dressed as a servant. Under Guo Chen’s astonished gaze, the two of them dashed off.

Guo Chen turned to Bai Fanhao and asked, “They’re the ones performing ‘Liang Zhu’? Then who are the other two?”

“Hai Fei and Xu Hongliang,” Bai Fanhao replied coolly, though his tone carried a hint of annoyance. Of all the plays, why did they have to choose ‘Liang Zhu’? Now everyone would see him as Ma Wencai!

Guo Chen burst out laughing, “Hahaha, I suddenly think people really will call you Ma Wencai!”

“Shut your crow’s mouth and go announce the next act.”

Mu Qingxi and Qin Yu ran all the way to the backstage area, where Hai Fei and Xu Hongliang were already waiting, their hats almost enough to make anyone laugh out loud—especially Xu Hongliang, who looked every bit the part of an old Beijing rickshaw puller.

“Everyone must be wondering where the female host has gone. Well, it’s the two of us here to announce the next act. Hehe, as you all know, classics are eternal, and legends even more so. The story of Liang Zhu, which we’ve inherited to this day, is one such classic,” Guo Chen said with a playful grin.

“We’re all familiar with the story of Liang Zhu, so we won’t say much more. Next, please welcome the performance of ‘Liang Zhu,’” Bai Fanhao announced.

Applause rang out, and Wu Qilong’s song “Soaring Together” began to play, filling the entire hall. Instantly, the audience quieted.

In the audience.

“Mom, that’s my sister! She’s performing too—I really admire her. She’s going to be my idol from now on!” Mu Qingyang exclaimed excitedly, gripping Shen Yali’s hand.

“That’s enough, I see her,” Shen Yali replied.

The students in the audience were silent, perhaps due to the music, listening attentively and watching the dramatic scene unfold on stage.

“Old Guo, I must say, I really like these four hosts—especially those two girls. Their calm confidence, their presence: one is charming and adorable, yet poised and sensible; the other is gentle as water, but with a playful sparkle,” a forty-year-old man remarked to Principal Guo. The nameplate in front of him read Jia Qingyun, Provincial Minister of Arts and Culture.

“Old Jia, those two girls weren’t even my choice. I only asked my son and nephew to go on stage—the girls wanted to audition, but Fanhao insisted on picking them himself,” Principal Guo whispered in Minister Jia’s ear.

Minister Jia chuckled, “Fanhao must be picking out a wife! Look, they’re performing ‘Liang Zhu’ and that boy is glaring from the sidelines!”

“So, Old Jia, what do you think? Just these four?”

“These four, yes, but we should ask for their opinions too. Old Guo, let’s have dinner tomorrow and ask them what they think—you set the time.”

“Alright, I’ll go tell those two lads and the two girls in a bit.”

The performance of ‘Liang Zhu’ had just ended on stage, and thunderous applause filled the hall. Shen Yali’s expression was conflicted, a mix of comfort and guilt, as if lost in her thoughts.

For the remainder of the program, Shen Yali barely paid attention, only gazing at her daughter as she took the stage to make announcements, smiling gently.

Four more appeared on stage, all dressed in red and white. Qin Yu spoke, “Unknowingly, the evening is coming to an end. Honestly, it’s hard to say goodbye to such joyful times.”

“In these happy moments, we must take our leave,” Bai Fanhao added.

“Yes, all good things must come to an end. Our vocal music teachers would like to present a final song for you all,” Mu Qingxi said gracefully.

“Please welcome our vocal music teachers as they perform ‘Together in Love’ for you,” Guo Chen announced.

As soon as he finished speaking, four vocal music teachers from No.1 High School—two men and two women—came onstage and began to sing...