The banquet was a resounding success, with a perfectly balanced theme and pace. It stayed true to the main point without losing sight of the bigger picture, and even included several performances related to a musical drama towards the end.
On stage.
The youthful and beautiful dancers, with their dazzling and exquisite movements, won cheers from the audience.
The audience.
Zhao Xiyin stood outside the hustle and bustle, her gaze thin as a cicada's wing, her thoughts as if she had fallen into an abyss, her whole being strangely quiet.
After the program, the host took the microphone and cut to the script, saying, "Director Pang is known for his appreciation of talent. As everyone knows, for every new film, he doesn't care about star power; he only chooses those who are suitable. The lead role for 'Nine Thoughts' is still undecided. Director Pang, do you think there are any opportunities for these young actors present to participate?"
It's just a way of putting things on the table, meant to liven up the atmosphere, but it doesn't really count.
The guests at the scene also showed their support, shouting, "Director Pang! Director Pang!"
The host held the microphone in his right hand, put his left hand to his ear in an exaggerated gesture, and then said with a smile, "I heard Director Pang's prepared remarks. He said that anyone who is suitable can sign up on the spot."
It was all pre-arranged, perfectly timed so that the group of young people who had just performed would wave in response, just to fit the mood. Just as the host was about to say his final two sentences, a loud voice rang out from a corner of the crowd: "He's signed up!"
Everyone turned around, and Xiao Shun happily watched the spectacle. Unexpectedly, he was suddenly shoved hard from behind, thrown forward. Although he wasn't at the very front, the commotion was enough to draw everyone's attention to him.
Xiao Shun looked completely bewildered, glancing left and right, unsure of what to do.
The host was also taken aback, but with his experience at a major television station, he quickly regained his composure and was determined to smooth things over. Before he could speak, Pang Ce, who was in the VIP section, raised his hand in greeting.
Pang Ce was nearly sixty years old, with sharp eyes and a strong sense of integrity. He turned around and smiled. Artists often have eccentricities, and this performance was exactly what he wanted.
He had already spoken: "Then let's do a short one."
Zhao Xiyin's heart sank. She hadn't seen clearly who had pushed her, but it was definitely with ill intentions. Now she was in a bind, and Zhao Xiyin gripped Xiao Shun's arm tightly.
Xiao Shun made a bold move. Young and arrogant, he was full of youthful vigor and didn't know the immensity of the world. His blood was boiling and he simply let loose.
He went on stage, his back ramrod straight, chin held high. He said, "Could I have a dance partner? Just someone to dance with, that would be fine."
It was originally a trivial request, but surprisingly no one responded. So many dancers sat below, all watching, no one volunteering. Lin Lang sat in the front row, leisurely watching the spectacle.
Almost instantly, Zhao Xiyin understood the cause and effect.
Xiao Shun was left hanging, his confidence rising quickly but also crumbling just as easily. Those present were all wealthy and powerful, and they simply thought he was a crazy person desperate for fame. Xiao Shun's breathing became erratic, and he gradually showed signs of fear—
Another commotion erupted, and the people on the right parted to create a narrow passage. Zhao Xiyin apologized as she walked over.
She displayed her expertise with composure and said to the host, "I'll do it."
Zhao Xiyin walked over to Xiao Shun and whispered, "It's okay, I'll stay with you."
Discussions began to rise among the people below; this episode was far from over.
Gu Heping was also quite shocked. "Xiyin is here too? Brother Zhou, what are you doing..." He turned his head, his heart skipped a beat, and Zhou Qishen's face was as cold as ice, his knuckles turning white as he gripped the wine glass.
Her gaze swept into the distance, and across a few seats, a gaze from someone else was just as intense, burning hot on Zhao Xiyin ever since she appeared.
Gu Heping knew that
It's over.
Xiao Shun calmed down, nodded, and then leaned over to say a few words to the sound engineer. The music started, light and lively, with a touch of North American country pastoral style. More importantly, Xiao Shun and Zhao Xiyin had choreographed a dance to this song together before. It was their improvisation, but the effect was unexpectedly outstanding.
Zhao Xiyin gave him a smile; the two were perfectly in sync.
The rapid drumbeats, starting softly and gradually building in intensity, greeted the guests with an immediate and fluid performance, without any attempt at gradual progression. The male performer, embodying strength and gentleness, yin and yang, displayed remarkable power, each movement crisp and decisive. Zhao Xiyin, equally adept, displayed perfect coordination of strength and form, swift as the wind and radiating light. Their movements were perfectly synchronized, like twins.
The audience's expressions shifted from watching the show to being intrigued, and now only admiration and amazement remain. The dancer's charm lies in showing you a different kind of soul soaring in the wind.
Tears welled up in Dai Yunxin's eyes. As if she had rediscovered a precious treasure, she kept taking pictures with her phone, full of pride.
It doesn't matter how well she dances, as long as she's still willing.
If she's willing.
Pang Ce remained calm until the very end, then finally turned to Dai Yunxin beside him and asked, "Teacher Dai, do you know these two children?"
The applause was enthusiastic. Xiao Shun was panting, but his expression showed he was genuinely thrilled. Like a victorious fighting rooster, he glared fiercely at Lin Lang in the audience.
As they stepped down, staff from Pang Ce's team approached them.
Zhao Xiyin followed behind Xiao Shun for a few steps, then suddenly collapsed.
Xiao Shun was terrified. "Hey!"
This time, it hit the floor hard with a loud "thud," which was truly terrifying.
Zhao Xiyin's forehead was covered in sweat, and her face had turned pale with pain. She groaned and said, "My leg is cramping."
In just a few seconds, those who were close by were pushed aside with considerable force, and several of them even staggered and couldn't stand steadily. Zhao Xiyin didn't even have time to see who it was before Zhou Qishen bent down and picked her up, placing her steadily in his arms.
Zhou Qishen lowered his head, examined her carefully, then used his suit jacket to slightly cover her face before carrying her straight out. Gu Heping didn't follow, but instead stood in front of Meng Weixi, stopping him from taking half a step, and smiled politely, "Weixi, there were so many people earlier, I didn't have time to greet you. Congratulations on making another great step forward."
Meng Weixi's face was tense, his hands hanging at his sides clenched into fists. His reason returned somewhat, and he suppressed his desire, his expression controlled, smiling charmingly, "Mr. Gu, thank you."
The driver had already brought the Bentley to the door.
Zhou Qishen slowed down and said to the person in his arms, "Okay, you're out."
Zhao Xiyin, who had been looking "painful," instantly composed herself, jumped to the ground with ease, and cautiously looked around to make sure no one was there before patting her chest in relief.
Zhou Qishen's gaze was calm yet full of emotion.