When they arrived at the recording venue, Ji Nian looked at the vast sports arena in awe. With so many seats, and so many people coming tonight, she was already feeling anxious even before the event began.
The stage was already set up, with lighting and other equipment being adjusted by a busy crew. There was also a person in charge overseeing the large screens on the stage.
"There's a rising platform at the center of the stage, Ji Nian. You'll come up from there with a grand piano," Peng He pointed towards the stage.
"Wow," Ji Nian marveled at the scene, which was on a completely different level from the school performances she was used to.
"Let's head backstage first. We'll rehearse the order of entrance through the backstage passage," Yu Luobai said with a smile.
"The concert order is similar to previous years. We've done this several times already," Peng He seemed relaxed, adding with a smile, "Ji Nian, this is your first time, so stay calm."
Ji Nian nodded obediently, though she was inwardly panicking. She might just be the most inept among those who had crossed over.
"We don't have much time left. It's already afternoon. Let's get through the rehearsal quickly. You still need to get your makeup and costume done," Peng He urged after glancing at his watch.
Time flew by, and after the afternoon rehearsal, Ji Nian was ushered to get her makeup and costume ready. The crew members also took their positions, checking the instruments, cameras, and sound equipment.
He Yi rushed over backstage, with Shen Shuyao tagging along.
Ji Nian sat nervously in her seat. Her performance was scheduled for the middle and the finale. The opening act was Yu Luobai's own album, a very rousing rock song.
"Sister, how's it going?" He Yi handed Ji Nian a bottle of water.
Ji Nian took a deep breath and clutched Shen Shuyao's hand, saying, "It's over. I just peeked at the stage, and there are already so many people in the audience."
Shen Shuyao, on the other hand, looked excited. After all, it was her idol's concert, and her best friend would be performing on stage too.
"Ji Nian, you can do it! You've practiced so much!" Shen Shuyao cheered her on.
"Yes, we believe in you," He Yi added with a smile.
The backstage monitor showed a live feed of the stage. Ji Nian watched as the camera panned over the sea of people, some holding light-up signs in support.
"Oh, it's starting soon. I'll head back to my seat," Shen Shuyao said, checking the time.
"Be careful. Make sure to wear your mask and cap, so no one recognizes you," He Yi cautioned.
Shen Shuyao nodded, waved goodbye to Ji Nian, and scurried out.
Backstage was now occupied only by the bustling crew members and the dazed Ji Nian.
Yu Luobai was about to go on stage when he made a detour to Ji Nian's makeup room. He found her in a deep blue, star-studded, strapless evening gown.
Her exquisite makeup and voluminous wavy hair, coupled with her vivid red lips, made her look like a captivating rose blooming in the night.
Yu Luobai froze for a moment, taken aback by her carefully done-up appearance – the first time he had seen her so dolled up. He found himself momentarily entranced.
Ji Nian, noticing the man, exclaimed in surprise, "Teacher Yu, why did you come here?"
Yu Luobai snapped out of his trance, approached her, and said, "You look beautiful today."
Ji Nian was stunned for a moment before shyly lowering her head. "Teacher Yu, you look very dashing today too!"
Yu Luobai let out a warm laugh. "I came to tell you that we're about to start. I'll be going on stage first. You can stay backstage and rest. Don't be too nervous."
Ji Nian obediently nodded, but her trembling hands betrayed her inner state of anxiety.
Yu Luobai's eyes twinkled with amusement as he gently patted her head before turning to leave.
He Yi, who had witnessed the interaction, was wide-eyed in surprise. She whispered, "What's going on between you two?"
Ji Nian looked bewildered. "What do you mean?"
He Yi leaned closer, a mischievous look on her face. "Are you two dating?"
Ji Nian was taken aback and immediately shook her head. "Are you crazy, or am I?"
"The way Teacher Yu looked at you seemed... off," He Yi pondered.
Ji Nian froze for a moment, a flicker of complexity in her eyes. "Off in what way?"
He Yi raised her eyebrows teasingly. "Are you pretending not to understand?"
Even with Ji Nian's low emotional intelligence, she could grasp what He Yi was implying.
"Does Yu Luobai like you?" He Yi bluntly stated.
"No! Don't say such nonsense!" Ji Nian panicked.
"Come on, we're all adults here. Can't you tell? Do you think I'm stupid, or are you the one who's an idiot?" He Yi rolled her eyes in exasperation.
Ji Nian was stunned. She had always thought their relationship was just friendly.
But today, with him helping her put on her mask and cap, and recalling the little details from their previous interactions, she had already started to suspect something, though she wasn't entirely sure.
"I don't know..."
He Yi shook her head in disbelief. "First an ex-top idol, then a top actor, and now you're going for the king of the entertainment industry."
Ji Nian hurriedly covered He Yi's mouth. "Don't say such nonsense. We're innocent."
He Yi gave her a knowing look and nodded. "Take it slow, sister. If the company finds out, they definitely won't approve."
"Teacher Yu is just being kind-hearted. Besides, he hasn't said... that he likes me or anything. Let's not make assumptions and make things awkward," Ji Nian said uncertainly.
"Do you like him, then?" He Yi whispered.
Ji Nian was stumped by the question. She had never been in a relationship before. With her ordinary looks and lack of social skills, no one had ever pursued her.
While she enjoyed admiring attractive men and fantasizing about six-pack abs, it had never gone beyond mere daydreaming.
"I don't know..." Ji Nian was at a loss. She admitted that she felt very comfortable around Yu Luobai.
She had always seen him as a friend, which was why she had been so casual and unguarded around him. But now, the realization that this man might actually like her left her feeling bewildered.
"Forget it, you don't know anything," He Yi scoffed in disdain. "Never mind, let's not worry about that for now. You need to focus on your performance."
Ji Nian nodded in agreement. Now was not the time to dwell on other matters.
"The host has started already," He Yi remarked, glancing at the screen.
Ji Nian instantly snapped out of the previous conversation and felt her anxiety about the concert resurface.
