Chapter 120: Returning to School for a Performance

It is September, the third month of autumn.

The school term has begun, though Fang Xing no longer has a school to return to, unless he decides to pursue a postgraduate degree in the future. During graduation season, Fang Xing was still in the training camp for *Star of Tomorrow*. He had only managed to take leave to return to campus for his graduation photos before hurrying away.

He had already signed the contract for the competitive music variety show *The Voice*. It was not a special contract, merely a standard one. His manager, Qiao Yinghong, had only managed to negotiate better terms regarding stage budget and guest performers. Fang Xing had expected this early on; as a newcomer to the music industry, he knew he was in no position to demand a special contract. Furthermore, he had no intention of asking for one. Since it was a competitive music show, he would simply compete.

*The Voice* was still in its preparatory phase, and Fang Xing was the final original contestant to be confirmed. Beyond the initial lineup, the production team still needed to negotiate with substitute and challenger singers. Generally speaking, those performers had a lower profile, making them easier to book, but coordinating schedules for so many artists was still a tedious task. As a result, filming would not officially begin until next month.

***

Early in September, Fang Xing received a WeChat message from his class monitor.

Class Monitor Liu Ziyu: [Big star, your degree certificate has been with me for over two months. When are you coming back to campus to pick it up?]

Fang Xing: [Is the old class monitor not going home for the summer?]

Liu Ziyu: [What "old" class monitor? Drop the "old"!]

Fang Xing: [Understood, old class monitor.]

Liu Ziyu: [Aggressive head-thumping emoji.gif]

Liu Ziyu: [I already went home for the summer. I’m back early because I’ve been kept on as a counselor for the incoming class.]

Fang Xing was familiar with this arrangement. Usually, graduates were kept on as counselors for four years to guide a single class, after which they were granted a recommendation for postgraduate studies. Once they completed their master’s degree, they were highly likely to be offered a teaching position or continue toward a doctorate. In universities, such opportunities were highly coveted, typically reserved for students who had been active in student government or class leadership during their undergraduate years.

Liu Ziyu: [You’re a big star now, aren’t you? You didn’t even attend our class graduation dinner.]

Fang Xing: [I was busy with the show back then. I’ll definitely make it up to everyone when I have the chance.]

Liu Ziyu: [You’ve learned how to talk like a professional, haven't you? For most people, graduation is the final goodbye. It will be very hard to get everyone together again.]

Fang Xing knew she was right from his own experiences. The idea of a ten-year reunion was something one usually only saw in dramas, not necessarily in reality. Especially for those who attended university in different provinces, once they graduated, they would scatter to the four corners of the earth. Even if a reunion were held after ten years, many would be unable to attend, particularly those who had married, started families, or moved away. The East Sea Conservatory of Music was slightly better in this regard; professional connections were vital in their industry, so classmates tended to stay in touch more closely.

Liu Ziyu: [There’s an orientation gala at the start of the term, and the school wants to invite graduates back for a special performance. You were the first person I thought of. What do you say? Want to come back and sing a song?]

Fang Xing: [This...]

Liu Ziyu: [If you come back to perform, the school will be sure to give you preferential treatment if you ever decide to apply for postgraduate studies.]

Fang Xing: [I’ll try my best, if the timing works out.]

Liu Ziyu: [No "trying." You need to say yes right now. Otherwise, the Dean of the Department is going to call you next. Do you really think the school is going to let a big star like you off the hook?]

Fang Xing: [Fine, I’ll come back, will that do?]

Liu Ziyu: [That’s more like it. What song are you planning to sing? I need to submit it to see how they can arrange it.]

Fang Xing pondered the choice of song for a moment before asking, [Can I sing a new song?]

Liu Ziyu: [That would be even better. But you’ll need to send the track over so the Dean can listen to it first.]

Fang Xing: [I’ll send you the demo in a bit.]

After finishing the chat, Fang Xing arranged the music and recorded a demo to send over. A day later, Liu Ziyu’s message popped up again: [The Dean is very satisfied with the song. The school plans to have the student symphony orchestra accompany you, and someone will prepare the sheet music. Because your song is so good, the school has decided to add another one: "Ode to the Young China." Do you understand everything? Any questions?]

Fang Xing: [Yes.]

Liu Ziyu: [Go ahead.]

Fang Xing: [Is it too late to back out?]

***

Liu Ziyu: [I’m sending you the Dean’s WeChat. Go talk to him yourself.]

Fang Xing: [Haha, I’m just kidding.]

***

By mid-September, the day of the East Sea Conservatory orientation gala arrived. Fang Xing wore a mask as he walked through the campus, watching the bustling freshmen and feeling as though he had traveled back in time to his own younger years. Many singers emerged from this conservatory, so seeing one or two mysterious, masked figures on campus was nothing out of the ordinary.

After a brief rehearsal in the afternoon, the sky gradually darkened. The freshmen, having just finished their military training, arrived at the auditorium in orderly groups. The hall was packed to capacity. Liu Ziyu, now the counselor for two classes of vocal performance majors, was busy supervising the students and checking them in at the door.

The gala began. The hosts delivered their opening remarks, welcoming the freshmen with high-spirited, positive energy. Fang Xing sat backstage, waiting for his turn. He wasn't the only alumnus performing; several other semi-famous stars were also present, all accompanied by makeup artists and managers. Fang Xing, by contrast, had come alone.

While there were many notable alumni, Fang Xing’s attention was fixed on the student symphony orchestra. They were responsible for the accompaniment for several performances that night. After a few songs and dance acts, the host finally announced his name.

"Next, we have a special performance by one of our graduates. I believe everyone remembers this name from this past summer. He is a graduate of our East Sea Conservatory of Music this year. The song he will perform is 'Ode to the Young China'."

Backstage staff signaled for Fang Xing to head to the stage. He walked to the center of the stage in a sharp suit, marching with purpose before turning to bow to the symphony orchestra behind him.

In the violin section, a girl stared at Fang Xing with bright, sparkling eyes—it was Lu Xiang'er. She had officially become the concertmaster of the violin section at the end of the previous semester and had joined the orchestra. When she received the assignment to provide accompaniment for "Ode to the Young China" a few days prior, she had felt a flutter of nervousness, wondering if it might be Fang Xing. Seeing him now, she was filled with pleasant surprise. She couldn’t quite name the feeling—it was something indistinct and complex.

She had only ever seen Fang Xing sing on television. She still remembered him performing a duet with Li Caiwei, and she recalled feeling a twinge of inexplicable envy at the time. She didn’t know what she felt for him, nor did she know what he thought of her. Up until now, they had no contact other than when she went to get her violin repaired. He was always teasing her, but it didn't feel like the way two people who liked each other would behave.

Last time, at the Zhuyin Music Store, she had played the violin while he played the piano for a duet. As a girl who had studied the violin since childhood, she could hear the emotions within his playing. She loved that feeling and often wondered when they would get the chance to collaborate on stage properly. Knowing that the orchestra would be accompanying him tonight, she felt a surge of excitement.

Just then, Ning Xiaoyun nudged her with an elbow and whispered, "It really is Fang Xing! You didn't even tell me in advance. You two have something going on, don't you?"

Lu Xiang'er frowned at her. "We really are just acquaintances."

The orchestra conductor raised his baton, and the violin section led the way. Lu Xiang'er quickly collected herself and focused on playing. As the prelude began, the children's choir started the recitation of "Ode to the Young China."

"If the youth are wise, the country is wise; if the youth are rich, the country is rich; if the youth are strong, the country is strong; if the youth are free, the country is free..."

Then, Fang Xing began to sing the verses with clear, resonant diction. Given the academic setting, he utilized more classical vocal techniques, making the song feel even more powerful and stirring.

After "Ode to the Young China," Fang Xing performed a second song, "The Desk Mate."

"Will you remember tomorrow, the diary you wrote yesterday? Will you still miss me tomorrow, the one who cried the most in those days..."

The song was about graduation. Since Fang Xing was a graduate returning to his alma mater, using it to share his sentiments with the freshmen was perfectly fitting. After the two songs, the audience of freshmen erupted in cheers. Fang Xing had ignited the dreams of many young people that summer. These students, just starting their journey at the conservatory, were full of ambition, each dreaming that one day they would be the brightest star in the night sky, just like him. If they looked back one day, Fang Xing would represent their nostalgia for this summer.

After finishing, Fang Xing headed backstage. The orchestra had one more song to accompany for another performer, so he stood by the curtain, watching quietly. When the final song concluded, the orchestra began to exit. Lu Xiang'er and Ning Xiaoyun walked toward the curtain with their instruments, then paused.

Ning Xiaoyun asked brazenly, "Big star, are you waiting for Xiang'er, or someone else?" She glanced behind her to make sure no other beauties were following.

Fang Xing smiled and complimented them, "You played very well."

Lu Xiang'er quickly returned the compliment, "You sang beautifully, too."

"Of course, we are the section leaders," Ning Xiaoyun said with a confident look.

Lu Xiang'er puffed out her cheeks, unable to resist retorting, "You’re so lazy, yet you’re still a section leader. This title doesn't seem to mean much."

"What are you talking about? I’m a cello genius!"

The two teased each other without mercy. Since all three had finished their performances, Ning Xiaoyun had no intention of staying for the rest of the gala and slipped away from backstage. Fang Xing and Lu Xiang'er followed.

Walking through the campus under the night sky, the atmosphere was tense yet carried a faint, sweet scent.

"I’m going to get a midnight snack. Don't you two follow me; I’m not treating!" Ning Xiaoyun, feeling like a ten-thousand-watt lightbulb, shouted before scurrying off with her cello.

Only Fang Xing and Lu Xiang'er remained, continuing their walk through the campus.

"You didn't use the repaired violin," Fang Xing noted. He had noticed it wasn't the instrument he had fixed for her.

"Yeah, I want to keep it safe. When I miss it, I’ll take it out and play it for myself," she replied, nodding.

They walked along the gravel path in silence for a while. Lu Xiang'er felt anxious and tried to find a topic; the silence made her feel awkward. Fang Xing, however, was much more composed, treating the quiet stroll as a comfortable, shared silence. But Lu Xiang'er kept searching for things to say.

"Are you very busy lately?"

"It’s okay. I might be busier next month for a show." Fang Xing rarely took on many engagements, so he wasn't truly overwhelmed, otherwise, he wouldn't have had the time to return to campus.

"Busy next month?" Lu Xiang'er hesitated. She had a violin competition coming up and had wanted to invite him, but hearing that he would be busy made her lose her nerve.

"Just a bit busier than now," Fang Xing said, turning to look at her.

"Then... good luck," she said, clenching her hand in encouragement.

"Is something wrong?" Fang Xing sensed she was acting strange.

"No, nothing." She looked toward the direction Ning Xiaoyun had gone, pointing at the street of food stalls. "Shall we go get a late-night snack?"

"That works."

They picked up their pace to catch up with Ning Xiaoyun. The three of them made their way down the snack street, eating as they went. Ning Xiaoyun, a typical glutton, insisted on buying everything, taking one bite, and then passing the rest to Lu Xiang'er. By the time they finished, it was ten o'clock.

"The student dorms are about to close, we have to go back," Lu Xiang'er said hurriedly.

"What’s the rush? We can just ask the housemother to open the door," Ning Xiaoyun said, unbothered.

"I’ll walk you back."

Fang Xing escorted them to the gate of the student apartment building and waved goodbye. Ning Xiaoyun grabbed Lu Xiang'er’s hand and pulled her inside, looking back several times as they ran.

"Did you ask him to come to your violin competition next month?"

"No... he has to film a show, he’s very busy," Lu Xiang'er replied.

"What? It’s not like he’s filming twenty-four hours a day. Tell him! Where’s your phone? Take it out and send him a WeChat."

"But... I don't have his WeChat," she replied, looking bewildered.

Ning Xiaoyun’s eyes widened in disbelief. "You two haven't even added each other on WeChat? What are you doing?" She dragged Lu Xiang'er back to Fang Xing. "Xiang'er wants to add you on WeChat. Hurry up and bring out your QR code."

Lu Xiang'er fidgeted, her cheeks flushed. Fang Xing took out his phone and pulled up the code. Ning Xiaoyun whipped out her own phone. "Scan, scan, scan!"

"Aren't I the one supposed to add him?" Lu Xiang'er asked, eyes wide.

"You add him, I add him—it doesn't conflict!" Ning Xiaoyun finished scanning and laughed. "Big star, look after us in the future! Also, one more thing: Xiang'er has a violin competition next month. If she places well, she can be sent to the Paganini International Violin Competition. Are you coming to watch?"

Fang Xing looked at Lu Xiang'er and asked with a smile, "So when you asked if I was busy next month, that’s what you wanted to ask?"

"Um..." Since she had been called out, she had no choice but to admit it.

"Tell me the time and place, and I’ll be there to cheer for you in person," Fang Xing promised.

"Really? You’re not too busy?" She blinked, feeling that he shouldn't actually have the time. Based on what they knew, trainees from *Star of Tomorrow* were always busy with engagements and had almost no days off in the first few months.

"I’ll make time," Fang Xing said.

"It’s a deal. If you don't show up, you’re a puppy!" Ning Xiaoyun yelled, dragging Lu Xiang'er away. The two of them ran excitedly into the dorm building, their ponytails swinging as they disappeared up the stairs.

***

After the gala, Fang Xing returned to his place and began preparing for the recording of *The Voice*. As the filming date approached, a director from the show contacted him, hoping to film some daily footage. The production team sent a director and a cameraman to his home.

Guo Keda, hearing that the crew was coming to film, rushed over early in the morning, hoping to snag a moment of screen time. He was dressed quite formally, a sharp contrast to his usual style.

"It’s just footage of my daily life. It might not even make the final cut," Fang Xing said, speechless.

"*The Voice* is the highest-rated music variety show in the country right now. Getting even a second of screen time is worth it. Brother Fang, just tell them I’m your executive manager, working behind the scenes for the sake of a musical dream," Guo Keda said, trying to craft a persona for himself.

"It’s not even you competing, and you’re already building a persona?" Fang Xing was truly at a loss for words.

"You have to have a persona. Once I’m on *The Voice*, I’ll definitely get more gigs for other shows later." Ever since becoming an executive manager, Guo Keda had become increasingly cunning.

"I give up on you."

"If Lu Ming wasn't busy, I would have dragged him here too. He’s so popular now, *Big Fish* is a massive hit," Guo Keda said with envy.

"I’ll help you get a hit song sometime," Fang Xing said casually.

"Really? My standards aren't high. I don't need to be number one on the charts; just appearing at the bottom of the Hot Songs list is enough. That way, I can sing my own songs at commercial events," Guo Keda said, showing a very clear and accurate self-awareness.

"That’s actually quite difficult," Fang Xing noted.

"Is it? Should I start practicing my vocals now? Is it too late?" Guo Keda’s expression turned serious.

"It’s just that your requirement is too tricky. Getting onto the Hot Songs list is easy, but staying consistently at the bottom of the list... that’s the hard part," Fang Xing added.