The girl on the stage was dressed in a pure white and orchid purple low-shoulder gown. A star-shaped golden brooch was pinned to the bodice, and white ribbons interlaced across the hem, contrasting with the steady and dignified pitch-black body of the skirt. Her light blue hair fell like a starry river waterfall. The low-shoulder design of the gown revealed her pale collarbones, with a few stray strands of hair resting upon them, looking harmonious and noble against her snowy skin and the elegant dress.
The young girl moved; her dark eyelashes trembled as she raised her gentle yet resolute eyes. The gemstone pendant at her neck reflected a soft radiance. The light purple tulle of her skirt seemed imbued with magic, drawing everyone's gaze. The sound of her high heels tapping against the stage surface seemed to beat against the heart of every person present. People from all over the world with different cultures were linked together in this moment; the quiet atmosphere was constantly brewing a storm, as the voices of their hearts performed a silent, massive symphony.
Tang Xin's heart was beating very fast. Was it because so many people were looking at her? Was it because she had truly stepped onto the stage of her former idol?
Her gaze quickly swept through the suppressed yet fanatical crowd, finally landing on a blonde girl in an inconspicuous corner of the spectator stands. Upon seeing Xu Xiaoyou, her nervousness suddenly vanished, and her racing heart gradually calmed.
The other girl was watching her too. Did she see her shining self?
She saw the blonde girl's gentle smile, watching her just as she always did on an afternoon when the snow began to melt. In this moment, Tang Xin's heart felt immensely encouraged. All her unease was cast aside; though the audience remained silent, she no longer cared about their gazes.
As long as she was still watching and encouraging her, it was enough.
Because the others were all insignificant.
Her beautiful singing voice drew everyone into a trance; no one noticed the stars in the sky reflecting her radiance.
"Midnight Dance"
"Midnight of the hidden moon, dark red lights, my footsteps circle with yours."
"We need not make a sound, just enjoy this moment of silence."
"The tears of a lonely star, for whom do they flow? You and I are not alone."
"If you are willing, we can rush together to the place our hearts desire."
"Raindrop keys open the doors to our souls, letting us face each other honestly."
"Tell me what you're thinking now, crimson lips, a passionate kiss?"
"The inverted palace of strings, the lowest note, no more suppressing yourself, find liberation in burning passion."
"Dizzy and lightheaded, the world spinning. Can you give me all of you, let me possess it selfishly?"
"Afternoon tea for two, a moment of peace, just bare the voice of your heart."
"Tell me what you dreamed of last night, was I there in your dream?"
"Kingdom of smiles, if you want your soul to rest forever, then escape, escape this oppressive kingdom, driving a wine-red sports car."
"Accelerating constantly, flashing in the night sky, accelerating constantly in the brilliant starry sky, driving at full speed."
Everyone listened in silence, holding their breath. No one spoke to break the stillness of the preliminary round venue.
The entire starry sky had become the young girl's solo stage.
"The lyrics are unexpectedly bold," Aivmey said, crossing his legs languidly in his seat. "Everyone is mesmerized. Perhaps this is the descent of the Goddess of Beauty?"
"I told you, she is the Starry Daughter. Being breathtaking is inevitable; she only needed the right clothes and a little grooming."
Xu Xiaoyou watched the girl on the stage with her usual gaze, remaining silent.
"I noticed your little tricks," Aivmey said.
"Bribing the stage staff right in front of me, the judge, to arrange those out-of-tune, tone-deaf 'rough stones' right before your Little Blue Bird. I can understand your thinking, but I must say it was unnecessary. She was meant to be the most dazzling star on this stage."
"What score are you planning to give?" Xu Xiaoyou interrupted.
Aivmey didn't answer directly. Instead, he let out a yawn and stretched. A moment later, his voice drifted over airily:
"What is this girl to you?"
"A good friend," Xu Xiaoyou said. "And she's an artist I've signed."
Aivmey glanced at the calm Xu Xiaoyou, nodding thoughtfully. He turned back to the girl on the stage, his eyes indifferent, though a hint of magnificence flashed through them.
"Poor little blue bird, only able to sing in a gilded cage, with a chain tied to her ankle, unable to fly away even if she wanted to," Aivmey said with a sigh.
Aivmey cradled the back of his head and leaned back in his chair in the most comfortable position. Sometimes he looked at the girl on stage, sometimes he closed his eyes slightly to listen to her clear and graceful singing, nodding his head to the rhythm and occasionally glancing at the silent blonde girl beside him.
Slowly, the music stopped. The girl bowed awkwardly to the audience. The sparse and scattered applause was like the occasional flicker of starlight in the dark night, but in a single instant, it became fervent and surging. Everyone who had been immersed in the girl's song stood up, like people at a grand concert rising to pay their respects, and began to clap for her.
"Then I'll give her a ten," Aivmey said.
Half a month later.
Nov 5, New Era Calendar 532.
[22:30:00]
On the fine cyan mahogany desk sat a piglet alarm clock, time quietly slipping away on its electronic screen.
The sky was overcast, and a chilling gale constantly swirled in from outside the high-rise. The half-closed window clattered against the aluminum frame, making a dull thud. Inside the office, the warm steam from the coffee billowed upward. Xu Xiaoyou closed the window and sipped her coffee while speaking to someone through the curtain.
At that moment, the office door was slowly pushed open. A lighthearted Little Blue Bird poked her head in, her hands behind her back as she walked in slowly.
Seeing that Xu Xiaoyou was on a call, Tang Xin didn't make a sound. She simply walked around the small office, looking at the surroundings and nodding thoughtfully.
Noticing a flowing moon flower in the corner with its buds drooping, Tang Xin approached the potted plant. She brushed her hand over it, and blue points of light like fireflies lit up. A nimble stream of water appeared out of thin air, flowing gently past the buds. This gentle water, rich with the breath of life, soaked into the pot. The half-person-tall flowing moon flower glowed with a hazy silver light, its petals seeming to shimmer with moonlight.
Seeing the plant lift its head again, Tang Xin smiled softly. She looked up and saw a portrait of the blonde girl on the wall.
It was in an oil-ink style. The girl in the painting sat upright, her deep gaze capable of piercing hearts looking straight ahead. Her golden hair was like pure gold, with the radiance of the sun flowing over it, emitting a warm and bright atmosphere amidst the generally lively tones of the piece.
The style of the entire office was quite minimalist, making this portrait particularly vivid and conspicuous.
"A-Xin."
The girl's voice called out. Tang Xin turned around to see Xu Xiaoyou looking at her warmly.
"What's wrong, Yuzu?" Tang Xin's eyes crinkled slightly. "Why did you call me here so late?"
"Happy birthday."
Rate on N.U.
