Xilin City, September 17th, evening, overcast.
After twelve years, the Academy has finally regained the qualification to host the Lianyi Association.
Ever since that shocking murder twelve years ago, the Main Academy announced: Due to inadequate security, Xilin Academy was stripped of all rights to host any large-scale Lianyi Association.
The punishment lasted all the way until this year, when the qualification was finally reinstated.
If it weren’t for the deep pockets of Wilson smoothing things over, who knows how many more years the ban would have lasted.
“Egg Tart, Croissant, Chocolate Fountain…”
Wu Xiaomi stared at the dazzling array of desserts below the stage, practically drooling.
Since the purpose was for exchange, the atmosphere of the Lianyi Association was rather relaxed.
Unlike a theater or gala, it felt more like a party.
Students from each school could mingle freely in the venue, accompanied by performances on stage to set an elegant mood.
It had all the flavor of a high-class banquet.
“I… I’m nervous…”
Damn it, I wasn’t nervous after dancing so many times before, but now, at a moment like this, I’m suddenly nervous.
Thinking back, I always danced before to save my own skin—who had time to worry about nerves in those situations?
This was the first time performing under the critical scrutiny of others.
Every gaze that fell on me weighed a thousand pounds, making it hard to breathe.
My hands were shaking.
My legs were shaking.
My whole body was shaking.
I hadn’t even gone on stage, yet I couldn’t stand up; my mind was blank.
“What’s wrong?”
Backstage, amidst the breathless, stunning attention, Bai Xiaozhi walked over slowly.
She wore a pure white, tailored suit-style performance outfit, with a ladies’ hat set at a jaunty angle on her head. The sleek cut accentuated her upright, proud posture and graceful curves.
“Nervous.” Wu Xiaomi gave a wry smile.
Bai Xiaozhi reached out and lightly touched the girl’s forehead.
It seemed it wasn’t just nerves.
She was burning up.
“If you’re not in good shape, let’s just go back.”
“No, I… I’ll try again…”
Deep breath.
Inhale~
Exhale—
Inhale~
Exhale—
Inhale~
Pff—
No good, even more nervous now! My vision’s starting to go black!
“Let’s go back,” Bai Xiaozhi took off her hat, “You need to rest immediately.”
“No!”
I’ve been practicing for days—how can I fall apart at a moment like this?
“Why push yourself so hard? Why?”
Why?
Hmm…
I don’t know.
“Where’s Senior Nanalia? She should have more experience.” Bai Xiaozhi looked around.
But there was no sign of Nanalia anywhere.
“She and that dragon had something to do. They left the night before last and haven’t come back.” Lulutina pointed at the grove outside the school. “See, ever since they left, a huge Enshrouding Mist Barrier has risen by the school’s edge. I thought it was just for the atmosphere at first.”
Bai Xiaozhi tried to call.
Strange, no one was answering.
“Looks like they really are busy.”
The Witch was out of the question.
“Are you sure you want to force yourself?”
“Yeah.”
Wu Xiaomi nodded. “Take me to… the Changing Room…”
Come to think of it, I’ve never worn a professional dancer’s outfit before.
The lingering male consciousness made Wu Xiaomi feel a bit embarrassed. After all, all my life I’d been taught, “A man should act like a man.”
Even though my body had changed, my mindset hadn’t caught up yet…
“Senior Qiao Wanwan said she feels very sorry for her thoughtless words, so she prepared a real Rain Spirit’s Ritual Garb for you—the true Rain Prayer Garment.”
Oh wow!
She’s not bad after all~
Actually, I never blamed her. That silly dragon is obviously the straightforward type, pure-hearted, without a shred of malice.
She said, “No way you’d give birth to such a monster after ten months of pregnancy.” But the word ‘Monster’ probably wasn’t even meant as an insult—just neutral.
To be different is to be called a monster. A newborn with so many Spirit Conduits at once is, of course, a monster!
“I’ll take you to the Changing Room.”
Bai Xiaozhi supported Wu Xiaomi’s hand.
Wu Xiaomi, dazed, let herself be led away.
Everything after that happened in a blur.
Snap~
Hmm?
When I came to my senses, a finger snap woke me up, and my clothes had already been changed.
Right in front of me, Bai Xiaozhi was staring blankly at me.
Now it was Bai Xiaozhi’s turn to be dazed and absentminded.
?
Wu Xiaomi flicked her tail; the cherry-pink tip swayed gently, brushing against Bai Xiaozhi’s face.
“Hmm? Sorry,” Bai Xiaozhi finally snapped out of it, blushing and stammering, “Sorry, I just… I just felt like I was bewitched for a moment. You… I… I’ve never seen such a beautiful girl before…”
If there really was a Cupid in this world, she must have just shot a rainstorm of arrows everywhere.
Thud thud thud thud, sweeping over every living thing.
……
A snow-white long dress, perfectly fitted— simple, yet bringing out the girl’s natural perfection.
The most stunning look is never bare skin, nor excessive ornamentation. It’s using the simplest style, half-revealed, half-concealed, to express beauty in an impressionistic way.
A bit less, and it’s too plain; a bit more, and it’s too conservative.
“You should wear it from now on. I’ll go ask Senior Qiao Wanwan to order a few more.” Bai Xiaozhi swallowed, her gaze glued to Wu Xiaomi’s half-bared shoulder, unable to look away.
She was used to Wu Xiaomi’s usual cute look, and since her daily outfits were so modest, it was Bai Xiaozhi’s first time seeing such an astonishing style.
So delicate it made you want to hold her, yet so enchanting it stirred up dark possessive thoughts in everyone around.
Wu Xiaomi blinked.
Xiaozhi’s expression— so scary!
“The Lianyi Association is about to start! You two… oh wow~”
Lulutina burst into the Changing Room, dazed for a moment as if struck by an arrow, then quickly snapped out of it and raised her ring for a photo.
“……”
“I just asked around. Your turn is in the middle; there are quite a few experts from outside academies before you. Not looking good.” Lulutina said as she snapped pictures.
It’s true— when there are gems ahead, any flaws from those who come after are magnified, putting a lot of pressure on those who perform later.
“Be confident, Xiaomi! Even if you just pick your nose on stage, you’ll outshine them.”
Pfft, it’s not that exaggerated.
“Closer! You two, get closer! I want a cute group shot for Xiaozhi’s next video cover…”
Snap snap.
“I’ll record your performance from the audience. That’ll give Xiaozhi content for her next video.”
Uploading again…
Tsk, why am I even a little excited?
……
Waiting.
Waiting for their turn.
Outside the curtain, the Lianyi Association was in full swing. On stage, a student played a piece on the violin that Wu Xiaomi couldn’t even name.
The students in the audience were all dignified, holding red wine and conversing in low voices.
The whole school was filled with the atmosphere of an upper-class cocktail party.
“After all, the Academy is a place to train subordinates for royalty and nobility. Learning the etiquette of high society is a big part of the curriculum.” Lulutina said, dangling a lollipop. “I just couldn’t stand this vibe, so I never enrolled.”
“Just don’t accept the Academy’s graduation placement. As long as you study here, that’s enough.” Bai Xiaozhi replied.
Wu Xiaomi felt completely out of place here.
Especially after sensing the stifling atmosphere outside, she felt even more uncomfortable.
Even more nervous.
“Oh right, Xiaomi, just now a woman asked me to pass you a note.”
A woman? Who?
“She was holding an umbrella, and I couldn’t see her face. She said if you read the note before going on stage, maybe you won’t be nervous.”
Oh, sounds like a Witch.
Wu Xiaomi unfolded the wrinkled little note.
There was a single line written on it.
[You, and Bai Xiaozhi’s biological parents, will be watching this Lianyi Association. Do your best.]