Chapter 62 Major Plot Point: The Anniversary Gala

With Chu Heting’s immense popularity at Imperial Capital Business Academy, the audience didn’t perceive his performance as an impromptu rescue act. Instead, they saw it as a surprise appearance, cheering and applauding enthusiastically, creating a lively atmosphere.

Apart from wanting to sabotage the performance, Nian Jinsui had another motive: to make Chu Heting witness Chu Hejun and Ning Liang’an behaving intimately, possibly even forming a lifelong bond. If Chu Hejun marked Ning Liang’an permanently, all the better.

To achieve this, Nian Jinsui had planted an inducing agent in the storage room, triggering Ning Liang’an’s heat period early.

Although Chu Hejun had grown fond of Ning Liang’an’s kindness and determination, he wasn’t the type to take advantage of someone. He resisted the temptation until Chu Heting arrived to rescue them both.

In the end, Nian Jinsui’s meticulously crafted plans failed entirely.

---

At the dining table, Chu Hejun noticed Nian Jinsui’s odd behavior and asked, “Nian Jinsui, are you feeling unwell? You seem a bit off today.”

Nian Jinsui casually brushed it off. “I’m fine. I just didn’t sleep well last night and feel a bit tired today.”

Concerned about Nian Jinsui’s health, Qin Chengyu suggested, “Why not go back early to rest today?”

“That won’t do. Tonight is the anniversary gala—we can’t miss it!” Nian Jinsui forced a smile. “Don’t worry, I’m fine.”

Qin Chengyu didn’t press further but silently resolved to stay by Nian Jinsui’s side all evening. His fragile companion had only just recovered from his previous injuries and couldn’t afford another mishap.

Chu Hejun added, “Exactly. Plus, I’ll be performing tonight. You’d be missing out if you didn’t watch.”

“Pfft.” Nian Jinsui scoffed. “I’ve already seen your rehearsals.”

“What did you think?”

“Well… since you’re not all familiar with each other yet and haven’t had much time to rehearse, the performance isn’t fully synchronized. But for a non-professional stage like the gala, it’s quite impressive,” Nian Jinsui commented earnestly.

Surprised by the honest evaluation, Chu Hejun said, “I didn’t expect you to understand this stuff. I underestimated you.”

“My ears are sharp,” Nian Jinsui quipped before asking, “Chu Hejun, why didn’t you apply for a solo piano performance? That would showcase your true talent.”

Chu Hejun dismissed the idea. “As you said, it’s a non-professional stage. Why hog the spotlight? The gala is about celebrating the academy’s birthday with as many people as possible—it’s more meaningful that way.”

For a moment, Nian Jinsui regarded Chu Hejun with newfound respect. “I didn’t expect you to have such a high-minded perspective. You’ve surprised me.”

As Nian Jinsui and Chu Hejun grew more engrossed in conversation, Qin Chengyu’s expression darkened, his gaze occasionally darting toward Chu Hejun.

Another annoying presence.

Meanwhile, Ye Kang, who had been trailing behind Nian Jinsui recently, grew increasingly quiet and absentminded, his presence nearly invisible.

After a while, Chu Hejun glanced at the time and stood up. “Enough chatting. It’s almost time for me to head backstage and prepare.”

“Hey…” Nian Jinsui instinctively called out, “Tonight…”

…Just hold yourself together. If you lose control and mark Ning Liang’an, you’ll face Chu Heting’s wrath.

[Warning: The system has detected a tendency to reveal future plot developments. Please exercise caution.]

“What were you going to say?” Chu Hejun asked.

“I said… good luck tonight. Do your best,” Nian Jinsui quickly diverted the topic.

“I don’t need luck, just a steady performance,” Chu Hejun replied confidently, his assurance stemming from countless performances he’d done since childhood.

Seeing Chu Hejun’s composure, Nian Jinsui chuckled softly, feeling slightly more relaxed.

According to the original plot, they’d get through the night unscathed. He should save his energy to worry about himself—Xilu would probably present him with a new challenge soon.

---

The gala began at 7 p.m. and was expected to last about two and a half hours.

Chu Hejun’s performance was scheduled later in the lineup, so Nian Jinsui sat in the audience, distractedly watching the earlier acts while waiting for new system instructions. He didn’t even notice when Ye Kang, who’d been sitting beside him, quietly left.

Scanning the first row, where Chu Heting sat, Nian Jinsui felt a surge of relief. At least in the original storyline, he’d been too preoccupied with scheming to fawn over Chu Heting. Otherwise, if Xilu had ordered him to openly shower Chu Heting with affection in front of the entire academy, it would’ve been a social disaster.

Qin Chengyu, who had been observing Nian Jinsui closely, noticed his lack of focus on the performances and assumed he was tired.

Even so, Nian Jinsui didn’t forget to sneak glances at Chu Heting.

Qin Chengyu suggested, “Jinsui, if you’re feeling unwell, let’s head back.”

Nian Jinsui shook his head. “I’m not tired. Chu Hejun’s act hasn’t started yet. Let’s wait a bit longer.”

Seeing Nian Jinsui’s determination to stay despite looking unwell, Qin Chengyu’s gaze flickered, but he didn’t press further.

---

Backstage, Ning Liang’an stood in a corner reviewing the program schedule.

A group of students passed by, one of them calling out, “Ning Liang’an, we’re heading to the storage room to grab the foam boards for an upcoming act. Could you help us?”

Noting he had time before his next performance, Ning Liang’an agreed without hesitation and followed them to the storage room.

The room was packed with foam boards. As Ning Liang’an reached for one, a student stopped him. “I think the decorations are in the storage room inside. Come help me get them.”

Ning Liang’an saw no issue and nodded, following the student deeper into the warehouse.

The storage room was tucked in the back, out of reach of the main warehouse lights.

“Where’s the light switch again?” the student muttered, fumbling around. “Ning Liang’an, could you check if it’s inside?”

“Sure, I’ll look.”

Just as Ning Liang’an stepped inside, the door slammed shut behind him with a loud bang.

---

Previous       Menu       Next