The drowsy students snapped awake instantly, letting out wild hoots and hollers as they vigorously shook the people sleeping next to them.
The teachers were in a complete state of chaos.
"Students, don't get excited! Sit down, sit down!"
"That student over there, stop shouting! If you keep yelling, I’m taking down your name."
"You students with the phones—stop filming, stop filming!"
Backstage, the boy in charge of the music knew they were doomed the moment he heard the cheers from outside. He was panicking. Should he stop the music now? But that would only make things weirder.
"How can a bathroom break take this long!" the boy cursed under his breath, his face filled with panic. Just as he prepared to slip away, his foot tripped, and his hand accidentally hit the mouse.
The music changed again.
Standing in the center, the narrator was instantly stunned by the music. A dozen "dwarves" were clamoring incessantly, pushing and shoving one another.
"Damn it, stop pushing! Lin Jingyun fell, someone help her up!"
"I wasn't pushing! You guys move back a bit."
"Can you guys stop moving? The audience is watching! Are we performing or not?"
The student dressed as a tree trunk stood there with a bewildered expression. Were they still acting?
Several trees hopped around the stage, trying to consult with the group of dwarves, but they were squeezed right back out as soon as they tried to get close.
The music kept switching—one moment it was the prince’s entrance theme, the next it was the opening music for the play, as if there was some sort of technical glitch.
The student playing the stone block sat on the floor and started dazing off.
The class advisor was jumping with rage, shouting at the top of his lungs, "Who’s in charge of the music? What is going on? Are you playing a mashup?!"
He really wanted to cry...
It took a long time for the music to return to normal, but by then, the play was almost over.
Ji Puzhen took the opportunity to bump Xie Sili aside and push Ji Zhaoxi toward Jiang Shiyi. Jiang Shiyi frowned slightly but steadied Ji Zhaoxi.
The Hunter grabbed the narrator’s microphone and screamed, "The Queen is trying to steal the Princess away!"
The dwarves immediately fell into a chaotic huddle, jumping around and debating what to do.
The trees hurriedly shuffled toward the center of the stage; they still had to take a group photo later.
At the exact moment the music ended, Xie Sili snatched Ji Zhaoxi back from Jiang Shiyi's side.
Seeing this, the Hunter immediately prepared to wrap things up. He raised both hands high and spoke in a booming voice.
"And so, the Prince and Princess lived happily ever after!"
The lights dimmed instantly, and the world went quiet.
Thunderous applause erupted from the audience.
The class advisor sat in his seat, looking soul-crushed. Teachers from other classes gently patted his shoulder.
"Don't be like that. As long as the kids are happy."
The advisor’s expression remained vacant as he nodded listlessly.
The performances from other classes continued, but the previous act had already driven the audience’s excitement to a climax.
Watching the students performing on stage, the principal adjusted his expression and smiled cautiously at the person beside him.
"Mrs. Xie, the educational philosophy of A-High is bold innovation. We encourage every child to develop their potential."
Mrs. Xie watched the students on stage quietly and nodded.
The principal couldn't tell if Mrs. Xie was happy or unhappy, so he decisively shut his mouth. He looked silently toward the Dean on the other side; the Dean squeezed out a smile, signaling that he was also powerless.
No one could have predicted the scene that had just unfolded.
Backstage, the students of Class 1, Grade 11 were changing clothes and excitedly discussing what had happened.
"Old Ban is definitely going to be pissed, but we can't really be blamed for that."
"I saw his face just now. He looked more devastated than if we had all failed our exams."
"Nothing we can do now, just enjoy the moment. But I have one question—why were you trees running around the whole time? Were you afraid people wouldn't know you had legs?"
"How is that our fault? You dozen people were arguing there; we thought something big had happened."
Everyone tacitly avoided mentioning the kiss that had occurred on stage.
In the end, the video posted on the school’s official website only contained the first half; the second half had completely vanished.
The class advisor was very persistent about it. He later made them film a supplementary segment just to leave behind a complete performance video. After all, he intended to send it to the parents' group chat.
After the school anniversary celebration ended.
Xie Sili stood at the entrance with his backpack, waiting for Ji Zhaoxi.
Ji Zhaoxi finished packing her things and walked out. Xie Sili followed behind her, maintaining a distance that was neither too close nor too far.
The two didn't exchange a word. On the surface, their classmates appeared to be busy with their own tasks, but in reality, they were secretly observing the pair.
As soon as the two left, the classroom instantly boiled over with excitement.
"Oh my god, I was standing right next to them! I saw Xie Sili’s face turn bright red!"
"Heavens, I never thought I’d see the day Xie Sili blushed. What about Ji Zhaoxi's expression?"
"She was blocked by Xie Sili, I couldn't see her clearly at all."
"Ooh, look at him protecting her."
"What do you think they'll talk about later?"
"Don't be so nosy. It’s none of your business what they talk about."
"What's wrong with asking? Don't tell me you aren't curious."
The school was filled with stalls set up by students, selling all sorts of things. Even though the performances were over, many students hadn't left yet, and every corner of the school was crowded.
Ji Zhaoxi felt a bit awkward now. Why had she gotten up so quickly back then?
Would Xie Sili think she had kissed him on purpose?
She hesitated, wondering if she should explain it to him.
Finally, they reached the school gate.
Xie Sili looked at Ji Zhaoxi, who kept her head lowered. His palms were sweating slightly as he asked softly, "Are you going to the pet park tomorrow?"
"Leiting... he misses you if he doesn't see you for a day."
Ji Zhaoxi froze for a moment. Catching his focused gaze, she hurriedly looked away. "Yeah."
A flicker of a smile passed through Xie Sili’s eyes. "Then, see you tomorrow."
"Ahem... see you tomorrow."
