Chapter 94 - Are You Regretful?

After waiting for a while, a white Porsche 911 drove up from the roadside and stopped beside Tang Huaijin, honking twice.

Seeing Tang Huaijin open the car door and sit in the passenger seat, Xia Yunzhu took off her sunglasses and frowned, “What’s so urgent that you had to call me out?”

Tang Huaijin looked at Xia Yunzhu and quickly explained his plan.

Xia Yunzhu considered for a moment and hesitantly asked, “So you want to tell Xinya about you two being together this way? Are you ready for it?”

“Yes, just like you said, we can’t delay Xinya’s matters any longer. She will definitely lose control of her emotions when she finds out, but I’ll do my best to keep her steady and not make her feel isolated.”

After speaking, Tang Huaijin looked at Xia Yunzhu again and said, “Telling Xinya this way is more convincing. Let her know that even though Bai Yuerou is with someone else, nothing has really changed from before.”

“Also, Aunt Xia, you should try to spend more time with Xinya, chat with her more, and help her shift her focus away from Bai Yuerou.”

“Alright, I’ll help you with the anniversary gala,” Xia Yunzhu nodded gently after pondering for a while. Then, as if remembering something, a hint of amusement appeared in her eyes as she asked, “I heard your school’s principal will be there too. Aren’t you afraid this approach is too high-profile?”

Not noticing the peculiar smile in Mrs. Xia’s eyes, Tang Huaijin chuckled, “It’s fine. Although I’ve never met this mysterious principal, judging by his style, he’s not the rigid type.”

Xia Yunzhu looked at him with interest, her tone carrying a hint of admiration, “You’re quite bold, aren’t you?”

“What did you say?” Tang Huaijin frowned, feeling something was off.

“Nothing,” Xia Yunzhu chuckled softly, put on her sunglasses, and gripped the steering wheel, “Buckle up. I’ll take you to buy a suit. After all, you’re doing this for Xinya, so I’ll help you out. Maybe you can turn this pretend girlfriend into a real one.”

“Heh, you’re joking,” Tang Huaijin shook his head with a helpless smile but didn’t refuse Mrs. Xia’s kindness. He indeed needed a suit.

Mrs. Xia’s driving skills were impressive, fast yet steady.

In no time, they arrived at the most upscale shopping center in Jizhou City.

Leading Tang Huaijin into a high-end suit store, Xia Yunzhu waved over a nearby sales assistant, handed her a bank card, and softly instructed, “Find him a suitable suit, don’t worry about the price.”

The female sales assistant accepted it respectfully, not daring to show any negligence, and quickly called other staff to help measure his size.

The staff were perceptive; one glance at Xia Yunzhu’s attire revealed its high value, and her casual handing over of a bank card indicated she was not someone to offend.

After measuring, the female assistant picked out a suit, beaming as she looked at the two, “How about this one?”

Xia Yunzhu glanced at it, nodded gently, and said, “Try it on.”

The assistant handed over a belt and shoes along with other accessories to Tang Huaijin and led him to the fitting room.

When he emerged from the fitting room, the waiting staff outside were momentarily stunned.

Tang Huaijin was tall, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist, a classic inverted triangle physique, a natural clothes hanger. The well-fitted indigo suit exuded an indescribable elegance on him. Beneath the fringe on his forehead were deep-set eyes and a straight nose, exuding a heroic aura.

Even Xia Yunzhu’s eyes flashed with surprise. She had lived for over thirty years and had never seen anyone wear a suit so stunningly, and this person was just a young man.

Tang Huaijin also checked himself in the mirror, then turned to Xia Yunzhu, “Does it fit?”

Xia Yunzhu nodded lightly, her expression satisfied, “Yes, pay for it, this is the one.”

The suit, along with the tie and other accessories, cost a total of one hundred thousand yuan. Tang Huaijin was a bit taken aback by the receipt in his hand. Although he wasn’t short on money now, he wouldn’t splurge a hundred thousand on a suit.

Seemingly reading his thoughts, Xia Yunzhu chuckled softly, “It’s nothing, just consider it a gift from me. I wish you success in tomorrow’s performance.”

“Thank you,” Tang Huaijin nodded, leaving the shopping center and returning home in Mrs. Xia’s car.

…

The next morning, Tang Huaijin kissed his sister on the cheek as she washed dishes and left home.

Since today was the school anniversary, most classes were relaxed, and the teachers weren’t very strict.

Bai Yuerou seemed a bit nervous, practicing her lines with the script in hand.

During the last afternoon self-study session, students participating in the performance arrived early at the auditorium for the final rehearsal. As hosts, Tang Huaijin and Bai Yuerou naturally joined them.

This rehearsal was more formal, with performers needing to change into their costumes, and makeup artists backstage to do their makeup.

After changing into his suit, the makeup artist, seeing Tang Huaijin’s excellent skin condition, simply styled his hair.

Girls’ makeup always took more time. After waiting outside for a while, Bai Yuerou gracefully emerged from the makeup room.

The girl wore high heels and a luxurious white silk evening gown, the fitted waistline highlighting her graceful figure. Her slender waist was accentuated by a fullness beyond her peers. The embroidered neckline wasn’t low, revealing nothing inappropriate, but its double-layered lace design elegantly showcased her long, fair neck.

Both romantic and elegant, yet sexy and charming, Tang Huaijin was momentarily entranced.

Noticing the boy’s somewhat heated gaze, Bai Yuerou felt a sense of satisfaction, a blush rising on her cheeks. She shyly glanced at him and asked, “Jin, do I look good?”

Realizing his lapse, Tang Huaijin moistened his dry lips and smiled, “You look beautiful, truly stunning.”

He had always thought the girl would suit a more pure and artistic style, but this outfit completely overturned his expectations.

Hearing the sincerity in his voice, Bai Yuerou smiled gently, “Jin, you also look great in a suit.”

Others had mostly finished their makeup too. As the music played, the two stepped onto the stage and went through the entire process.

Though Bai Yuerou was a bit nervous, her overall performance was good, without any slip-ups.

After the rehearsal, there was about half an hour before the gala’s opening ceremony.

Bai Yuerou walked over to Tang Huaijin, gently reached out to adjust his bow tie, and looked at his face, softly saying, “Alright, let’s head backstage.”

Tang Huaijin nodded and followed Bai Yuerou backstage.

After resting backstage for a while, the students gradually took their seats in their respective class areas. Tang Huaijin could see the audience section for his class, where Xia Xinya was sitting beside Shen Yiqiu, looking around for something.

She was probably looking for him and Bai Yuerou. Thinking of this, Tang Huaijin sighed silently, feeling a bit pressured.

The background music gradually started playing, and it was almost time for them to go on stage.

Seeing Bai Yuerou’s expression become a bit tense again, Tang Huaijin smiled and comforted her, “Relax, Yuerou, you did great during the rehearsal. Keep it up.”

“Yes, keep it up.” Bai Yuerou nodded.

As the music faded, Tang Huaijin took a deep breath, smiled slightly at Bai Yuerou, and walked onto the stage alongside her.

The event proceeded smoothly. Bai Yuerou was a bit nervous at first but soon became more comfortable, skillfully coordinating with Tang Huaijin.

After the last program ended, amidst the applause from the audience, the curtain closed, and Tang Huaijin and Bai Yuerou, the hosts, returned to the stage to deliver the final closing remarks for the anniversary gala.

With a smile, Bai Yuerou looked at the audience and said, “Happy times are always short. On this enchanting night, we must thank all the performers. It is your tireless efforts behind the scenes that have brought us this unforgettable moment.”

After speaking, she looked at Tang Huaijin, waiting for him to deliver the final closing words.

Tang Huaijin smiled slightly, looked at the audience, and asked, “Students, I always feel a sense of unfinished business. Do any of you feel the same, not wanting the gala to end so soon?”

The students in the stands became excited upon hearing his words, guessing there might be more to come, and shouted in unison, “Yes!”

“Wouldn’t it be a bit regrettable to end it like this?”

“Yes!”

Tang Huaijin glanced at Bai Yuerou, who looked surprised, and asked with a smile, “Host, do you also feel it’s a bit regrettable?”

Bai Yuerou was initially unsure of his intentions, but upon hearing this, a hint of delight flashed in her eyes, and she nodded lightly, smiling in agreement, “Yes.”

“Alright, next, I’ll perform Debussy’s ‘Clair de Lune,’ dedicated to a girl in my heart who is as gentle and serene as moonlight.”

The audience might not have understood what was happening, as neither host mentioned their names, but the senior science class was already buzzing. They knew the monitor’s name was Bai Yuerou¹, and it was easy to understand Tang Huaijin’s words. They cheered excitedly, some even whistling.

With their enthusiasm, the rest of the audience also joined in with applause.

Amidst the applause, the curtain on the stage was drawn open, revealing the piano that had been moved onto the stage by the staff.

Tang Huaijin walked to the piano and sat down, his back straight, hands gently resting on the keys.

He hadn’t actually learned to play the piano, but he wasn’t nervous at all.

Because he had a trick up his sleeve.

Last night, he had used the master level musical instrument playing experience from the previous task reward. His fingers lightly caressed the smooth keys without a hint of unfamiliarity. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and began to play.

His long fingers danced gracefully over the black and white keys, as if a beautiful melody flowed from his fingertips like a babbling brook.

The soothing and elegant prelude was like the enchanting moonlight on a tranquil night, calming the restless hearts of the audience.

As the middle section’s chords varied in strength, it gave the impression of moonlight weaving through the clouds, light and romantic.

Bai Yuerou watched the boy’s focused profile with a sweet smile, her gaze gradually becoming blurred.

Even as the final chords marking the end of the ‘Clair de Lune’ echoed, people remained immersed in the atmosphere, as if under the ethereal, dreamlike moonlight.

Moments later, the room erupted in thunderous applause that seemed endless.

Amidst the applause, Tang Huaijin slowly walked to Bai Yuerou’s side, facing the audience but looking at Bai Yuerou, and said with a smile, “Thank you, everyone. Tonight’s gala ends here. I hope it leaves you with fewer regrets.”

“Alright, let’s once again thank all the performers for their contributions to this gala and give them the warmest applause.”

As the audience erupted in another wave of applause, Tang Huaijin and Bai Yuerou bowed to the audience and retreated backstage.

Once backstage, Bai Yuerou couldn’t contain her joy any longer and threw herself into Tang Huaijin’s arms, her eyes slightly red, hugging his waist tightly.

Tang Huaijin patted her back comfortingly and said softly, “I hope this can make up for some of your regrets, Yuerou.”

Bai Yuerou shook her head vigorously in his embrace, her voice gentle, “No regrets, I’m very happy. Thank you, Jin.”

“Alright, let go of me now. Everyone’s watching.” Tang Huaijin glanced at the performers who were watching them, and said with a wry smile. After today, the gossip about him and Bai Yuerou would surely spread throughout the school. Although this was the outcome he wanted, his feelings were still somewhat complicated.

Actually, when he first learned about the gala, he already had this plan in mind. It was only yesterday afternoon that he decided whether to proceed, which led him to contact Mrs. Xia and ask her to help communicate with the school.

On one hand, it was to make up for some of Bai Yuerou’s regrets, and on the other, it was to lay things out with Xia Xinya.

Bai Yuerou finally released him, her face flushed, and obediently followed him to rest nearby.

Now, the stage was showing a documentary about the founding history of Rose Elite High School, and the next segment would be the teachers hosting, with the principal presenting awards to the performers.

Technically, it was no longer the hosts’ responsibility. Tang Huaijin stood up, intending to leave backstage, but was stopped by the teacher in charge, who said he might have to go on stage to receive an award, as his performance counted as part of the gala.

For some reason, Tang Huaijin felt the teacher’s gaze was somewhat peculiar.

“First prize, senior science class three, Tang Huaijin ‘Clair de Lune'”

Beside him, Bai Yuerou blushed and stammered, just about to say something when she heard Tang Huaijin’s name being called outside, and immediately stopped.

Tang Huaijin didn’t mind, smiling as he went on stage to receive the award.

Once all the award recipients were on stage, the hosting teacher said, “Alright, please give your warmest applause and welcome our principal to present the awards.”

Immediately, the audience erupted in applause like a tidal wave. This principal, whom Tang Huaijin had never met, walked over from one side, and Tang Huaijin instinctively turned to look, his expression instantly frozen.

Amidst the enthusiastic applause, Bai Renli walked up to Tang Huaijin, expressionless.

Footnote:

1. Bai Yuerou(白月柔):Her name literally translates to “white moon soft” or “white moon gentle,” beautifully echoing the “moonlight” theme of the dedication and Debussy’s “Clair de Lune” (which means “light of the moon” in French).