Chapter 29: Chaos

Han Yunqiao’s opposition to adding scenes wasn’t without reason.

For actors, adding a scene might just mean a couple more lines and an extra trip on stage. But for the crew, it meant a cascade of work—set design, props, costumes, sound effects, lighting—all had to be arranged. Even which crew member would carry what prop from which side of the stage had to be considered. Who would willingly seek this trouble unless absolutely necessary?

Moreover, Han Yunqiao harbored old grievances with Tang Fei. Back when they were freshmen joining the club, everyone was supposed to start with basic tasks like cleaning up after rehearsals. While others diligently did their part, Tang Fei always found excuses to leave early and never swept the floor once.

With her fiery temper, Han Yunqiao complained to the then-president. Though the president claimed he’d talk to Tang Fei, nothing came of it. Why? Because of her vice-secretary mother?

Now in their senior year, Tang Fei’s special treatment remained unchecked. What about dramatic rhythm or character development? Wasn’t it just her unwillingness to play a supporting role and craving the spotlight? Luckily, Zhang Li being cast as the female lead was personally decided by Senior Xiao; otherwise, who knows how much of a fuss Princess Tang would have made!

With Han Yunqiao speaking so bluntly in front of everyone, Tang Fei naturally looked displeased but maintained her composure to counter, “Han Yunqiao, you need to take responsibility for your words. Why would I add scenes for myself? I’ve played many female leads. Now I’m just trying to help the club produce a good work—can’t I offer suggestions?”

“Suggestions?” Han Yunqiao rolled her eyes right in front of her. “Are those really suggestions or are you forcing others to accept them? Guo Yue already said to keep it as is. Why did you stop again during the second run-through? Thirty to forty people have to restart because of your halt. Don’t you think you’re being excessive?”

This was hard to refute. Tang Fei seemed momentarily at a loss. At this moment, a loyal friend needed to step forward—and Yang Yuanyuan didn’t disappoint, jumping out to clash with Han Yunqiao.

“How dare you speak like that, Han Yunqiao?” Her voice was shrill and louder than her lines. “We’re all classmates. Why be so aggressive? Tang Fei’s an actress—she surely knows more about acting than you. You’re just doing logistics. Let professionals make decisions, okay?”

“I’m amazed by your audacity,” Han Yunqiao laughed angrily. “Professional? Are you and Tang Fei from film or drama academies? Does our school even have an art department? Just because you’ve acted in a few amateur plays, you call yourselves ‘professionals’? How about the Oscars inviting you two as judges next year?”

… The argument escalated further.

Onlookers among the actors and crew showed varied expressions—some feared trouble and wanted to mediate, while others enjoyed the spectacle. Guo Yue had the worst headache, unable to handle several ladies exploding simultaneously. He jumped from the audience onto the stage to intervene but tripped over his untied shoes, missing the chance to stop Yang Yuanyuan from continuing.

“Han Yunqiao, don’t pretend you don’t know—you’re just jealous of Tang Fei!” Yang Yuanyuan spoke rapidly like a machine gun. “Everyone has their fate. You’re destined to live worse than her. If you keep causing trouble, you might not graduate!”

… This statement truly stung.

“Not graduate?” Han Yunqiao exploded. “Are you threatening me? So proud of having a vice-secretary mother? I’ve diligently studied for four years and completed all my credits. Let’s see how she stops me from graduating! Whoever abuses power should go straight to jail!”

She then whipped out her phone, turned on the camera, and pointed it at Tang Fei and Yang Yuanyuan, shouting, “Come on, repeat what you just said!”

Having a phone shoved in her face infuriated Tang Fei. In a fit of anger, she pushed Yang Yuanyuan aside and forcefully slapped Han Yunqiao’s phone out of her hand. The flip phone hit the ground with a “crack,” breaking into two.

“Han Yunqiao, don’t push it!” Tang Fei’s voice could have blown the roof off. “Provoking trouble and making false accusations—who ends up in jail is uncertain! I warn you, apologize immediately, or you’ll face consequences!”

At this point, things spiraled out of control.

The shattered phone ignited physical conflict. Old grudges combined with new anger left both losing rationality. When her phone hit the ground, Han Yunqiao angrily pushed Tang Fei, demanding compensation. Yang Yuanyuan continued to provoke, screaming, “How dare you hit someone!” The situation escalated into a full-blown fight—pulling hair, tearing clothes.

The scene was uncontrollable. Just as Guo Yue managed to separate them and urged Han Yunqiao to cool down backstage, Tang Fei stormed after her, intent on slapping her and teaching her a lesson. Chaos ensued—props scattered everywhere, vases shattered.

“Pull them apart, pull them apart!” Guo Yue shouted hoarsely to nearby boys. “Quickly separate them!”

Peng Zechuan was there and, along with an actor, tried to pull the two girls apart. Surprisingly strong in anger, the boys struggled to hold them back. Yin Mengxi, fearing injuries from broken vase shards, stepped in to help. Together with another girl, they managed to calm the situation.

“Rehearsal’s over, everyone leave—go!”

Guo Yue, sweating profusely, shouted to everyone.

“Don’t spread rumors about today’s incident! Next rehearsal will be announced in the group chat!”

Then Tang Fei and Han Yunqiao were taken to different backstage rooms. Most of the drama club members left, leaving only a few to soothe the parties involved.

Yin Mengxi, unfamiliar with Tang Fei, stayed with Han Yunqiao to comfort her alongside Keke. Two bloody scratches marred Han Yunqiao’s face, likely from Tang Fei’s nails during the scuffle. She cried intensely, visibly upset.

“Why bother arguing with her?” Zhou Ke gently wiped Han Yunqiao’s tears with a tissue, sighing. “You’ve endured for four years, and graduation is near. Fighting now won’t benefit you…”

“I can’t stand her arrogant, blatant attitude!” Han Yunqiao sobbed fiercely. “Who does she think she is? Why must everyone cater to her? Is this 2012, still playing privilege games? This is university—the ivory tower least tainted by corruption! Why should she ruin others’ fairness!”

Seeing her nearly hyperventilate, Zhou Ke dared not contradict her anymore, patting her back soothingly. Glancing at Yin Mengxi, she whispered, “Xixi, sorry to trouble you. Could you fetch some water for Yunqiao?”

Relieved to help, Yin Mengxi nodded and quickly exited the prop room.

The drama club’s regular base at Xiaohongding kept a water dispenser backstage. Approaching it, Yin Mengxi found it miraculously upright amidst scattered props. Navigating the mess, she fetched two cups of water. As she stood to return, she heard noise from outside the theater—it seemed someone had entered.

Peeking from behind the curtain, she saw a hurried figure.

… It was Xiao Zhi.

He came?

Why?

Had someone informed him of the incident, asking him to handle it?

He didn’t see her, hidden by the curtain. She watched him frown and briskly walk toward the backstage dressing room—where Tang Fei currently was.

… Was he going to comfort her?

Yin Mengxi lowered her eyes slightly. Losing grip on the paper cups, water spilled. Snapping back, she felt frustrated, refilled the cups, and quietly returned to the prop room.

Keke and Yunqiao’s friendship proved strong. By the time Yin Mengxi returned with water, Yunqiao’s emotions had calmed significantly. After drinking, she thanked Yin Mengxi with a nod.

Zhou Ke examined her wounds, frowning. “The cuts aren’t deep, but we should still visit the campus clinic for treatment.”

“No need,” Han Yunqiao waved weakly, her eyes still swollen. “There’s a first-aid kit in the prop room. Fetch me a band-aid.”

Zhou Ke sighed, about to persuade further, when two knocks sounded at the door. Guo Yue peeked in cautiously.

“… Is Yunqiao better?”

His tone was extremely careful.

“Injured? Shall we go to the campus clinic together?”

Han Yunqiao ignored Guo Yue, likely cursing him inwardly for being a weak president who couldn’t control the situation. Zhou Ke mediated, suggesting a clinic visit to ensure peace of mind. Otherwise, what if scars remained on her face? Wouldn’t that please Tang Fei?

Mentioning Tang Fei reignited Han Yunqiao’s anger. Declaring she wouldn’t let Tang Fei feel comfortable, she finally rose with Zhou Ke’s support. Zhou Ke sighed in relief, exchanged glances with Guo Yue, and told Yin Mengxi, “Xixi, you don’t need to accompany us. You’ve worked hard today—rest early.”

“Yes, yes, rest early,” Guo Yue echoed awkwardly. “Sorry for the spectacle…”

Then everyone left.

Yin Mengxi’s bag was in the audience seats. She tidied up, intending to leave, but looking back at the chaotic props scattered on stage, she felt strangely distressed. Why should she feel this way? She was a Youth League editor, not part of the drama club. Whether the play succeeded or failed was none of her concern. Why bear this psychological burden?

… Yet she couldn’t abandon the mess.

Setting her bag down, she returned alone to the stage. Quietly, she righted overturned tables and chairs, then went backstage to clean up shattered vase fragments. Without a broom, she carefully gathered shards by hand, wrapping them in tissue before disposing of them in the hazardous waste bin.

Kneeling, picking up pieces one by one in the vast, empty theater, she suddenly felt lonely. For some reason, Xiao Zhi’s hurried entrance to the dressing room flashed in her mind. A sense of loss washed over her—not devastating like floods or blizzards, but persistently dampening her heart.

Her thoughts tangled and drifted far. She didn’t notice someone approach until a gentle tap on her shoulder startled her. Unfortunately, she cut her finger on a shard. A few drops of blood emerged, bright red.

“Cut yourself?”

Before feeling the pain, she felt a cool sensation—someone behind her crouched and held her injured hand. His beautiful eyes were downcast, brows furrowed tighter than when he entered the theater earlier, making her even more puzzled.

“… Senior?”

Surprised, she met Xiao Zhi’s gaze.

Author’s Note:

It’s inappropriate not to talk about love. Both parties should understand.