LTM - 20☆, Song

The Friday class passed in the blink of an eye.

Shen Xi returned home on time.

Seeing him return so punctually again, Ye Qian remarked: “Why don’t you go out and have some fun tonight?”

Shen Xi changed his shoes and replied: “No.”

Ye Qian: “Why not tonight? I saw that you had a good time going out yesterday. You should go out more and not stay at home all the time.”

Shen Xi: “I only went out yesterday because a friend had some trouble.”

Seeing she couldn’t persuade him, Ye Qian retreated to the kitchen but continued speaking: “Every day, you read books and solve problems. Mom is really afraid you’ll turn into a bookworm. You need to walk around more, experience nature and life. After going out, you’ll realize the outside world isn’t as boring as you think, right?”

Shen Xi stood by the dining table drinking water. Hearing this, he didn’t show much emotion, merely placed the glass on the table and said faintly: “Mm.”

In truth, the outside world wasn’t as dull as he had imagined.

///

Back in his room, as soon as he opened his phone, he received Lin Zhan’s message.

This had almost become a habit.

He didn’t know how her small frame could hold so many words, along with so many random ideas and funny points.

But today, her question was quite normal.

Lin Zhan: [Next month is the art festival. Is your class preparing any performances?]

Shen Xi: [No.]

Lin Zhan: [Are you going to the art festival?]

Shen Xi replied: [Yes, we’re in charge of a lot of things backstage.]

Lin Zhan immediately sent an emoji.

[Then you can watch my performance live!]

Shen Xi: [What are you performing?]

Lin Zhan: [You’ll see when the time comes. Remember to watch it, okay?]

///

The program prepared by Lin Zhan’s class was arranged by the arts committee member. To liven up the atmosphere, the arts committee decided to parody S.H.E’s Super Star from the internet.

It wasn’t a formal performance—they would use people as microphones and guitars, mimicking playing them.

During rehearsals, everyone was incredibly excited.

Arts Committee Member: “Who’s thinner? Thinner people will be held like guitars. Those who can bend backward will lie on the ground as microphones. Then there are a few who will bend over to act as drums!”

Lin Zhan initially didn’t want to participate, but thinking about getting a chance to meet Shen Xi backstage, she agreed to the arts committee member’s request.

She didn’t have to do any strenuous tasks—no carrying or being carried. She had one of the easier roles: sing a couple of lines and take two steps forward.

Seeing Lin Zhan standing idly to the side, the arts committee member hurriedly assigned her position: “Our face of the group, come here quickly!”

Arts Committee Member: “Just stand here on the right. You’ll sing this lyric… When singing, step forward. I’ll tell you later. For now, go back and listen to the song a few times. You’re fine with singing, right?”

Lin Zhan: “No problem.”

Although she didn’t sing exceptionally well, at least she could carry a tune.

After practicing her position a few times, Lin Zhan quickly returned to her class.

Zheng Yi Mian asked upon seeing her arrive: “Finished rehearsing?”

Lin Zhan nodded and eagerly sat down: “My position is already set. Now I just need to review the lyrics.”

Zheng Yi Mian leaned over to look at the lyrics with her.

Lin Zhan skimmed the first line—

Laugh and sing praise,

Frown and feel heartache,

I have no time for myself,

Only feeling what you feel.

Lin Zhan licked her lips and said: “Isn’t this talking about me and Shen Xi?”

Zheng Yi Mian: “...Which part are you singing?”

Lin Zhan’s gaze dropped lower: “The second verse.”

Zheng Yi Mian: “You’ve probably heard this song many times. It should be easy to learn; no pressure.”

Lin Zhan: “Mm, I’ll listen to it a few times tonight.”

While drawing quick sketches that evening, Lin Zhan repeatedly listened to this song. Its lively rhythm made her sketching faster.

The lines of the thighs, the curve of the calves, the interplay and perspective of the shoes…

Effortlessly, her strokes were smooth, crisp, and balanced.

After finishing five sketches, she went to sleep.

Before bed, she shared this song with Shen Xi.