NOVEL NEXT Chapter 104 - Fan’s Confession
That group chat had long been muted. With so many messages flooding in every day, who could possibly keep up?
Tang Yuan couldn’t be bothered to argue. “Forget it, just set a time.”
The casual chatter didn’t last long. Once the production team finished explaining the rules of the show, everyone moved to the recording site.
“Dear audience, welcome to the grand dance competition Campus Stage! We hope to create wonderful summer memories together!”
The host briefly introduced the panel of judges, ran through a slew of advertisements, and finally got to the point.
“Now, let me explain the competition rules. The theme of our first episode is Back to School. We trust our contestants are ready! The order of performances will be decided by a random draw. Let’s look at the big screen. Countdown begins in five seconds!”
【Tang Yuan! Tang Yuan! Tang Yuan!】
【Can we get a close-up of the judges’ panel? I miss my goddess Sister Jiang’s stunning beauty.】
【A dance industry veteran evaluating influencers?】
【This show is meant to bring different perspectives together! What’s wrong with influencers? They can enjoy performances too!】
As the countdown ended, Tang Yuan was the lucky first pick.
The screen played a pre-recorded interview where she shared her thoughts on the theme.
She had chosen to perform a solo—no dance partner.
As the video ended, the studio lights dimmed, plunging the venue into silence.
A single spotlight illuminated the girl on stage.
She wore a short-sleeved purple blouse, neatly tied with a rounded black ribbon, paired with a simple black pleated skirt. Her hair was braided into a neat scorpion-tail plait, blending seamlessly into the student crowd.
As the soft piano melody of As Wished began, her movements flowed like a fish gliding freely through water. Compared to the original choreography, her steps had been subtly altered—each toe lift, backbend, and spin synchronized effortlessly with the solo piano accompaniment.
There were no dazzling light effects, only the steady beam that followed her. The pure piano melody was achingly lonely, and no matter how the solitary dancer leaped, she could never escape the water’s surface. Eventually, she surrendered, sinking back into tranquil depths—drifting in contentment once more.
As the final note faded, she bowed and stepped back.
“Ah! Tang Yuan!”
“Baby! Mommy loves you, don’t cry!”
The stage lights returned to normal as the host walked on, handing her a microphone.
Host: “That was mesmerizing! Now, let’s have our contestant introduce herself.”
Tang Yuan bowed slightly toward the audience. “Hello, everyone! I’m Tang Yuan. Who just shouted? I wasn’t crying, hahaha!”
The cheers grew even louder, a mix of fans and newcomers alike hyping up the atmosphere.
“We noticed quite a few audience members tearing up while watching your performance, Tang Yuan. Your reinterpretation, combined with the pure piano arrangement, brought a different emotional depth from the original.”
Tang Yuan smiled, explaining, “Well, since the theme is Back to School, I thought about how so many students face immense pressure these days. Constant motivation can sometimes lead to burnout—healing is just as important. What I wanted to express is that no fish swims alone in the ocean. It’s okay if you can’t leap out—there’s no need to force yourself.”
“I can see our little Yuan really cares about students! Now, let’s hear from our judges!”
The camera panned to the judges’ panel, where all eyes were on Jiang Zi.
Resting her chin on one hand, Jiang Zi reached out with the other to switch on her microphone.
“Tang Yuan has a younger brother in his senior year of high school, so her empathy is strong. Her choreography and adaptation were flawless. But in private, she should practice more—and teach me, too.”
【AHHHHHH YOU TWO! I’M SCREAMING!】
【Sister Jiang is holding back—she didn’t even call her ‘wifey’ this time?!】
【Practice more at home, record more couple dances, give us content!】
The difference between Campus Stage and that trashy variety show I will Be Famous was clear—the judges here didn’t force awkward criticisms or stick to a script. They shared their genuine thoughts and engaged in meaningful discussions.
Reactions to Tang Yuan’s performance varied—some found it moving, others melancholic, and some simply felt at peace.
“Alright, thank you to our judges! Now, does anyone in the audience wish to challenge?”
The moment the host finished speaking, the challenge button was practically smashed.
A row of seat numbers appeared on the screen. Tang Yuan had to pick one challenger from the audience. She selected Row 7, Seat 17.
A girl shot up from her seat, barely containing her excitement as she dashed to the stage.
She had naturally tanned skin with a warm undertone, a sharp, clean-cut short hairstyle, and strikingly bold features. Dressed in a loose gray T-shirt and jeans, her tall frame exuded a lively, youthful energy.
She was so nervous she couldn’t even look at Tang Yuan directly. After taking the mic from the host, she stammered through her introduction.
“H-hello, everyone! My name is Shu Dongyi. Thank you!”
The host was about to step in and ease her nerves when she suddenly straightened up. Her gaze locked onto Tang Yuan, her eyes practically sparkling.
“Tang Yuan, I really like you. You are literally my ideal type. I adore girls like you—soft, fair, sweet-smelling, and gentle. Plus, your personality is amazing. I love you so much!”
Tang Yuan lightly touched her own face, deliberately avoiding Jiang Zi’s expression. It was just a fan confession—nothing major. “Hahaha, really? So, you’re a fan of mine?”
“Yes, yes! Too bad you already have Sister Jiang… I hope I’ll find my own ‘Tang Yuan’ someday.” Shu Dongyi sighed dramatically. “But regardless, I’m your loyal fan! I just hope you stay happy every day. Sister Jiang, you better take good care of our Tang Yuan.”
She didn’t actually expect Jiang Zi to respond. Without waiting, she turned to the host. “I’m ready to perform!”
“Sister Tang Yuan, I need a prop—a person, actually. Just sit in the chair, no interaction required. Would you help me?”
“You’re challenging me but still asking for my help?” Tang Yuan teased but didn’t refuse, taking a seat in the center of the stage.
From her seat at the judges’ panel, Jiang Zi watched with narrowed eyes. A strange pang of jealousy crept up—why did the distance between her and Tang Yuan feel so… far?
That girl had just openly declared her love, not even bothering to hide her attempt at stealing someone else’s girlfriend.
As she brooded, Tang Yuan settled into her seat.
The moment she did, Jiang Zi abruptly stood up and strode toward the stage.
Everything was set—the lights were about to dim, signaling the start of the performance. But with Jiang Zi stepping in, the flow was momentarily interrupted.
She pulled out a tissue and gently wiped the light sheen of sweat from Tang Yuan’s forehead and neck. Her voice was soft, yet firm.
“Wifey, you just danced—you must be tired. Go rest. I’ll take your place as the prop.”