Niu Xuan's booming announcement drew stares from seven or eight classmates, making Gao Yang instantly uncomfortable. His eyes quickly found Wan Sisi, the birthday girl.
Flanked by two close friends on a long sofa, Wan Sisi sat beneath the glow of disco lights. The glass coffee table before her was laden with snacks, fruit platters, drinks, and beer. Beside it stood an elegant three-tiered cream cake—clearly expensive.
Today, Wan Sisi had gone all out. Her usually simple bob had been styled into soft, playful waves. A sleeveless polka-dot sundress showcased her delicate shoulders and collarbones, while a black lace choker adorned her slender neck, giving her the air of a demure yet coquettish kitten.
For someone as reserved as Wan Sisi, this outfit was daring—only attempted after much encouragement from her friends.
The effort paid off. Every male attendee had done a double-take upon arriving, offering flustered compliments that made her blush.
She'd waited anxiously for Gao Yang's arrival. When he finally entered, heat rushed to her cheeks—thankfully masked by the dim lighting.
Since gifts were discouraged, Gao Yang had only brought a matcha cheesecake from a bakery en route. Placing it on the table, he said casually, "Happy birthday, Sisi. Wasn't sure what you'd like."
"Thank you." Wan Sisi opened her mouth to say more, but her bespectacled friend abruptly stood. "I'll go queue songs! Gao Yang, sit anywhere."
The vacated spot beside Wan Sisi might as well have had a neon "HERE" sign.
Before he could decide whether to oblige, Qing Ling's voice cut through from a corner: "Gao Yang. Here."
She occupied a two-seater couch, arms crossed, face impassive. Dressed in fitted coffee-colored athletic wear with a high ponytail and zero makeup, she still outshone every girl present.
"Oh." Gao Yang obediently took the seat beside her.
Wan Sisi's smile froze. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, pretending to chat with others.
Qing Ling had serious matters to discuss, but Niu Xuan interrupted first.
"Gao Yang! Late and empty-handed?" Niu Xuan thrust a microphone at him, smirking. "At least sing us something!"
"Yeah!" a few boys echoed.
"Come on! Don't be a buzzkill." Niu Xuan's eyes glinted with malice. He knew his own singing was mediocre—but Gao Yang's was atrocious. Today, he'd make sure everyone remembered that.
Truthfully, Niu Xuan had barely noticed Gao Yang before. But lately, the guy grated on his nerves.
First, Li Weiwei's death unexpectedly cast Gao Yang in a tragic light—childhood sweethearts torn apart. Then, impossibly, Qing Ling—the untouchable goddess who'd rebuffed every male advance—started shadowing him.
Rumors even claimed they'd been spotted holding hands off-campus. Overnight, Gao Yang's stock skyrocketed. Even his looks seemed enhanced—that aloof aura inexplicably drawing girls in.
What absolute bullshit.
Niu Xuan had only attended today because Wan Sisi's glow-up intrigued him. Freshly single, he'd envisioned an easy conquest—hence the extravagant cake and roses delivered earlier.
Yet Wan Sisi had refused the flowers, her eyes constantly darting to the door... until Gao Yang arrived.
That spark in her gaze—infuriating.
"Sing! Don't ruin the mood!" Niu Xuan pressed.
The room tensed. Wan Sisi, however, leaned forward eagerly. She'd heard Gao Yang couldn't carry a tune, but refused to believe it. His voice must be as gentle as he is.
Gao Yang exchanged a glance with Qing Ling: Later?
Her slight nod said: Later.
"Fine." He stood.
Choosing Jay Chou's Can't Speak, Gao Yang braced for humiliation. The mocking grins around him stung—especially Niu Xuan's.
Enough.
As the intro played, he closed his eyes.
[Beep—]
[System accessed.]
[Current luck points: 26.]
—Which stat improves singing?
[Charisma enhances vocal talent. Without related skills, adding points isn't advised.]
—Add all 26! Confirm!
[Added.]
[Stamina: 27 | Endurance: 28]
[Strength: 17 | Agility: 27]
[Spirit: 67 | Charisma: 55]
[Luck: 132]
[System closed.]
Gao Yang's throat tingled; his diaphragm expanded. Thirty seconds later, the transformation completed.
"Well? We're waiting!" Niu Xuan taunted.
Gao Yang inhaled—and his voice seamlessly merged with the melody:
"Through the clouds, I race toward you...
But love arrives to find you in another's arms..."
Rising, he cradled the mic, pouring raw emotion into the chorus:
"I just couldn't say it—couldn't let you know...
Even those simple words to make you smile...
My heart hangs suspended, forced to watch from afar...
I could've done it all—but now, it's someone else."
Silence followed the final note.
Gao Yang's performance wasn't professional-grade, but its sincerity cut deep. Coupled with the song's tragic timing—Li Weiwei's recent death—many classmates wiped their eyes, Wan Sisi included.
Her emotions seesawed: His voice is beautiful... but he must've loved Li Weiwei so much... A pang of longing struck her. Even if she's his eternal white moonlight, I won't give up. Time can heal—
Niu Xuan sat slack-jawed, inwardly cursing.
Handing the mic to the next singer, Gao Yang sighed. Wasted 26 points on vanity. Stupid.
Returning to Qing Ling, he braced for her trademark indifference.
"Not bad," she said.
Gao Yang blinked. Since when did she care about anything but strength? "Thanks. What did you—"
"GAO YANG!" Niu Xuan bellowed. "GET OVER HERE!"
Qing Ling's eyes darkened—Gao Yang could practically see her mentally unsheathing her blade.
"Easy," he whispered urgently. "Let me handle this."
"Make it fast."
"Understood."