NOVEL WEB Chapter 196: Buff
“HuMing, was what the principal said this morning related to you?"
During lunch, Xia XiaoXi quietly slid into the seat next to HuMing, her voice low as she probed into the morning events.
HuMing remained composed, continuing his meal without the slightest change in expression from her question.
"What would it have to do with me? The principal's a decent guy, and honestly, handling this kind of situation isn't easy. He’s under a lot of pressure, so I think he made the right call."
"I see..." Xia XiaoXi arched an eyebrow, gazing at him without directly pointing out the implications behind his words.
But recalling the principal’s stern words earlier still left Xia XiaoXi feeling satisfied.
Those troublemakers had received the punishment they deserved—justice served!
"Oh, by the way," HuMing suddenly said. "I heard you will be giving a prize for first place in the talent show? What’s the prize?"
"Who told you that? I never said such a thing." Xia XiaoXi rose from her seat, the corners of her lips curling into a dazzling smile.
She patted HuMing on the shoulder and added with a playful tone:"Take it seriously. After all, you’re our ever-capable, unbeatable HuMing!"
HuMing furrowed his brows, puzzled by her cryptic encouragement.
…
The day passed quickly, and by the weekend, when the students returned to school, the main hall was already fully decorated.
Though some grumbled about having their weekend occupied for the event, they still flocked to the hall—because Xia XiaoXi would be performing!
Tickets to see Xia XiaoXi perform outside of school weren’t cheap, but here it was free!
Eager to make the most of the rare opportunity, many arrived early, some even bringing snacks to sneak a bite while waiting.
Xia XiaoXi was the opening act.
As the one responsible for setting the mood for the entire event, the pressure on her was immense.
Now sitting in a makeshift dressing room, she stared at her reflection in the mirror.
Everything felt the same as usual before a performance—her stunning looks, her sweet voice, and her seamless blend of singing and dancing. These were her strengths, and she knew how to maximize them.
Yet, as adept as she was at performing, she couldn’t fully quell the unease bubbling inside her.
Clutching her hands tightly together, Xia XiaoXi took a deep breath. She had considered eating something to calm her nerves earlier, but remembering HuMing's words from that day, she suppressed the impulse.
If she couldn’t overcome this challenge herself, she’d always be trapped by her own fears.
Even so, anxiety kept creeping in, painting nervous scenarios in her mind.
"Xia XiaoXi, you’ve got this! Cheer up! Don’t be scared!"
She gave herself a pep talk, though its effect was minimal.
Biting her lip, she frowned deeply, her foot tapping rhythmically with the thumping of her heart.
"Are you trying to stomp a hole through the floor?"
HuMing’s voice rang in her ears. At first, she thought she was imagining it, but when she turned toward the sound, there he was, standing right there.
She distinctly remembered there were people guarding outside. How did he get in?
Blinking in confusion, she curiously eyed him.
"How did you get in here?"
"Climbed in." HuMing pointed toward the window, where the curtain swayed lightly in the breeze.
Xia XiaoXi’s eyes widened in disbelief. It was the first time she’d ever heard of someone climbing in like that!
Still, she couldn’t help but feel a bit happy about his unexpected appearance.
"Judging by your foot-stomping earlier, it seems I was right to be worried. Feeling nervous with so many people out there waiting for you?"
"I was a little nervous, but after seeing you, not anymore!"
Xia XiaoXi smiled, and it wasn’t just a comforting lie—she genuinely felt calmer.
"Oh really? Should I leave you a photo of me to carry around for reassurance next time?"
HuMing chuckled as he stepped closer, resting a hand on her shoulder.
Looking at her through the mirror, he said:
"Xia XiaoXi, no one can believe in you more than you yourself. But if someone can, count me in!"
Xia XiaoXi gazed at her reflection in the mirror, at his hand on her shoulder, and a sudden thought popped into her head:
‘Is HuMing giving me a buff? Xia XiaoXi, you’re powered up—time to go!’
…
When the spotlight illuminated Xia XiaoXi, she instantly became the center of attention.
Her melodious and passionate singing, paired with her vibrant dance moves, captivated the audience. The dazzling lights enhanced her performance, adding an extra layer of allure.
Onstage, Xia XiaoXi exuded a commanding presence that far surpassed her usual demeanor.
At the end of her first number, she stepped forward, wiped the sweat from her brow, and, to everyone’s surprise, dramatically ripped off her gown.
Under the stage lights, her transformation was unveiled—gone was the princess in her elegant dress, replaced by a fiery, confident young woman in a bold outfit!
As the music shifted, the atmosphere in the hall surged to a fever pitch.
The audience cheered wildly, their energy fueling her performance. Even HuMing, amidst the crowd, waved a glow stick enthusiastically.
The scene resembled a full-blown concert.
Watching Xia XiaoXi’s radiant smile on stage, HuMing reaffirmed his belief—she was truly pure at heart. All she wanted was to showcase her best self to the world.
Hu Ming stood up and walked directly to the back of the stage.
As the song ended, cheers erupted from the students behind him.
"Xia XiaoXi! Xia XiaoXi!"
At this moment, Xia XiaoXi was already drenched in sweat. She looked at the students below who supported her, and the smile on her face never faded.
Because she knew very well that an idol brings smiles to others!
However, it was a pity that she couldn't find the one person she most wanted to see. This made her smile fade a little.
…
Despite Xia XiaoXi’s electrifying performance, which had set the bar incredibly high, the mood took a slight dip as subsequent acts followed.
But when Han ShuYi took the stage, the female audience erupted with excitement.
As his name echoed in the hall, he performed a heartfelt love ballad, captivating his fans and exuding an aura as if he owned the universe.
Some even declared him the inevitable champion.
Hearing such claims made Xia XiaoXi, now resting backstage, raise an eyebrow.
She didn’t quite agree.
Though Han ShuYi’s performance was stellar so far, one person had yet to take the stage.
And she was certain that person wouldn’t disappoint!
After Han ShuYi’s song ended, the host stepped up to applaud and energize the crowd. Then, they announced:
"Now, let’s welcome our final contestant, HuMing, performing the song Dreamland!"
The hall plunged into darkness.
From backstage, Han ShuYi narrowed his eyes as HuMing stepped forward, their gazes locking briefly.
HuMing offered a faint smile, a gesture that unsettled Han ShuYi for a moment.
But he quickly brushed it off, recalling that he had already secured the favor of the judging panel.
This talent show’s champion would undoubtedly be his!