Shen Jia Yan always brought surprises to Wen Wan Ning. She hadn’t expected Shen Jia Yan to play the drum set as well, but she was still a bit angry. She was upset that Shen Jia Yan hadn’t told her directly and had wanted to keep it from her.
She pouted and said, “You play the drum set and are performing at the school anniversary gala. What was so hard about telling me? I had to ask you several times before you finally said it!”
Shen Jia Yan looked at Wen Wan Ning’s somewhat serious expression, and a surge of unease welled up in her heart. She quickly explained, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hide it from you. I just didn’t want you to think I love showing off too much.”
Wen Wan Ning knew Shen Jia Yan’s personality and had actually guessed some of the reasons.
“I know what kind of person you are. I wouldn’t think that of you. Instead, you’re the one who always hides your excellent sides, making me feel like I don’t know you well enough.”
Shen Jia Yan hadn’t deliberately hidden it, which made Wen Wan Ning feel that as friends, they hadn’t yet reached the point of complete heart-to-heart trust. She couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed.
But she didn’t know that Shen Jia Yan simply wanted to show only her best side in front of the person she liked.
“It was my fault. From now on, I’ll be more honest with you. Don’t be mad at me, okay?” Shen Jia Yan coaxed her in a spoiled manner.
Wen Wan Ning spoke softly, “Jia Yan, I hope we can become best friends who have no secrets from each other and are intimately close. You’ll stand up for me when I need it, and naturally, I can be your most trusted support.”
In her interactions with friends, Shen Jia Yan habitually took on the role of caregiver, always striving to look after every friend around her.
When the word “support” came from Wen Wan Ning’s mouth, a ripple of warmth and security stirred in a corner of Shen Jia Yan’s heart.
In the dark night, Shen Jia Yan’s watery eyes gazed at Wen Wan Ning. “Okay, we will definitely become what you hope for.”
She didn’t know how Wen Wan Ning felt about her at that moment. For now, she was willing to accept being regarded as her best friend.
To ease the relatively serious atmosphere, Lü Yue pulled the topic back. “Wan Ning, our class’s performance is also a drum set routine. What a coincidence—it’s Cheng Xiao performing.”
Shen Jia Yan replied first, “What a coincidence. Then we’ll see who performs better at the time.”
The mention of a similar performance—and from Wen Wan Ning’s classmate at that— instantly ignited Shen Jia Yan’s competitive spirit.
She couldn’t lose face in front of Wen Wan Ning.
Wen Wan Ning couldn’t help but chuckle at Shen Jia Yan’s childish look; her earlier displeasure had vanished. She encouraged her, “I think Jia Yan will definitely be the better one.”
Shen Jia Yan scratched her head with a smile.
“By the way, Wan Ning, I remember Lü Xin saying you play an instrument too. What was it?”
Wen Wan Ning wanted to dodge it, but before she could speak, Lü Yue blurted it out. “Guzheng. Wan Ning plays the guzheng. I wanted to recommend her for this performance, but she flatly refused.”
Regret was written all over Lü Yue’s face.
From Lü Yue’s description and her regretful expression, Wan Ning’s guzheng skills must have been quite good.
Shen Jia Yan’s eyes filled with anticipation. “Wan Ning, can you play it for me sometime?”
Shen Jia Yan even imagined Wen Wan Ning sitting gracefully at the guzheng, serene and gentle, with the flowing notes creating a clear, moving melody.
Wen Wan Ning hesitated for a few seconds. “Okay.”
She had learned the guzheng because she loved its clear, lingering sound, which made her feel warm and calm, as if enveloped in mist.
She had never played it in front of friends—her personality made her unwilling to show off to outsiders.
But with Shen Jia Yan, she felt no resistance.
She was willing to share her feelings with her.
According to the school’s requirements, Shen Jia Yan went to the School Auditorium with all the students who had signed up for the school anniversary performances during the second class in the afternoon for program screening.
The school required each class to submit one program, but not all would make the final lineup.
First, they screened all submitted programs based on quality and length, selecting the most suitable ones for the stage.
Then, they arranged and adjusted the selected programs to finalize the performance.
Two students had submitted drum set performances: Shen Jia Yan and Cheng Xiao from their class, as mentioned by Lü Yue.
After submitting, the organizers had instructed that anyone with instruments should bring them to school, so early that morning, the driver had delivered Shen Jia Yan’s drum set.
Ever since learning that the other drummer was Cheng Xiao from Class 4—and that Wen Wan Ning had encouraged her—she had secretly resolved to show her absolute best.
Unlike Shen Jia Yan, Cheng Xiao had wanted to perform at the school anniversary from the start. She had volunteered for it in Class 4.
Of the two drum set acts, Cheng Xiao desperately wanted to be the one selected.
The judging teacher asked Cheng Xiao to perform first.
Cheng Xiao’s drum set skills were also max-level.
Her movements were fluid and seamless, dazzling everyone.
Everyone held their breath for Shen Jia Yan, who was up next. Some even thought the selection was a done deal.
It was Shen Jia Yan’s turn.
Clear, dynamic beats, layered rhythms, graceful movements, free and unrestrained.
Her immersion and passion easily drew people in.
It wasn’t mechanical hitting or just smooth following of the score—it was a shock straight to the soul.
Shen Jia Yan had learned the drum set not to add a skill or boost her college entrance exam scores.
She had taken it up voluntarily, simply because she loved it.
The teachers on site and the waiting students were all captivated by Shen Jia Yan’s performance.
The moment Shen Jia Yan finished, Cheng Xiao prepared to leave.
She felt her power and genuine love for the drum set. She conceded wholeheartedly.
The judging teacher announced the result: Cheng Xiao was not selected.
As she packed up her drum, Shen Jia Yan quietly approached the judging teacher.
Cheng Xiao noticed Shen Jia Yan’s actions and felt uneasy.
“Teacher, I have a small suggestion I’d like to share.”
The teacher liked this girl who was passionate on stage but shy off it. She smiled and nodded slightly. “What suggestion? Go ahead.”
With the teacher’s permission, Shen Jia Yan’s lips curved up. “I think Cheng Xiao’s drumming is excellent too. Could we both stay and perform together? It would add a highlight to the program.”
While Cheng Xiao’s drumming lacked some of Shen Jia Yan’s passion and layers, it was flawless in fluency and continuity.
When choosing between them, the judges had discussed it. The result was clear, but they felt some regret for Cheng Xiao.
But there was no helping it—who could compete with Shen Jia Yan?
Against anyone else, Cheng Xiao’s selection would have been unquestionable.
Shen Jia Yan’s sudden suggestion enlightened the teacher.
Since there was regret, why not keep both? It could be the best outcome.
The teacher nodded approvingly. “That’s a good suggestion. We can consider it.”
“Teacher, can you tell Cheng Xiao she hasn’t been eliminated yet?”
“Don’t worry. I can’t decide alone. Let her leave the drum here first; I’ll discuss with the other judges.”
“Okay.”
Shen Jia Yan hurried over to Cheng Xiao.
Watching Shen Jia Yan’s retreating figure, the teacher thought this girl was quite special—proactively considering her rival. What a kind young lady.
“Cheng Xiao, the teacher said not to pack up your drum yet. They’re still discussing whether you’ll stay.”
Cheng Xiao paused in disassembling her drum set. She hadn’t expected her fate to still be in question, let alone that Shen Jia Yan had gone to the teacher to advocate for her.
She responded woodenly, “Oh.”
Shen Jia Yan wanted Cheng Xiao to stay because she saw her eagerness for the performance—and because she was Wen Wan Ning’s classmate.
Because of Wen Wan Ning.
Moments later, the judging teacher approached Cheng Xiao and Shen Jia Yan. “We’ve discussed it as a group. We’ll have you two play a segment together to check your chemistry, then decide the final result.”
Cheng Xiao, hearing she still had a chance, cherished the opportunity.
They discussed the piece briefly and returned to their positions to start.
Having seen Shen Jia Yan’s performance, Cheng Xiao knew her own shortcomings.
In the next performance, she tried to immerse herself.
Shen Jia Yan subtly led Cheng Xiao during the performance, infecting her with passion and guiding her.
Though it was their first collaboration, their efforts made it harmonious.
As hoped, Cheng Xiao was selected.
The solo drum set became a duet.
During the performance, Cheng Xiao had felt Shen Jia Yan’s guidance and knew she owed her selection to her.
“Shen Jia Yan, thank you.”
Shen Jia Yan was momentarily stunned, then smiled brightly. “What for? It’s the teachers’ arrangement. We’re partners now—happy collaboration.”
She extended her right hand.
Cheng Xiao shook it. “Happy collaboration.”
After the program was finalized, Shen Jia Yan and Cheng Xiao returned to their classes.
When the bell rang, Lü Yue approached Cheng Xiao curiously. “Cheng Xiao, how did it go? Is the program set? Who got selected, you or Shen Jia Yan?”
She had heard that for similar programs, usually only one was chosen.
Cheng Xiao was taken aback. “You know Shen Jia Yan?”
“She was Wan Ning’s desk mate in first year high school. They’re close.” She pressed on, “You still haven’t told me the result.”
“Both of us were selected to perform together. And…” Cheng Xiao thought for a moment and told her everything about Shen Jia Yan’s help. “Wan Ning’s former desk mate is really kind. I got selected thanks to her.”
Lü Yue had wanted to say that for a joint performance, their levels must be evenly matched, especially since Shen Jia Yan had acted like she was superior earlier.
But after hearing Cheng Xiao, Lü Yue thought Shen Jia Yan was someone who always surprised people.
No wonder Wan Ning liked this desk mate so much.
Back at her seat, Lü Yue didn’t tell Wen Wan Ning right away. She waited for her to ask.
Sure enough, seeing Lü Yue return without saying anything, Wen Wan Ning couldn’t resist looking at her. “How did it go? Who got selected?”
Lü Yue teased her with a sly smile. “Who do you hope gets selected? Our classmate Cheng Xiao, or your former desk mate Shen Jia Yan?”
With Lü Yue asking like that, answering either way felt awkward.
Wen Wan Ning’s eyes darted, and she decided not to ask. She turned back to her book with a pen. “I’m not asking you. I’ll ask Jia Yan after school.”
Seeing her ploy fail, Lü Yue quickly coaxed her. “Aww, Wan Ning, I’m not teasing. I’ll tell you.”
Wen Wan Ning set down her pen and looked at Lü Yue. “Go ahead.”
“Originally, it was just Shen Jia Yan, but she went to the judges and suggested keeping Cheng Xiao too for a joint performance. In the end, both were selected.”
Wen Wan Ning was puzzled why Shen Jia Yan had gone out of her way to get Cheng Xiao kept—and a bit bothered by it.
