Chapter Seventy-Two: An Unsightly Display

Her daughter had always disliked the university campus, complaining that it was too small, lacked grandeur, and was unsatisfactory in many ways, refusing to consider applying. This change of heart brought Song Dan immense relief.

How could one judge a school simply by the size and appearance of its campus?

“I’ll ask the secretary of the Youth League Branch in charge of tonight’s freshman welcome gala to see if Nian Nujiao is a responsible person—maybe she can be on stage as a role model for the new students.” Song Dan took out her phone and called the branch secretary.

Secretary Xing was at the rehearsal in the auditorium. Noticing his phone vibrating in his pocket, he took it out and glanced at the screen. Huh? Why is the call from Principal Song?

Hurriedly, Secretary Xing stepped outside to answer.

“Hello, Teacher Xing? It’s Old Song,” came Song Dan’s voice from the other end.

“Yes, Principal Song, good evening.” Teacher Xing replied respectfully, puzzled as to why the principal would be calling him.

“Teacher Xing, I have a question. Tonight is the rehearsal for the freshman gala, right? Is there a program by a student named ‘Su Tong’?” Song Dan asked.

Teacher Xing was momentarily stunned and checked the program list in his hand.

“No, Principal Song,” Teacher Xing replied. But as soon as he spoke, his heart skipped a beat. He suddenly remembered that Su Tong’s program had been submitted for selection but was eliminated.

Could it be that this Su Tong has some connection to Principal Song?

Teacher Xing grew nervous. To be fair, Su Tong’s performance shouldn’t have been eliminated, but the student judges unanimously rejected it, and he, along with two other teachers, had little to say in the matter.

“He didn’t sign up?” Song Dan’s tone grew a little displeased.

Teacher Xing began to sweat and replied with difficulty, “He… did sign up. His college submitted his performance as well.”

“So, he didn’t sing well?” Song Dan’s tone softened a bit; what she valued most was responsibility—if he signed up but didn’t sing well, it wouldn’t matter.

Teacher Xing felt utterly miserable and forced himself to say, “No, Principal Song, he sang very well.”

“Then why was his program eliminated?” Song Dan chuckled lightly.

Teacher Xing gave a bitter smile, “Principal Song, he sang wonderfully, but perhaps he had some conflict with the student judges; they unanimously rejected him. You know, many things require these students’ involvement. They wanted to support another program. The three of us teachers didn’t have much say.”

Song Dan’s tone instantly turned icy. “This is utter nonsense. What song did he perform, and what about the student who was chosen instead?”

Teacher Xing answered honestly, “Both performed ‘I Believe,’ a popular inspirational song lately.”

Suddenly, Song Dan laughed—a laugh that made Teacher Xing break out in a cold sweat.

The song was famous, but the artist was not; that was Su Tong’s current predicament.

“Teacher Xing, you know the song, but do you know who the original singer is?” Song Dan asked with a chuckle.

Teacher Xing was at a loss, unsure of the principal’s intentions. He racked his brain but could not recall the original singer, finally admitting, “Principal Song, I don’t really follow these things. I’m not sure who the original singer is.”

Song Dan replied, still smiling, “Let me tell you, the student you eliminated—Su Tong—he is the original singer. Do as you see fit, I won’t keep you. Goodbye.”

As the call ended, Teacher Xing remained frozen, phone in hand.

Where had things gone wrong? The real Li Kui had been replaced by the fake Li Kui, and they had all helped the lesser singer oust the genuine article.

Even after the rehearsal ended, Teacher Xing’s expression remained dark.

“All of you, stay behind,” he said to the entire Arts Department. Damn, the floodwaters have washed over the Dragon King’s temple.

After the call with Principal Song, during rehearsal, Teacher Xing had searched for ‘I Believe’ on his phone and learned that Nian Nujiao was the original singer. He then looked up the information fans had compiled online about her.

Famous live-streaming host, renowned internet musician, online singer, celebrated web novelist… a list of impressive titles.

This world can seem small—a plane can circle it in about 26 hours. But it can also feel vast; every field produces its own experts, and there are countless things you don’t know.

The Arts Department members were puzzled. Teacher Xing had taken a phone call and returned looking grim—something must be wrong.

But no one dared to ask why Principal Song had called.

“First, tell me why you rejected Su Tong’s performance of ‘I Believe’?” Teacher Xing demanded in a low voice.

None of the Arts Department members dared answer. Each had their own motives back then.

Teacher Xing was so angry he laughed, pointing at the department head. “Wu Lingxiu, you’re the head. You answer first.”

Ding Wei and the others’ expressions changed—Teacher Xing was going to hold them accountable.

Could it be that this Su Tong was related to Principal Song?

Wu Lingxiu, a girl with a large frame and average looks, summoned her courage and answered softly, “Because… the student performing ‘I Believe’ at tonight’s rehearsal is… is my boyfriend.”

Teacher Xing laughed dryly; now everything was clear. There was no need to question the others.

“I have only one question left for you all,” Teacher Xing said, sweeping his gaze across the group. “Did Su Tong sing better than the one who performed tonight?”

Everyone bowed their heads, avoiding his eyes.

“Answer me,” Teacher Xing said coldly.

With great difficulty, they all nodded, mumbling their assent, their faces flushing and paling in turn.

They had thought everything was understood, but life has a way of exposing ugly truths.

Teacher Xing continued, “Good. For tomorrow night’s gala, Principal Song wants to see him on stage. And so do I.”

The department head’s face turned white—damn, after eliminating someone, now she had to beg them to return.

She would have to take the blame, but it was clear Ding Wei and the others had personal vendettas, so why should she shoulder it all?

This blame was layered upon layered. No, she had to make Ding Wei and the others invite him.

“Teacher Xing, he was already eliminated. Why is Principal Song being so insistent, making us invite him back?” one teacher whispered.

Teacher Xing was furious. Did they think he wanted this? Nearly shouting, he roared at the Arts Department, “If you can’t get him, I’ll do it myself. Do you know who the original singer of ‘I Believe’ is? The original singer is Su Tong! This is such a great publicity opportunity for our school, and you’ve ruined it. You’re in big trouble!”

At these words, Wu Lingxiu and the others were stunned.

“What, his stage name is ‘Nian Nujiao’?” Ding Wei and the rest cried in disbelief.

When they first reviewed the submissions, Su Tong’s singing was so good it seemed almost fake—no one could believe their ears.

Now, the truth had finally surfaced.