She Lives without Regret in This Life

As time passed, the atmosphere in the front became increasingly enthusiastic, with laughter and applause that almost lifted the roof. Members of each Song and Dance Troupe were plunged into an unprecedented busy and tense situation. Backstage, preparations were orderly, while the host's voice from the front echoed, with people entering the stage from the designated passage.

"Quick, quick, quick, next up is the play 'Phoenix' by the General Union Song and Dance Troupe, please get ready."

As the leader's voice rose, everyone from the General Union was thrown into unprecedented tension. Members of the drama society held hands, each with a pale face.

Wu Youli was not the lead, but she also had a role in it. She wore a modified suit, playing the role of Phoenix's first mentor at the music academy, her discoverer.

"Don't be nervous, just pretend it's the General Union," she reassured.

"Right! You Li is right!"

The situation at the General Union's side fell into the eyes of the Qianjin members, and someone sneered disdainfully, "This is embarrassing!"

"Just country bumpkins."

Sheng Ning heard them but dismissively said, "Don't mind them, hurry up!"

"Come on!"

"Come on!"

Up front, Gu Jun's pleasant and loud voice reached backstage, "Next, please welcome the General Union Song and Dance Troupe with the play 'Phoenix'."

The applause thundered as the drama group members filed out.

On stage, Bai Olan moved to the front of the stage, close to the first row of the audience. She was nervous inside but feigned composure. It was only halfway through the program that she finally settled down.

"Well done, keep it up!" Gu Jun, with his richer acting experience, stood shoulder to shoulder with her and whispered, "Next is the piano solo, the performer is..." He paused for three seconds, Bai Olan looking at him puzzled.

"What is it?"

Gu Jun's eyes fixed on the small words below the musical score and he couldn't help but chuckle, "It seems Yang Wenying really came prepared this time, starting with 'Phoenix', and next up is the prototype of Phoenix. This is set to stir up the most attention and discussions! 'Rebirth' is so popular and mystical, yet only written for the General Union Song and Dance Troupe, specifically to boost Liu Yilan."

Bai Olan's hand gripping the mic tightened, "You're saying the piano solo is performed by Liu Yilan?"

Liu Yilan, from a noble family of artists, had been renowned since childhood for her remarkable talent. It was said that Qianjin was prepared to specially recruit her, but she declined, leading many to criticize her for not recognizing a good opportunity. Afterward, she joined the General Union and upset their team quite a bit.

Thus, Qianjin members had heard of Liu Yilan, including the recent incident of her being disfigured, which many scoffed at for quite a while.

"That's right, it's her." Gu Jun stroked his chin, watching the gripping performance on stage with a hint of amusement, "This 'Phoenix' has turned Liu Yilan into a legend. You wouldn't know, but the last time I was at the Ministry of Culture, I heard the leaders discussing Liu Yilan."

Bai Oulan disbelievingly picked up the program and scrutinized it for a long time, "She's been disfigured, and yet she dares to perform on stage?"

"Probably covered up! Playing the piano, after all! As long as she plays well, it doesn't matter if people see her or not."

"So that's the cunning plan," remarked Bai Oulan, her lips curling into a cold smile.

Gu Jun worriedly said, "The General Union Song and Dance Troupe is too dazzling this year, if it continues like this, Qianjin will sooner or later be surpassed. Today, backstage resting spots, and the final show-stopping act, remember these all used to be ours."