Volume One, Chapter 34: Embarrassment? My Sister Outshines All

In the student council office, the president watched Late Star Evening anxiously from across the desk.

"I'm truly sorry. We've already submitted the program schedule and list of performers to the teachers."

The welcome party was only two days away. The rehearsals had ended, and now Late Qianyu wanted to withdraw, leaving a gap in the program with no one to fill it. Last night had been the deadline for submitting the list. Overwhelmed, the president had been relieved when the vice president claimed to have found a replacement. In her haste, she hadn’t verified the details and submitted the list immediately.

Who could have predicted the vice president would set her up?

"Miss Late, I know it’s unfair to ask, but I beg you, please help me this once."

Late Star Evening glanced at the program sheet. Her name appeared second to last—originally meant for Late Qianyu. The final act was Late Yueyao’s violin solo.

Her listed performance: dance.

"Any kind of dance?" Late Star Evening asked.

The president nodded eagerly. "Yes, as long as it’s a dance."

"Alright, I’ll do it," Late Star Evening agreed.

The president was overjoyed. Before leaving, she grasped Late Star Evening’s hand tightly. "Thank you so much. After the welcome party, I’d like to treat you to dinner—please don’t refuse."

"Okay," Late Star Evening replied.

The welcome party was held in the school auditorium. It was spacious; even after all the freshmen received their tickets, many seats remained, so students from other years joined the festivities.

Upon hearing Late Star Evening would perform, Chu Fangfei immediately snatched up a ticket. Xu Mingyue and Wen Jing, her roommates, did the same, eager to cheer her on.

That evening, the auditorium buzzed with excitement. Chu Fangfei glanced at the boys in the back rows holding banners and light signs. She sighed, "Late Yueyao is really popular at school."

Xu Mingyue nodded. "Yes, she’s much more popular than Late Qianyu. She’s the goddess of the arts department, and her fans have even crowned her the campus queen."

Chu Fangfei scoffed, "I think she’s not as pretty as my sister."

Xu Mingyue and Wen Jing exchanged smiles. Upon reflection, Chu Fangfei wasn’t wrong; if it came down to natural beauty, Late Yueyao couldn’t quite compare to Late Star Evening.

The welcome party officially began. Backstage, Late Star Evening sat in a corner, eyes closed in quiet meditation. Late Yueyao approached, sitting beside her.

"Star Evening, I didn’t expect you’d sign up for the party. I’m really looking forward to your performance."

Late Star Evening didn’t open her eyes, replying vaguely, "Mm."

Late Yueyao felt annoyed, but the anticipation of seeing Late Star Evening embarrass herself lifted her spirits. Someone asked for a photo, and she walked away.

After ten acts, it was finally Late Star Evening’s turn. The host announced from the stage, "Next, please welcome Late Star Evening from the sophomore Taoist Studies Department, bringing us ‘Sword Dance’."

Late Star Evening opened her eyes, took up her sword, and walked onto the stage with calm, measured steps.

She wore white, her face delicately made up for once, her hair tied back. The spotlight hit her as she danced, but despite her graceful movements, a chilling aura emanated from her.

For the first time since the party began, the auditorium fell utterly silent.

The zither sounded; the sword in her hand moved. When the dance ended, the silence lingered—even the host forgot the program.

It seemed everyone held their breath, afraid the next moment the sword would be at their own throat.

At last, someone started clapping; then thunderous applause erupted.

"This senior is amazing. For the first time in my life, I truly understand what swordplay looks like."

"She’s so beautiful! From today, the word ‘goddess’ has tangible meaning."

"I’m doomed. I actually want her to hold a sword to my throat. Am I crazy?"

"I’m straight, but if it’s her, maybe I could reconsider."

Late Star Evening bowed and left the stage. Passing Late Yueyao, she murmured, "You're up next. Good luck."

Late Yueyao bit her lip, the veins in her neck standing out.

How—how could Late Star Evening perform a sword dance? She was supposed to be an ignorant country bumpkin, supposed to make a fool of herself on stage, not steal the spotlight!

"The final act: Late Yueyao from the junior arts department, performing a violin solo ‘Butterfly Lovers.’ Please welcome her with applause."

The host finally recovered. Late Yueyao walked onstage with her violin. It might have been her imagination, but the applause seemed less enthusiastic than before.

When her piece ended, in the past, students would stand and cheer. Now, the reaction was lukewarm; with Late Star Evening’s brilliance, the following performances felt lackluster.

Thus, the welcome party ended uneventfully.

Late Qianyu sat motionless in her seat, gripping the armrest tightly, her fingertips pale from exertion.

Around her, classmates discussed Late Star Evening, their voices grating on her nerves.

She had painstakingly set the stage, risking conflict with the student council president, yet it became the platform for Late Star Evening to shine above all. She simply couldn’t swallow her anger.

"Qianyu, let’s go," Late Yueyao said, carrying her violin and coming to her side.

With no one else around, Late Qianyu finally broke down in tears. "Yueyao, I’m sorry. I secretly signed her up. I thought she’d embarrass herself on stage, but not only did she avoid shame, she stole the show."

Late Yueyao’s expression was grim; she forced herself to speak calmly. "She’s family. If she does well, I’m happy for her."

"She’s not our family!" Late Qianyu growled under her breath.

Late Yueyao dared not provoke her further. "Alright, alright, she’s not. Qianyu, let’s head back."

After taking Late Qianyu back to her dorm, Late Yueyao walked along the campus path. Her lips pressed tight; anyone who knew her would recognize she was deep in thought.

"You’re scheming again, aren’t you?"

Late Yueyao jumped, then relaxed when she saw Late Baiyu.

"Baiyu, what are you doing here?"

Late Baiyu leaned against a tree, speaking coolly. "I was waiting for you."

Late Yueyao forced a smile. "Is it so urgent you had to wait for me this late? Couldn’t it wait until tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow?" Late Baiyu sneered. "I’m afraid it’ll be too late. Go on, tell me—how do you plan to deal with Late Star Evening?"

"Baiyu, what do you mean?" Late Yueyao’s smile stiffened.

"There’s only the two of us here, don’t pretend. Why did that idiot Late Qianyu suddenly sign Late Star Evening up for the party? Don’t tell me you think I can’t figure it out?"

Late Yueyao’s smile vanished instantly.