As autumn deepened, the nearly month-long freshman military training at Jing University was finally drawing to a close. The Welcome Party, a traditional grand event to welcome new students and showcase the unique styles of each department, naturally became the hottest topic on campus recently.
At noon, Lu Yao poked at the sweet and sour pork ribs on her plate while chattering excitedly to Ruan Chaoxi: “Chaoxi! Have you heard about the Welcome Party? Each school puts on performances—there are proper songs, dances, and musical instruments, but also all kinds of funny skits and crosstalk. It’s always so much fun every year!”
She chattered on about the party’s schedule and highlights from previous years. Ruan Chaoxi listened quietly, gaining a general understanding of what the “Welcome Party” was about.
“Sounds quite interesting,” she nodded.
“Of course! It’s a great chance to meet students from other schools and experience the atmosphere of our Jing University!” Lu Yao affirmed. “Oh, and you freshmen definitely have to put on performances too! Someone as outstanding as you must have been noticed already!”
Ruan Chaoxi took it as a joke and didn’t pay much attention. Little did she know that Lu Yao’s words would “come true.”
On the afternoon three days before the Welcome Party, just after finishing her Introduction to International Law class, Ruan Chaoxi was “cornered” outside the classroom by her academic advisor and the student council president of the School of International Relations.
“Student Ruan Chaoxi,” the advisor said with a smile, “the Welcome Party is the night after tomorrow. We’d like to invite you, as a representative of the international freshmen, to give a brief speech on stage. You could share your experiences and feelings about your first month at Jing University and your future aspirations. What do you think?”
She continued encouragingly, “This is also a very meaningful experience in university life. Many students look back on such opportunities fondly after graduation.”
The student council president beside her nodded in agreement. “Yes, Student Ruan. This is also a great chance to quickly integrate into the community and let more students get to know you. Or, if you have other talents you’d like to showcase—like playing an instrument, dancing, or singing—we’d be more than happy to have you!”
A speech? Talents?
Ruan Chaoxi’s first instinct was to refuse.
In Southeast Asia, at the banquets or celebrations she attended, she was always the guest of honor or the center of attention, introduced with great fanfare. She never needed to “perform” in such settings to gain recognition.
But the words caught in her throat.
She remembered Lu Yao’s excitement and anticipation when describing the party.
Just standing on stage to give a speech seemed to stray from being “ordinary,” yet the advisor’s words about it being “a very meaningful experience in university life” stirred something within her.
Perhaps… this was also a new experience of deeply participating in a collective activity as an “ordinary person”?
Even if it seemed a bit silly or formalistic.
“If it’s a speech, what do I need to prepare?” she asked.
The advisor and the student council president exchanged glances, both seeing delight in each other’s eyes.
“Nothing too formal—just be sincere! Talk about your impressions of Jing University and your major, your expectations for the future. Three to five minutes is enough. We can review the draft together,” the student council president quickly added.
“Alright, I’ll give it a try,” Ruan Chaoxi thought for a moment and finally nodded.
And so, it was settled.
At nine in the evening, the video call connected.
Samia seemed to have finished her official duties earlier today, her expression more relaxed than in previous days. “How was your day?”
“It was fine,” Ruan Chaoxi replied, unsure how to bring it up. “It’s just… there’s something…””Hmm?” Samia raised an eyebrow slightly.
“The college wants me to speak as the freshman representative at the orientation party the day after tomorrow.” She explained somewhat helplessly about being “conscripted” that afternoon, “About life experiences and future outlooks, things like that. I didn’t want to agree at first…”
Samia listened quietly without immediately responding.
His Xixi would attract attention wherever she went.
Of course, he didn’t want her exposed to more people’s gazes—that meant more attention and potential risks.
But he also knew this was part of campus life; he couldn’t, and shouldn’t, stop her.
“…but the advisor said it’s a meaningful experience in university life,” Ruan Chaoxi continued, as if explaining or convincing herself, “Lu Yao also said the party is really interesting. I thought about it and realized it seems like part of the ‘experience,’ so I agreed.”
After finishing, she looked at Samia on the screen, her eyes carrying a hint of inquiry, as if waiting for his opinion.
Seeing her curious, eager expression when she said “experience it,” the slight discomfort Samia felt about her “public appearance” faded away, replaced by her desire to fully “experience” things.
“If you want to go, then go. Think of it as… observing another form of ‘social activity.'” He spoke slowly, with encouragement, “My Xixi will never be outshined, no matter where she stands.”
He paused for a few seconds before adding, “But be mindful of the occasion and your words, and protect yourself.”
“Got it.” Ruan Chaoxi smiled, her mood brightening because of his understanding and support. “It might even be fun. I’ll tell you all about it afterward.”
After the video call ended, a faint sense of anticipation rose in Ruan Chaoxi’s heart.
The orientation party… standing on a university stage.
This would probably be another unforgettable moment in her three-month experience.
Maybe… she could ask Lu Yao to record a short video for Miya to see too?
…
On the night of the orientation party, the school auditorium was packed, with dazzling lights and an enthusiastic atmosphere.
Ruan Chaoxi wore a light-colored dress, simple in style and well-tailored, complementing her fair, jade-like skin and graceful figure. Her long hair fell softly over her shoulders, and she wore only minimal makeup, which accentuated her delicate features and serene demeanor.
Finally, it was time for the freshman representative speech.
When the host announced her name, she rose calmly and walked gracefully onto the stage. The spotlight followed her, and a wave of admiration and whispers instantly swept through the audience.
“Wow, that’s Ruan Chaoxi from the School of International Relations? She’s even prettier than the rumors said…”
“I heard she’s amazing—even impressed the professors in class.”
“Her aura is incredible. She doesn’t seem like an ordinary international student…”
Without the nervousness of a freshman or forced excitement, she stood before the microphone and smiled, delivering a simple greeting and introduction in flawless Chinese.
“It’s an honor to stand here. The past month at Peking University has been a novel and precious journey for me.”
Ruan Chaoxi began to share, speaking at a steady, unhurried pace.
Under the spotlight, she was confident, elegant, and radiant.
“…In the future, I look forward to growing alongside all of you, not only seeing the world with our eyes but also trying to understand the intricate threads beneath its complex fabric. Thank you, everyone.”Her speech was concise, sincere, and moving, consistent with the intelligence and sharpness she usually displayed, leaving the audience deep in thought.
Many boys in the audience looked at her with admiration and infatuation, while most girls regarded her with respect and curiosity.
Jiang Yaoci, seated in the front row with the best view, fixed his gaze intently on Ruan Chaoxi at the center of the stage, almost forgetting to breathe.
He had seen her aloof and distant demeanor, witnessed her calm and focused shooting, and observed her playful side in videos. But he had never seen her shine so brilliantly under the spotlight, in such a formal setting, with thousands of eyes upon her.
Wherever she stood, she became the center of attention.
Her innate confidence and composure completely overshadowed everyone else on and off the stage, including the carefully crafted “young master” aura he himself had cultivated.
His heart raced uncontrollably. The girl Jiang Yaoci had set his sights on was truly extraordinary, truly dazzling.
However, Jiang Yaoci’s good mood did not last long.
He keenly sensed that among the gazes directed at her from the audience, too many held emotions similar to his own.
Even in this auditorium alone, many boys’ eyes lit up as they whispered about her name and her department.
A strong sense of crisis instantly surged to its peak.
He could wait no longer!
Although his previous “roundabout tactics” had made some progress, they hadn’t truly brought them closer. Moreover, the presence of that mysterious man in the videos remained a thorn in his heart.
If he continued to hold back or play those lukewarm games after tonight, he feared he would soon be overwhelmed by more aggressive competitors!
He had to adopt a more proactive, assertive, and “sensational” approach to make it clear to everyone that Ruan Chaoxi was the one Jiang Yaoci was determined to win over!
He believed no girl could resist such a heartfelt pursuit under the public eye, especially for someone like Ruan Chaoxi, who came from a “poor country”!
As for that man far away… he was nothing to fear!