Although Qian Shuangshuang and the others were unwilling to accept it, with the situation escalating this far, they had no choice but to lower their heads for now. After this incident, quite a few of the female soldiers began to resent Li Yang.
On the other hand, in the cultural troupe, Li Yang had not only helped them vent their anger, but everyone had also gained an unexpected twenty yuan…
As a result, most of the reasonable girls in the troupe were now completely convinced by her.
Of course, there were still a few bad apples—people who simply couldn’t stand others being better than them.
Time was tight.
Their first grand performance in the Northwest was scheduled for Sunday night.
Not only would there be thousands of soldiers and leaders उपस्थित, but also military families. Everyone was holding their breath, determined to perform well and not tarnish the reputation of the Nancheng Cultural Troupe.
After Huang Guishan arranged for medical staff to conduct physical exams for the girls, everyone threw themselves into intense rehearsals.
After reviewing the rehearsal results, Chen Lili concluded that Li Yang was the most stable performer. Her four programs were unlikely to have any issues, so she assigned her to supervise stage construction and the installation of lighting and sound equipment.
Since Jiang Xue had also been selected for a solo performance and lacked experience, she stayed in the rehearsal room day and night, rarely spending time with Li Yang.
This gave Li Yao an opportunity.
On Sunday afternoon, after the final rehearsal, everyone returned to wash up and prepare.
After dinner, Li Yang handed all her performance costumes to Jiang Xue.
“Xue’er, thanks. I need to go over the process one last time with the military publicity department.”
“Don’t worry! See you at the venue.”
Although Jiang Xue looked calm, she was still nervous. She planned to return to the rehearsal room to practice a few more times.
After Li Yang left the dormitory, Li Mei caught Cheng Miaoxin’s signal and casually asked Jiang Xue:
“Jiang Xue, there’s still time before the performance. Where are you taking the costumes?”
Jiang Xue didn’t think much of it and answered simply:
“I’m afraid I won’t perform well, so I’m going to practice my song again.”
A gleam flashed in Li Yao’s eyes. She pulled Cheng Miaoxin to stand.
“Miaoxin also has a harmonica performance. Why don’t we go together and practice? We can’t drag everyone down.”
The usually quiet Zhang Qiaoyue also agreed.
“Tonight’s performance will be watched entirely by male comrades… and there are so many people. I… I feel a bit embarrassed.”
Her face flushed slightly as she added:
“It’s better to practice again than sit in the dorm overthinking.”
Jiang Xue teased with a smile, “Are you getting lovesick?”
Everyone burst into laughter.
Zhang Qiaoyue playfully punched Jiang Xue, and the group left the third floor chatting and laughing.
Since solo performances were spaced out to allow time for transitions, only a few people performed individually, and their acts were staggered.
Seeing Jiang Xue leave Li Yang’s belongings unattended, Cheng Miaoxin signaled Li Mei to take out scissors and prepare to act—but Li Yao stopped her.
Cheng Miaoxin frowned. “What, are you scared?”
“Not now. We need to make sure everything is foolproof—so she’ll be humiliated in front of everyone.”
For some reason, Li Yao felt that ever since the hanging incident, Li Yang had become unpredictable.
“She’ll definitely check her costumes before going on stage. If we act now and she notices, she’ll find a way to fix it.”
“We have to wait until the performance starts. That way, no matter how capable she is, she won’t have time to recover.”
Holding the scissors, Li Mei’s hand trembled slightly. If it weren’t for the ten yuan Cheng Miaoxin had promised, she wouldn’t dare do something so immoral…
If anyone was truly vicious, it was Li Yang’s cousin. Not only did she slander her behind her back, she even offered a scheme to help outsiders deal with her own family.
Cheng Miaoxin nodded.
“You’re right. Then after my harmonica performance, I’ll go deal with her clothes. You sabotage her microphone—let’s see how that fox keeps showing off.”
Knowing the cultural troupe would perform that night, the soldiers were excited.
It had been a long time since things were this lively.
Everyone prepared snacks, brought small stools, and took their seats early by unit.
Li Yang carefully went over final details with Li Meng—front-row seating for leaders, lighting arrangements, and more.
Li Meng admired her deeply. Their Captain Li was truly an all-around talent. After just a few days of guidance, the camera crew, lighting team, and even logistics staff had learned a great deal.
It was their first time realizing how lighting could be used like this—it elevated the entire venue to a whole new level.
The four cameras brought by the troupe were already set up. Perhaps the military leaders would be impressed and request copies of the footage—maybe even increase their funding.
“Got it, Captain Li. You should go get ready too—the first program is the choir.”
Li Yang nodded, confirming everything was in order before leaving.
“You look beautiful tonight. Stay confident, follow what I taught you, and host the show well.”
Li Meng straightened up, her voice loud and firm.
“Understood, Captain Li!”
Li Yang found Jiang Xue and saw she was still nervous.
“What’s there to be nervous about? Just imagine the audience is a bunch of cabbages. If that doesn’t work, close your eyes and sing—pretend you’re completely immersed. If you want to become a famous singer, you need to overcome stage fright early.”
Jiang Xue took the lozenge Li Yang handed her and popped it into her mouth without hesitation. Imagining the scene Li Yang described, she couldn’t help but laugh.
Her nervousness eased significantly.
“Where are my clothes?”
Jiang Xue pointed to a corner.
Li Yang checked them carefully and found no issues.
Most costumes were simple—green military uniforms and fitness outfits.
After putting on makeup according to the program order, everyone first changed into their green uniforms.
At this moment, the audience’s excitement had reached its peak.
They were all shouting for the cultural troupe girls to come out quickly.
With a loud bang, the drums sounded.
Then colorful spotlights lit up from all directions.
Brilliant lights danced across the crowd below.
It was the first time many had experienced such a scene—the venue suddenly fell silent.
Li Meng stepped onto the stage confidently with a microphone, smiling brightly.
Captain Li was right—just a bit of lighting could create a powerful effect.
The rare silence made her opening much easier.
“Comrades, I’m sure you can’t wait to see the wonderful performance by the Nancheng Cultural Troupe. So I won’t keep you any longer—let’s begin!”