Chapter 10: The Cello’s Resounding Return

With just that one word spoken, Sakura Yao walked directly to the cello. Taking a deep breath, she lifted the instrument and left.

“Class president, I will make sure you win.”

Because as long as the cello was in her hands, victory was certain—it could only mean first place.

At that moment, the host had finished the introductions, and Class 3-1 stepped onto the stage to perform the choral piece “My Motherland and Me.”

The students of Class 3-1 had already taken their positions on stage, their expressions listless as they awaited the accompaniment to begin.

They were thinking only of finishing as quickly as possible, to bring it to an end.

Until a beam of light followed the girl carrying the cello, step by step, as she resolutely made her way to the center of the stage.

Facing the audience below, the girl bowed gracefully, every gesture measured and elegant, embodying perfect decorum.

Then she turned to look at her classmates.

The spotlight illuminated her delicate, radiant face. Her bright, smiling eyes swept over everyone before resting finally on Ji Shichu.

“Win,” Sakura Yao said simply, then sat down to the side.

She placed the cello upright before her, adjusted her posture, and the moment the bow touched the strings, the chorus burst forth with its passionate melody!

Like a surging ocean, it relentlessly pounded on the chest!

Sakura Yao did not confine herself to conventional playing; her movements grew ever faster.

The entire auditorium reverberated with the girl’s cello.

Her expression was no longer the usual lazy, innocent one—it was as if she had transformed into another person.

Like a lifeless doll suddenly infused with a powerful soul!

Everyone was stunned!

The crowd held their breath.

Even Class 1 was dumbfounded—was this still their dazed little beauty?

Ji Shichu’s gaze never wavered from Sakura Yao.

At this moment, the girl shone brighter than the stars in the night sky—this was her true self, more brilliant than the constellations, untouchable.

Then the melody gradually softened.

Sakura Yao and Ji Shichu exchanged glances, nodding.

Ji Shichu quickly gathered his thoughts and whispered to everyone, “Begin.”

The main verse’s melody rose, blending seamlessly with the students’ voices.

“My motherland and me, we cannot be separated for a moment!”

Without the earlier intensity, the tender melody entwined perfectly with the choir, merging into one.

It was as if telling a heartfelt story—of attachment to the homeland, a sincere expression of love, conveying a warm, powerful force.

Until the chorus returned once more!

The rhythm of the strings shifted again, rich and stirring!

Everyone felt their chests surge with the waves of emotion!

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Endless strength and courage welled up inside!

Emotion has the power to move and inspire all.

The auditorium was silent, yet every heartbeat was in unison.

Thump, thump, thump!

Hearts raced wildly!

The thick, passionate cello tones, along with Class 1’s soaring singing, moved the audience to tears!

Then, unconsciously and uncontrollably, they joined the stage performers in singing out loud!

“My dearest motherland, you are the sea that never dries up, forever giving me waves of emerald and clear ripples, the song within my heart!”

As Sakura Yao drew the final note and raised her bow, the performance ended.

The girl touched her chest, feeling her heart pounding!

In truth, her hands had been trembling at the start.

Until the first note was played—at that moment, her closed world cracked open.

Especially when she looked up and saw the eyes of all her classmates—they smiled gently at her, gazing unwaveringly.

It was as if no matter what she did, even if she stumbled or failed, they would always support her.

If the sky fell, they would hold it up!

Her cello’s voice resonated with their singing.

She saw every face brighten with radiant smiles!

Yes, she loved the cello—it was her dearest friend, one she had abandoned for too long.

Caressing the cello in her hands, she whispered quietly to her heart: Long time no see, I’m back.

Sakura Yao stood at the center, surrounded by everyone, bowing together to the audience.

A roar erupted—

Thunderous applause filled the hall!

He Miao and the homeroom teacher joined the stage. She hugged Sakura Yao tightly, overcome with tears, unable to speak.

“Wishing our motherland eternal prosperity!” Dong Rui wiped his reddened nose and joined the circle.

Hands layered one upon another: “Class 1 is the best!”

“The best!”

Old Guo’s eyes glistened with emotion.

These kids… their futures were absolutely limitless!

As the class advisor, he believed this without doubt.

Then—

Old Guo glanced at He Miao’s injured left hand, realizing he, as the homeroom teacher, had to do something for the children.

Finally, Class 3-1 was awarded the special prize—a level even greater than first prize!

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Everyone was ecstatic!

This was the first time in the school’s history that the academic class had defeated the arts class!

The academic class was no longer the cannon fodder for the arts class!

Grind them down, crush them!

The greatest credit naturally went to Sakura Yao.

Since tomorrow was a holiday, everyone agreed to celebrate by going into town.

After setting a time, everyone went home.

To help He Miao uncover the truth, Ji Shichu, Sakura Yao, He Miao, and Dong Rui stayed behind.

Ji Shichu looked at the quietly seated girl by the cello and gave He Miao a few words of advice, then went with Dong Rui to find Old Guo.

“Yao Yao, from today on, you’re my goddess! Your cello playing was amazing! Even better than the teachers at our institution!”

Sakura Yao blinked her bright apricot eyes, thinking inwardly: Class president, it’s you—all of Class 1—who gave me courage.

“Hey, why are you usually so spacey? You’re like a completely different person when you play.”

He Miao affectionately pinched the girl’s still youthful cheek.

“When you play the cello, you’re like a sprite! Gorgeous! Incredible! Stunning! You crush everyone in the arts class! No, all of them combined don’t compare to even a single finger of yours! You were born for the cello! It’s as if you and your instrument have become one! Genius! You really are our lucky star in Class 1!”

Sakura Yao smiled faintly, two dimples appearing on her cheeks—utterly charming!

Turns out the class president was quite the chatterbox.

When Ji Shichu returned, he saw He Miao teasing Sakura Yao and making her laugh, her eyes curved with joy.

He couldn’t help but smile.

“We found it! We found it!” Dong Rui shouted loudly. “The footage has been reviewed—it was Wang Shasha who stole the sheet music. She even deliberately knocked down the class president and took the chance to step on her hand! Old Guo has already taken her to the office!”

“Huh? She stepped on my foot?” He Miao belatedly lifted her injured left hand.

“Class president, you’re way too slow to react!”

“My left hand was useless after I fell—I was in shock.”

“You…” Dong Rui scolded angrily, “Come on, let’s go to the office. We’ll accompany you to the hospital later—don’t take it lightly.”

He Miao nodded happily, “Okay!”

“What are you smiling at? You’re injured and still so happy! Are you crazy?”

“Of course I’m happy! We won the special prize—better than first prize!”

“Yeah, yeah! I doubt there’s another class president in the world as dedicated as you.” Though he said that, Dong Rui was also genuinely pleased.

Hey, a special prize!

He was still buzzing, no, overjoyed—truly thrilled!