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Inside the rehearsal hall, the atmosphere was filled with a tense sense of countdown.

The choreographer and director team kept a close eye on Su Ning in the center of the stage, preparing to deal with the inevitable stumbles and pauses that would occur due to the high difficulty and rapid costume changes.

As the music started, Suning's figure moved accordingly.

At first, his movements precisely replicated the choreography, vividly showcasing the simplicity and strength of the young workers.

When the first costume change occurs, he needs to use a curtain to instantly remove his outer blue work shirt during a continuous sliding spin, revealing a 1990s jacket underneath.

The hearts of all the staff were in their throats.

However, Su Ning's body was exceptionally flexible, as if it had no bones. The complex movement that should have required extreme coordination and luck was performed by him as naturally and smoothly as breathing.

As he spun around, raised his hand, and his clothes fluttered, his old work clothes seemed to be gently removed by an invisible hand, and a new jacket fit him perfectly.

The entire process happened in the blink of an eye, perfectly synchronized with the rhythm of the music and the dance, without even a fraction of a second of delay or sluggishness!
"This..." The staff member in charge of the costumes gaped, the prepared first aid plan completely useless.

The next two changes of outfits were more time-sensitive and involved more unpredictable movements, but Suning's performance repeatedly defied everyone's expectations.

His body seemed to have surpassed human limits, with every joint and every muscle controlled to perfection.

Not only was the costume change incredibly smooth, but the tension in his dance itself far exceeded expectations...

The dance moves with the precision and abruptness of mechanical operation, and the fluidity and grandeur of future technology. The sense of power and artistic appeal that bursts forth from within brings almost every image the choreographer had in mind, and even some details that he never expected to be perfectly presented, to life in this rehearsal hall.

The music stopped abruptly.

Suning is frozen in time with a hopeful and powerful look up.

An eerie silence fell over the entire rehearsal hall.

A few seconds later, the gray-haired chief director slapped his thigh, his voice trembling with excitement: "Great! Fantastic! Genius! This is a true stage artist! We've struck gold!"

"That was fast! How did they manage to change clothes like that? It's simply amazing!"

"It's not just the technology, it's the expressiveness! The way it conveyed the emotions of this era of change was so precise!"

"This program is absolutely going to be a hit! It's definitely going to be a dark horse for this year's Spring Festival Gala!"

The directing and screenwriting teams were instantly thrilled. Their previous worries and anxieties vanished, replaced by the ecstatic joy and excitement of discovering a treasure.

The program "Light of the Times" was approved by a unanimous vote almost without any suspense and was officially selected as a performance program for the Spring Festival Gala!
Chen Xiaojun, who had been standing in the corner of the rehearsal hall, keeping a close eye on Su Ning the whole time, had long forgotten that she was holding a powder puff in her hand, ready to rush up and touch up her makeup at any moment.

Her eyes were wide open, filled with unbelievable shock and almost overflowing adoration.

She knew Su Ning was capable, but she never imagined his explosive power on stage would be so astonishing.

It's not just about skillful technique, but also an almost magical stage presence that can captivate everyone's attention and elicit applause from even the most demanding directors.

Looking at Su Ning, who was slightly out of breath in the center of the arena but still radiant, Chen Xiaojun felt her heart beating incredibly fast.

A mixture of pride, admiration, and an indescribable surge of emotion welled up in her chest.

At this moment, she was no longer the calm and composed partner assistant, but had completely transformed into a little fangirl who was head over heels for the man on stage.

She instinctively clenched the powder puff in her hand, a blush creeping onto her face, and only one thought echoed in her mind:

He is just too... dazzling.

……

Fan Lin was overjoyed to hear that Suning's solo dance performance "Light of the Times" had been officially confirmed by the Spring Festival Gala directing team.

She specially canceled an evening engagement and brought a carefully prepared meal to Suning's hotel suite, saying she wanted to "replenish his energy and celebrate properly."

"Su Ning, when did you get a vine tattoo on your chest?"

"Uh? Last time I went out drinking with my college roommate, I drank too much, and then my roommate persuaded me to get a tattoo."

"So beautiful! I want to get one too."

"No way! I already regret it myself, and I would never allow you to do anything reckless."

"Okay! Whatever you say! But I want to keep the lights on and look at your tattoo the whole time."

"..."

Inside the well-soundproofed suite, Fan Lin's unrestrained laughter and coquettish complaints could be faintly heard, sometimes loud and sometimes soft, continuing for a long time before gradually subsiding.

These sounds penetrated the walls and clearly reached Chen Xiaojun's ears in the next room.

She sat alone on the edge of the bed, unconsciously clutching a page of her MBA course notes in her hand, but she couldn't decipher a single word on it.

The sounds were like tiny needles, pricking her heart again and again, stirring up waves of indescribable bitterness and complex emotions.

She herself didn't know when it started, but the image of this man had quietly entwined her heart like a vine.

His focused profile while working, the amazing charisma he exudes on stage, and the occasional weariness and depth he reveals in private...

The more she learned about him, the more she felt he was like a deep and enchanting abyss, constantly drawing her in to explore it, yet also making her feel a suffocating sense of her own insignificance.

This quietly growing affection seemed particularly lonely and futile in contrast to the joyful sounds coming from next door.

……

An hour or two later, all was quiet.

Su Ning felt a dry mouth and throat; the "celebration" just now had indeed consumed a lot of his energy.

He carefully got up, not wanting to disturb Fan Lin who was already fast asleep beside him, put on his bathrobe, and quietly walked out of the bedroom, intending to go to the living room to pour a glass of water.

As he walked into the living room, he was surprised to see a slender figure sitting on the sofa with her knees drawn up, looking out at the night view of Beijing.

It was Chen Xiaojun.

Only a dim floor lamp was lit in the living room, outlining her slightly thin back and the clearly visible... melancholy on her profile.

"Jun Jun?" Su Ning was a little surprised and approached with a water glass in hand. "It's so late, why aren't you asleep yet?"

Hearing the sound, Chen Xiaojun turned her head. Under the light, her eyes seemed slightly red. She glared at Su Ning quickly, her tone filled with a sourness and resentment that she herself didn't realize: "Hmph! I'll just book another room tomorrow!"

Su Ning was taken aback by her abrupt remark and instinctively asked, "Why waste money like that? Isn't this apartment better than a hotel?"

This temporarily rented serviced apartment was of a very high standard, designed to ensure their privacy and comfort during rehearsals. "Hmph! What do you think?" Chen Xiaojun retorted angrily, glancing meaningfully towards the master bedroom.

The grievance and accusation in his eyes were almost overflowing.

Su Ning immediately understood.

He looked at the girl in front of him, who was usually calm and capable, but now seemed to be throwing a tantrum as if her favorite toy had been taken away. Under the light, her skin was delicate and had a fresh scent after a bath. Because of her excitement, her cheeks were flushed, which gave her a unique and touching charm.

Far from feeling offended, he found it amusing, and even felt a secret pleasure.

He chuckled softly and sat down on the sofa next to her, his tone carrying a hint of barely perceptible doting: "Hehe, you're not asleep either, come and chat with me for a while."

"What are you going to talk about?" Chen Xiaojun asked, her face still turned away, her voice muffled. "President Su, you've already assigned me so many things every day—MBA, English, and company matters—do you really want to keep giving me extra tasks late into the night?"

“It’s not work.” Su Ning took a sip of water to moisten her throat, then changed the subject, “I recently heard that Shandong Film and Television is preparing a big-budget historical drama? It’s called ‘Nirvana in Fire’?”

When it came to business, Chen Xiaojun's professionalism made her temporarily suppress her personal emotions. She turned to look at Su Ning, her eyes showing a more serious expression: "Yes. Director Kong Sheng and Director Li Xue worked together to create a very solid script, and the production team is top-notch. I've been following the crew around to learn about the behind-the-scenes production process recently, and I really didn't expect the preparation work for a high-quality drama to be so complex and meticulous."

"Would you like to try your hand at acting?" Su Ning looked at her and suddenly threw out a surprising suggestion.

"Huh?" Chen Xiaojun was completely stunned, not reacting for a moment. "Me? An actress?"

“That’s right.” Su Ning’s gaze fell on her face, scrutinizing her with a sense of certainty. “The female lead, Princess Nihuang, is heroic and spirited, with a significant role and a well-developed character arc. I’d like to arrange for you to try out for this role.”

"This...how is this possible?" Chen Xiaojun was so shocked by this audacious idea that she temporarily forgot her earlier displeasure. "Many top actresses are vying for this role; the competition is too fierce. I heard...Director Kong and the Shandong Film and Television Group prefer Liu Tao for the role."

"Don't worry!" Su Ning's tone was decisive, with a knowing understanding that she knew everything. "Liu Tao is not suitable! She is too old, her lines are not clear enough in some situations, her acting is formulaic, and she lacks the complex temperament of Nihuang, who has both ruthless decisiveness and tenderness.

"Hmph! It's not as exaggerated as you make it out to be!" Chen Xiaojun subconsciously defended her senior, but her heart was shaken by Su Ning's clear analysis.

"After the Spring Festival Gala on New Year's Eve, you'll come with me to wish Director Kong and Director Li a Happy New Year," Su Ning planned, her eyes gleaming with strategic brilliance. "Then, you'll put on Princess Nihuang's costume, style your hair, and do your makeup. You have that kind of resilience and spirit in your temperament. As long as the styling is on point, you'll definitely impress them and win the role."

He paused, then offered a crucial bargaining chip: "Moreover, we at 'Guangguai Luli' are also one of the main investors in 'Nirvana in Fire.' As a major investor, we have a say in recommending an actor who fits the role and whom we are confident we can portray well."

A tremendous temptation lay before them.

The role of Princess Nihuang, so radiant and captivating, is an irresistible dream for anyone studying acting.

Chen Xiaojun's heart began to pound violently, and her previous resentment was shattered by the enormous opportunity.

She took a deep breath, and a light rekindled in her eyes—a light mingled with ambition and desire.

"Okay!" She nodded emphatically, her voice regaining its usual clarity and decisiveness. "I really want to give it a try!"

Seeing her renewed fighting spirit, Su Ning smiled with satisfaction. He leaned forward slightly, lowered his voice, and said in a tone full of encouragement and absolute trust: "Jun Jun, you are really suitable! You have to trust my judgment."

As if recalling something, he gave an example: "I heard that when Joey Wong was competing for the role of Xiaoqian in 'A Chinese Ghost Story,' Tsui Hark initially felt that she was too modern and not suitable. She simply changed into the costume and did her styling, and one glance from her completely won over Tsui Hark. Sometimes, the difference between an actor and a role is just that one stunning moment."

"Hehe, I wouldn't dare compare myself to Joey Wong."

"In my heart, you are much more special than Joey Wong."

"..." At this moment, Chen Xiaojun felt Su Ning's burning gaze and couldn't help but turn her face shyly to the night view of the capital.

However, Su Ning's words were like a spark, igniting Chen Xiaojun's heart and instantly fueling all her expectations and fighting spirit.

The night view of Beijing outside the window is dazzling, while in the suite's living room, a new possibility and tacit understanding are quietly growing between the two.

……

After receiving the official confirmation of the program, Suning took a deep breath and dialed his home in Qingdao again.

This time, his tone was filled with barely suppressed excitement and certainty.

"Dad, Mom! It's settled! My performance will be on the Spring Festival Gala on New Year's Eve, around 9 PM!"

There was a deathly silence on the other end of the phone for two or three seconds before a mother's almost hoarse shout suddenly broke out: "His dad! His dad! Come quick! Son! Son said he's going to be on the Spring Festival Gala! On CCTV-1! It'll be broadcast on New Year's Eve!"

Immediately afterward, a series of chaotic thuds came through the receiver, followed by the father's incredulous voice, raised eight octaves: "What?! Really?! Don't try to fool your dad, kid! Which channel? CCTV-1? Oh my God!"

Suning had only said that "there might be work arrangements," and although the elderly couple didn't ask for details, they were still worried.

At that moment, an overwhelming and undeniable joy instantly overwhelmed them like a tidal wave.

The mother's voice immediately choked with sobs, repeatedly saying, "Good! Good! My son has made something of himself! I knew it! I knew it..."

The father excitedly echoed him loudly, and in the background, you could even hear him banging on the table with excitement.

Listening to her parents' incoherent joy on the other end of the phone, Su Ning felt exceptionally happy.

Then he patiently answered his parents' series of excited questions...

"What kind of dance will she be doing?" "What will she be wearing?" "When will it air?" "Will we be able to see her face?"

The phone call lasted for nearly twenty minutes, and it was only after the parents repeatedly told them to "take good care of yourself!" "Don't be nervous!" "Jump well!" that they reluctantly hung up.

However, the real "spectacle" in Qingdao only began as soon as the phone call ended.

The mother's hands were still trembling slightly from excitement, but she started searching for numbers in her contacts at an unprecedented speed, and the first number she called was Su Ning's aunt.

"Auntie! I have some amazing news for you! Our Xiao Ning will be on the Spring Festival Gala on New Year's Eve! CCTV-1! Yes, that Spring Festival Gala! It'll be around 9 PM! You absolutely have to watch it! And remember to tell his uncle and Mingming!"

Almost simultaneously, the father grabbed another phone, his voice booming as if he were ten years younger, and called his old friend: "Old Zhang! Hahaha! Don't just play mahjong this New Year's Eve! Remember to watch the Spring Festival Gala! Around nine o'clock! Watch my son! Yes! My son Su Ning! Go up there and dance! A solo dance! Hahaha!"

This is not finished.

My mother had just finished talking to my aunt when she immediately dialed the number at my mother's house, while my father started sending voice messages in the family WeChat group, his hearty laughter almost piercing through the phone screen.
"@Everyone in the Su family! On New Year's Eve! Tune in to CCTV-1 around 9:10 PM for my son Su Ning's solo dance performance on CCTV-1! Everyone come and support him! There will be big red envelopes!"

Within just half an hour, almost all of Suning's close and distant relatives, his parents' old colleagues and friends, and even neighbors with whom he had a good relationship, received this "watching notification" personally and with great pride from Suning's parents.

What was originally just a family joy, like a boulder thrown into a lake, created ripples of jubilation that spread outwards and quickly reached their entire social network.

Meanwhile, Su Ning, who was in Beijing at that moment, could not see the bustling scene in his hometown, but he could fully imagine his parents' ecstatic and excited expressions as they spread the news.

He held his phone, shook his head with a helpless smile, but his smile was full of warmth and a profound sense of happiness.

This most genuine and fervent expectation put him under more pressure than any praise from the media, but it also filled him with unprecedented motivation.

...(End of chapter)