The Three Pure Ones' Secret: Expressing Spirit

This story happened when Fan Biao and Brother Bai happened to meet. Old Fan told me about it, and when I heard Fan Biao mention Bai He, I couldn't help but feel a little sad for him.

When Lao Fan saw that I looked a little sad when I heard about Bai He, he smiled and said to me, "Don't worry, Lao Bai has already gotten over that incident. Besides, I think he's quite suitable for our industry, so I introduced him to Old Wu. The old man didn't say anything and just let him be an apprentice first."

After the holiday, I returned to school and told Li Quan, Li Peng, and Meng Jiahong the story I had found. They found it quite novel, although it was similar to the story of the little bird and the big tree in our childhood textbooks, but with a touch of mythology.

We couldn't decide, so in the end, Lao Meng had to ask Cui Xingwen, while Li Quan and Li Peng went to Lao Wang for feedback. We originally thought the story was rather boring and childish, but Lao Wang said it was okay. We didn't know why until after the performance, we realized that the old man thought his grandson would like the story, which was why he asked us to act it out.

Perhaps this is similar to a children's fairy tale. Cui Xingwen told us that writing the script for this story was very simple. However, even though the story was found, a performance with only two people simply couldn't work. I realized that Lao Wang might be setting us up. He clearly knew that the script couldn't be performed by one person, yet he insisted that the story was good and even told us that it was quite meaningful.

We don't know what the old guy gleaned from this story, but he said it was fine, which stumped Li Quan and Li Peng! There are seven people in this story, and even if we exclude the two hunters, we still need five people to perform on stage. Plus, we need makeup and costumes. We can ask the school for help with the costumes, but there are only four of us in our dorm. Where are we going to find one more?

Besides, looking back, even if Meng Jiahong and I went on stage to help them, I couldn't even utter a single word for ages, while Old Meng spoke with a strong Northeastern accent. Every time I told him he had a Northeastern accent, the old guy would just deny it, insisting he spoke authentic Mandarin. Cui Xingwen rolled her eyes in exasperation.

It's said that Sichuan and Chongqing have been home to Tyrannosaurus Rex since ancient times, but those are just rumors circulating online. Actually, aside from being a bit strict with us students, Teacher Cui is quite gentle with Lao Meng. Lao Meng speaks Mandarin, and although she was speechless, she still actively cooperated with him.

Besides this series of instabilities, deciding who to invite as the fifth person became a major headache for us. Perhaps people really do fall silent when they're at their wits' end; the entire dormitory was silent, the group staring blankly at each other. Li Peng looked worried: "What do we do, brothers? Da Mangzi and I are counting on this to avoid failing! Why is everyone so quiet?"

Old Meng, who was standing to the side, hesitated to speak. I was about to say something to boost morale when my phone suddenly rang in my pocket. I thought it was Old Fan sending me a message for no reason, but when I opened the phone, I saw that it was Yin Yuhong.

Curious, I replied, "What's wrong? Is something the matter?"

Yin Yuhong asked if I wanted to go to the cafeteria together that evening, saying she had something to tell me. Being a bit dense, I quickly asked her, "What is it? Just tell me!"

Yin Yuhong sent me a tapping emoji, and then replied: "I don't know if you're really naive or really stupid. I'm a girl who took the initiative to ask you out, and you still ask me all sorts of questions."

I felt a little awkward, and honestly replied, "Okay!"

Li Quan and Li Peng watched me staring at my phone, grinning foolishly. They instantly forgot their worries about the performance and looked at me with mischievous smiles. Li Quan smacked his lips and said, "Suck, suck, suck, oh my~ look at you, all lovestruck."

I blushed at his words, but Meng Jiahong was more serious: "Hey, don't disturb their dating!"

I quickly explained, "What are you thinking? We're just classmates, ordinary friends."

Everyone knew perfectly well that it was Yin Yuhong who wanted to talk to me. I don't know where that bastard Li Quan got his sudden inspiration, but he mumbled something to me like, "Hey, why don't you ask Yin Yuhong if she's interested in acting!"

When Li Peng heard Li Quan say that he wanted Yin Yuhong to help, I was stunned. I wondered if it would work. But the two brothers said a lot of nice things to me. Maybe I'm just naturally soft-hearted. I had no choice but to reluctantly agree: "I can ask her for you, but if she doesn't agree, I can't do anything. Besides, she's already participating in this event. She's going to sing on stage."

Li Quan reached into Li Peng's pocket for a cigarette, but after a while, Li Peng didn't give him one. Li Quan lit the last cigarette for himself and started smoking. Perhaps Li Quan was really craving a cigarette; he rummaged around on his bed and finally found a Hongtashan cigarette that had somehow fallen into a crack in the corner. He lit the crumpled cigarette, took a puff, and said, "Let's try it. If she's busy, we'll think of something else!"

Looking at these two living fathers, I can tell they're the kind of people who don't work hard usually, but when it really matters, they'll try anything as a last resort.

As evening fell, the campus was gently enveloped in a layer of orange-red sunset. The evening breeze carried the fragrance of roadside grass and trees, sweeping past the teaching buildings and tree-lined paths. The clouds on the horizon were tinged with a gentle and romantic hue by the setting sun. The branches of the plane trees swayed gently, and dappled sunlight fell on the stone path. Students strolled in twos and threes, slowly making their way to the canteen and dormitories. The entire campus was immersed in the unique tranquility of dusk.

As agreed with Yin Yuhong, I arrived early at the girls' dormitory building to wait. The flowerbeds in front of the building were blooming with tiny flowers, and a gentle evening breeze carried their fragrance. The streetlights were not yet on, and only the warmth of the setting sun lingered on my shoulders, making me feel cozy and comfortable.

Before long, I saw Yin Yuhong slowly walking down from the dormitory building. She was dressed in simple casual clothes, her long hair casually draped over her shoulders. She had delicate features and a gentle demeanor. As soon as she saw me, a faint smile appeared on her lips. She walked up to me, her eyes crinkling, and said in a slightly teasing tone, "Why are you so punctual? Were you afraid I'd stand you up?"

I chuckled and scratched my head: "How could I not wait for you? You specifically messaged me to invite me to dinner, so of course I have to be on time."

Yin Yuhong smiled slightly and moved forward briskly: "Let's go to the cafeteria, we can talk while we eat."

We walked side by side on the tree-lined path, the evening breeze caressing our faces, the sunset glow falling on our shoulders, chatting and laughing all the way, and soon we arrived at the school cafeteria.

The cafeteria was bustling with activity in the evening. Warm yellow lights illuminated the entire hall, and the sounds of people were gentle and lively. The tables were neatly set, and many students were sitting together eating and chatting. We found an empty seat by the window, got our dinners, and ate slowly while chatting.

Yin Yuhong took a bite of rice, looked up at me, and said in a serious yet slightly shy tone, "I have something to tell you. I signed up to sing on stage for the school's arts festival this year. Didn't I tell you about it last time?"

I was taken aback for a moment: "Sure, your voice is already beautiful, you'll definitely be fine on stage."

She sighed softly and said a little embarrassedly, "But I always feel a bit monotonous singing by myself, and the stage is too deserted. So I was thinking, should I invite you to join me and perform on the same stage to help me create a better atmosphere?"

I was momentarily stunned and a little dumbfounded. I was thinking that I had something to ask you for help, but I didn't expect you to invite me to sing.

Originally, the two brothers, Li Quan and Li Peng, were pestering me to find Yin Yuhong to join our folk drama performance, as the show was short of a key figure, and the two of them were in a real hurry. But in the end, Yin Yuhong took the initiative to invite me to sing with her.

I thought to myself, participating in another program isn't a big deal. I can rehearse in my spare time anyway, so I might as well agree.

I asked her with some self-doubt, "Sure, no problem, but do you think my voice is good enough for singing?"

Yin Yuhong looked at me firmly, and then said to me, "Of course you can, why not? It's precisely because your voice is suitable for singing that I want you to perform on stage with me."

I gave an awkward laugh: "Oh, okay then! I'll go on stage with you and sing, and join in the fun."

Yin Yuhong's eyes lit up, and a happy smile immediately appeared on her face: "That's great! It'll be even more fun with you here."

I thought to myself, "Grandma, you think this is funny, but I'm in trouble. Actually, I didn't want to perform with Li Quan and Li Peng in the first place, because sometimes I doubt myself. Can I really swallow my pride and not be nervous on stage? But people are always stubborn. I want to toughen up my personality and not stay so sullen all the time!"

Taking advantage of the pleasant atmosphere, I smoothly changed the subject and slowly began, "By the way, I also have something I'd like to discuss with you. A few of us in the dovehouse are planning to put on a folk drama for this year's performance, the story of 'The Dove and the Fox.' We've already drafted the script and assigned most of the roles, but we're still missing one key character, and we just can't seem to get everyone together."

I looked at her, my tone tentative: "I wanted to ask you if you'd be interested in joining our play? Just for fun, it won't interfere with our singing rehearsals."

I didn't have high hopes, since she was already going to sing on stage and might not be willing to participate in a play as well.

To everyone's surprise, Yin Yuhong agreed without the slightest hesitation: "Sure, I really like these folk tales, and it would be quite interesting to act them out."

She then added, "Don't worry, if it involves makeup, styling, or stage makeup, don't fret. I can ask Wu Qian and Liu Shiyu for help. They are the best at these things and their skills are excellent. They can definitely take care of everyone perfectly."

After hearing this, I felt a huge sense of relief, both surprised and moved. I didn't expect it to go so smoothly, and the problem of the manpower shortage was solved in one go.

After dinner, the sky gradually darkened, and the streetlights on campus lit up one by one, their warm yellow lights illuminating the tree-lined paths in a gentle, hazy glow. The evening breeze grew cooler, the leaves rustled, and the number of students on the road gradually decreased, creating a quiet and pleasant atmosphere.

I accompanied Yin Yuhong as we slowly walked back to the girls' dormitory. Along the way, we continued to chat about the play's roles, rehearsal times, and little things about the singing stage. We talked and laughed, and the atmosphere was relaxed and natural.

As we approached the girls' dormitory, Yin Yuhong stopped, turned around, and glanced at me. Her eyes appeared exceptionally gentle in the soft light of the streetlights.

"I'll go upstairs now. Just let me know when the rehearsal time will be available."

I nodded: "Okay, go back and get some rest. I'll explain the role arrangements to you in detail tomorrow."

She waved gently, turned around, and walked into the girls' dormitory building.

I stood there, watching her figure disappear into the stairwell, my heart filled with joy. I turned and slowly walked back to the boys' dormitory. I couldn't wait to get back and tell those two rascals, Li Quan and Li Peng, the good news.

~

~

Reaching the dormitory entrance, I lowered my pace, jumped to the gate, and shouted, "Son! Dad's home!"

Li Quan and Li Peng were sitting on the edge of the bed, looking worried. Their brows were furrowed, and they seemed to be at their wits' end.

As soon as I entered, Li Quan looked up and eagerly asked, "How did it go? Did you go see Yin Yuhong this afternoon? Did you mention the performance to her? Is she willing to help us make up the numbers?"

Li Peng quickly joined in, looking anxious: "Yes, we've been thinking about this for a while now. We're just missing this one crucial role. If no one can fill in, our play might be canceled."

Seeing their anxious and agitated expressions, I mocked them, "Useless! Put the same effort you have when you're online!"

He deliberately kept everyone in suspense, slowly pulled up a chair and sat down, feigning composure.

Seeing this, Li Quan immediately became anxious: "Stop keeping us in suspense! Tell us quickly, what's going on?"

I couldn't suppress my laughter and slowly said, "Don't worry, I've got it done."

Their eyes lit up instantly, and they immediately surrounded me: "Really? Yin Yuhong agreed?" they asked incredulously.

I nodded and slowly recounted the whole story: "It's quite a coincidence. She took the initiative to ask me to have dinner at the cafeteria that night. Actually, she felt that singing alone was a bit boring, so she invited me to sing a duet with her."

Li Quan's eyes widened: "Holy crap, what a coincidence! Did you say yes or no?"

"Of course I agreed. It doesn't matter if I participate in another program, since I can squeeze out rehearsals in my spare time anyway." I continued smugly, "Later, I took the opportunity to mention that our dormitory was going to put on a folk drama. I originally thought that she was going to sing and definitely wouldn't get involved in drama, but I didn't expect this lady to agree to join us right away."

Li Peng was overjoyed and slapped his thigh, exclaiming, "Great! Now we finally have enough people! We don't have to worry about being short-staffed anymore!"

I added, "And she's really thoughtful. She said we don't need to worry about stage makeup, styling, or outfits. She can get Wu Qian and Liu Shiyu to help with that. Those two girls are good at makeup and styling, so with them on the job, our stage presence is guaranteed."

Li Quan was overjoyed and couldn't help but exclaim, "Yin Yuhong is so kind! Not only did she take the time to play a guest role, but she also helped us solve the problem of makeup and styling. Now we can rehearse and perform on stage without any worries."

Looking at the somewhat excited Li Laoquan, I thought to myself, "You're probably not doing this because of the performance, but because you're thinking about Liu Shiyu's role." But I didn't expose his thoughts: "That's right. Next, we can discuss the roles and find time to rehearse properly in the rehearsal room. I also need to practice singing with Yin Yuhong when I have some free time."

Perhaps because everything was arranged properly, Li Quan and Li Peng looked relaxed, as if the heavy weight that had been pressing on their hearts had finally been lifted.