Chapter 102 【Madness】

"What a piece of trash, only got the crowd going because of Zhou Tong." Backstage, the South Korean girl, Li Zhenzi, sneered disdainfully at Lin Jiaying, who was enjoying the applause at the center of the stage.

Beside her, the other three band members remained silent.

They understood that Lin Jiaying hadn't earned all that applause just because of Zhou Tong's appearance, but rather through her singing and actions.

It was a journey from confusion to confidence, and Lin Jiaying had perfectly embodied this process through her singing. Zhou Tong's role was merely to give Lin Jiaying courage.

In reality, everyone encounters setbacks and difficulties. Whenever faced with such challenges, people become confused, doubt their own abilities, lose confidence, and feel inadequate.

Some choose to retreat and escape at such times, ultimately failing, while others prove their capabilities through practical actions, regain confidence, overcome difficulties, and achieve success.

Lin Jiaying was undoubtedly the second type!

Originally, Lin Jiaying's singing skills were just average, with a significant gap compared to Zhou Tong. However, during her performance just now, Lin Jiaying poured her emotions into it. Her emotional investment infused her singing with soul, resonating with the audience. This was the biggest reason she received applause from the crowd!

"Zhenzi." At that moment, a handsome and sunny guy walked up to Li Zhenzi and asked, "What's wrong? Are you unhappy?"

"That girl stole my spotlight by relying on Zhou Tong. How infuriating!" Li Zhenzi cursed. "Chinese people are so shameless, always relying on having more people!"

"Alright, Zhenzi, don't be angry." The handsome and sunny guy smiled nonchalantly. "Tomorrow's soccer match and the martial arts competition the day after, I'll thoroughly humiliate the Chinese to vent your anger."

"Thank you, Jin Zhengwei." Hearing this, Li Zhenzi immediately broke into a happy smile.

Shortly after, Jin Zhengwei led Li Zhenzi away.

If Gu Feng had been present, he would have realized that the man named Jin Zhengwei was the one who had addressed the South Korean black belt expert as "Uncle Li."

Just as Jin Zhengwei was leaving with Li Zhenzi, Gu Feng was outside the stadium, smiling happily.

Initially, when he saw Lin Jiaying on stage, too nervous to sing, he had been worried. He feared that even if Zhou Tong went on stage, she might not be able to restore Lin Jiaying's confidence.

Now, it seemed his worries were unnecessary.

Lin Jiaying had redeemed her previous humiliation through her own performance!

Although Gu Feng didn't know exactly why Lin Jiaying had been so nervous, seeing her regain her confidence filled him with genuine joy.

The cheers from the audience grew louder and louder, with some even starting to shout, "One more song!"

"Thank you, thank you all, thank you, Sister Zhou Tong!" Amid the deafening cheers, Lin Jiaying smiled through her tears and bowed deeply to the audience.

Then, as the audience tried to persuade her to stay, Zhou Tong took Lin Jiaying's hand and slowly led her off the stage.

As soon as they stepped off the stage, a group of students surrounded them, asking Zhou Tong for autographs.

At the same time, some students in the audience seemed to realize what was happening and began squeezing into the aisles of the stands.

The scene quickly descended into chaos!

Zhou Tong had initially intended to sign autographs for the dozen or so students who had gathered around her. However, when she saw the massive crowd of students in the stands, her expression changed!

She wasn't afraid of signing autographs for the students; she was worried that their frantic crowding might lead to an accident.

Once, during one of her concerts, a similar incident had occurred. Fans, overwhelmed with excitement, had rushed toward the stage, resulting in several people being trampled to death.

"Jia Ying, I have to go!" Zhou Tong immediately made a decision, quickly letting go of Lin Jiaying's hand and dashing forward.

As Zhou Tong ran, the students grew anxious and began chasing after her.

"Students, don't rush! Zhou Tong just told me that after the cultural program ends, everyone will receive a personally signed CD from her."

Clearly, the host was a very clever person.

Sure enough, upon hearing the host's words, the students who had been pushing forward stopped in their tracks.

After all, in their eyes, Zhou Tong's appearance here was already a miracle!

And the fact that Zhou Tong had taken the stage only after Lin Jiaying's performance must have been arranged with the host. Since Zhou Tong and the host had made arrangements, the host's words could be trusted.

Seeing the students return to their seats, the host breathed a sigh of relief and announced the next program.

Meanwhile, Zhou Tong was sprinting toward where Gu Feng was, with seven or eight crazy fans still chasing after her.

Just as Zhou Tong was about to run out of steam, someone grabbed her hand.

Instinctively, Zhou Tong let out a gasp of surprise.

However, when she saw that it was Gu Feng who had grabbed her, she relaxed.

"Come with me." Without waiting for Zhou Tong to speak, Gu Feng pulled her toward the cafeteria building next to the playground.

"I can't, Gu Feng, I can't run anymore." Zhou Tong, pulled along by Gu Feng, could only manage a few steps before she was completely exhausted.

Behind them, the students continued to chase relentlessly.

Following them were also some students who had performed earlier. After finishing their acts, they hadn't returned to their class areas but had stayed backstage to watch the program. Now, with a chance to get Zhou Tong's autograph, how could they give up?

"I'll carry you!" Seeing the frenzied students, Gu Feng immediately made a decision. Without giving Zhou Tong a chance to protest, he hoisted her onto his back.

Zhou Tong's body stiffened at first, then she instinctively wrapped her arms around Gu Feng's neck, pressing herself tightly against him.

Then, Gu Feng dashed toward the cafeteria building like a gust of wind.

After a few minutes, Gu Feng reached a deserted spot, set Zhou Tong down, and said apologetically, "Zhou Tong, I'm really sorry. I forgot to consider the exit strategy."

Clearly, Gu Feng understood that if Zhou Tong were surrounded, today's cultural program would be over!

Compared to the upcoming performances, Zhou Tong's fans were more eager to get her autograph.

Zhou Tong looked somewhat helpless. "I was afraid the students in the stands might rush down and cause an accident. Otherwise, I would have signed for them."

After saying this, she glanced cautiously at Gu Feng, as if worried he might misunderstand her.

Gu Feng smiled slightly and said, "You don't need to explain. I understand."

Hearing this, Zhou Tong relaxed.

"Are you leaving now? If so, I'll see you out," Gu Feng asked.

Zhou Tong hesitated for a few seconds before reluctantly nodding. "I'd better leave now. Otherwise, once the news spreads, reporters will swarm the school gates, and it'll be hard to get out later."

Seeing Zhou Tong's reluctant expression, Gu Feng was taken aback!

Because he could tell from her expression that deep down, she didn't want to leave just yet.

At that moment, Gu Feng vaguely sensed something but didn't dare to be certain.