As the lights came on, Yan Cheng pulled Wang Muman to her feet, and they bowed to the audience before applause finally broke out.
The two intended to return backstage, but were called back by the host.
"You two, please come to the center of the stage," the host said.
Wang Muman found it strange, as this segment hadn't been in the rehearsal, but she couldn't just leave without seeming awkward, so she followed Yan Cheng back to the center of the stage.
"Little handsome guy, little beauty, say hello to the judges, the audience, and those watching at home on TV. Please introduce yourselves! Your wonderful performance has deeply touched many people!" the host said with a smile.
Yan Cheng and Wang Muman exchanged a glance. Yan Cheng spoke first, "Hello everyone, I'm Yan Cheng, the pianist for the program 'The Nutcracker'." After speaking, he felt his sleeve being tugged again.
Wang Muman saw a dense crowd before her. The lights above her head were blinding, making it difficult to open her eyes. There were also many flashing lights, and she saw several attractive adults sitting opposite them. Thinking she had to speak, she felt extremely nervous and couldn't help but grip the familiar person beside her.
"Excuse me, my partner is a bit socially anxious. She is Wang Muman, the dancer for this program." Yan Cheng sensed her nervousness.
"It's alright. Actually, this segment wasn't planned, but the comments on major video platforms were all calling for us to get to know you. So, we're fulfilling the request of our netizens." The host clarified their doubts.
"Yes, I just saw many comments saying they saw the little beauty holding the little handsome guy's sleeve. So sweet! It seems you two must have a very deep friendship!" a celebrity said, looking at the large screen beside them.
Both of them looked towards it and indeed, many such comments were scrolling by. Wang Muman's face flushed slightly, but she still forgot to let go of his sleeve.
Yan Cheng didn't know how to respond, so he just nodded. The host then stepped in to ease the situation, "So, everyone has heard the introductions. The little beauty seems quite nervous. You may leave now, and judges, please cast your scores!"
Wang Muman felt her mind go blank. She bit her lower lip, her eyes fixed forward, brimming with tears. Then, Yan Cheng pulled her away.
"It's okay now. We're backstage, it's over, you don't need to be nervous anymore." Yan Cheng looked at Wang Muman's dazed expression, ruffled her hair, and said, "Put on your jacket. You'll have to go up again later."
Wang Muman came back to her senses. A warmth settled on her head, like a soul extractor, bringing her spirit back. Yan Cheng saw that his sleeve was still being held, and the person before him had a blushing face, her eyes like pools of water, looking so delicate. His heart skipped a beat, and his voice became even gentler, "Are you back with us? Put on your clothes properly."
Hearing his voice, Wang Muman slipped her hand inside and tightened her jacket.
"Sit here. I'll get you a blanket. Drink some water first." Yan Cheng pulled Wang Muman to a stool and instructed her.
Wang Muman nodded and took the water Yan Cheng handed her. Soon, a warm blanket was placed on her lap, a thoughtful gesture. Yan Cheng sat down beside her and looked at his phone, where one platform was live-streaming the performance. The comments were flooding in: "Go to Pineapple Video, there's a surprise inside, sisters, let's ship them!"
Yan Cheng immediately switched platforms and saw a video with over a million views. He clicked on it and found it was a video of him and Wang Muman backstage just moments ago. He instantly looked around and indeed, a camera was pointed at them.