Legacy of the Stars

Chapter 20: A Life Without Regrets

On New Year's Eve, in Ningcheng No. 1 High School's huge gymnasium, the atmosphere was electric as night fell. Over a thousand students from more than twenty senior classes gathered, waving glow sticks and letting their youthful energy and passion flow freely.

On stage, a group of young girls danced gracefully to melodious music, their youthful vibrance and energy radiating like the rising sun, infecting everyone present.

In the audience, the senior students waved their glow sticks to the music, some took out their phones to capture the moment, and others opened Douyin to livestream the event.

"Liu Yuan, are you sure you can do this?"

"I've never heard you sing before. Don't embarrass us by singing off-key."

In the senior year (Class 4) section, Hu Huirong looked at Liu Yuan, who was chatting enthusiastically with his crush, Li Dan, and couldn't help but ask.

"Stop it, Liu Yuan will be great."

"Just because you haven't heard him doesn't mean he sings poorly."

Qiu Tingting immediately defended Liu Yuan.

"Exactly."

"Even if he sings off-key, it doesn't matter. Just having Liu Yuan on stage will attract a lot of fans."

"I'm livestreaming on Douyin right now. Do you think we could gain a million followers overnight?"

Qian Xia adjusted her phone stand to find the perfect angle for her livestream. She loved making Douyin videos and often spent her free time dancing in front of the camera. With Douyin's beauty filters and makeup, even the plainest girls could transform into goddesses, making it addictive for many women. And there were always people willing to spend money to reward these livestreamers.

Qian Xia had accumulated tens of thousands of followers and was currently livestreaming the New Year's Eve graduation party, with hundreds of viewers watching.

"Liu Yuan will definitely do great," said Li Dan confidently, sitting close to Liu Yuan, much to Hu Huirong's dismay.

"It's almost my turn," Liu Yuan said, standing up as the song and dance performance was about to end. "I'll head backstage now."

"Good luck!"

"You can do it, Liu Yuan!"

The girls in the class cheered, waving their glow sticks enthusiastically.

"Viewers, the highlight of tonight's New Year's Eve graduation party is coming up. Our school's once-in-a-century campus heartthrob is about to perform. Stay tuned and don't leave the livestream; you won't be disappointed," Qian Xia narrated excitedly.

"Once-in-a-century heartthrob?"

"Really?"

"That's a big claim."

"Yeah, nowadays, guys are so lacking in masculinity. So-called heartthrobs are often disappointing."

In the livestream chat, many viewers expressed skepticism.

"I'd rather see the host dance. These high school performances are boring and amateurish."

"Exactly. The earlier performance was poorly coordinated and rehearsed."

"Well, they're high school seniors focused on studying for college entrance exams. Who has time to practice thoroughly? They just go through the motions."

"It's just a nostalgic moment, reminding us of how quickly time passes. High school feels so distant now."

"High schoolers are full of energy and natural beauty, even if their performances are amateurish."

The livestream chat was filled with casual conversations and nostalgic memories as over a thousand viewers tuned in to watch Ningcheng No. 1 High School's New Year's Eve graduation party.

As the zither solo ended, it was Liu Yuan's turn to perform.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Liu Yuan from Senior Three (Class 4) to sing an English song, 'The Nights.' Let's give him a warm round of applause!"

As the host finished speaking, the gymnasium erupted with thunderous applause and countless girls' screams.

Liu Yuan was already a school celebrity with his striking looks and top scores, admired by many girls. Countless love letters and cards were secretly sent to him.

As Liu Yuan, standing 1.82 meters tall, wearing his school uniform with long hair and striking features, walked onto the stage with a confident smile, the screams grew even louder.

"Liu Yuan, Liu Yuan!"

"I love you!"

"Ah, he's so handsome, my idol!"

Many girls screamed, waving their glow sticks frantically, hoping to catch Liu Yuan's attention.

"Wow, he's incredibly handsome!"

In Qian Xia's livestream, viewers were stunned by Liu Yuan's appearance.

"I thought it was an exaggeration, but seeing him in person, he's truly perfect."

"Even as a guy, I have to admit, he's way more handsome than me."

"No wonder they call him a once-in-a-century heartthrob. His looks are flawless."

"I'm in love. Host, please get me his contact info."

"Contact info +1. He's not only handsome but also exudes a strong, manly vibe, unlike many soft-looking boys today."

As Liu Yuan appeared on stage, the livestream viewers' skepticism vanished. The number of viewers surged as Liu Yuan's magnetic presence drew people in.

In the gymnasium, as the music began, the crowd quieted down, eager to hear Liu Yuan's performance.

Hey, once upon a younger year When all our shadows disappeared The animals inside came out to play...

Liu Yuan's singing was fluent, precise, and perfect, with no hint of an accent, as if the original singer were performing. Singing wasn't difficult for Liu Yuan, thanks to the gene optimization serum enhancing his abilities. His English had improved drastically, not just in exams but also in speaking and singing, matching native speakers flawlessly.

"I can't believe it. I thought it was the original singer."

"He's amazing. The rhythm and pronunciation are perfect. It's hard to believe such talent exists in a small town."

"I think he's even better than the original. You can feel the emotions in his singing. He must have gone through a lot to sing with such depth."

"Excellent analysis. His emotions really come through, surpassing the original."

In the livestream chat, viewers were deeply moved by Liu Yuan's performance, expressing their admiration and insights.

In the gymnasium, the teachers and students were captivated by Liu Yuan's singing. Those who knew his background, including Lu Xiao and some classmates, couldn't help but tear up.

They knew Liu Yuan had lost his father at a young age and had grown up strong and determined. As they watched him on stage, they remembered his father's last words to him, and Liu Yuan sang with tears in his eyes.

He said, one day you'll leave this world behind So live a life you will remember My father told me when I was just a child These are the nights that never die...

As Liu Yuan sang the chorus, over a thousand people in the gymnasium couldn't help but sing along, moved by his powerful performance and the story of a resilient soul facing life's challenges with strength and optimism.

The various livestreams also exploded with excitement.