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墨書 Inktalez
On the university playground, colorful flags fluttered in the wind, and large banners waved in the air, seemingly trying to add a festive atmosphere to the annual celebration. However, the playground appeared somewhat desolate, with only a few scattered individuals participating in the sports events. A handful of students jogged slowly on the track, their movements looking forced and perfunctory. The stands were even emptier, with just a few student council members sitting there, watching the activities with boredom, occasionally snapping a few photos that seemed mechanical and uninspired.
In stark contrast, the activity center next to the playground was a completely different scene. The student council had specially invited several popular young stars to add glamour to the celebration, drawing a large crowd of students. Inside the activity center, lights flickered and colorful beams illuminated the stage, accompanied by exhilarating music that enveloped the venue in a joyful atmosphere. On stage, the young stars energetically sang and danced to the rhythm of the music, their swift and rhythmic movements capturing countless gazes. The deafening beats of the music reverberated like heartbeats in the air, pushing the ambiance to a climax.
Guided by the music, young university students swayed their heads to the rhythm, immersed in the revelry of lights and sound. They raised their hands high, waving along with the melody, their faces beaming with excitement as if this moment was their entire world. Many even closed their eyes, moving their bodies to the beat of the music, liberating themselves from everyday pressures. Sweat dripped from their foreheads with each movement, but they paid no mind; instead, they became more engrossed as if completely controlled by the music, forgetting all reality.
The lights in the venue changed colors with the rhythm of the music—sometimes dazzling red, sometimes flickering blue—illuminating every ecstatic face in attendance. Amidst the raucous crowd, some people patted each other on the shoulders while shouting along with the beat; others shook their drink cans together; and some even stood on chairs waving their arms as if cheering for the stars on stage. The laughter and shouts of university students rose and fell in waves, blending with the music and transforming the activity center into a boiling sea of celebration.
This revelry starkly contrasted with the desolation of the sports events on the playground. The carefree young people inside the activity center enjoyed the joy of school festivities while immersed in party fervor; meanwhile, at another end of campus, although flags for the sports events still fluttered, they appeared particularly lonely—like a forgotten corner—leaving only a few hurried figures passing by who would glance over but not linger.
In one corner of the playground stood the Principal, Dean of Students, several key school officials, personnel from the Department of Education, local dignitaries including Village Chief and Vice Mayor, along with other important local figures lined up before a makeshift stage, smiling and adopting professional yet official expressions. As the countdown to school celebrations drew near, this event had become an "official" rally for commemorating fifty years of school history. Everyone wore formal suits and maintained fixed smiles as if those smiles were part of an event script that had to convey both "solemnity" and "enthusiasm" from every angle.
The Principal stood at center stage, secretly calculating that this grand arrangement was less about commemorating fifty years of school history than paving a path for James. This rally felt more like a carefully orchestrated warm-up act designed to give James exposure during this grand celebration so that everyone would remember him as a promising candidate for future Principal. The Principal glanced at James standing confidently in a dark suit at stage side, smiling as he conversed with Vice Mayor—he appeared poised and charmingly reminiscent of a "future Principal."
"Today, I feel immensely honored to stand here with all of you to witness our school's development journey," began the Principal as he opened his speech notes with a beaming smile. His tone was steady as if reciting a rehearsed script filled with "high praise" for school development over fifty years while emphasizing its "fruitful achievements" and "future prospects" in education. These words were laden with bureaucratic jargon and exaggerated rhetoric; guests and reporters present smiled politely while nodding along but knew well that this was merely part of a routine celebration—a scripted performance.
Meanwhile, inside his mind, the Principal was counting down time to wrap up this "mission" speech quickly. He thought that once he introduced James successfully, his own tenure as Principal would be nearing its end. In days ahead, he only needed to maintain this facade until retirement came around. He looked back at James again and chuckled inwardly; this astute scholar had already been thrust into prominence with ample support—he just needed to give him a gentle push to ensure his own smooth exit while coasting through his remaining term.
"I would also like to take this opportunity to introduce an outstanding scholar who has made remarkable contributions in both academic research and teaching," said the Principal as he extended his hand slightly aside while directing his gaze toward James. He deliberately raised his voice so that all attention would focus on James. "Let us give a warm round of applause for Professor James!"
Applause erupted from below—the officials from various departments, representatives from education circles, even some students present began clapping. James smiled slightly and nodded toward everyone before stepping onto stage with poise and confidence. The Principal watched all this with satisfaction; his eyes revealed a hint of secret relief as if half of this ceremonial transfer of power had already been quietly accomplished.
At that moment on stage under bright lights, James surveyed those applauding faces filled with smiles; his lips curled into a subtle grin. He understood that this was not merely an opening act but rather a prelude to his imminent ascension to Principal's position. Soon enough, this stage, this school—even those applauding for him—would become pieces under his control. And these insincere smiles and applause were precisely what he needed—resources integral to his plans.
James stood on the platform in the playground, his posture straight and confident, a calm smile gracing his face. His gaze was piercing, as if he could effortlessly see into the hearts of those around him. His presence was like a silent summons, subtly spreading through the air and capturing the attention of the students. With his steady and extraordinary demeanor, and those deep-set eyes, he drew everyone's gaze without needing any extraneous gestures, as if he were the most significant figure in this grand event.
At first, the students on the main stage swayed to the deafening music, lost in its lively rhythm. A few young stars energetically sang and danced, while colorful lights flashed across the stage, illuminating their meticulously choreographed steps and sweat-drenched faces. However, when James appeared on one side of the platform, a subtle shift occurred within the crowd.
"Is that Professor James?" someone whispered in surprise. Before the words had fully left their lips, several students had already looked up toward the playground. They instinctively halted their swaying movements, excitement and curiosity lighting up their faces as they focused on the figure on stage. Small groups gathered in front of the activity center began to murmur quietly among themselves; exchanging glances, a few quickly left the main stage and headed toward the playground, eager to catch a closer glimpse of James.
The young stars noticed the dwindling audience with shock but maintained their smiles, striving to keep singing and draw everyone's attention back to them. Yet it seemed no one was paying them any mind anymore. The music continued to blare loudly, its rhythm still vibrant and energetic, but the crowd grew increasingly sparse. A few spectators in the front row exchanged glances before quietly departing, while even those in the back began to vanish from sight. More and more students looked up to find James, then hurriedly made their way toward a corner of the playground as if drawn by some invisible force.
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