Don't Say You're Heartless (Modern Edition)

19 Playing the Guqin

With their fingers intertwined, the affection in their eyes was like the most sticky silk from a silkworm, drawing their hearts closer inch by inch. So close that there was no distance, tightly embracing each other...

That night, when Yang Qiong woke up, she found Shen Qiuhua curled up and pressed closely against her. She must have been cold, so Yang Qiong reached out and touched Shen Qiuhua's cheek, which was a bit cold. She wrapped them both tightly in the blanket and pulled Shen Qiuhua into her embrace.

Although the National Day holiday seemed long, time passed quickly. Before she knew it, it was already time to go back to work.

On the first day back, the leaders organized a meeting to announce the general process for the school's art festival, so that each head teacher would be informed. Yang Qiong calculated that there was less than a week left. The school was impressive, with events happening one after another, creating a lively atmosphere.

The head teachers were all expressionless, clearly accustomed to such busy schedules. Thus, following the sports meet before National Day, the school began vigorous preparations for the art festival.

Early in the morning, when Shen Qiuhua and Yang Qiong entered the teaching building, they saw a group of students practicing aerobics in the main hall. A music teacher was loudly reminding the students to pay attention to their movements.

"Why are they practicing in the hall?" Yang Qiong asked casually.

The music teacher shrugged, "There's no choice. The dance team's using the dance studio upstairs, so we have to practice here."

As they went upstairs, loud singing could already be heard, probably from the choir's practice. Shen Qiuhua frowned, "It's a bit chaotic. Don't these students need to study?"

"What can we do? The art festival is held to celebrate the '11.3' founding day. It's a big day for the Young Pioneers, so it must be taken seriously. Luckily, it's not our responsibility, so we can enjoy a bit of relaxation." Yang Qiong, who had been exhausted from the sports meet preparations, now trembled at the thought of another event.

"This job is indeed not easy," Shen Qiuhua said, looking out through the corridor window at the playground where two kids were practicing martial arts.

After school, there were no meetings, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Those who needed to prepare lessons, grade papers, or handle class affairs were busy with their tasks. Suddenly, a cacophony of noises broke out, and everyone groaned, collapsing onto their desks.

Teacher Wang looked like a dead fish, "I knew the chaos would start soon."

"Reaching this point isn't easy. The principal probably started early to avoid the students being overwhelmed," Teacher Cui sighed.

Shen Qiuhua listened carefully and discerned the sounds to be from the erhu, pipa, guzheng, and flute. But... how could such a disharmonious sound be called an 'ensemble'?

She was a lady of a prominent family, skilled in the four arts: the guqin, chess, calligraphy, and painting. She could play the guzheng and pipa, though not as well as the guqin. But no matter how bad she was, it shouldn't sound like this.

With that thought, she couldn't help but go outside to check. Upon stepping out of the office, she discovered that the practice for the ensemble was right across from their office, which explained the clear sound.

Fearing she might disturb the students, she just quietly watched from outside the door. After a while, she couldn't help but shake her head. She had already noticed the problems with the pipa and guzheng players, but the instructors hadn't corrected them.