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Shen Baili's lashes fluttered. Countless stars shimmered in her beautiful eyes, gathering into a dazzling, lovely galaxy.

"I'll climb higher, step by step, then ride a leaf forward from the very top and let the wind dry the sweat and tears I've shed."

"One day, I'll have a sky of my own."

The girl with black hair and a red dress sang softly. Her fragile frame held tremendous strength, inspiring not only herself but everyone around her.

She shone like the blazing sun, radiant and bold.

The bright, lilting notes of a harmonica picked up where her song left off. A gentle male voice slipped in naturally, and the piano sounded again.

"Could there be a day when time really turns back?"

"Back to yours and mine, to those long years we can never return to."

Lu Mingqian emerged into the light as he sang, making an entrance like a prince. He gently patted Ji Qi, who had set down his melodica, and the two looked behind them.

Meng Jiu'an swaggered into the beam of light. His magnetic voice rang out, wild and carefree.

"If I had to choose one image that captured our youth,"

"I'd see that tear, that blue sky, the year we graduated."

As soon as he finished the first half of his rap, Ruan Mian's sweet voice flowed into the second. Her words were clear, and her rhythm was strong.

She sang without technique, pouring all her feelings into it.

Qiao Yi held her hand tightly. Feeling the sweat in Ruan Mian's palm, she squeezed back, as though she could pass her courage along through their joined hands.

Perhaps the encouragement worked. Ruan Mian's voice grew steadier, and her eyes brighter.

She looked at Father Ruan and Mother Ruan watching her from below the stage.