Chapter 18 Another World's Mid-Autumn Festival Gala

Although Mu Qianmei was a child, she had an adult's mind, so she took care of the Mos. Mo Chou was more lively. She lived a happy life and was always laughing as if she had forgotten the sorrow of her grandpa's death after some time. While Mo Huan was more saturnine. He seldom spoke, and the calmness and grief in his eyes always made people feel sorry for him. Mu Qianmei cooked a home-cooked meal. They sat at the table. Mu Qianmei asked, "How do you feel about today's exam?" "It was easy! Hahaha... The teacher asked us a few simple questions, let us sing a song, asked about our family members, and let us write our names and the words that we can write, haha... Sister Butterfly, you have taught us too many words to write. I filled the paper and stopped, but I saw children who couldn't even write their names. We will pass the exam, right?" Mo Chou said proudly. Mu Qianmei was delighted to see Mo Chou's carefree look. She smiled, "Yes, you are so clever! You have to study harder in school later on! You have too much to learn. Mo Huan, how about you?" Mu Qianmei skipped to Mo Huan. "If sis can pass the exam, so can I. Sister Butterfly, I think you know a lot more than many adults do, but you are only three or four years older than me. How do you know so much?" Mo Huan was curious. "I used to be a beggar, you know. I've been to many places and seen a lot. That's why I know much. Old guy Feng also forced me to read and write. Well... One grows up by suffering." Mu Qianmei explained. "So you must have suffered a lot. So pitiful! I will study hard to help you. Sister Butterfly, why don't you study with us? If you can teach us, we will study faster and better." Mo Chou acted innocent. "I have many important things to do. If you want to assist me, you should work hard. If you can finish the six-year course in four or five years, you can help me." Mu Qianmei encouraged. "I don't know if I can make it or not, but brother can make it. Brother is so clever that no matter what difficulty we meet, brother can always find a solution." Mo Chou said. She was proud of her brother. "Haha... Mo Huan, teach your sister more, will you? I'd like to see you study and make progress together, remember?" Mu Qianmei was enlightened. "I will support her. Sister Butterfly, when shall we begin to learn sword skills?" Mo Huan asked. "You'd better lay your foundation first according to the Internal Magic Citta I taught you. Foundation is vital no matter what you do. A sound foundation makes high efficiency. When I think you have laid a good foundation and made some progress in your internal magic, I will find you a good teacher." Mu Qianmei said in earnest. After dinner, Mu Qianmei asked Mo Chou to clean up and put away the dishes. Then she led them to sit in meditation to practice inner magic. On this peaceful night, the atmosphere among them was very harmonious as if they were a family. After the opening ceremony, the start of the new term was postponed a little because an extra exam was added due to the fact that there were too many applicants. After the exam on August 12, the teachers worked overtime to mark the papers. On August 14, the school posted the red list. Those who took the exam were anxious to rush to the red list, looking for their names. Candidates who found their name on the list were overwhelmed with excitement. Candidates who didn't see their names pulled a long face. Some candidates searched through the list but didn't see their names, so they began to search again. They searched and searched. Some found their names when searching for the second time and were more excited than those who found the name the first time. Some were downcast and left, failing to find their names after hunting over and over. The campus gradually restored tranquility as people left. Among those who had flunked the exam, locals in Luoya City packed up to go home for the Mid-Autumn Festival. While some people, hard to get a trip to such a bustling metropolis as Luoya City, stayed here and planned to return after the Mid-Autumn Festival. Most of those admitted were ready to move into Lingyin College dormitories the next day. Mu Qianmei discussed with Elder Wang and proposed to hold a Mid-Autumn Festival Gala in the college. At first, she had intended to give a poetry salon, however, she did not want to push herself forward and a salon wasn't lively enough, so she deemed that a gala would be better. Elder Wang asked Mu Qianmei, puzzled, "Gala? What is a gala?" It occurred to Mu Qianmei that there was no such thing here, so she explained, "A gala is a special public celebration or entertainment at night focuses on art performances such as sing, dancing, telling jokes, poetry recitation, and so on. Participants can also show some special talents such as playing an instrument or render a set of martial art skills. It is an activity for relaxation and entertainment. Participants can also learn some knowledge of literature and art." "I see. How do you propose to give it?" Elder wang was not really in favor of this kind of activity, because he insisted that excessive attention to playing sapped the will. How could students learn well if they just wanted to play? However, he knew that Mu Qianmei was the real founder of this college. He would listen to her. I have written a proposal. Send it to Vice-Principal Zhuang Shujun and let him hold and preside the gala." Mu Qianmei thought of Zhuang Shujun's white robe. He would become an accomplished idol if he was born in her world. Zhuang Shujun was well-favored, a gentleman, adept with both the pen and the sword, and got along well with everybody both in the Beggar Gang and the college. "Alright, I'll bring your proposal to Vice-Principal Zhuang. Let him arrange it." Elder Wang promised without hesitation. On the morning of the Mid-Autumn Festival, a bright red notice was posted at the gate of Lingyin College. "Gala? What is a gala?" Can't you even read on? It is explained below." "Creative! Whose idea it is? I like it! Hahaha..." Come on, let's sign up for a show and go back to prepare for it... It will be fun." ... Many people gathered around the notice and talking about the gala. The students here, either young people or children, were full of expectations for this kind of activity. The news spread quickly in Luoya City and in half a day, everyone in Luoya City had known it. The young and children were happy and some of the others were curious. An interesting gala jumped out of this dull life and got some conversations started. The number of people who signed up to participate in the activity was much higher than expected, so the college had no choice but to choose the best. In addition to the students, many natives also came to the college today. Those who had moved into the dormitory hurriedly arranged their belongings and beds and went to the square to join in the fun or to help with the gala's preparation. In the evening, red lanterns were hung all over the campus, lighting up the college like a dream world. Branches of trees were also covered with colorful ribbons, fluttering in the autumn wind. The stage setting was like a fairyland. It had a nattier blue canvas background, above which were written six striking words - "Mid-Autumn Festival Gala of Lingyin College". Two rows of lanterns were hung to the left and right of the stage to provide lighting. The upper left corner of the canvas was painted with a round moon. A fairy in elegant clothes decorated with ribbon was flying toward the moon. She was as beautiful and vivid as a butterfly. Unfortunately, no one here knew the story of "The Goddess Chang's fly to the moon". Anyway, appreciating the painting was a wonderful visual enjoyment. The twinkling stars painted beside the moon made the whole night sky more beautiful. The lower part of the canvas was painted with golden chrysanthemums in full bloom. And the most eye-catching element was the two poems in the middle. Many people with literary accomplishments could not help but indulge in them, acclaiming. Below the moon was a Song Poem of Su Shi, Prelude to Water Melody - How Long Will the Full Moon Appear "How long will the full moon appear? Holding a wine cup, I ask the sky. What year is it there? The palace on the cloud. I'd love to go home with the wind, but so cold are those crystalline pavilions, so far are those jade halls. I dance, and my shadow follows, but it's not that happy away from the ground. "Over the vermilion pavilion it moves, and under the carved window it hangs. On the sleepless it sheds light. Do you resent people, the moon? Why are you so round at parting nights? People have sorrow and joy, and they gather and separate sometimes. The moon can be bright and dim, and it wax and wane. They are never perfect. So I wish our lives safe and long, bathing in the same moonlight." Below the poem was a signature - "Dongpo Lay Buddhist". Right in the middle of the canvas was another poem of Zhang Jiuling - Missing My Dears In the Moonlight "Over the sea a bright moon rises, shining, lighting up you and me. Minds pervading the whole long night, I stay up thinking of your face. The candle goes out, moonlight fills my room; Putting on my clothes, I feel the wetness of the dew. What do I want to bestow you? A handful of silver bright. Where I am going to? A dream with you in delight." This poem was signed "Mr. Zishou".