Pancake Eating

Outside the stage of the evening gala, there were nearly ten thousand spectators, so massive screens resembling those at concerts had been set up for those standing further back to watch the performance.

Yinshan Academy already had a student population far exceeding ten thousand, and with the addition of visiting guests and faculty members, this turnout wasn’t considered particularly large. Many had come specifically for the invited celebrities, as the event would feature performances by five moderately popular stars—proof of Yinshan Academy’s deep pockets.

Students had already purchased glow sticks at 5 yuan each, a reasonable price. As the crowd settled into their seats, vendors’ cries filled the air:

"Peanuts and melon seeds for sale up front! Peanuts, melon seeds, trash bags—cheap and affordable!"

"Tyrant-sized lemon tea, the perfect summer cooler for just 8 yuan!"

"Same-style stockings, same-style stockings! The junior girls’ cat-paw white sheer stockings!"

"Chicken Gong Gan, Chicken Gong Gan! Delicious and affordable—eat it, and even Auntie Ba will turn into A-Xiang!"

With such a massive crowd, it was a golden opportunity for vendors to make money, and none were willing to miss it. Maintaining order required a small army, so nearly all the campus security personnel and disciplinary committee members were mobilized. Even the publicity department and the entire student council were roped in, barely making the manpower sufficient.

"Wow—this is insane, so many people!" Tang Keke had attended the stage performance the previous year, but back then, she had been just another spectator, comfortably seated without a care.

Now, standing on the stage, the sight of the sea of spectators and the countless glow sticks resembling a starry sky turned her face pale.

If the performance went poorly, wouldn’t it be utterly humiliating?

"Well, it’s the 70th anniversary celebration, and some are just fans here to see their favorite stars for free," An Shiyu remarked, standing nearby with her arms crossed. "Nothing beats a free show."

"This crowd is bigger than most celebrity concerts. This academy is really something else," Ye Shuang couldn’t help but comment.

No wonder graduates couldn’t stop singing its praises.

Back when rating universities on Hupu was all the rage, Yinshan Academy’s scores were shockingly high. Now, Ye Shuang understood why—it gave students everything they wanted. Starting from the first year, there were no mandatory evening self-study sessions, class hours were shorter than other high schools, and the focus was on well-rounded development. Events were held non-stop—aside from the anniversary celebration, there were smaller gatherings like the Winter Solstice Gala.

Practically every two months, there was something, often lasting a whole week.

No wonder so many students from other regions fought to get in after their college entrance exams. However, as a local institution, Yinshan Academy had different admission score thresholds for local and non-local students. For outsiders, getting in was an uphill battle.

Every year, many students would accept any major just to squeeze in through adjustment admission—nothing unusual about that.

"Yuyou, scared?" Ye Shuang showed Bai Yuyou the massive crowd outside. Unlike Tang Keke’s panicked expression, Bai Yuyou remained calm, tugging lightly at Ye Shuang’s sleeve.

"Not scared. Ye Shuang is here."

"Good."

While everyone adjusted their nerves, Linlin was the most visibly out of sorts, seeming distracted until Zhixia called her name several times to snap her back to attention.

"Bzzzt—"

Just then, the speakers screeched with microphone feedback before quickly stabilizing.

"Teachers, students, and honored guests attending Yinshan Academy’s 70th anniversary celebration—good evening!" The lively voices of the male and female hosts officially kicked off the gala.

Incidentally, aside from student clubs and invited celebrities, even teachers and cafeteria staff could sign up to perform.

The program list included a comedy skit by the cafeteria aunties and chefs. Free from forced moralizing or clichéd endings, their act was far more entertaining than anything on TV.

Definitely better than that dumpling photo studio nonsense.

After the hosts’ opening remarks, it was time for Chairman Anshi Yilang to deliver the inaugural speech.

"Ahem." Sitting in the VIP section, Anshi Yilang tapped his microphone and declared, "Charge! Just do it!"

"Charge! Charge! Charge! Just do it!"

"Woooooh!"

The students erupted in laughter and cheers, chanting along—a long-standing tradition at the academy.

"Alright, our first performance is Principal Huang’s rendition of ‘Love Fight Will Win’! Let’s give him a round of applause!"

Principal Huang, a native of Fujian, delivered the song in Hokkien:

"Sam hun tian zhu ding~ Qi hun kao da pin~"

("Three parts heaven’s will~ Seven parts human effort~")

"Ai pin cai hui ying~"

("Love fight~ will win~")

Though many couldn’t understand the lyrics, they waved their glow sticks enthusiastically in support.

“Wooooo! Principal Huang, we love your ‘big pancakes’!”

"Sounds amazing!"

"Principal Huang, didn’t you promise last year you’d perform in drag?!"

"666666666666666666666!"

"Hey, show us your skills—drag the other principals onstage for pancakes!"

The students were in high spirits—Principal Huang’s approachable demeanor made him a favorite.

Soon, other performers took the stage. The early acts were mostly faculty members. As the program progressed, two school doctors approached and said,

"Teacher Ye, it’s our medical team’s turn."

"Got it." Ye Shuang nodded and followed them out.

Seeing Ye Shuang leave with the others, Tang Keke and the rest exchanged puzzled glances, question marks practically floating above their heads.

What just happened?

Why was Ye Shuang leaving? Wasn’t their performance slot still ahead?

"So Teacher Ye has another act," the girls murmured, stacking their heads together to peek at the stage. Only now did they realize Ye Shuang had multiple performances.

The medical team’s act was simply a song. Due to a shortage of performers, Ye Shuang had been roped in as a last-minute addition.

The song wasn’t difficult—Ye Shuang only needed to provide backup vocals for the lead singer, a fellow school doctor.

"I wanna send you sun-never-setting love—"

It was a male-tenor version of "Sun Will Never Set," transforming the originally sweet pop song into a passionate anthem, as if praising the sun itself.