Lin Fan sensed a malicious gaze directed at her. She looked up and met a pair of provocative eyes, as if challenging her with the silent words, "Let's see how you handle this."
In an instant, Lin Fan understood. She discreetly pulled Ning Yan's hand under the table, signaling her to look in the direction of Zhou Liu.
When Ning Yan saw Zhou Liu, she furrowed her brows and anxiously looked at Lin Fan. "But our names have been announced. If we don't go up there, people might gossip."
However, Lin Fan remained calm, reassuring Ning Yan with a pat on her hand. "Don't worry. Remember when I borrowed something from you last night?"
When Fan Ming came to her yesterday, she had indeed considered her own situation. She could not prepare a performance on her own. Even in her past life, she did not excel at singing or dancing. But before going to sleep, she had pondered over what she could prepare for everyone today.
Originally, her intention was to pay tribute to the soldiers, wanting to do something special for them. She hadn't expected this turn of events. But it did not matter; revealing her plan was just a matter of time.
Ning Yan found it unbelievable. "You're not...?"
Lin Fan saw her understanding and nodded affirmatively. Then, she nodded at Yan Shun confidently. "Don't worry, I have a plan. Just come up with me later; I'll handle the talking."
With that said, Lin Fan pulled Ning Yan along, walking confidently towards the stage. When she looked at Zhou Liu, there was a hint of coldness in her eyes.
The smile on Zhou Liu's face faltered. At this point, Lin Fan was not even worried or afraid. Zhou Liu had specifically instructed Fan Ming to announce Lin Fan and Ning Yan's names together and had mentioned that they were collaborating on a performance.
If they could not deliver a performance now, they would thoroughly lose face in front of everyone.
Zhou Liu was currently consumed with thoughts of embarrassing Lin Fan and Ning Yan, completely unaware of Zhao Xiu's expression.
The moment Zhao Xiu saw the two people on stage, her eyes lit up instantly. She even started trembling with excitement, her hands practically itching to go on stage and thank Lin Fan right at that moment.
After retreating backstage, Fan Ming continued to observe the situation on Zhao Xiu's side while constantly pondering how to apologize to Zhao Xiu and Commander Yu.
When he saw Zhao Xiu's expression change, he paused for a moment and followed her gaze, coincidentally seeing Lin Fan and Ning Yan on the stage.
Could it be Lin Fan?
Her figure matched Zhao Xiu's description perfectly.
But wasn't this person's reputation quite bad before? There were even rumors that Lin Fan was entangled with other men outside.
Fan Ming recalled the scene he saw when he passed by Yan Shun's house during his casual visit to the Jiang family. Lin Fan did not seem like the person the rumors described back then.
Fan Ming did not know whom to believe anymore.
Seeing Lin Fan's confident demeanor, Yan Shun guessed that she had prepared something, but he also felt anticipation. His eyes were fixed on the stage, and a subtle smile appeared on his lips.
Since Lin Fan had changed, she had brought him quite a few surprises.
Zhou Liu glanced at Yan Shun and happened to see this scene. Her smile froze on her lips. How could she not know whom Yan Shun was looking at? But even so, seeing Lin Fan about to make a fool of herself, Yan Shun's eyes were still only on Lin Fan?
At that moment, Lin Fan's voice echoed slowly, "Hello, everyone. I'm very grateful for this opportunity to stand here. First, let me express my profound respect to the soldiers present. You train hard, only to live up to the people's expectations. You are the people's protective shield and the idols in my heart!"
Lin Fan moved to the side and bowed deeply to everyone.
In the audience, Zhao Xiu was the first to applaud, followed by a curious look from Yu Yan towards Lin Fan. However, these words had struck a chord with him. Then all the soldiers raised their hands, and the applause in the venue was enthusiastic.
Yan Shun's smile widened, and he could not hide his pride, although he did not realize it himself.
Some people who used to look down on Lin Fan had unpleasant expressions. Wang Yun muttered to the military wife next to her, "She's just good at saying a few nice words, isn't she? Who can't do that?"