Chapter 208: Unexpected Stage Incident

The performance was a success, though this was only evident from the sporadic applause. During intermission, Xia Yangyang watched the audience from backstage, hoping to see Gu Qichen. The dimly lit crowd, however, was indistinguishable; she couldn't see clearly.

The final act, "The Butterfly Lovers," began. Against a poignant backdrop, Zhu Yingtai wept, saying: "Brother Liang, we pledged our love, believing ourselves a match made in heaven. Who knew our names weren't recorded in the Book of Marriage? We hoped the Old Man in the Moon would be our matchmaker, but instead of magpies bringing good news, only crows cawed. We anticipated a grand wedding, but the Milky Way was broken, and the bridge of crows severed. We waited for a bridal palanquin at your home, only to find a white funeral suit. Oh, Brother Liang, I seek not to live together, but to die together…"

At that moment, a sudden storm erupted with tumultuous thunder and lightning. Zhu Yingtai flung herself from the tower—a short jump from a one-meter platform with pre-arranged stairs and props. Though only a meter high, she landed on a soft cushion hidden by plant and flower props, ensuring she wouldn't be hurt. The conclusion showed Zhu Yingtai lying down, transforming with the deceased Liang Shanbo into two butterflies. Thus, Xia Yangyang had to remain still on the cushion until the performance ended and the curtain closed.

From the side, the narrator said, "Ever since, amongst rainbows and blooming flowers, two butterflies can always be seen fluttering and dancing together. It is said that these were Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai in their butterfly forms, inseparable until the world's end."

Lying motionless, Xia Yangyang wondered if Gu Qichen had come. Suddenly, the stage lights flickered erratically. The next second, a truss collapsed from the side of the stage, falling toward Xia Yangyang. Terrified screams arose from the audience. Lost in thought, Xia Yangyang didn't react immediately. Then, Gu Zhaohan, who had been backstage, rushed onstage, throwing himself over Xia Yangyang. A muffled groan of pain followed as the truss landed squarely on his back.

Puren Hospital. Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen stood outside the emergency room. Xia Yangyang sat in a chair, uncontrollably trembling at the memory. If not for Gu Zhaohan's quick action in using his body as a shield, she might have been the one in the hospital bed. However, she didn't know the severity of his injuries. Gu Qichen stood at the emergency room entrance. Xia Yangyang could see his silhouette when she raised her head. Gu Qichen had been at the performance, sitting nearby. After the incident, he was the first to rush onstage and take Gu Zhaohan to the hospital. Without his calm decisiveness, Xia Yangyang didn't know what would have happened.

Gu Qichen approached, grasping her shaking hands. "Don't worry too much, he should be fine."

Xia Yangyang looked at him, "But… I'm scared."

Gu Qichen comforted her, "Don't be afraid, I'm here. I won't let anything happen to Xiao Han."

Just then, the emergency room doors swung open. A doctor, surrounded by nurses, emerged. Xia Yangyang immediately stood and ran over, her heart pounding. "Director Yao, how is Gu Zhaohan?"