Courtyard Houses: From Bronze Compasses to Global Reach

Chapter 251, Option 3: Building a "Brotherhood Alliance"—A Perfect Comeback from Planning

With the title of "Special Honorary Advisor" and the ensuing influence, Lin Yan watched as Tom, Mike, and even Daniel remained troubled by their dance partners, realizing that they were not the only students in the school trapped in the "dance partner dilemma." He decided to stop trying to help himself and instead use his resources to fundamentally change the "rules of the game" at the dance.

As an advisor, he formally submitted a detailed and "innovative" proposal to the prom organizing committee. At the first planning meeting, facing somewhat bewildered teachers and student representatives, Lin Yan clearly and logically explained his core ideas:

"While the traditional prom format is classic, it also sets up many barriers that prevent some students from fully enjoying the night. We should make the prom a celebration for everyone, not just a showcase for a few 'successful matches'."

His core initiative was the establishment of a separate "Squad Zone." His slogan was: "The dance is more than just romance; it's about friendship and sharing!"

To make the idea even more appealing, he not only promised the area would have its own themed decor—a cooler, more casual street party style, a dedicated bar offering specialty drinks and snacks, and interactive facilities like board games—but also dropped a bombshell:

"To enhance the musical experience of the entire ball, and especially to cater to the preferences of different students, the Golden Harvest Group has invited The Ventures to give a special performance for the second half of the ball."

These words caused a stir among the audience. "Adventure Band"! They were regulars on the Billboard charts, and their energetic rock music was played on the radio every day! Inviting them to the high school prom? That was simply a pipe dream! But after Lin Yan confirmed that funding and channels were not a problem, everyone's eyes lit up, and their previous doubts were instantly replaced by great excitement.

For the next two weeks, Lin Yan became the de facto core of the prom planning. He didn't act unilaterally, but efficiently organized a group of enthusiastic classmates, including Tom and Mike, to form a temporary "Prom Innovation Team." Everyone pooled their wisdom and efforts:

Venue setup: Lin Yan adopted the suggestions of students with artistic talents and used neon tubes, graffiti backdrops and old-fashioned jukebox models in the "Friends Group" area to create a retro rock atmosphere that is very different from the classical and elegant style of the main dance floor.

Event Design: He cleverly divided the ball into two halves. The first half followed tradition, playing soothing music so that students with partners could enjoy classic waltzes and slow dances. The second half, however, would be a complete transformation and a frenzy.

The secrecy surrounding the arrival of the "Adventure Band" was classified as top secret, known only to Lin Yan, in order to create the biggest surprise effect.

The night of the ball finally arrived.

The school gymnasium was beautifully decorated, with swaying crystal chandeliers and a huge, mirror-like dance floor. The air was filled with the fragrance of perfume and flowers, and a subtle sense of tension.

Lin Yan, dressed in a perfectly tailored, high-quality dark custom-made tuxedo, stood tall and imposing. As the "sponsor representative" and "special honorary advisor," he moved gracefully among teachers and guests, his demeanor impeccable and his speech eloquent, drawing countless admiring glances. However, his gaze lingered more on the students, who were dressed to the nines but appeared somewhat reserved—the girls in exquisite evening gowns, their skirts swaying; the boys in rented or newly purchased suits, striving to stand tall and play the role of gentlemen. The entire venue was filled with a cautious, almost rigid formality. The first half of the event proceeded in this elegant yet slightly subdued atmosphere, with waltzes swirling on the dance floor and awkward small talk taking place on the sidelines.

As the clock struck 8:30 p.m., and the traditional dance party was drawing to a close, many students were beginning to feel a little tired and bored with the routine. Suddenly, without warning, all the lights on the main dance floor went out!

In a brief moment of darkness and commotion, a spotlight suddenly shone on the spot where the school's jazz band had been standing. Everyone was stunned—on stage, professional electronic instruments and a drum kit had been set up! And standing in front of the microphone was the face they had seen countless times on record covers and television—the lead singer of the "Adventure Band"!

"Hey, Bryant High! You ready to rock?!"

The lead singer's powerful voice blasted through the high-quality speakers, filling the entire venue!

The next moment, the highly distinctive electric guitar tore through the previous elegant atmosphere like a sharp blade, and the powerful drumbeats and bass instantly ignited the rhythm! It was their chart-topping single!

"Oh my God——!!!"

The entire stadium seemed to have been bombed. All the previous restraint and gentlemanly demeanor were shattered by the deafening rock music at this moment!

The transformation was so rapid and thorough:

The "dance partners" who were originally dancing the waltz were stunned at first, then burst into cheers. They no longer cared about the dance steps and began to dance, shake their heads, and scream wildly to the rhythm.

The "Friends Group" area instantly became the center of the revelry. Tom and Mike had long since abandoned their pretense of modesty and rushed to the front of the dance floor, singing along to the music at the top of their lungs and jumping around exaggeratedly.

Even the shyest students were caught up in the sudden, overwhelming atmosphere of enthusiasm, and involuntarily swayed and clapped along to the rhythm.

The gentlemen's bow ties were askew, the ladies' hair was disheveled, but everyone's face was filled with the most genuine and carefree smiles.

Lin Yan stood slightly out of place on the outer edge of the crowd, somewhat out of place in the frenzied atmosphere, but the joyful smile on his face was utterly genuine. Looking at the unbridled sea of ​​revelry he had orchestrated, and watching his friends unleash their true nature, a strange sense of satisfaction welled up within him.

Tom and Mike, sweating profusely, squeezed back, grabbed their drinks and gulped them down, excitedly patting Lin Yan's shoulder while carefully avoiding touching the expensive fabric of his dress.

"Lin! Did you see that?! It's insane! You not only solved our problem, you saved the whole ball! You're a damn genius!"

"I simply can't believe it! The Ventures! Lin, how did you manage to do that?!"

Lin Yan picked up a glass of non-alcoholic sparkling wine, gestured to them, and then took a small sip. He didn't answer, but simply smiled as he looked at the sea of ​​joy that had been completely transformed because of him.

Hidden strength and name.

What he initially saw as a boring "obedience test" dance party was ultimately transformed by him with a precise combination of moves, completely subverting everything from the rules and procedures to the final experience, turning it into a unique youthful carnival that he led entirely and that everyone could enjoy to the fullest.

From then on, the spring prom at William C. Bryant High School will forever be divided into "before Lin Yan" and "after Lin Yan"—he was like a scalpel cutting open the glass of a fish tank, allowing all the goldfish to finally understand the taste of the ocean.