On September 21, 2025, the 122nd Art Salon at Shanghai Star River Bilingual School unfolded in a groundbreaking way — the school’s first-ever magic-themed salon, titled “Enigma.” The intimate stage was filled with wonder, where light and illusion intertwined, and applause echoed throughout the evening. Magician Alex Zhu guided the audience into a world of astonishment and storytelling, with Ms. Mandy serving as the artistic director. 

Alex first encountered magic in the third grade. At that time, he learned small tricks with simple props, but what truly captivated him was card magic. A seemingly ordinary deck of cards, in his hands, became a source of infinite wonder. He loved carrying a deck with him, creating surprise and laughter wherever he went.

Later, busy schoolwork and small hands that struggled to control a deck caused him to pause his practice. But during the 2020 pandemic, he picked it up again. From sixth grade on, he embarked on a journey of self-teaching: from YouTube to Bilibili to specialized magic websites, purchasing tutorials, studying methods, and practicing relentlessly. Without a formal teacher, he relied on observation, adaptation, and practice to develop a style of his own.After joining SSBS, with strong support from the school, he had the chance to perform on stage multiple times, sharing his magic with larger audiences. Every round of applause strengthened his resolve and deepened his passion for the art of magic.    

In Enigma, card magic remained the centerpiece, but Alex went beyond that. He incorporated mentalism and a variety of props: a whiteboard, blank cards, a dictionary, coins, a ring, a handkerchief, and a prediction book.What made this show unique was his effort to weave stories into every routine, giving each effect its own setting and narrative arc. The audience did not simply witness technique; they were drawn into the plot, their emotions rising and falling with the story. Storytelling elevated the magic, turning a sequence of tricks into a unified, immersive journey.