Xi You was still on Dong Yun Road. Over these six years, many surrounding shops had relocated, but it remained steadfast, weathering storms like a mother waiting for her wandering child’s return.

When Teng Yi and Ruan Yu arrived, they happened to meet Han Zuo coming down from the second floor. Han Zuo looked the same as ever – tall and handsome in simple sportswear, still resembling a college student. When he looked up and saw Teng Yi, he froze, his eyes turbulent with emotions that defied description.

“Han Zuo, I’m back,” Teng Yi said, looking at him. This understated statement brought tears to Ruan Yu’s eyes.

After a long silence, Han Zuo suddenly jerked his chin toward the second floor and said, “Come on, let’s have a battle.” The scene mirrored years ago when Han Zuo first came to Xi You.

“Han Zuo, he…” Ruan Yu wanted to say Teng Yi might not be in a condition for a battle. But before she could finish, Teng Yi stopped her.

“Let’s go,” Teng Yi agreed readily.

They walked upstairs shoulder to shoulder, with Ruan Yu quietly following.

The second floor’s layout remained unchanged, though recently renovated with fresh paint and new flooring, making it brighter. Teng Yi’s old practice room was now Han Zuo’s.

After entering, Han Zuo went to the computer to turn on the sound system.

“A battle without a judge?” Teng Yi asked.

Han Zuo pointed to his heart: “The judge is here.”

Michael Jackson’s “Dangerous” soon played through the speakers. Street dancers often practiced Michael Jackson’s moves, particularly the moonwalk, hip touches, and leg crosses from “Dangerous.”

Both Han Zuo and Teng Yi had imitated Michael Jackson before, so the rhythm and moves were familiar. This first song was more a warm-up honoring the classic than a battle.

Teng Yi happened to be wearing a casual white dress shirt, perfect for “Dangerous,” channeling Michael Jackson himself. Years later, his sense of rhythm remained astounding – every spin and kick precisely on beat, even matching the rhythm’s finger snaps perfectly.

As the music changed, both dancers increased their difficulty. Han Zuo, originally a Hip-hop dancer, had developed impressive Breaking skills, executing headspins and windmills effortlessly.

Ruan Yu worried silently for Teng Yi. Even if time hadn’t diminished his talent, Breaking required more than natural ability – it needed technique and practice. Even Teng Yi couldn’t be an exception.

“Teng Yi…”

Fearing he might hurt himself showing off, she tried to stop the battle, but Teng Yi removed his jacket and gestured “shush” to her. His eyes assured her he could handle it.

Ruan Yu pressed her lips together while Han Zuo watched Teng Yi intently.

Following the music’s rhythm, Teng Yi suddenly bent down, hands on the ground, performing several fluid Thomas Flares that left everyone astounded. Equally surprising were the chocolate abs occasionally visible beneath his dress shirt.

Ruan Yu: “…”

She couldn’t believe he hadn’t secretly practiced street dance during those six years!

After several intense exchanges, they proved evenly matched.

“Not bad, still got it!” Han Zuo grabbed Teng Yi’s hand excitedly.

“Seems I passed the test to return to Xi You,” Teng Yi said.

“Of course. Xi You and I have been waiting for your return.”

They exchanged smiles before embracing tightly.

Han Zuo patted Teng Yi’s back firmly, choking up.

“You finally came back!”