The intense battle finally ended. Both Teng Yi and Bi Chengjie were drenched in sweat. Though the results weren’t announced yet, Xiao Qing, Lin Shan, and Zhou Xi exchanged high-fives with confidence in victory. Ruan Yu watched Teng Yi at center stage, her heart finally at peace.
Shortly after, the judge took the stage. He was Korean, sporting a small mustache, his round head wrapped in a white bandana – his appearance marking him as an authentic street dancer.
“Bi Chengjie! Salah!” Bi Chengjie’s fans shouted.
Despite their idol’s mediocre performance, fans wore their rose-tinted glasses – like mothers viewing their children, believing their child superior regardless of others’ excellence.
The judge stood between Teng Yi and Bi Chengjie, greeted them both, built suspense, and then took their hands.
“Bi Chengjie! Bi Chengjie!”
“Teng Yi! Teng Yi!”
The audience erupted in chaos.
“Such a drag,” Teng Hao complained.
Ruan Yu started to smile in response, but it froze on her lips. Under the bright lights, she watched the judge raise Bi Chengjie’s hand and turn to embrace Teng Yi.
The venue fell silent for seconds.
Teng Yi stood stunned by the embrace.
“Ah! Bi Chengjie! Bi Chengjie!”
Bi Chengjie’s fans reacted first, their screams awakening other bewildered spectators – and Teng Yi himself.
Teng Yi gave a cold laugh, wordlessly storming off stage with a livid expression. Staff members called after him for photos, but he didn’t look back.
Ruan Yu had never seen Teng Yi like this. In her memory, he was always gentle and polite, but now he radiated one emotion: This is bullshit!
“Fuck!” Xiao Qing growled, “These idiots made the fix so obvious!”
“Teng Yi!”
“Teng Yi!”
“Teng Yi!”
Someone started it, and other dancers joined in chanting Teng Yi’s name.
Teng Yi still didn’t look back – his stance was clear in his refusal. That defiant figure grew distant, but the sweat and brilliance he left on stage was etched in everyone’s memory. Everyone knew who truly won.
“Teng Yi!”
“Teng Yi!”
“Teng Yi!”
These righteous, indignant voices easily drowned out Bi Chengjie’s fans’ screams.
Never had anyone made “losing” feel so momentous.
Ruan Yu’s eyes grew hot.
Bi Chengjie stood on stage accepting this awkward honor without a trace of shame. His composure insulted every dancer present tonight.
Such thick skin.
The crowd followed Teng Yi’s exit.
“Let’s go! Let’s go!”
Xiao Qing’s group stood up, Teng Hao pulling Ruan Yu along.
Ruan Yu’s gaze followed Teng Yi as he walked quickly. She wanted to catch up and comfort him but suddenly saw a flash of red intercept him at the door – someone shamelessly hanging onto his arm.
It was Fang Wan.