Ruan Yu’s footsteps faltered. Behind her, Teng Hao crashed into her unexpectedly, his chin colliding with the back of her head. They both felt the pain. “What’s wrong?” Teng Hao rubbed his chin, appearing annoyed and bewildered. The competition results had been devastating, leaving them all in a foul mood. Ruan Yu remained silent and continued walking forward.
Teng Yi had already reached the entrance, with Fang Wan practically clinging to his back. She had one hand holding his arm and the other patting his shoulder, whispering. She must be consoling him. Ruan Yu’s emotions suddenly became complicated. Though still angry on his behalf, that feeling slowly sank to the bottom, replaced by rising sensations of sourness and sadness. She hated herself for feeling jealous at such a moment, but she couldn’t help it.
The crowd pushed her outside, where darkness had already fallen. The city lights glowed golden, and the desolate autumn wind pushed clouds across the night sky, concealing both the moon and stars. Teng Yi’s car was parked at the stadium entrance. He leaned against it, one hand on the hood, the purple bauhinia on his sleeve pressed against the royal blue body of the car, suddenly appearing more vibrant. Everyone gathered around him, including Xiao Qing and their group, along with several senior members of the street dance community. Ruan Yu was pushed to the outermost edge of the crowd. The people in front of her were all tall, and she couldn’t even catch a glimpse of Teng Yi’s shadow. She took a deep breath and simply retreated two steps to sit on the steps. After all, she didn’t know what to say to comfort him, and he wouldn’t miss her consolation anyway.
People were still trickling out of the stadium, some passing by and glancing at her, but she remained motionless. She only stared at Fang Wan in the distance. Fang Wan, truly worthy of being Teng Yi’s official girlfriend, stood naturally and gracefully by his side as they received everyone’s consolation together.
“Ruan Yu?” A male voice suddenly called from beside her. Ruan Yu found it familiar but couldn’t immediately place where she’d heard it before. She turned to see a young man wearing a baseball cap standing behind her. He was tall, dressed in smoke-gray sportswear, looking clean and neat among the colorfully dressed crowd.
“Don’t remember me?” he asked.
“Han Zuo,” Ruan Yu recalled his name precisely.
The young man breathed a sigh of relief and joked, “Glad you remember. Otherwise, I’d lose face. You don’t know how much I care about that.”
Ruan Yu smiled.
“Why are you here?” She stood up, facing him.
“Came to watch the masters dance and learn something.” As more people passed through the corridor, Han Zuo lightly guided her shoulder to prevent her from being bumped, suggesting they move to the side. They walked down the steps to the flower bed.
“You dance too?”
“Yes, though not as well as they do,” he said humbly. “What about you?”
“I just came to watch a friend compete.”
Han Zuo nodded and naturally asked, “Where’s your friend?”
Ruan Yu turned to look in Teng Yi’s direction. The crowd around him had dispersed, and someone had given him a cigarette. He was exhaling smoke rings, gazing in their direction from afar. The night made his gaze seem somewhat dangerous.
“Ruan Yu! Let’s go!” Xiao Qing waved at her.
Ruan Yu responded, then turned to Han Zuo, “I have to go.”
“Wait,” Han Zuo quickly stopped her. “Let’s exchange WeChat. We forgot to do that at the medical office last time.”
Teng Yi blew out a smoke ring. He had started smoking in high school, his first cigarette given by Sam – a foreign brand. He’d forgotten its taste but remembered the cream-colored pack with its long string of English text and a small whale flicking its tail. Back then, dancing practice and studies had suffocated him, and Sam said smoking could relieve fatigue and refresh the mind, so he tried it. To hide it from his mother Shen Bing, he would remove his jacket every time he smoked, then brush his teeth and rinse his mouth, leaving no trace of smoke. His mother never discovered it, but he didn’t smoke for long, quitting because he found it more exhausting to hide the smell from her. He hadn’t smoked since then. Whatever he wanted or didn’t want to do, he could persist or resist well.
Just now, Sam’s friend, a senior in the street dance circle, had offered him a cigarette – the same brand as his first. Smelling it, the craving suddenly returned. The frustration and depression within him needed something to ease them, and smoking seemed a good choice.
Through the white haze of smoke, he saw that young man standing beside Ruan Yu. Tall, straight-backed.
“Who’s that?” Teng Hao asked beside him.
“Can’t see clearly,” Xiao Qing answered, then added, “Looks like love at first sight.”
“How can you tell it’s love at first sight?”
“Kid, you don’t understand,” Xiao Qing slapped the back of Teng Hao’s neck. “Look at them, aren’t they exchanging WeChat?”
Teng Hao looked over. Under the dark tree shadows, the baseball-capped young man held up his phone, screen facing up, while Ruan Yu bent forward with her phone, clearly scanning his QR code.
“Does exchanging WeChat mean love at first sight?”
“When strangers of opposite sexes exchange WeChat in this setting, what else could it be?”
“Hmph.” Teng Hao seemed displeased.
“Don’t ‘hmph.’ With your family’s Valedictorian’s slow-warming personality, would she actively add someone’s WeChat without liking them? I’ve known her this long and still don’t have her WeChat.”
Nearby, Teng Yi extinguished his cigarette. Today’s smoke seemed off, making him more agitated with each puff.
“I have her WeChat,” Teng Hao argued.
“You’re her young employer. Of course, you have her WeChat – it’d be weird if you didn’t. Ask your brother if he has it?”
Teng Yi remained silent. He didn’t.
“See?” Teng Hao had no response.
“Heh, today’s been bizarre, but at least it wasn’t all loss. Our Valedictorian found a romantic encounter, might even develop into a relationship.”
“Don’t talk nonsense.” Teng Hao’s brows furrowed.
Seeing this, Xiao Qing put an arm around Teng Hao’s shoulders with a grin: “What’s wrong, kid? Don’t tell me you like your Valedictorian sister?”
“How could that be!” Teng Hao shouted with a red face, “I have…”
He stopped abruptly halfway through.
“You have what? You have what?” Xiao Qing grew more excited, “Kid, you’re dating early, got a girlfriend, right?”
Teng Hao pinched Xiao Qing hard, then nervously glanced at his brother Teng Yi. Teng Yi seemed lost in thought, apparently not hearing their conversation.
As they were fooling around, Ruan Yu ran over, her phone still in hand with the WeChat interface showing on the bright screen.
“Oho…” Xiao Qing teased.
“What is it?” Ruan Yu asked.
“Nothing, nothing, as long as you’re happy.”
Ruan Yu was puzzled. She turned to look at Teng Yi, but he didn’t even glance at her, simply getting into his car directly.
“Let’s go eat,” Fang Wan came over. “Let’s go to Chang’an Street, I heard Teng Yi likes it there.”
“Alright,” Xiao Qing agreed.
Fang Wan went back and opened the Maserati’s passenger door, getting in. The car started and drove away, its scarlet taillights cutting through the darkness.
Ruan Yu stood still, quietly watching Teng Yi’s car merge into traffic.
“Let’s go,” Xiao Qing snapped his fingers in front of Ruan Yu, gesturing her to follow.
“I should head back to school.”
“Don’t be like that. Teng Yi’s in a bad mood today. Let’s all go together, keep him company, and help distract him.”
Ruan Yu hesitated.
“Come on, come on.” Xiao Qing waved his hand like herding a stray lamb.
Ruan Yu feared seeing Teng Yi and Fang Wan being affectionate, but she also worried about him. Finally, after some persuasion, she got in the car. Zhou Xi He had called for a business van, which perfectly fit everyone.
Chang’an Street was even more beautiful at night than during the day, with dancing lights and shadows, but for some reason, Ruan Yu always felt strange when she came here. The last time was like this, and this time too.
Teng Yi and Fang Wan had arrived first. Fang Wan had already ordered, with the restaurant owner standing beside her, patiently reviewing the menu again. When Ruan Yu entered, the owner smiled at her.
“Come, come, everyone sits,” Fang Wan called out. “Teng Hao, sit next to your brother.”
Teng Hao sat down, then pulled out a chair beside himself for Ruan Yu.
“Oh my, you’ve grown up, becoming a little gentleman, more and more like your brother,” Fang Wan said meaningfully.
Teng Hao wasn’t good at handling teasing; his face reddened again.
Ruan Yu put down her bag and secretly glanced at Teng Yi through Teng Hao. Teng Yi sat facing south, expressionless, head down playing with a game on his phone since they entered. When someone called him, he simply rejected it.
The dishes came one after another. Cai Hong asked the owner for a case of beer.
“Boss, let’s drink until we’re drunk tonight. When we wake up tomorrow, all these troubles will be gone,” Cai Hong said while pouring beer for Teng Yi.
“Cai Hong’s right,” Xiao Qing agreed. “We won’t argue with those capitalists. Red Eagle is something, damaging their reputation like this. Their street dance competition won’t survive after this year. Who in the dance circle would participate in the future? On our way here, I saw online that Bi Cheng Jie had already signed with Red Eagle. This was all premeditated by Red Eagle, just to let Bi Cheng Jie complete his triple crown, then package him as an artist for a full debut.”
“With his character, if he becomes famous, I’ll livestream myself showering,” Zhou Xi He said.
“Cut it out, who wants to see you shower!”
“Didn’t you just say I’m more handsome than him?”
“Being handsome doesn’t mean you can be publicly indecent!”
“Hahaha…”
Amidst the clamor, Teng Yi picked up his drink and downed it in one go.
Teng Hao worriedly glanced at Teng Yi, feeling his brother’s anger was still intense. Understandably so – after practicing so long for this competition, only to end up as someone else’s puppet, anyone would be upset.
“Alright, stop making noise, it’s annoying,” Fang Wan gave everyone a look.
Xiao Qing immediately caught on: “Hey, we’re all rough folks, not good at talking or comforting others. Ruan Yu, you’re the valedictorian, why don’t you speak for us?”
Ruan Yu was quietly eating when she was suddenly called out, causing her hand holding the chopsticks to freeze. She looked up to find everyone at the table watching her, including Teng Yi. The clear lamp above cast a soft light, and the sound of oars and fishing songs from outside seemed to transport them back to that day – the day when it was just the two of them here.
Ruan Yu picked up a newly opened beer bottle and poured herself a glass. She raised her glass to Teng Yi and took a sip as if to gather courage.
“I’m not good at comforting people either,” her voice, tinged with alcohol, was slightly hoarse. “I just know that this world was never fair to begin with.”
“Valedictorian, what are you saying? You…” Teng Hao started to speak but was cut off by Xiao Qing stuffing mantou in his mouth.
Ruan Yu lowered her head, her hair by her temples swaying slightly.
“I told you I’m not good at comforting people.”
“It’s fine, just say whatever,” Xiao Qing encouraged.
Ruan Yu nodded and continued looking at Teng Yi. He sat with his arms crossed against the chair back, his gaze as bland as the beer in her glass.
“Today’s result surprised everyone, and it’s precisely this surprise that proves you were the people’s choice. Everyone witnessed your skill. I’ve always believed that honors are external things, while true ability is what belongs to you.”
As Ruan Yu’s words fell, the table went quiet before scattered applause broke out.
“As expected of the Valedictorian, such wise words,” Xiao Qing praised.
“Right, right, very wise,” Cai Hong and others nodded eagerly.
Teng Yi stood up, raised his glass to clink with Ruan Yu’s, and drained it again.
“Thank you,” he said.
Ruan Yu smiled at him, about to finish her drink when her phone on the table suddenly chimed with a WeChat notification.
“Oh my, is that the new guy messaging you already?” Xiao Qing teased.
“It’s not what you think!”
“Then what is it?” Xiao Qing leaned over, pretending to look at the name on her screen. Ruan Yu quickly covered it, but in her haste, half the beer in her glass spilled.
“Tsk tsk, looking all secretive yet still denying it.”
Ruan Yu felt embarrassed and instinctively looked toward Teng Yi, only to find him already seated, talking with Fang Wan beside him. Not just talking – Fang Wan occasionally punched his arm playfully, clearly acting coquettish.
“Hey hey hey! What’s with your hairstyles today?” Zhou Xi He seemed to just notice Fang Wan’s dreadlocks. “Couple hairstyles?”
The topic shifted, and everyone started teasing them. Amidst the suggestive laughter, Ruan Yu opened WeChat to see Han Zuo had sent a photo. In it was the small rabbit plush that had been hanging on her backpack – a gift from her father.
“Is this yours?” Han Zuo asked.
“You dropped it on the ground earlier. You left too quickly for me to call out to you,” he sent another message.
Ruan Yu quickly felt her bag, and sure enough, it was empty.
“Yes, it’s mine,” she replied.
“Where are you? If it’s convenient, I can come to your school now.”
“I’m at Chang’an Street.”
“That’s too far, I can’t make it now. Can I bring it to you tomorrow?”
“Okay, thank you for the trouble.”
“No problem,” Han Zuo sent a grinning emoji. “Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of your rabbit friend tonight.”
Ruan Yu’s lips curved up seeing these words on the screen.
“Screech—” The sound of chair legs scraping against the floor came from beside her. She looked up to see Teng Yi standing.
“What’s wrong?” Fang Wan grabbed Teng Yi’s arm.
“Going out for some air.”
“I’ll come with you.”
“No need.” Teng Yi shook off Fang Wan’s hand and walked out of the hall. His tall figure quickly melded into the night.
Everyone at the table exchanged glances.
“Boss is acting strange today,” Cai Hong said.
“Yeah, he’s been dancing for so many years and competed in so many competitions. He’s never cared about rankings this much before. Usually, he’d be over it by now,” Xiao Qing scanned everyone at the table. “Did any of you upset him?”
No one spoke up.
Fang Wan stood up: “Keep eating, don’t worry. I’ll go keep him company.” With that, she ran out.
Outside was a river, on the river a bridge, on the bridge a figure – soon becoming two. The night outlined their silhouettes; they wore the same loose jackets, had the same striking dreadlocks, matching not just in appearance but even in presence.
Ruan Yu silently grabbed her glass and started drinking one after another. She’d never drunk before and didn’t know her tolerance, but right now, she needed alcohol. If she could get drunk, if she could forget everything, that would be even better.
The others at the table discussed tonight’s competition and Bi Cheng Jie, occasionally slapping the table in righteous indignation. No one noticed Ruan Yu. She ate some peanuts and emptied two bottles of beer. Outside the window, Teng Yi and Fang Wan were still standing. Other pedestrians appeared on the bridge, coming and going, shadows overlapping shadows, their figures gradually blurring.
Ruan Yu stood up, her head heavy and feet light. She suddenly swayed and collapsed to the ground, her hip feeling like it shattered in an instant, making her grimace in pain.
“Hey! What’s wrong!” The table of young men hurriedly gathered around her.
“I’m fine! I’m fine!” She waved them off, using Teng Hao’s arm to stand up. “I just need to use the restroom.”
“Had too much to drink?” Xiao Qing picked up the empty bottles from the table. “Did you drink all these?”
“I… *hic*” A hiccup escaped her mouth, replacing any answer.
“Why did you join in the drinking?” Teng Hao held her disapprovingly. “Need to throw up?”
“It’s not that bad, I just need to wash my face.”
Ruan Yu pushed Teng Hao away and stumbled to the bathroom alone. The restrooms were men’s left, women’s right, with a washing area in between, several pots of pothos growing lushly on the counter. A mirror hung on the wall, reflecting her plain, lifeless face. Ruan Yu cupped some water and splashed it hard against her face. She hadn’t wanted to cry, but tears fell unbidden under the cover of the water. She put her face under the faucet and splashed two more times. When she raised her head again, suddenly there was another person in the mirror, standing diagonally behind her, silently meeting her gaze in the reflection.
It was Teng Yi.
“Why are you crying?” he asked.
“I’m not crying.” Ruan Yu avoided his gaze, quickly washing her face again.
“If you’re not crying, why are your eyes so red?”
“Had some drinks, it’s nothing.” She pulled tissues from her pocket, wiped her face, and quickly fled the small space.
Teng Yi didn’t stop her, standing there heavily. Ruan Yu had already run into the corridor but turned back after a moment.
“Don’t be sad anymore, it’s not worth it,” she consoled.
He suddenly took a step toward her, his sharp alcohol breath pressing against her.
“Do you know what I’m sad about?”
Their shadows on the ground overlapped as he drew closer. Ruan Yu stared into his dark eyes, unable to speak.
“Teng Yi, the designated driver is here! Let’s go!” Fang Wan’s voice came through.
Teng Yi seemed not to hear, remaining motionless. Ruan Yu quickly retreated two steps, stumbling toward the hall. Everyone in the hall had stood up, ready to leave. Teng Hao had her bag and handed it to her when she came out.
“Are you okay?”
Ruan Yu shook her head.
Teng Yi came out a while later, having also washed his face, which was still wet, unwiped. Fang Wan quickly pulled out tissues and reached for his face…
Ruan Yu shifted her gaze away, being the first to leave the hall. As night deepened, the wind grew colder.
Back in her dorm room, she slept with her head covered. The next day when she opened her eyes, the alcohol seemed to linger, her head still throbbing badly. She got up and took a shower in the bathroom. When she finished, Jian Xiang Xiang and the others were also awake.
“Did you watch the Red Eagle Street Dance Competition livestream yesterday?” Jian Xiang Xiang poked her messy-haired head out from under her covers.
Xia Qiao Feng nodded: “That Bi Cheng Jie is completely shameless. I can’t believe I used to think he was handsome.”
“Teng Yi was unlucky to encounter such organizers. But misfortune might be a blessing in disguise – Teng Yi’s defiant stand against corruption yesterday, walking away without looking back, won him countless fans online.”
“Yeah, many girls are saying they want to bear his children.”
“…”
Ruan Yu listened to their chat silently. Though she had witnessed everything yesterday, she couldn’t say a word. Misfortune might be a blessing in disguise – she hoped Teng Yi thought so too. His cold face from last night flashed through her mind again.
“Do you know what I’m sad about?” he had asked her.
No, she didn’t know. But did he know what she was sad about?
Ruan Yu took her books and quietly left the dorm room. The corridor was peaceful, many still sleeping. Her phone vibrated in her pocket.
She took it out to see a message from Han Zuo – a smiling sun emoji. Ruan Yu had almost forgotten that amid yesterday’s chaos, there had been this chance encounter, and her rabbit plush was still with him.
“Good morning, has the rabbit friend been behaving?” Ruan Yu replied.
“No crying all night, very well-behaved,” Han Zuo responded.
Ruan Yu smiled, and while thinking how to reply, another message from Han Zuo came through.
“I plan to return it home at noon. Are you free to receive it?”
“Yes.”
After setting the time, Han Zuo didn’t reply further. Ruan Yu put away her phone and went to the English Corner.
The morning’s four classes were packed tightly together. When all classes finally ended, Ruan Yu was starving. She walked out of the classroom with Jian Xiang Xiang and others, heading toward the cafeteria when she spotted a familiar figure in the corridor. He wore a casual sweater and jeans, carrying a black backpack over one shoulder, hands in his pockets, looking up at the corridor murals. Passing girls all stared at him, but he seemed oblivious.
“Isn’t that Han Zuo?” Jian Xiang Xiang noticed too.
“Seems like it,” Xia Qiao Feng answered.
“Oh no, he’s not here to expose us, is he?” Chen Man Bai turned and gathered the three roommates. “Quick, let’s go the other way and avoid him.”
“He’s here for me,” Ruan Yu said.
Ruan Yu walked toward Han Zuo under her roommates’ meaningful gazes. Han Zuo had been standing still, but sensing her approach, he turned to look, his expression brightening into a smile when he saw her.
“Hi!”
“Weren’t we supposed to meet at the school gate?” Ruan Yu felt awkward. Their classmates were all around, and Han Zuo already attracted enough female attention. Now that she was standing near him, even the male students looked gossipy. Those ambiguous glances made her uncomfortable.
“I remember.”
“Then why are you here?”
“I…”
“Han Zuo!” Teacher Cai Zhi rushed out from the classroom, waving at Han Zuo from afar.
Han Zuo responded with a smile, then looked at Ruan Yu. Her face instantly turned red – so he wasn’t here for her after all.
“Well, you handle your business first, I’ll find you later,” Ruan Yu tried to escape but was held back by Han Zuo.
“Wait, I’ll be quick,” Han Zuo said as he walked toward Cai Zhi.
Teacher Cai had left his USB drive at home, which contained course materials needed for afternoon classes. Unable to retrieve it himself, he’d called Han Zuo, who had no morning classes, to bring it over. Han Zuo handed over the drive, and after a brief exchange, they parted.
Ruan Yu’s face was still red. When Teacher Cai passed by, she deliberately turned her head to avoid his gaze. Han Zuo, standing behind her, caught this entire scene, his smile deepening.
The corridor gradually emptied as people left for lunch, hunger trumping their interest in others’ gossip. Han Zuo circled to face Ruan Yu and pulled out the slightly worn rabbit plush from his backpack.
“Here,” he extended his hand, “returning it to its rightful owner.”
The little rabbit sat in his palm, showing its two front teeth in a smile at Ruan Yu.
“Thank you.” Just as Ruan Yu reached for it, Han Zuo suddenly pulled back his hand and the rabbit, leaving her grabbing at air.
“Just saying thanks? Shouldn’t you treat me to a meal?” His clean-cut features showed a hint of mischief.
“Sure, what would you like to eat?” He’d helped her twice now, and although his attempted heroics at the sports meet nearly backfired, his intentions were good. Treating him to a meal was only right.
“I heard your cafeteria’s lamb noodles are especially good.”
Ruan Yu nodded. The cafeteria had recently opened a new window called “Cui Hai’s Authentic Noodles.” Cui Hai was a well-known figure. Viewers of Liao City’s technology channel lifestyle news program knew him as a humorous, wise host who dared to speak and act with responsibility. Cui Hai was also a former Yang Shan University student.
He opened this noodle shop to give back to his alma mater, with all profits beyond operating costs going to support struggling students. Since its opening, it has attracted constant flows of teachers and students, with its lamb noodles becoming especially famous online. Ruan Yu had been there several times – the portions were generous and prices reasonable.
“They are good, but the line is very long.”
“That’s fine, I’m not in a hurry.”
“Alright then, let’s go.”
Teng Yi walked out of the cafeteria with Tian Cheng. Both wore somewhat vintage jackets, looking more like friends than teachers and students.
“How was the famous noodle place?” Tian Cheng asked, chewing a toothpick while glancing at Teng Yi.
“Mm.”
“Just ‘mm’?”
“It’s okay.”
“Mr. Teng, if you’re such a food critic, why insist on following me to the cafeteria?”
Teng Yi remained silent, walking sullenly beside Tian Cheng. Just as Tian Cheng was about to change the subject, someone called out to him.
“Brother Tian!”
Tian Cheng looked up to see two familiar figures approaching – a male and a female student. It was Han Zuo and Ruan Yu.
“Oh… what are you two… doing here?” What Tian Cheng wanted to ask was why they were together.
“Going to try those famous noodles,” Han Zuo said while nodding to Teng Yi beside Tian Cheng.
Though Teng Yi didn’t know Han Zuo, Han Zuo had heard much about Teng Yi. He’d watched many of Teng Yi’s competitions online, and last night, he’d specially bought a ticket to experience Teng Yi’s skills up close. Though the result was unexpected, Teng Yi’s explosive performance made the ticket worth it.
“Good, good, hurry along then. It’s not too crowded now,” Tian Cheng patted Han Zuo’s shoulder. “Come visit when you’re free.”
“Sure, see you.”
As the four passed each other, the chatting Tian Cheng and Han Zuo didn’t notice that the other two each looked away in opposite directions, neither meeting the other’s gaze.
“Where were we?” Tian Cheng asked.
“You were saying I shouldn’t follow you to the cafeteria.”
“Oh right, so why did you come with me today?”
“No reason.”
Tian Cheng sensed that Teng Yi’s mood seemed even lower than before, naturally attributing it to yesterday’s Red Eagle competition.
“I watched that competition,” Tian Cheng said. “I think it was your best performance yet.”
Yesterday, Teng Yi on stage had been not only technically flawless but also emotionally on point. Within his forward-charging confidence and proud disdain, there seemed to be a hint of desire to share, to be acknowledged. This carefully hidden expectation tempered his dominance, and softened his edge, making his street dance convey not just power and technique, but richer emotions.
“The process matters more than the result, and sometimes, setbacks and unfairness help people grow more than smooth sailing,” Tian Cheng continued consoling. “Besides, you didn’t come away empty-handed. At least through this incident, you’ve gained a lot of attention, even more than the champion and the competition itself.”
“Why are people paying attention to me?”
“Because you’re handsome – not just your face, but your refusal to submit to corruption was even more impressive.”
Teng Yi let out a light snort.
That was precisely the problem. After a street dance competition, everyone’s attention focused on the corruption and his looks, forgetting the charm of street dance itself. This reversal of priorities wasn’t the result Teng Yi wanted.
“I understand your meaning and your desire to promote street dance, but things can’t be rushed. Everyone needs time to accept new things. Look at it another way – people paying attention to you means they’re paying attention to street dance, right? Don’t put too much pressure on yourself, and don’t overthink it. Take it slowly.”
As they walked from the cafeteria to the publicity office, just entering the lobby, Teng Yi suddenly stopped.
“By the way, Teacher Tian, who was that person?”
“Who?” Tian Cheng was confused. Along their way, at least ten students had greeted him – how would he know which one Teng Yi meant?
“The one who called you ‘brother’ earlier.”
“Oh, him! That’s Han Zuo, president of the street dance club at neighboring Hong Shang University.”
“Hong Shang’s street dance club?”
“Never heard of it?” Tian Cheng smiled. “That’s normal. Hong Shang has few real street dancers, unlike Yang Shan where you have so many brothers supporting each other. Han Zuo maintains that street dance club all by himself.”
One person maintaining an entire street dance club – it sounded somewhat desolate, but also quite cool.
Teng Yi suddenly remembered – this Han Zuo was the one talking with Ruan Yu outside Red Eagle Stadium last night. Though it had been too dark to see his face then, judging by his height and build, it had to be him.
“Han Zuo, like you, truly loves street dance. I remember in high school, he’d carry a boombox after class every day, and climb over the wall to practice dancing in their community’s old hall. His family couldn’t stop him. Once he broke his leg climbing that wall – everyone thought he’d finally settle down, but just days after his cast came off, he was back at it… dance-obsessed.”
Teng Yi pondered for a moment.
“Teacher Tian, if he’s interested in ‘Xi You,’ tell him to come find me.”
Ruan Yu walked into the cafeteria with Han Zuo. The lunch rush had passed, as Tian Cheng had said, and it wasn’t very crowded.
Jian Xiang Xiang and the others were just finishing up when they saw Ruan Yu and Han Zuo approach. The three exchanged meaningful glances, their smiles barely contained.
Han Zuo greeted them proactively while Ruan Yu seemed distracted.
Her mind was full of thoughts about Teng Yi.
Earlier, when they’d met face to face, they’d acted like strangers, not even looking at each other. This unfamiliarity hurt her.
She knew she harbored resentment toward Fang Wan, feeling groundless jealousy, but what about Teng Yi? Why was he ignoring her? Had she offended him somehow?
“What are you having?” Han Zuo asked beside her.
“Same as you,” Ruan Yu said.
Han Zuo ordered two bowls of lamb noodles at the counter.
The cafeteria staff worked efficiently, and the noodles came out quickly.
They found seats nearby.
“Chili? Vinegar?” Han Zuo asked again.
Though it was her school’s cafeteria, she felt like a guest.
“Vinegar.”
Han Zuo brought over the vinegar, handed it to her, and got chili sauce for himself.
The noodles were generously topped, with lamb piled high on top, making one’s mouth water.
Han Zuo drizzled chili sauce around his bowl and tasted it.
“Mm, not bad,” he raised an eyebrow, his eyes showing satisfaction. “Go on, eat.”
Again, acting like the host.
Ruan Yu smiled: “Are you close with Teacher Tian?”
“Yes, Brother Tian was my uncle’s student. Now that he’s graduated and returned to his alma mater, he’s become my uncle’s colleague. They’re very close. Brother Tian often comes to my uncle’s house for meals, so we’ve known each other quite a while.”
“Oh.”
They both lowered their heads to eat their noodles, with no other conversation, but it wasn’t awkward.
Han Zuo’s face attracted attention, with girls constantly glancing at their table. This scene reminded Ruan Yu of Teng Yi – perhaps this was one reason he rarely came to the cafeteria.
“You seem quite popular.”
“Do I?”
“You don’t know?”
Han Zuo looked up, scanning around. Girls who met his gaze quickly buried their faces in their bowls.
“I don’t know what they like about me.”
“Your face probably,” Ruan Yu smiled. “After all, it’s an era that values looks.”
Han Zuo looked at her, suddenly putting down his chopsticks: “Then would you be willing to let this face invite you to meals in the future?”
His serious expression made Ruan Yu’s heart skip a beat.
That statement carried a lot of meaning.
The initial attraction between men and women is like fog on glass – hazy and unclear. Through this haziness, everything looks beautiful, but once you wipe away the fog, what remains in the mirror is unknown.
Ruan Yu had never dated, sometimes extremely dense, other times particularly sensitive.
With Han Zuo, it was the latter.
When he asked to add her on WeChat, she had already sensed something, but wasn’t sure – after all, he was so handsome, with so many girls liking him.
But regardless of Han Zuo’s true intentions, her answer remained unchanged in her heart.
“I don’t care that much about looks,” Ruan Yu said.
Implying she wouldn’t fall in love at first sight just because someone was handsome.
She was subtle, but Han Zuo understood immediately.
In adult social etiquette, not readily agreeing was a form of rejection.
Han Zuo felt some regret – had he been too hasty? But at that moment, the atmosphere had seemed perfect. If he hadn’t spoken then, he didn’t know when the next chance would come.
“I…”
“But we can have meals together again,” Ruan Yu blinked. “Just meals.”
“Alright,” Han Zuo nodded with a smile, no longer trying to salvage anything.
He sensed Ruan Yu’s position – a very firm position.
The beauty hidden behind the haze never lasts.
The fog will disperse, whether wiped away or not.
Han Zuo’s brief appearance led to many days of teasing from Ruan Yu’s three gossipy roommates. At first, she tried to explain seriously, but later found explanations useless and simply let it be.
As it turned out, not only was liking someone exhausting, but being liked by someone you don’t like was also quite tiring.
Ruan Yu struggled upward through this fatigue, but each encounter with Teng Yi sent her back into the abyss. After the Red Eagle street dance competition, they had completely become strangers.
Though they hadn’t been close before, at least they would greet each other when meeting. Now Teng Yi wouldn’t even acknowledge her, acting as if she were invisible.
Ruan Yu was indignant – if he ignored her, she naturally wouldn’t take the initiative either.
But she felt wronged.
What right did Teng Yi have to act this way? Why was he warm and gentle to everyone else but so cold to her?
She didn’t want to like him anymore, but like someone stuck in quicksand, the more she struggled, the deeper she sank. Even telling herself not to think about him was a form of missing him.
Ruan Yu could only try to avoid meeting him.
When she went to Xi You Street Dance Training Base to tutor Teng Hao, she stayed in the office, no longer participating in the practice room’s excitement or late-night snacks in the break room. She appeared precisely on time and left on schedule.
No one noticed her self-imposed struggle – everyone’s attention was on Fang Wan.
Fang Wan had been coming to the base almost daily recently. She would bring coffee or milk tea each time, and after keeping everyone happy, she would go find Teng Yi. She watched him practice, accompanied him during breaks, never leaving his side, as if afraid someone would steal him away if she relaxed her guard.
Ruan Yu encountered Fang Wan once, in the restroom.
At the time, they were the only two there. When Ruan Yu nodded in greeting, Fang Wan abandoned her usual pleasant demeanor and didn’t even glance at her.
This revelation of her true nature behind the public facade surprised Ruan Yu.
However, it was better to have this pretense exposed – now everyone could stop pretending.
In late October, Liao City experienced continuous autumn rain. Before the rains came, Xi You’s logo was finally completed and hung up, signaling that Xi You Street Dance Training Company would soon open.
During this time, Teng Yi became completely busy. Besides teaching and practicing, his social obligations also increased. More than once, Ruan Yu saw him being carried back completely drunk.
She felt heartache for him but knew she had no right to feel this way. All she could do was watch him from afar, trying not to bother him.
At the end of October, registration for the school’s Putonghua Proficiency Test began.
Ruan Yu prepared to aim for Level 1A.
After the reform of the Putonghua proficiency testing system, the difficulty of Level 1A had increased significantly. Other senior students at the school who were also attempting Level 1A had all joined the 1A training class at Liao City Broadcasting Station’s Training Center.
Ruan Yu couldn’t afford it, so she could only buy CDs to study on her own.
She also became very busy, and the busyness left her no time to worry about gains and losses, temporarily letting her forget the bottom of her heart.
…those messy emotions. But she knew that no matter how hard she tried, she could never return to being that undisturbed Ruan Yu she once was.