When Wang Jing learned that Teng Yi had agreed to participate in “Street Dance Maniac,” he excitedly invited Ruan Yu for drinks again. Unable to refuse, she thought she might as well go – it would create some revenue for Teng Yi’s bar, which was a good thing.
That night, Wang Jing got drunk after a few drinks.
He clung to Teng Yi, crying and whining, being overly emotional.
“Teng Yi, you know what? Back then, I was so envious of your looks. If I were as handsome as you, I’d be an even more famous host than Ruan Yu… But alas, heaven didn’t bless me with that fate… Though it doesn’t matter, when one door closes another opens. Look at me now, I’m doing pretty well… Don’t worry, you won’t regret joining our show. We’re a legitimate program, and our motto is no drama, absolutely none!”
Wang Jing eventually passed out at the bar. Ruan Yu and Teng Yi struggled to help him up to the second floor. As soon as his head touched the pillow in the restroom, he began snoring thunderously.
Watching Wang Jing smack his lips and scratch his leg in his sleep, Teng Yi couldn’t help but doubt: “Is this guy reliable?”
“Don’t worry, he may not look dependable, but he’s quite reliable when it comes to work,” Ruan Yu said.
Teng Yi smiled, holding Ruan Yu’s hand as they quietly left the restroom.
They went to the adjacent practice room where Teng Yi had been practicing dance these past few days. Sometimes Han Zuo would come too – he particularly liked the bar’s practice room, saying it offered both a change of scenery and easy access to drinks, killing two birds with one stone.
After entering, Teng Yi turned on the music and practiced for a while as usual.
Ruan Yu sat on the floor, watching him obediently. When inspired, she would also get up and try to imitate some moves, but her foundation was ultimately weak. Even the most magnificent moves looked awkward when she tried them.
Never mind, she’d stick to dancing “Shape of You” for life.
After finishing practice, Teng Yi wiped his sweat with a towel and sat down beside Ruan Yu.
“Did you not dance at all during these six years?” Ruan Yu was still curious.
“What do you think?” Teng Yi asked back.
Ruan Yu shook her head.
She really couldn’t guess.
“If you truly hadn’t danced for six years and could still battle Han Zuo to a draw right away, then you’d be a street dance genius.”
Teng Yi patted her head: “Where are there any geniuses in this world?”
What appears effortless in public comes from suffering in private.
“So you did practice?”
“Yes.”
“But Rui Shu said you had psychological barriers and couldn’t dance. How did you practice?”
Teng Yi reached up and found the switch on the wall. With a “click,” the lights in the practice room went out instantly, leaving them in darkness.
“Like this.”
During those six years, whenever he wanted to dance, he would do this – hide in the darkness with a sense of guilt, dancing quietly and lonely.
He dared not look at himself in the mirror, feeling like a thief. Teng Hao couldn’t even walk anymore – how could he deserve to dance?
But he couldn’t resist not dancing either.
“It’s fortunate you never gave up. Otherwise, even with opportunities right in front of you now, you wouldn’t have the ability to seize them,” Ruan Yu said.
Teng Yi remained silent, but his expression revealed something to Ruan Yu.
“What’s wrong? Running into some difficulties?”
“Xiyou doesn’t have enough people now.”
“Street Dance Maniac” was a competition between dance crews. Luo Sheng’s “L” had widespread support, but now Xiyou only had Han Zuo and Yan Xuyang besides himself who could handle such a big stage.
“Then what should we do?”
“Han Zuo and I discussed it. We want to bring back our brothers from back then.”
Ruan Yu pondered for a few seconds: “Even if you can bring them all back, can you guarantee they’re like you – that they haven’t given up street dance these six years?”
After all, it was six years, not six days!
“I believe they haven’t given up street dance,” Teng Yi’s tone carried an inexplicable certainty.
–_–
The first person Teng Yi found was Xiao Qing.
Xiao Qing was the oldest brother at Xiyou back then. He treated all the younger ones like his own brothers, and Teng Yi often liked to consult him when he had problems. If they could bring Xiao Qing back first, it would give him some confidence.
Teng Yi’s people found out that Xiao Qing now worked as a white-collar worker at a company downtown. A few years ago, Xiao Qing married and had a child, and his family lived in Orange Garden.
On the weekend, Teng Yi and Han Zuo went to the address, but Xiao Qing wasn’t home. His wife answered the door and told them Xiao Qing had taken their child to the small park to play.
“Living quite the leisurely life,” Han Zuo sighed softly.
“Envious?”
“Sure, I’m envious, but nine-to-five work and raising kids – that kind of life is too bland for me, I don’t like it.”
Teng Yi smiled.
The two walked toward the small park.
“You don’t think Xiao Qing stopped dancing, do you?” Han Zuo worried quietly.
After all, a peaceful life most easily erodes one’s fighting spirit and dreams.
“We’ll know when we see him,” Teng Yi said.
Just as he finished speaking, they heard energetic music coming from the small park – not “Little Apple” or Phoenix Legend, but a particularly hype English song.
“Are old folks these days so fashion-forward? Choosing such hip-hop music for square dancing?” Han Zuo laughed.
“That depends on who chose the music.”
“What do you mean?”
Teng Yi jerked his chin up.
Han Zuo followed Teng Yi’s gaze and saw Xiao Qing standing in front of a group of elderly people, dancing to the music. His dance style was popping, with dazzling movements of turning and locking. Behind him, the elderly people were trying to imitate him, each of them moving like they’d been struck by electricity, twisting their necks and swinging their arms in quite a comical way.
In the middle of the elderly crowd stood a two or three-year-old child, also trying to dance along.
The child was very young and not yet steady on his feet. He would tumble to the ground with the slightest movement, causing everyone to rush to help him up… Bursts of laughter erupted from the crowd from time to time, creating a warm and touching scene.
“See, he didn’t give up,” Teng Yi smiled.
Han Zuo nodded, also moved by the sight.
“Let’s go,” Teng Yi gave Han Zuo a look.
Han Zuo understood.
The two quietly walked to the back of the line and started dancing along.
Xiao Qing’s dance skills hadn’t deteriorated at all from years ago.
When one song ended, another began.
These elderly people had better stamina than expected.
While Teng Yi and Han Zuo were properly working up a sweat, the elderly were still swaying leisurely, looking completely at ease.
Xiao Qing didn’t know Han Zuo and Teng Yi were behind him. When his son had a small tantrum, he turned around and saw the two of them, freezing in shock.
“Hey, bro!” Teng Yi smiled at Xiao Qing.
One smile, one “bro” – across six years.