Liao City quickly entered midsummer, and “Street Dance Maniac” began official recording. Teng Yi only learned on recording day that Ruan Yu was the show’s host. When she arrived on set with Wang Jing in full makeup, everyone was stunned, especially Teng Yi. He hadn’t expected Ruan Yu to keep it so well under wraps, without even a hint leaking out.
The captains and contestants from all four dance crews stared at Ruan Yu.
“Wow, Sister-in-law looks so beautiful today,” Cai Hong whispered to Xiao Qing beside him.
“Watch what you say. When has Sister-in-law not been beautiful? No wonder you’re still single.”
Everyone laughed.
Teng Yi stood at the back of the crowd, observing Ruan Yu.
Her look today was specially designed to match the street dance theme. A white T-shirt paired with an asymmetrical denim skirt, hair in simple cornrows with colorful ties – fresh and full of energy.
Not just beautiful, but cool too.
“Brothers, let me introduce you to Ruan Yu, host of ‘Street Dance Maniac.’ The original idea for this show came from her – in other words, without her, we wouldn’t have this show today. Let’s give a round of applause for Host Ruan!” Wang Jing announced passionately.
Applause erupted across the set.
Ruan Yu smiled shyly: “Thank you everyone. In the coming days, I hope to contribute to street dance culture together with all of you.”
She turned and caught Teng Yi’s eye. He gestured for her to come outside to talk.
While the set was still being prepared, they went to the hallway together.
“Has our great host Ruan worked for the Secret Service?” Teng Yi put his hand on her lower back and gave a gentle squeeze. “How did you keep such big news so well hidden?”
“What? Are you angry?”
“No, just surprised.”
“Just surprised? Not delighted?”
Teng Yi stayed silent, looking at her for a while before nodding: “Delighted. Incredibly delighted.”
Ruan Yu smiled.
After leaving TG, several TV stations extended offers to her, including Yizhong Broadcasting. After much consideration, she finally chose Yizhong. This choice wasn’t just because of Yizhong’s strong resources, but mainly because of “Street Dance Maniac.”
After all, this was Teng Yi’s first variety show, and she wanted to be by his side.
“I want to fight alongside you,” she looked up at him with sparkling eyes, “and share in your victories and defeats.”
Deeply moved, Teng Yi held her tight and didn’t let go for a long time.
“Little Fish.”
“Hmm?”
“If I kiss you now, will the makeup artist be angry?”
Ruan Yu quickly covered her lips – the makeup artist had spent a long time perfecting her lip makeup today.
“Yes.”
“Alright, then let’s not create extra work for them.” Teng Yi took Ruan Yu’s hand and kissed her backhand, saying emotionally: “Little Fish, thank you.”
“For what?”
“Everything.”
Thank you for clearing the dust from his heart and helping him stand here.
Thank you not just for helping him stand here, but also staying by his side.
Thank you for appearing in his life.
–_–
“Street Dance Maniac” had a well-designed competition system and cohesive team, making the recording process relatively smooth, except for the subtle relationship between Luo Sheng and Teng Yi.
All staff could see that Luo Sheng targeted Teng Yi at every turn. On stage, whenever he had to choose an opponent for battle, he would pick Teng Yi. Off stage, he would barely acknowledge Teng Yi when spoken to, maintaining an inexplicable tension.
The Xiyou brothers couldn’t stand it and wondered how Luo Sheng had become so petty. Back then, he had been someone who hated evil and dared to confront Bi Chengjie directly.
Teng Yi knew the reason, and because he knew, he didn’t mind. Toward Luo Sheng, he felt more grateful. When they visited Grandfather’s grave in Sanmenxia, Ruan Yu told him how Luo Sheng had accompanied her through Grandfather’s passing.
Compared to that kindness from Luo Sheng, what did these minor issues matter?
Teng Yi’s tolerance didn’t stop Luo Sheng’s behavior.
Everyone thought these two would remain cold from start to finish, but unexpectedly, during the third episode’s recording, things changed.
That day, the “L” crew’s youngest member suddenly collapsed from heatstroke during outdoor filming. Luo Sheng was recording a personal interview at the time, and only the Xiyou members were present. Teng Yi immediately performed first aid, then carried the young man with Xiao Qing and others through the scorching sun for several blocks to the hospital.
When the young man woke up, he thanked Teng Yi and the Xiyou brothers profusely in a touching scene. The film crew recorded everything, and the director wanted to include it in the final cut, but Teng Yi refused, feeling that a street dance competition should focus on street dance, not exploit such incidents.
When Luo Sheng learned about this, though he said nothing, he gradually stopped confronting Teng Yi. Sometimes when issues arose during recording, they could discuss and resolve them together, noticeably more harmoniously. Teng Yi’s focus on promoting street dance rather than seeking fame through the show earned Luo Sheng’s respect and touched him.
The two grew closer, their relationship improving.
Once, when the recording ran late into the night, Teng Yi fell asleep in the audience seats, and Ruan Yu caught Luo Sheng quietly covering him with a jacket.
“Tsk tsk.” Ruan Yu couldn’t help teasing Luo Sheng, “A few days ago it looked like you two would become mortal enemies, how did you suddenly become so close?”
“Stop talking nonsense,” Luo Sheng scolded softly. “Even if the show wants to create drama, that’s not how you do it. Besides, I’m very straight. Just because you wouldn’t date me doesn’t mean you can randomly pair me up – it’ll affect my future relationships.”
Ruan Yu covered her mouth, laughing so hard she couldn’t stand straight.
Luo Sheng glared at her: “Still laughing! My earlier behavior was just testing him for your sake!”
“Then I really must thank you.”
“No need for thanks. Consider it a past love.”
“Pfft.” Ruan Yu dramatically shrugged. “Aren’t you being sappy?”
Luo Sheng suddenly smiled, reaching out to gently pat her head.
“Ruan Yu, I said before that I needed to see him treat you well before I could let go. During this time recording together, I’ve seen how well Teng Yi takes care of you, down to the smallest detail. He’s an excellent person, irreproachable both as a dancer and as a man. You being with him makes me even more reassured than if you were with me. I sincerely bless you both.”