"I can't dance," Furuya muttered, his eyes fixed on the makeshift dance floor. A gathering of couples and a few singles were already milling about, getting ready as the old couple who owned the farm fiddled with the speakers, preparing for the evening.
Yasushi bumped his shoulder lightly, leaning in to whisper, "You know this couple is close with the Chengs and Catherine. Screw this up, and you're not just embarrassing yourself — they'll probably hold it against you."
Furuya's face drained of color at the thought, his gaze darting between Yasushi, his girlfriend Catherine, and the elderly couple, who were now gesturing to a few helpers, positioning the speakers. His anxiety kicked into overdrive, making him fidget.
"A-are you serious? I-I can't afford to mess this up…oh man, what am I supposed to do? I'm really bad at dancing…" he stammered, pacing in short, frantic steps as his mind raced.
Jingliu leaned in and gave Yasushi's cheek a gentle pinch, her expression a mixture of amusement and exasperation. "Don't tease him too much. He's already under enough stress," she said with a hint of reprimand in her voice.
Yasushi let out a chuckle, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he replied, "Alright, alright, I'll dial it back. But honestly, I think Furuya could benefit from learning a few of the finer points of dancing. If things progress with Catherine, he's going to be around that kind of scene more often. It might be useful."
Jingliu's brow furrowed slightly, her gaze thoughtful as she responded, "I know about Jing Hua Tian and Mei Xiu Tian. They're quite well-known, after all. As I mentioned earlier, they're very kind-hearted people, but they're also quite protective of Catherine, so…" Her voice trailed off, but the underlying meaning was clear.
Turning her attention back to Furuya, Jingliu offered a supportive smile. "Good luck," she said.
Furuya's eyes widened in panic, and he let out a distressed cry, "That's not helping!!" He quickly covered his mouth, his face flushing as he looked around with a mixture of fear and embarrassment.
Xinyi let out a resigned sigh and said, "Will you please calm down? It's not like they're going to expect you to dance like a professional. They're just going to play a song, and all you need to do is give it your best shot. Whether you look silly or awkward doesn't really matter. Just try to enjoy it and have fun."
Catherine approached Furuya and took his hand gently, her touch calming. "Furuya, please try to relax. Like everyone has said, we're here to enjoy ourselves. Mr. Jing Hua Tian and Mrs. Mei Xiu Tian aren't here to judge you or test your skills."
Furuya blinked, caught off guard by her words, and felt his cheeks flush with embarrassment. "Uh… erm… okay, fine. I'll try to, you know, chill out," he stammered, casting his gaze away from Catherine, who responded with a reassuring smile.
As Furuya managed to regain his composure, the speakers crackled to life, emitting strains of traditional Chinese music that were unfamiliar to both him and Yasushi. Catherine, sensing his lingering anxiety, took his hand and gently guided him into the open field, her own nervousness mirrored in his eyes.
Meanwhile, Jingliu and Xinyi grabbed Yasushi's wrist and started to pull him away with them. They had planned to include him in their dance routine for the evening. They had agreed to take turns dancing with him, and although Yunxue and Yinhaie had been invited, they had decided to wait until Jingliu and Xinyi had their share of the fun before claiming Yasushi for themselves. The thought of this had earlier made Yasushi laugh nervously.
Jingliu turned to Yasushi, her expression both curious and serious. "You've had a chance to dance with Yinhaie during the trials, right? I assume you still remember that experience?"
Yasushi let out a light-hearted chuckle, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "It hasn't been so long that I'd forget. It would be odd if I did."
"Great! In that case, I'm up next!" Xinyi announced with a bright smile, her eyes following Yasushi and Jingliu as they took their positions, ready to begin the waltz.
Yasushi led the way, guiding them around their small dance area. To his surprise, he found himself performing better than he had anticipated. He hadn't yet stepped on Jingliu's feet, a minor victory that made him feel more confident. However, he also noticed that Jingliu was clearly working hard to keep up with him, revealing that he still had much to learn.
"Thanks," Yasushi mumbled, offering a grateful glance.
Jingliu, breathing lightly but with a look of satisfaction, replied, "One lesson isn't quite enough, but you're definitely doing better than someone who's just starting out." They continued to move gracefully around the floor, lost in the rhythm of the song that played on.
As Yasushi and Jingliu danced, Yasushi's attention wandered to Furuya, who was performing what could only be described as an awkward shuffle. The movements seemed to defy any recognizable dance form, creating a spectacle that was both unusual and comical. Despite the unconventional nature of his performance, Catherine was barely containing her laughter. She had her hand pressed against her mouth, struggling to keep her mirth in check as she clutched her stomach.
Yasushi also observed the elderly couple who owned the farm, standing nearby with warm, approving smiles. Their evident enjoyment of the situation suggested that Furuya's peculiar "dance" was not only acceptable but also amusing to them. Their smiles grew wider as Catherine continued to laugh, the joyful atmosphere enhancing the scene.
"Looks like he's managing just fine," Yasushi commented as he spun Jingliu around, causing her to glance over at Furuya.
"Mhm," Jingliu agreed, her eyes following Furuya's antics. "He's at least making Catherine laugh and the couple smile, so he's accomplishing something. Although, it would be nice if he actually danced with her instead of performing these odd movements."
As the first song drew to a close, the surrounding couples ceased their dancing. Jingliu turned to Yasushi, a thoughtful expression on her face. "I'd rate that a seven and a half out of ten. Not bad at all. You've certainly improved since the trials."
"Thanks," Yasushi said, his voice filled with genuine appreciation before Xinyi bounded over, enthusiastically hugging his arm.
"I'm up next!" she announced with excitement, causing Jingliu to roll her eyes in mock exasperation. With a mischievous grin, Xinyi turned to Yasushi and said, "Just follow my lead. We're not sticking to that boring old dance!"
As Jingliu finished speaking, the speakers burst into a modern tune with a fast-paced beat that immediately set the mood. Without missing a beat, Xinyi launched into a breakdancing performance, her moves lively and vigorous. Yasushi was momentarily caught off guard, standing there awkwardly as he tried to make sense of the situation.
"Uh…what am I supposed to do?" Yasushi asked, his uncertainty clear as he tried to figure out his role in this unexpected turn of events.
"Just cheer for me," Xinyi replied with a deadpan expression, her focus entirely on her own dancing. Yasushi managed a chuckle, starting to clap in time with the beat of the music, his attempts to match the beat adding a layer of encouragement to Xinyi's performance. She seemed to feed off his support, becoming more animated and immersed in her dancing.
"You know," Jingliu commented, her eyes fixed on Xinyi as she continued her energetic display, "if you keep this up, you might miss your chance to dance with Yasushi. He'll probably end up dancing with Yunxue and Yinhaie next."
Xinyi abruptly stopped her breakdancing and fixed her gaze on Jingliu, who watched her with a faint, amused smile. Realizing the shift in attention, Xinyi quickly straightened up and seized Yasushi's arm.
"On second thought, let's just waltz!" Xinyi declared with enthusiasm, then led Yasushi into the center of the area. Yasushi struggled to adjust to the sudden change in plans, attempting to follow her lead as they began to move in time with the music.
As they started to navigate the space, Xinyi took charge, guiding Yasushi with a firm grip. His movements were tentative, careful to avoid stepping on her feet, while Xinyi seemed to revel in the freedom of the dance. Her laughter filled the air, a clear sign of her carefree attitude and enjoyment, completely unconcerned with how they appeared to anyone else.
"You sure are full of energy," Yasushi said with a soft sigh, his breath escaping in a quiet exhale.
"Live life to the fullest! Don't let it get you down; just beat it up!" Xinyi exclaimed with infectious enthusiasm, her laughter ringing out as she increased the tempo, her movements more vigorous and spirited.
As the dance went on, Yasushi gradually found his rhythm, starting to adapt to the pace set by the music and Xinyi. He became more fluid in his movements, though still maintaining the unpolished charm of an amateur.
After they had danced for several minutes, the music eventually came to a stop. Xinyi, caught up in the moment, suddenly leaped towards Yasushi, causing him to catch her instinctively. Yasushi let out a weary sigh and asked, "What in the world are you doing?"
"Spontaneous combustion," Xinyi replied with a deadpan expression, pressing her head against Yasushi's chest. Her unusual behavior only served to puzzle him further.
Yasushi knew that what was happening had nothing to do with spontaneous combustion. He tried to gently pull her off, but Xinyi held on tightly, a soft giggle escaping her lips. Just then, Jingliu decided to intervene with a surprise move.
"Special move…!" Jingliu murmured as she got into position. She knelt down on one knee, brought her hands together, and pointed both index fingers upward before shoving them towards Xinyi's backside. "One Thousand Years of Death!"
"Oooh!?" Xinyi yelped, a startled sound escaping her as she jumped away from Yasushi. She stopped a short distance away, patting her behind in shock and looking at Jingliu with a mix of confusion and disbelief. "What was that for!?"
Jingliu stood up, brushing off any remnants of dust from her clothes. She placed her hands firmly on her hips and fixed her gaze on Xinyi with a determined look. "Reclaiming what is mine," she declared, her voice carrying a note of authority. The two women locked eyes in a brief, intense stare-down before Yunxue and Yinhaie arrived.
As Jingliu and Xinyi began to bicker back and forth, Yunxue was gently nudged toward Yasushi by Yinhaie, and they found themselves drawn into the dance once more. A new piece of music began to play, a slower and more soothing melody compared to the previous lively tunes, which proved to be a welcome change for Yasushi, already feeling the weariness of the day.
The floodlights around the field flickered on, casting a soft, warm glow over the dancing area. As Yasushi and Yunxue glided across the space, their movements slowed in sync with the gentle rhythm of the music. Yunxue appeared lost in thought, her gaze distant as she considered something deeply. After a moment, she looked up at Yasushi, causing him to tilt his head slightly in curiosity.
"How would you feel…if I became your maid?" Yunxue asked suddenly, her question catching Yasushi completely off guard.
"Excuse me?" Yasushi replied, his confusion evident as he struggled to process the unexpected proposal.
"I was informed about this recently," Yunxue began, her tone earnest as she continued speaking. "It's a choice between either me becoming your maid or Yinhaie taking on that role. I've been training to take over for Yinhaie, but when you consider a few things, it seems more logical for her to remain with Jingliu and for me to join you. This is because you'll be integrated into the family in the future." She paused, giving Yasushi a moment to absorb the weight of her words.
She continued, "However, if you prefer Yinhaie, that's perfectly fine. The decision is mine to make, and I was asked to think about it carefully. So, I wanted to get your thoughts on the matter." Yunxue's voice carried a note of uncertainty, reflecting her apprehension about the decision.
As they danced, Yasushi pondered the situation, his mind racing through the possibilities. He had forged a strong and close bond with Yinhaie over the past year, a connection that was significant to him. Yet, he also enjoyed the company of Yunxue, finding her conversation engaging and her presence enjoyable.
"Hmm? Why didn't they consider assigning a butler instead?" Yasushi suddenly asked, his confusion evident as he wondered aloud why the discussion was limited to choosing between maids.
"They believed that you might prefer not having a man around you constantly," Yunxue explained, her tone thoughtful. "So, they chose to assign one of us. There's also Anfeng, if you're interested, but that would require appointing a new Head Maid for the Yang family."
Yasushi considered her words, nodding as he absorbed the information. "Oh, I see. That makes sense. Having a man around all the time could be a bit uncomfortable. So, the choices are between you, Yinhaie, or Anfeng. That's quite a range of options. Can I have some time to think it over?" he asked, seeking Yunxue's confirmation.
Yunxue nodded in agreement. "We have until the end of your final year to make a decision, so please decide before then," she said with a reassuring tone. Yasushi and Yunxue acknowledged the arrangement and continued their dance with a more relaxed pace, their earlier tension now giving way to a smoother rhythm.
As their dance session concluded, Yasushi took up the dance with Yinhaie. He glanced around, noting that Jingliu and Xinyi were still engaged in their spirited banter, while Yunxue watched them with a blend of amusement and mild irritation. Yasushi sighed, contemplating the lively scene and the decisions he needed to make.
"Did Yunxue mention it?" Yinhaie asked as they began to move gracefully around the dance area.
Yasushi glanced at her, seeking clarification. "Someone being assigned as my personal maid?" he asked, and Yinhaie confirmed with a nod. "Yes, just now. Who do you think I should choose?" he asked, his mind already wrestling with the decision.
Yinhaie considered his question carefully. "It really depends on what you're looking for, Yasushi. No matter who you choose, another person will be joining us in Japan, so make sure to select wisely. You have the option of Anfeng or Yunxue. Think about which one will best fit into your life, considering everything," she said, her tone encouraging him to weigh all aspects thoughtfully.
Yasushi took a moment to reflect as they danced. "I'm not sure yet. I need more time to think about it, just as I told Yunxue," he admitted, shaking his head slightly.
"That's perfectly fine. Take the time you need. Just remember that once we return, it will only be me around. You'll need to get accustomed to whoever you choose by the end of your final year of high school, through the summer, and into college. So while it's important to take your time, try to make your decision thoughtfully and promptly," Yinhaie advised, her tone both supportive and practical.
Yasushi nodded in understanding, and they continued their dance with a comfortable ease. The atmosphere remained relaxed and enjoyable as they danced with abandon. Meanwhile, Furuya, trying his best to emulate their movements, struggled comically, adding a light-hearted touch to the evening.
+-+
"We'll catch up with you back in Japan, then," Yasushi said as he and his companions prepared to board the train at the station, the evening sky dimming around them.
"Yeah… we'll definitely see you there, but if we get a chance, we'll come by and visit you all!" Furuya replied, his voice tinged with fatigue as he struggled to maintain his energy.
Xinyi, nudging him with a playful elbow, interjected, "If we manage to fit it in. But yes, we'll see you in Japan if it doesn't work out. So take care until then!"
They exchanged a few more goodbyes and warm wishes before Yasushi's group climbed aboard the train, which swiftly pulled away from the station. Yasushi settled into his seat, his gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the window. Jingliu leaned comfortably against him, and he felt a wave of contemplation sweep over him. He couldn't shake the feeling that his summer break was ending all too quickly.
Despite the various dramas and unexpected turns, he had enjoyed his time, soaking in the experiences of these two small towns in China.