On stage, the lights gathered.
Sheng Xiangsi wore her custom performance attire, her legs looking long and slender, her waist incredibly tiny.
As the music ebbed and flowed, her steps matched the beat perfectly.
Strangely, the performance sent chills down Fu Hanjiang's spine, as if every beat struck directly at his heart...
Finally, she stopped and smiled brilliantly at the audience.
Immediately, thunderous applause erupted!
"Bravo!"
Zhong Pei couldn't contain himself and stood up clapping.
And then, as if she sensed it, Sheng Xiangsi, despite the distance, looked in his direction and waved vigorously.
Afraid Zhong Pei might not see her, she even jumped a bit.
"Xiangsi…"
In that moment, Zhong Pei froze in shock.
His heart pounded so wildly that it felt like it might stop any second! It was as if his chest was being hammered...
Zhong Pei grinned, his smile stretching to his ears.
He had never felt this way before, a thrilling, uncontrollable excitement, like standing in fire...
The performance ended successfully.
As part of her 'support group,' Zhong Pei and the others went backstage to cheer her on.
"Xiangsi!" Zhong Pei presented the bouquet of roses again. "Congratulations on a great performance!"
"Thank you."
Sheng Xiangsi accepted the flowers with a smile, her eyes slightly red with emotion.
Zhong Pei noticed her lips were a bit dry, and her lipstick wasn't holding up well. "Xiangsi, are you thirsty?"
"?"
Sheng Xiangsi was surprised. "How did you know?"
She was indeed thirsty. Out of nerves and fear of mishaps on stage, she hadn't dared to drink water.
Was it that obvious?
Zhong Pei didn't think much of it; fortunately, he had brought water.
He unscrewed a bottle of mineral water and held it to her mouth. "Here, take a few sips."
"Okay."
Sheng Xiangsi took the bottle and tilted her head back to drink.
She drank so quickly and eagerly that some water spilled.
"Slow down!"
Zhong Pei chuckled, raising his hand to wipe it off, but he wasn't her boyfriend yet...
However, Fu Er Ge was watching.
Gathering his courage, Zhong Pei used his thumb to gently wipe away the water at Sheng Xiangsi's mouth.
"Careful, don't choke."
The warm touch made Sheng Xiangsi pause. Wasn't this too intimate? Was it appropriate?
But Zhong Pei quickly pulled back his hand. "All done."
He was straightforward and gentle.
"Xiangsi!"
The backstage area became busier, and someone called for her.
"Where are you? Mr. Gu is looking for you!"
"Here I am!"
"Come quickly! Mr. Gu is here, the media too! The audience is waiting to meet you!"
"Okay, coming!"
Sheng Xiangsi pursed her lips apologetically. "Sorry, I'll be very busy tonight. We also have a group dinner later."
For her first performance, it was inevitable.
"I understand."
Zhong Pei always considered her feelings. "Go ahead, don't keep everyone waiting."
"Then I'm off!"
Sheng Xiangsi turned and ran a few steps, then turned back, raising the flowers and water. "Zhong Pei, thank you for the flowers!"
She turned again and disappeared into the crowd.
Watching her leave, Zhong Pei couldn't stop smiling.
"Oh, young love."
Near the window, Zhou Junting glanced at Fu Hanjiang. "How about you?"
"What about me?"
Fu Hanjiang gave him a cold look.
"Fine, I won't ask."
As Zhou Junting raised his hands in surrender, Fu Hanjiang suddenly spoke through gritted teeth.
"What do you think, if I were to steal her away?"
A fire burned in his chest all night, bubbling with a faint agitation.
So, the words slipped out.
"Huh?"
Zhou Junting looked at Zhong Pei and Qin Yanzhi nearby, slightly stumbling over his words. "Are you serious?"
Should he look as if he'd seen a ghost?
Fu Hanjiang clenched his teeth. "No."
Was it necessary to look so scared?
"Oh, come on." Zhou Junting clutched his heart dramatically. "Seriously, what's real and what's not?"
"What do you think?"
Fu Hanjiang smirked mockingly.
"You said it yourself. They're in love. If I take her away, what's the point?"
"True."
Zhou Junting agreed, patting his shoulder. "Forced love isn't sweet. Let it go. There are plenty of fish in the sea."
"Yeah."
Fu Hanjiang nodded and walked away.
"Hey, where are you going?"
"Out! To find a place to smoke!"
If he didn't calm the fire in his chest, he didn't know what he might do.
...
The performance was a great success.
Success isn't achieved overnight, but a performance can become an instant hit.
Last night's show, after media promotion, marked a successful first step for Sheng Xiangsi.
Even Gu Shaohua rarely smiled.
"Good job, Xiangsi, you didn't let me down."
"Thank you, Mr. Gu." Sheng Xiangsi knew that while her efforts were important, the platform she was given was crucial.
Not everyone who works hard and is talented gets the chance to shine.
"It's also your own talent."
Gu Shaohua waved her over. "Come, I plan to include 'Qing Huan Du' in our touring list."
A tour?
A world tour?
Sheng Xiangsi was excited. Could she really have such an opportunity so soon?
"I called you here to remind you not to slack off. If your reputation drops before the tour, you'll be out."
"Yes!"
How could Sheng Xiangsi miss such an opportunity?
"Don't worry, Mr. Gu. I will dance my best and not relax for a moment!"
"Good, go ahead."
Gu Shaohua smiled, waving her away.
She had taken a huge risk promoting Sheng Xiangsi to this position. But her husband had benefited from Fu Hanjiang's influence.
Fortunately, Sheng Xiangsi lived up to expectations.
She even felt a bit grateful to her.
Otherwise, her lifelong reputation would have been ruined.
After hearing the news, Sheng Xiangsi carefully studied the tour route. She noticed it included Philadelphia.
The Lightning Dance Troupe had toured Philadelphia before.
Wouldn't she be able to see Junjun then?
That evening, Zhong Pei came to pick her up from the troupe.
She didn't have a performance today.
This time, Zhong Pei had booked a fancy restaurant to celebrate her successful performance.
Sheng Xiangsi thought about it and didn't refuse.
Cozyroom Western Restaurant.
The two sat across from each other at a cherry wood table.
Before the dishes arrived, Sheng Xiangsi held her cup, drank some water, and organized her thoughts.
She looked up at the man opposite her. "Zhong Pei."
"Hmm?" Zhong Pei was slightly stunned, seeing her expression. "Do you have something to tell me?"
"Yes." Sheng Xiangsi nodded. She had been thinking about these words for two days.
She spoke softly, "I can feel your sincerity, so I must be clear with you."
She couldn't be rejecting him, could she?
Zhong Pei felt nervous, his Adam's apple bobbing. "Go ahead."
Sheng Xiangsi took a deep breath and said truthfully, "I'm not considering personal matters right now."