Shen Jiu blinked, momentarily stunned.The dazzling Senior Cadet Lian that Yun Xi had been raving about—the one who was supposedly the heartthrob of the academy—was the same guy she had just crashed into?Lian Feng?She quickly brushed off her surprise, deciding she had no time to dwell on it."Ohh." Jiu cleared her throat before speaking confidently. "I'm Jiu,Shen Jiu. There's a dance competition for the whole academy, and I need a partner. Can you be mine?"She got straight to the point. There was no time for hesitation—only a week remained. If this so-called Senior Cadet Lian refused her, she would find someone else.Feng, unfazed by her direct approach, simply asked, "When is the competition?"Jiu paused, taking a good look at him for the first time.Now that she had a moment to actually observe the young man standing before her, she realized just how handsome he was. His sharp jawline, thin but perfectly shaped lips, and dark brown eyes held an almost unreadable depth. His skin—darker than the usual fair complexion but far from deeply tanned—was likely a result of intense outdoor training, only adding to his strong, masculine presence."In a week," she answered, her voice quieter than before.But as the reality of her situation sank in once again, her emotions stirred. Her fists clenched.She wasn't just desperate—she was angry."Isn't it too late?"It wasn't Lian Feng who spoke this time. It was the one standing beside him—Ye Zichen."It is," Jiu admitted, making no attempt to hide the truth. "My former partner ditched me."Ye Zichen and Chen Dong exchanged a glance, while Lian's expression remained unreadable.Jiu continued, her tone steady but sharp. "He's still participating, though. And he's already started teaching our routine to his new partner."Silence.Lian's jaw tensed slightly."So he has your choreography?" Ye Zichen asked."Yes.""Then what will you do now?" Chen Dong tilted his head. "Your entire routine is already taken, isn't it?"Jiu simply laughed."I'll make a new one. Easy."The confidence in her voice was unwavering.Lian Feng, watching her closely, felt something shift within him.Shen Jiu wasn't just beautiful.She was fearless.Determined.And completely unshaken.Jiu looked straight at Lian, unwavering. "So? Will you do it?"Lian Feng didn't even need to think twice."Okay."Ye Zichen and Dong Chen stared at him, their mouths slightly open in shock.Jiu blinked, as if momentarily surprised at how quickly he agreed.But Lian Feng?How could he possibly reject his wife's offer?Lian Feng didn't even hesitate.Even if his wife gave him poison, he would probably drink it like it was some kind of dessert."Okay."Jiu's tense posture immediately relaxed. Her shoulders loosened, and a bright, cheerful smile replaced the determination she had carried moments ago."Okayyy! How about we exchange numbers and start practicing from today onwards?" she asked, excitement lacing her voice.Lian's lips parted slightly, as if debating whether to tell her something, but he decided to just say it plainly."That's honestly a problem. We only get our phones for half an hour a day."Jiu's brows lifted in realization. "Oh right! I forgot—my former partner was from your academy too," she said, waving it off nonchalantly.Lian's eyes darkened just slightly."Then, can we practice during your evening activity break? Maybe for an hour and thirty minutes?"Jiu proposed.Feng nodded without hesitation.Whatever his wife wanted, he would follow."Okayyy, I'll treat you to a meal after the competition! As a thank-you for helping me out," she added with a grin.She was about to turn and leave when—Lian Feng suddenly felt an unfamiliar wave of unease.Before he could even think about it, his hand shot out, fingers gently wrapping around her wrist.Jiu paused mid-step, turning to look at him with questioning eyes.The realization of what he had just done hit Lian immediately. He quickly let go, his fingers retracting almost too eagerly.Jiu tilted her head. "What is it?"Lian Feng cleared his throat. "Who was the partner you were talking about?"JIu's expression instantly hardened. "Zheng Tianyi."Lian's jaw clenched.Jiu huffed, her arms crossed as her cheeks puffed up in frustration. "I'll make sure he loses this competition badly. No way I'm letting him take the credit for my choreography!"Lian's mind barely processed the name Tianyi before he was hit with a completely different realization—Jiu was absolutely adorable.The way she pouted, her cheeks slightly puffed out in anger, her big eyes filled with determination—Lian almost forgot what they were even talking about.For the first time in what felt like forever, a slow, foolish smile spread across his lips.His usual sharp and intense features softened, making him look… almost like a bunny.Chen Dong and Ye Zichen, who had been silent until now, nearly choked at the sight.Jiu, oblivious to the effect she had on him, was having a completely different internal battle.This senior is too good-looking… I need to be careful. Gosh!She mentally smacked herself.Lian Feng, still looking at her with that same dopey smile, had no idea what was going through her head.And just like that, the competition was no longer the only thingJiu had to worry about.As Jiu turned, she lightly smacked her chest, her eyes shining with unwavering determination.
Her voice was firm, confident, and clear as she declared, "Senior, if you participate with me, we'll surely win this competition! You can get credits from this!"
Lian Feng didn't even hear the part about credits.His focus was solely on her.The way her long, wavy brown hair swayed slightly as she spoke, the way her big, doe-like eyes gleamed with conviction—it was all too much.Jiu had no idea what kind of effect she was having on him.
Lian Feng, the ever-stoic Senior Cadet Lian, was completely and utterly infected.
His wife was so adorable.Even if they lost this competition, he wouldn't care.
After all, today, Lady Luck had been on his side.