"What?" Hua Rong's voice shot up in disbelief. "My application was canceled? Why?"
Teacher Jiayi let out a tired sigh, rubbing her temple. "Calm down. Your application was accepted, but there's one problem—someone else also applied. Instead of setting up a competition between the two of you, the headmaster decided to scrap it altogether because he's already planning something else and doesn't have time for this."
Hua Rong crossed her arms. "Who's the other person?"
Jiayi shuffled through some papers before glancing up. "Xu Lingwei."
Hua Rong blinked. "Xu Lingwei?"
Jiayi nodded absentmindedly, already looking half-asleep. "Yeah, the top student. If we had to choose between the two of you, it'd obviously be him."
Hua Rong's expression darkened. "Top student?"
Something suddenly clicked in Jiayi's mind, and she straightened a little. "Right. The student with the highest points. He also ranked first in the first-term exam."
Hua Rong's entire body tensed. "Top?"
Oh, crap.
The results weren't supposed to be out for another week—but if Xu Lingwei was already being called the top student, then...
Her mind barely had time to process the thought before frustration surged through her veins.
Without another word, she turned on her heel, already storming off.
Jiayi barely had time to react. "Wait—where are you going?" she called after her.
Hua Rong pulled her arm free from the weak attempt to stop her, though she wasn't raging. Just... determined. "To meet that bastard."
And with that, she was already moving
Teacher Jiayi let out a sigh, patting her forehead against the desk. Just then, her phone rang.
"Jiayi, come to my office. Now."
She didn't need to ask who it was. She already knew.
Dragging herself up from her chair, she made her way to the office, only to find Headmaster Shen Jian pacing back and forth, frustration written all over his face.
"I'm sick of these students!" he exclaimed the moment she entered. "They have no respect! Now, I'm going to teach them exactly what happens when they choose to be disobedient!"
Jiayi closed the door behind her, watching him collapse into his chair with an exaggerated huff.
"What did they do this time?" she asked, stepping closer.
Shen Jian gestured wildly. "What did they do? These damn kids are cursing me! Every time they see me anywhere, they're muttering insults under their breath!"
Jiayi raised a brow. "Then just deduct their points. That'll stop them."
"I can't," he snapped. "They're doing it too quietly—I have no proof!"
She crossed her arms. "Then how do you know they're cursing you?"
His frustration doubled. "It's obvious! Their reactions say it all. And do you know what else? Whenever I check the security footage, they glare at the cameras—as if they know I'm watching them! And they mutter things like I'm plotting against them! What do they think I am, their rival?!"
Jiayi couldn't help but sigh again. Well... if the students suspected him, they weren't exactly wrong. He had been plotting something against them for weeks.
Headmaster Shen flipped open a file, his expression hardening. "Enough is enough. With this plan, I'll make sure their pride is shattered!"
Jiayi stared at him. He was acting like a child throwing a tantrum because he lost a game.
"Shen Jian, calm down," she said, pinching the bridge of her nose.
"I'm the headmaster! I don't need to calm down! If I don't discipline them, then who will?" he shot back.
She gave him a deadpan look. "Then why did you call me here? To vent?"
Shen Jian smirked slightly and handed her a document. "Nope. Make sure this gets signed."
Jiayi took the paper with a sigh and walked out of the office.
Right outside, Teacher Gaoshun was waiting, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. The moment he saw her, he raised a brow.
"Shen Jian lost it again?"
Jiayi didn't even bother replying. She just gave a small nod and kept walking.
.....
Hua Rong walked alongside Bai Xinchen, making her way toward the studio.
"Are you sure he's in the studio?" Bai Xinchen asked, glancing at her skeptically.
Hua Rong didn't even pause. "Where else would he be?"
"I mean… he just got back from that tournament yesterday," he pointed out.
She frowned. "What tournament?"
"The one where students are sent to represent our school at other schools. You went to one too, remember?"
That part, she knew. But something didn't add up. "Why was he sent? Doesn't he have the highest points? Shouldn't he be exempt?"
Bai Xinchen let out a chuckle. "He's the permanent captain. He went for our turn, and even in others."
Hua Rong's steps slowed. Her mind was already running with thoughts. Why are they pressuring a single student like this?
Her brows furrowed. "That's completely unfair!"
Bai Xinchen shrugged. "Well, rumor has it that Xu Lingwei asked for this himself."
She narrowed her eyes. "Has he lost his mind?"
"Who knows?" Bai Xinchen smirked.
Hua Rong scoffed. "Then let's go knock some sense into him!"
With that, they both picked up their pace, heading straight for the studio.
Hua Rong stormed into the dance studio, her steps echoing sharply against the polished wooden floor. The rhythmic beat of the music filled the room, blending with the soft hum of breathless movements. Amidst the fluid figures practicing their routines, her sharp voice sliced through the air like a dagger.
"Xu Lingwei!" she shouted, her tone carrying unfiltered rage as she charged toward him.
Xu Lingwei, mid-spin, came to an effortless halt. His chest rose and fell with the remnants of movement, and a bright, almost mischievous smile spread across his face. He barely had time to register her approach before her foot connected hard with his leg. A strangled cough left his lips as he stumbled back a step, catching himself just in time.
Hua Rong folded her arms, watching him with a triumphant gleam in her eyes. "How does it feel?" she taunted.
Xu Lingwei let out a breathy chuckle, rubbing his leg. "You're as reckless as ever."
Her fury only grew at his amusement. "Laugh! Go ahead and enjoy yourself!" she snapped. "You must be feeling great after stealing my opportunity! After keeping me stuck here just like you wanted!"
She stepped closer, her glare burning into him. "Sixty thousand points—gone, just like that. Do you know what that means? I feel like hitting you sixty thousand times!"
Xu Lingwei straightened, his amusement fading into something unreadable. In a swift motion, he grabbed her by the waist and pulled her forward. The sudden proximity sent a jolt through her, the warmth of his body pressing against hers.
Her breath hitched. "What are you doing?" she hissed, struggling against his grip.
His voice was calm but firm, laced with something darkly confident. "Yes," he murmured, his tone unwavering. "I do feel nice, Hua Rong. I held you back here, just as I wanted."
His hand slid against the back of her neck, his fingers pressing lightly, his gaze challenging her. "If your will is stronger than mine, then go ahead—try to leave."
She fought against his hold, twisting and pushing, but he didn't budge. His grip wasn't painful, yet it was unyielding, a silent assertion of control.
A dry cough from behind broke the tension like a needle piercing a taut thread.
"Guys," Bai Xinchen's voice cut in, laced with amusement, "I'm still here, you know."
Hua Rong took advantage of the moment, stomping hard on Xu Lingwei's foot. He let out a sharp hiss, his grip loosening just enough for her to break free. She took a quick step back, glaring at him with flushed cheeks while he smirked, rubbing his foot.
Bai Xinchen sighed, shaking his head. "Honestly, you two are exhausting to watch
Hua Rong crossed her arms, huffing as she turned to Bai Xinchen. "Come on, Xinchen! Do something about him!"
Bai Xinchen raised a brow, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm… so, should I beat him up?"
Her eyes lit up with excitement. "Can you?"
A playful smirk spread across Bai Xinchen's face. "Obviously. I've been wanting to defeat him in some way, and the only thing I haven't tried yet is fighting. I wonder if he's any good at it." He cracked his knuckles and took a step forward, his gaze locked onto Xu Lingwei like a predator eyeing its prey.
Xu Lingwei's amusement vanished, replaced with mild alarm. "Hey, what are you two plotting?" he asked, instinctively taking a step back.
Bai Xinchen didn't stop advancing. "This place is a dance studio, not your personal arena. Get lost," Xu Lingwei warned, raising a hand as if to push him away.
Before either of them could make a move, a new voice echoed through the room, smooth and teasing.
"Oh? What's this? One versus two? That doesn't seem fair."
They all turned toward the entrance. Xu Wenhan leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, an easy smirk playing on his lips. His presence was casual, but his sharp eyes missed nothing.
Bai Xinchen clicked his tongue. "And here comes the audience."
Xu Wenhan stepped forward, shaking his head. "No, no. I'm just here to make sure my dear little brother doesn't get beaten into the floor. After all, I'd hate to see Lingwei cry."