“You’ve been poisoned by her, there’s no saving you,” Doris said, feigning indifference, then cupped Fu Xiaotang’s face, laughing, “Then you better learn well, learn a lot, I’m looking forward to seeing you stun the world on the Heavenly Realm’s stage soon!” “…Despite these words, achieving such results inevitably requires buckets of sweat and efforts far beyond imagination! That day, Fu Xiaotang was scolded and beaten quite a bit because of one particular move. Her stubborn nature was provoked, and she repeated the move time and again on her own. Zhang Yindi was resting and drinking water nearby. In recent days, she had intentionally been observing Fu Xiaotang to gauge her thoughts. This young girl had high talent and excellent comprehension. Despite her youth, she was exceptionally respectful to her teachers, never showing the slightest hint of defiance or impatience, even in the face of obvious provocation or criticism. Her demeanor was always gentle and composed, yet she was resilient. No matter how many times she was asked to practice, she would always meet the requirements. After several days of observation, Zhang Yindi couldn’t help but develop a sense of appreciation and fondness for her, and she silently admired Fang Junxie’s judgment. With these thoughts in mind, Zhang Yindi called out softly to Fu Xiaotang, ‘Come and rest for a while, Rome wasn’t built in a day.’ Fu Xiaotang was still frowning at the mirror, carefully pondering the move. Upon hearing Zhang Yindi’s words, she absentmindedly ‘oh-ed’, and after a while, she came over and sat down, her face still wearing a thoughtful expression. She smiled at Zhang Yindi, ‘Teacher, I’ve got the hang of it somewhat, just a few more tries and I’ll get it right!’ Her fair cheeks flushed with a hint of pink, her hair sticking to her cheeks from sweat, and her eyes were like two black pearls in water, clear and bright, yet filled with a determined light. Zhang Yindi looked at her, momentarily stunned, her heart beating faster. It seemed like ages ago, there was another young girl with the same defiant look in her eyes, her large, lively eyes twinkling as she said, ‘Yindi, I’ll do it a few more times, I’ll definitely get it right!’ Back then, Zhang Yindi had teased her about why a wealthy young lady would learn these survival skills, and the girl had sighed, her face shadowed with hidden melancholy, saying she had long wanted to leave home and make a living with her siblings through dance, roaming the world. Seeing Zhang Yindi’s vacant stare, Fu Xiaotang called out softly, ‘Teacher?’ Zhang Yindi seemed to snap out of a trance, suddenly grabbing Fu Xiaotang’s chin roughly, her eyes scanning her face intensely. Fu Xiaotang was puzzled; Zhang Yindi’s gaze was filled with sorrow and pain, as if looking through her at someone else. After a moment, Zhang Yindi abruptly let go, turned her head away, and laughed at herself, ‘I’m being silly; that person was over 20 years older than you.’ Then she turned back, looking deeply at Fu Xiaotang, murmuring almost to herself, ‘But you really look like her, especially these eyes, very similar. Both of you have big almond-shaped eyes, slightly upturned at the corners, deep double eyelids, and large, round black pupils. Yet not alike; your eyes are like water, dark and deep, like a bottomless pool that could pull in anyone trying to look too closely. Her eyes were like fire, always burning with anger, even towards those close to her, sparking at the slightest disagreement.’ Fu Xiaotang smiled at the vivid description. Zhang Yindi’s face also softened with a slight smile, ‘You smile like her too, with a small dimple on your cheek, though she rarely had your shy look; she hardly smiled, especially not towards those she liked, she’d keep a straight face.’ ‘Where is she now? I’d really like to meet her if I have the chance?’ Fu Xiaotang, curious, boldly asked. Zhang Yindi’s eyes darkened, ‘She’s dead, has been for over 20 years. If she were alive, she would have been my sister-in-law. My brother worked so hard for her, striving to become stronger, but just as things were looking up for the gang, he heard of her death.’ Looking at Fu Xiaotang, Zhang Yindi’s eyes were filled with deep sorrow and regret, ‘Girl, have you ever tried to pour all your heart and soul into something, striving with all your might, where that goal isn’t just a goal but a totem, the entire meaning of your life? But suddenly, that goal shatters, like having the rug pulled out from under you. You’re full of ambition, but suddenly, you lose the will to live, and even the basic necessities of life seem to be stripped away. From then on, life becomes an endless prison, no matter which direction you turn, you can’t see an end.’ Fu Xiaotang listened, feeling as if those words were being pulled from her own chest, tears slowly streaming down her face. Many memories surfaced in her mind, things she thought she had long forgotten, now resurfacing from the depths of her heart, untouched, untouchable, and at the slightest touch, they still tore her heart apart. Zhang Yindi, coming back to reality and seeing Fu Xiaotang’s face, was slightly taken aback and smiled, ‘So, you’re a girl with stories too? Did I stir up your painful memories?’ Fu Xiaotang, regaining her composure, smiled, wiping her face with her hands, forcing a smile, ‘And what about your brother, did he make it through?’ Zhang Yindi nodded, a hint of pride on her face, ‘I really thought he would break down, but he made it through, despite the wind and rain, the countless hardships, he gritted his teeth and persevered, which is why we have the fearsome ‘Zhang Family’s Tenth Brother’ today.’ Fu Xiaotang wasn’t particularly interested in gang affairs, but she couldn’t help but feel admiration for this person. Zhang Yindi also laughed, ‘I don’t know what’s gotten into me today, telling an old story to a young girl like you. Perhaps it’s your face that made me remember so much, a sort of tribute to an old friend!’
Chapter Fifty-Eight: Kidnapping (Part One) After that day, Zhang Yindi suddenly became much kinder to Fu Xiaotang. She was more dedicated in her training and guidance, still strict but never using the small stick again. Sometimes she would just stare at Fu Xiaotang in a daze. Fu Xiaotang knew it was probably because she resembled her friend. Time flew by, and the day of the dance battle was approaching… That day, Fu Xiaotang was coming down from upstairs, still thinking about the moves Zhang Yindi had just taught her, walking somewhat distractedly. As she turned out of the elevator, she was suddenly grabbed by the wrist and dragged into a less noticeable corner. Fu Xiaotang was startled and about to scream when the person quickly pinned her against the wall, covering her mouth with a hand.” When Fu Xiaotang finally recognized who had come, she relaxed a bit but felt bewildered and slightly indignant. Seeing that she had stopped struggling, Song Li slowly withdrew his hands from her arms and shifted his grip to her shoulders, staring at her intensely without blinking. His eyes held two small flames that flickered with eagerness and urgency, as if he wanted to devour her alive. Fu Xiaotang met his gaze without flinching; she hadn’t seen this man for some time and had secretly rejoiced in his absence, but here he was, suddenly appearing in such an unexpected manner. Her expression turned into a sneer, “President Song, what a unique way to greet someone. Truly extraordinary.”
Song Li’s face was stern as he stared at her for a moment, then the corners of his mouth curled into a cold smile. “Aren’t the people from the Celestial Club supposed to be the most versatile and charming? Is this how Fang Junxie teaches you to talk to guests?”
