Chapter 81 Fu Tonight’s Private Life Is Chaotic

Shen Xingsui, after a brief pause, began to prepare to give Fu Jinxiao a shoulder massage.

Settling into the chair, Fu Jinxiao said, "No need for a massage, just a few taps will do."

"Oh?" Shen Xingsui misunderstood, thinking Fu didn’t want his services, and reassured, "It's alright. I've had some training before. You don't have to worry."

Fu Jinxiao let out a quiet sigh, speaking calmly, "Your hand is injured; if you exert too much force, it'll hurt."

Shen Xingsui paused momentarily.

Truth be told, he'd almost forgotten about it. Yet, it seemed Fu Jinxiao remembered all along.

In a soft voice, Shen Xingsui reassured, "It's really not that bad; just a minor injury."

Fu Jinxiao dismissed his words, “If you don’t take care of yourself properly, by the time you get seriously injured, you’ll have nowhere to cry."

Shen Xingsui stayed silent in suspicion, thinking, Aren't you the one in the entertainment industry known for not taking care of yourself? Who could be more reckless than you?

Fu Jinxiao drawled, "Criticizing me in your head, are you?"

Startled, Shen Xingsui reacted defensively, “What? No, I wasn't...”

Fu Jinxiao arched an eyebrow, smirking, "Seems I guessed right."

It took Shen Xingsui a moment to realize he'd been played – and not for the first time. Flustered and a bit peeved, he inadvertently applied more pressure.

“Ouch…”

Fu Jinxiao responded, feeling the increased force on his shoulder, “Revenge isn’t allowed, Comrade Shen.”

Shen Xingsui’s face flushed, “I wasn't trying to..."

Amusement flickered in Fu Jinxiao's eyes.

As the two continued their banter, Zhang Chi, not far away, was applying ointment with a comedic expression of distress. The audience found amusement:

"Hahaha, their conversation is hilarious!"

"It's so entertaining!"

"Even though they're bickering, every word is filled with love."

"Oh, I could watch them forever!"

However, Fu Jinxiao didn’t keep Shen Xingsui by his side for long. After a while, he started, "Today, when you danced, both your moves and your demeanor were too stiff."

Shen Xingsui looked puzzled.

Meeting Fu Jinxiao’s deep and steady gaze, words died in his throat. The man could be playful one moment and deadly serious the next, pulling you back into reality.

Leaning back leisurely in his chair, Fu Jinxiao looked intently at him, his voice soft yet imposing, "Is it nervousness, or are you uncomfortable dancing a feminine dance?"

Shen Xingsui hesitated before replying, "I am a bit nervous. I’ve never danced a feminine routine before, especially one with traditional elements. I’m afraid of not doing it justice, especially with the entire country watching. Our group's fate hangs in the balance. If I mess up, both of us might end up sleeping in tents."

After hearing Shen Xingsui's explanation, Fu Jinxiao's eyelids drooped slightly, seemingly pondering something. When he wasn't smiling, there was an indescribable danger about him.

Sitting beside him, Shen Xingsui felt a tinge of anxiety.

quite a while

Fu Jinxiao glanced at him, his voice languid as he remarked, "Isn't this the perfect opportunity to try something new?"

Shen Xingsui blinked in bewilderment, unable to catch up with Fu's line of thought.

"Dance and music aren't so different. When you get the chance to explore new compositions, new ways of performing, it's not necessarily a bad thing." The afternoon sun streamed through the gaps in the leaves, casting a warm glow on him. He always showed a great deal of patience, softly advising the young man before him, "If you evade it now, what about the next time?"

It felt like eons ago when Shen Xingsui had heard similar words. In many moments, Fu Jinxiao seemed to exude an air of fearlessness, which at times inspired Shen Xingsui too.

In a soft voice, Shen Xingsui said, "I'll do my best..."

A smile spread across Fu Jinxiao's handsome face. "I believe you will."

The apprehension that Shen Xingsui had felt seemed to dissipate.

Only much later did he realize the significance of having someone by your side, reassuring and pushing you forward during challenging times.

...

Fu Jinxiao stood up, extending his hand to Shen, "Dancing a feminine routine isn't as challenging as you imagine. Come."

Shen Xingsui stepped beside him, offering his hand. Guided by Fu Jinxiao, they danced, with gentle corrections made: "Ah, don't retract your foot too early. A slow turn achieves the same effect. Yes, turn, take your time... now, tuck it in."

Strangely, the steps he struggled with when dancing with Zhang Chi seemed effortless under Fu's guidance.

Completing the sequence, Shen Xingsui exclaimed in astonishment, "That's it?"

Fu Jinxiao remained in place, calmly observing him before asking, "Still find it difficult?"

Difficult? Not in the slightest!

Shen Xingsui's initial hesitation came from his unfamiliarity with feminine dances, his unsuccessful attempts with Zhang Chi, and not truly immersing himself into the dance's spirit. Yet, when Fu Jinxiao guided him, each step and instruction seamlessly led him into the dance.

Gradually, Shen Xingsui's anxiety melted away as he became one with the music and dance. It wasn't his prowess, but Fu Jinxiao's undeniable talent that led the way, effortlessly guiding his partner.

A jubilant smile lit up Shen Xingsui's face, as though a weight had been lifted. Bowing deeply, he gushed, "Thank you, Teacher Fu. You're amazing. Here's a heart for you."

This gesture of making a heart with hands had recently become a trendy expression on WeChat.

Shen Xingsui imitated it flawlessly, forming a heart with his hands, his beaming smile adding an endearing touch.

Viewers in the live chat were electrified:

"Being this cute should be illegal!"

"They're laying the sweetness on thick today, huh?"

"Aww, he's so adorable!"

"Lock these two up. Too precious!"

"I ship them so hard!"

Fu Jinxiao slightly raised an eyebrow, showing no overt reaction, and simply said, "Don't thank me. It's your quick grasp that did it. Just practice a bit with Zhang Chi later, and you'll be fine."

Shen Xingsui nodded and hesitated before asking, "Zhang Chi sprained his ankle, so he might need to rest a bit longer. Could you perhaps practice with me once more?"

As he posed the question, he appeared a tad anxious.

He was well aware that his request might seem unreasonable. Given that Fu Jinxiao likely had his own dances to rehearse, a refusal would be expected. Yet, to his surprise, Fu Jinxiao responded solemnly, "Of course."

Shen Xingsui was momentarily taken aback, looking up at him in astonishment.

Before him stood Fu Jinxiao, tall and imposing. Leaning in, with a teasing smile on his lips, he drawled, "Now, give me another heart gesture."

...

evening

Almost all teams seemed ready by now.

Despite a minor setback, their group was making the fastest progress so far.

Earlier on, the director's rules stated: "The earlier you complete your performance, the more points you earn. These points can be exchanged for tonight's meals and lodging conditions."

Thus, performing early, to ensure better living conditions, was of paramount importance.

When Shen Xingsui reached the center of the plaza with his silk fabric, he noticed a group already performing—Shen Xingchen and Tu Ya. While their synchronicity and moves had some flaws, they surprisingly managed to complete the entire dance routine.

Wiping the sweat from his brow, Shen Xingchen remarked, "That was tough."

The directorial team scored them, "50 points."

Shen Xingchen protested, "Only 50? Aren't you being a bit stingy? At least give us some sympathy points!"

The director calmly replied, "If it wasn’t for sympathy, we wouldn't have bothered watching that performance, let alone the locals."

"..."

A cutting remark.

Although disgruntled, Shen Xingchen stepped down.

Soon it was the turn of the next team in line—An Ran and Li Xuan'an. Their dance was exquisite due to An Ran's strong foundation in traditional dance.

Even the live stream audience praised:

"An Ran's dancing is just stunning."

"I must admit, An Ran is perfect for this style."

"So beautiful."

"It's my first time finding a boy performing a female dance so captivating."

An Ran's team achieved success, earning 70 points. His dance earned much acclaim, with even the director heaping praise on his graceful performance.

Naturally, An Ran was overjoyed.

He knew that in his past life, another significant factor contributing to his rise to stardom was this fairy dance. In a few days, he would catch the eye of a director after performing it once more. This dance was his ticket to success, and he couldn't afford to miss it.

However, when Shen Xingsui's group took the stage, he was taken aback.

Not because of any external reason but due to the sheer fact that Shen Xingsui's fairy dance was performed exceptionally well. Though he didn't possess a strong dance foundation, his movements and posture appeared to be mentored. His coordination with his partner was impeccable, especially when Shen Xingsui cleverly covered for his partner's slight misstep in the middle of the routine. Precisely because his previous dances weren't remarkable, this performance left an indelible impression on everyone.

Even the director applauded, "Well done, Xingsui! Your improvement is impressive!"

Other guests added their praise:

"A man's skills can transform in just three days."

"Hahaha, your dance progression is commendable."

"Xingsui, you genuinely surprised us."

"You danced so well without a hint of nervousness. Outstanding!"

Showered with compliments, Shen Xingsui bashfully responded, "Thank you."

As everyone gathered around Shen Xingsui, lavishing praise, An Ran, who was initially in the spotlight, was left in the shadows. In his past life, An Ran wasn't very confident about this dance, but back then, he was partnered with Fu Jinxiao. He always believed that it was his natural aptitude that made his dance stand out, never realizing Fu Jinxiao's mentoring capabilities — even someone as seemingly hard to teach as Shen Xingsui was molded by him.

An Ran felt slighted but hid his feelings.

Having faced prior setbacks, he now realized that confronting issues head-on wasn't the solution. He needed to wait patiently for the right moment. Rash actions would only have dire consequences.

Lost in thought, An Ran's gaze suddenly landed on Zhang Chi nearby.

A single glance revealed that Zhang Chi was discreetly observing Shen Xingsui. Being young, Zhang Chi's feelings weren't well-concealed. Recalling that Zhang's family was affluent, with his mother serving as the deputy head of a listed corporation, and that Zhang Chi had plans to enter the entertainment industry, An Ran pieced things together.

An Ran approached him with a sly gleam, "Zhang Chi, it's been ages! We used to be classmates, remember?"

Taken aback, Zhang Chi, who wasn’t fond of An Ran, responded with cautious politeness, "Yes, An Ran, nice to see you."

Perceptive as ever, An Ran sensed Zhang Chi's hesitance but pressed on, standing beside him, "Look how close Xingsui and Teacher Fu are."

Zhang Chi stiffened, replying, "Yes... they do seem close."

Noting the absence of any camera crew, An Ran grinned, "I'm genuinely envious. You know how Xingsui always admired Teacher Fu. Looks like his wishes came true."

Zhang Chi sighed inwardly but could only offer his good wishes, "I hope Xingsui finds happiness."

Sensing Zhang Chi's interest, An Ran feigned lament, "It's a pity Xingsui is still single. No telling when his true happiness will arrive."

Zhang Chi blinked in surprise, "Xingsui is single?"

He had assumed they were together.

An Ran nodded, "Yes. Teacher Fu once mentioned that he'd go public if he was in a relationship. Since there's been no news, it means Xingsui is still single. Perhaps Teacher Fu merely sees him as a student. It's just a shame for Xingsui..."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Chi frowned.

He had initially given up on the idea, but if the two of them weren't together, might there be a chance for him?

It's true that Fu Jinxiao's prowess is unmatched, but given Zhang Chi's wealth and status, perhaps he truly isn't interested in Shen Xingsui. Could it be just a passing infatuation on Shen Xingsui's part?

A glint of hope appeared in Zhang Chi's eyes.

Noticing his mission accomplished, An Ran said, "I should head back. The director will probably call everyone together soon. This was just a casual chat; don’t take it to heart."

Zhang Chi snapped back to reality and gave a noncommittal nod.

Nearby, the directors were assigning rooms based on the performance scores of each group. Both Shen Xingsui-Fu Jinxiao and An Ran-Li Xu'an, along with others like Shen Xingchen, had high scores, leading them to be assigned to the better rooms in close proximity. After a long day, everyone was too tired for further banter and headed to rest as soon as the recording ended.

evening

Just as Shen Xingsui finished freshening up and was about to rest, a knock on his door broke the silence. Puzzled, he asked, "Who is it?"

A familiar voice replied, "It's me."

Recognizing it as Fu Jinxiao’s, Shen Xingsui hurriedly opened the door, a smile unconsciously forming on his face. "Professor Fu?"

Fu Jinxiao nodded, "Haven't gone to bed yet?"

Shen Xingsui replied, slightly confused, "Just finished freshening up and was about to. What brings you here?"

"Can you guess?" Fu Jinxiao glanced at him, "After freshening up, did you apply medicine to your hand?"

Caught off-guard, Shen Xingsui sheepishly admitted, "No."

Knowing Shen Xingsui's tendency to neglect himself, Fu Jinxiao brought a first-aid kit inside, remarking, "Never underestimate small injuries, especially for a pianist. Once complications arise, it might be too late."

Shen Xingsui obediently sat down, admitting, "I was careless."

Preparing the first-aid items, Fu Jinxiao instructed, "Give me your hand."

Handing over his wounded hand, which was still a bit inflamed, Shen Xingsui winced at the pain.

Fu Jinxiao cast him a sidelong glance, "Let’s see if you'll be this careless again."

Before Shen Xingsui could reply, another knock sounded from the door. He grew anxious; it was late, and if someone saw him with Fu Jinxiao, rumors would surely spread. If it were a guest, the situation could become even more complicated.

Worriedly, Shen Xingsui pointed to the room's curtain, "Professor Fu, please wait behind the curtain for a moment."

Raising an eyebrow, Fu Jinxiao questioned, "What do we have to hide?"

Knowing Fu Jinxiao wouldn't care about gossip, Shen Xingsui gently tugged on his sleeve, almost pleadingly, "Please, just for a moment. I don’t want any unnecessary talk."

Although Fu Jinxiao believed such gossip would be beneficial, he couldn't resist Shen Xingsui's earnest request and finally agreed.

The irony wasn't lost on him. In the past, up-and-coming stars would try to associate with him to gain popularity or spark controversies. Now, when he willingly made an appearance, he was treated with hesitation.

Of course, Shen Xingsui didn't grasp Fu Jinxiao’s inner turmoil, and after gathering himself, he went to answer the door.

Zhang Chi, waiting outside with impatience, smiled upon seeing Shen Xingsui. "It's me, Xingsui."

Why is he here at this hour?

Although puzzled, Shen Xingsui opened the door and whispered to the visitor, "What brings you here, Zhang Chi? Is there something you need?"

In Zhang Chi's hand was a basket. "I've brought you something."

After some hesitation, Shen Xingsui let him in.

Setting the basket aside, Zhang Chi pulled out local delicacies and some cooked dishes. "I heard filming can be tiring and the meals aren’t always filling. My sister made this. I thought you might want to try."

Shen Xingsui responded, "You're too kind. I'm not hungry."

Zhang Chi's tone became pleading, "We're good friends, aren't we? I know I've made mistakes in the past. I owe you an apology. Consider this a small token of my remorse. Please, accept it."

Shen Xingsui fell silent.

Just as Zhang Chi thought he'd agreed, Shen Xingsui said with a faint smile, "There's no need to bring up the past. I've moved on."

Zhang Chi was momentarily taken aback.

"It's all behind us," Shen Xingsui concluded.

His words referred to past events, but his clear, gentle gaze lacked the former warmth. It was as if he was also saying Zhang Chi was a part of that past.

Feeling a bit pained, Zhang Chi said, "No matter the past, we're still friends. Seeing you doing well makes me happy. Let's consider this meal a celebration of that."

Seeing Zhang Chi's persistence, Shen Xingsui reluctantly agreed to eat a bit.

Only after seeing him eat did Zhang Chi finally relax. Trying to act casual, he asked, "Have you ever thought of dating or settling down in the past years?"

Shen Xingsui hesitated before shaking his head, "No."

A hint of elation shone in Zhang Chi's eyes, but he masked it, "Have you never considered it?"

"Love isn't something you can plan," Shen Xingsui answered, "When the right person comes along, it'll happen naturally."

Hoping to dig deeper, Zhang Chi ventured, "Do you still have feelings for... him?"

Shen Xingsui paused, his chopsticks suspended mid-air. That question was far too sensitive, especially with the man in question inside the room!

Misreading the silence, Zhang Chi assumed Shen Xingsui still had lingering feelings for Fu Jinxiao.

"Xingsui, sometimes you're too stubborn," Zhang Chi began, eager to share his insights, "Maybe it's time to look beyond. The entertainment industry isn't always what it seems. Granted, Fu Jinxiao is impressive, but don't be deceived by appearances. There are so many rumors and secrets."

Shen Xingsui quickly coughed, trying to stop him.

But Zhang Chi, believing he was getting through, continued, "I'm telling you the truth. Rumors say many are after Fu Jinxiao. They once caught a female celebrity leaving his hotel room. Who knows how many there are that haven't been caught?"

Shen Xingsui was left agape. He hadn't expected Zhang Chi to be so bold. When he noticed Fu Jinxe slowly emerging from behind Zhang Chi, his panic heightened. Hurriedly trying to remedy the situation, he said, "You shouldn't take those rumors seriously. Teacher Fu is not that kind of person, Zhang Chi. Don't always believe such gossip."

Zhang Chi, thinking Shen Xingsui doubted him, retorted, "Why won't you believe me, Xingsui? How can this be a lie? People like him lead chaotic personal lives. I would never lie to you!"