Chapter 13: Success Only, No Failure Allowed

The next day, Xiao Qingru arrived punctually at the Cultural Troupe.

Her friendly teammates gathered around to check on her.

“Qingru, have you recovered?”

“It was just a minor surgery I’m fully healed. Thank you for your concern.”

“You look well rested. Seems like you had a good recovery period.”

Xiao Qingru joked, “No work, how could I not look good?”

Everyone laughed, realizing there was a bit of truth to it.

“Even so, you should still be careful. There’s a performance next month will you be able to participate?”

“Yes, I’ll be ready. It won’t be an issue.”

Xiao Qingru had a good reputation among the troupe, and as she walked toward the leader’s office, people greeted her along the way.

She understood that part of her popularity was due to her father’s influence, so she made sure to keep appropriate boundaries with everyone.

Xiao Qingru believed that keeping a safe distance in relationships benefited both sides.

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In the office, the troupe leader asked, “How’s your recovery going?”

“All healed. Thank you for asking.”

The leader looked at her thoughtfully. “You’ve probably heard about the performance next month, right?”

Xiao Qingru nodded. “I did hear about it on my way here. Do you have any concerns?”

“I do. Your injury isn’t severe, but it’s not trivial either. Since you’re a dancer, the performance will require large movements. I worry that if you’re not fully healed, you might reinjure yourself.”

Xiao Qingru understood the leader’s concern and didn’t want to make things difficult. “I’ll follow the troupe’s arrangement.”

The leader saw great potential in her and wanted to nurture her talent. Each performance opportunity was crucial for a dancer’s career.

But she was genuinely worried rushing could lead to long term consequences, which wouldn’t be worth it.

Since the performance was in just two weeks, time was limited.

“You’re still young you’ll have plenty of chances in the future. There will be another show during the Spring Festival. You should start preparing for that now. The troupe will give you a solo performance opportunity. Make sure to shine and bring honor to our troupe.”

Xiao Qingru stood at attention and saluted, “I promise to complete the mission!”

“Alright, alright. It’s just the two of us here, no need to be so formal. Qingru, I know you’re a talented young woman, so don’t be upset about not being on stage this time.”

Xiao Qingru wasn’t ungrateful. Besides, being in a troupe meant following orders.

“I’m thrilled to have a solo opportunity for the Spring Festival. I’d never be upset about it.”

“Good. You have two months until the Spring Festival prepare well, and show everyone your talent in one go!”

“Yes!”

As soon as Xiao Qingru left the leader’s office, others tried to find out what they discussed.

When word spread that she wouldn’t perform in next month’s show, some felt sorry for her, while others secretly rejoiced.

They thought someone with connections shouldn’t have so many chances anyway.

Before they had a chance to “console” her, they heard she’d been given a solo spot for the Spring Festival. The gloating faces quickly fell.

Where there are people, there will be gossip. Xiao Qingru knew some had issues with her, thinking she’d only joined the Cultural Troupe thanks to family connections.

But, in fact, she’d been recognized by the dance team’s leader when she was just thirteen.

At that time, she was still in school and didn’t want to give up her studies, so she only joined the troupe after graduating high school.

Xiao Qingru understood the leader’s final words. If she messed up the solo performance, others would definitely see her as just a “connection case.”

No matter the reason, she had only one option success, not failure!