Realizing that he actually wanted to help Xia Anran, Huo Ruiyang snapped out of it as if doused in cold water.  

I finally got rid of her—why would I go crawling back now?

He told himself not to meddle, but he couldn’t shake the unease.  

‘Most of the girls in the cultural troupe look down on new recruits from rural backgrounds. Xia Anran has no one to rely on—her situation must be tough.’ 

‘Uncle Xia saved my father’s life. I can’t repay that with marriage, but helping where I can is the least I should do.’  

Right, this is just to repay Uncle Xia’s life-saving favor!

Zhang Hengye fetched fever reducers and anti-inflammatory pills from Dr. Wang and handed them to Huo Ruiyang along with a canteen:  

“Ruiyang, once training’s over, come to my place for dinner. My mom said she’d make you meat and egg dumplings.”

Huo Ruiyang took the pills, then hesitated before asking:  

“Hengye, isn’t your cousin a political instructor in the cultural troupe?”

Zhang Hengye glanced at him.  

“Yeah, he is. Why the sudden interest?” 

“Xia Anran joined the troupe. Could you ask your cousin to look out for her?” 

Huo Ruiyang lowered his gaze, his usually stern face betraying a hint of discomfort, but he forced the words out anyway.  

Zhang Hengye grinned and pointed at him.  

“Ruiyang, you’re acting strange. Do you like Xia Anran?”

Huo Ruiyang’s expression darkened.  

“Don’t talk nonsense. How could I like her? I just owe her a favor—so I’m helping if I can.”  

Zhang Hengye laughed harder.  

“You’re defending yourself so eagerly, and you claim you don’t like her? Ruiyang, let me remind you: you just escaped that hellhole. Don’t jump back in. If Xia Anran finds out you’re thinking about her, she’ll come charging back and cling to you like a leech.”  

His words were like ice water, chilling Huo Ruiyang to the bone. He replied hastily:  

“Don’t mention me to your cousin. Make up any excuse.”

Seeing Huo Ruiyang’s wary reaction, Zhang Hengye relaxed—he genuinely didn’t want his friend falling back into that trap. He nodded.  

“Fine. I’ll call him after we get back and say she’s a friend’s cousin. But…”  

Huo Ruiyang looked up. *What’s with the hesitation?* 

Zhang Hengye hesitated.  

“My cousin’s handsome, from a good family, and as an instructor, he’s popular with the girls. A few in the troupe already have their eyes on him. I’m worried… Xia Anran might latch onto him!”  

This was serious. Zhang Hengye had witnessed Xia Anran’s terrifying persistence firsthand and didn’t want to burden his cousin.  

“She doesn’t cling to just anyone. If you’re worried, tell him to keep it discreet.”  

Huo Ruiyang felt inexplicably irritated, disliking how others painted Xia Anran as some lovesick fool.  

Zhang Hengye studied him. *The moment someone mentions Xia Anran, he gets defensive, like a mother hen protecting her chicks.* He dropped the smirk and nodded.  

“Alright, I’ll talk to him.”  

Huo Ruiyang realized his tone had been sharp and patted Zhang Hengye’s arm.  

“Thanks. After training, drinks are on me.”  

“No need, no need—there’s no need for that between us. It’s enough that you’re willing to come over for a meal. My mother specifically tasked me with bringing you back for dinner. Meat, eggs, dumplings—she doesn’t make those for just anyone.”

Huo Ruiyang nodded. “Alright, I’ve been craving Auntie’s dumplings anyway!”

…

Xia Anran was unaware that Huo Ruiyang was secretly helping her. She followed Teacher Yuan to the rehearsal hall of the singing team. Before even stepping inside, she could hear the girls inside practicing their vocal scales with elongated “ah—ah—ah” sounds.  

Teacher Yuan glanced at her. She hadn’t mentioned anything along the way, not wanting to pressure Xia Anran, but now she felt it would be a shame if Xia Anran didn’t seize this opportunity.  

The reason she had suggested to Regimental Commander Zhou that both new and veteran members could participate in the competition was to pave the way for Xia Anran, giving her a chance to compete.  

Otherwise, according to the tradition of seniority in the performance troupe, Xia Anran would have to wait at least two or three years before she could even be considered for a lead vocal position.  

The only thing worrying Teacher Yuan was whether Xia Anran had the courage to participate. She stopped walking and said to Xia Anran:  

“Xiao Xia, I hope you’ll join the competition. Even if you don’t win the lead role, it’ll be good experience for stage performance.”  

Xia Anran knew Teacher Yuan was stern on the outside but warm-hearted—this was her giving her a chance. She smiled and replied:  

“Teacher Yuan, I’ll participate. Winning or losing isn’t important; what matters is taking part.”  

Teacher Yuan’s expression turned stern. “That’s the wrong attitude. If you compete, you give it your all to win. You can’t go in with a careless mindset.”  

Xia Anran immediately straightened up and solemnly promised:  

“Yes, Teacher. I’ll do my absolute best to win this competition.”  

Teacher Yuan nodded in satisfaction.  

“Keep that mindset. Later, I’ll pick two songs for you. You must practice them thoroughly today—there’s no time to waste.”  

Xia Anran vowed, “I’ll train hard.”  

Zhou Yuxin spotted Teacher Yuan and hurried over, greeting her respectfully:  

“Good morning, Teacher Yuan.”  

If there was anyone in the troupe Zhou Yuxin feared the most, it was Teacher Yuan. First, because she was her direct superior.  

Second, because Teacher Yuan’s husband was someone even her uncle wouldn’t dare offend. And third—Teacher Yuan simply didn’t like her.  

The sight of Zhou Yuxin made Teacher Yuan frown, her gaze icy as she stared at her.  

Zhou Yuxin immediately tensed up, bracing herself for a scolding.  

Sure enough, she couldn’t escape it. Teacher Yuan berated her harshly:  

“What time is it? Why are you only showing up now? So undisciplined—what kind of example is this?”  

Zhou Yuxin shrank back, timidly defending herself:  

“Teacher Yuan, I had a stomachache. I didn’t mean to be late.”  

Teacher Yuan ignored her excuse and continued scolding:  

“Lazy donkeys always have excuses when it’s time to work.”  

Tears welled up in Zhou Yuxin’s eyes as she slithered away like a loach.  

After sending Zhou Yuxin off with her scolding, Teacher Yuan quietly said to Xia Anran:  

“She’s Regimental Commander Zhou’s niece and likes to bully new members. If she gives you trouble, come to me.”  

Teacher Yuan was fiercely protective of her students. Xia Anran was her pupil—only she could criticize her. No one else was allowed to bully her.  

“Thank you, Teacher. I’ll remember that.”  

Xia Anran nodded gratefully. In her past life, she had always fought alone, bearing everything by herself. No one had ever stood up for her like this.  

Teacher Yuan waved her forward.  

“Come with me.”  

Xia Anran followed her teacher into the rehearsal hall. As soon as Teacher Yuan entered, everyone stopped practicing and stood at attention respectfully.  

Teacher Yuan pulled Xia Anran forward and introduced her to the group:  

“This is Xia Anran, my new student and a new member of our singing and dancing team. I expect you all to support her.”  

Xia Anran understood—Teacher Yuan was openly backing her up!  

But even with her teacher’s support, she still needed to remain humble. She smiled and greeted everyone:  

“Hello, everyone. My name is Xia Anran. I look forward to learning from you all.”  

Zhou Yuxin stared at Xia Anran, a sense of crisis rising in her heart!