Chapter 32 Back

Because of the leader’s letter of commendation, Su Niannian became popular once again in the art troupe. Some members from Team 1 even started asking about the dance performed by her and Liu Tao during the gala — a piece that hadn’t been performed in previous years — a new, original arrangement by Su Niannian, much to the leadership’s satisfaction.

Teacher Fu was eager to learn it, but before she could speak up, Su Niannian voluntarily performed the piece for all the sisters in Team 2. Anyone interested in learning it in the future could ask Liu Tao to teach them, adding another highlight to Team 2’s repertoire. Everyone fell in love with the ethereal sleeve-dance; many frequently peered in through the training room window to watch — even some from Team 1.
Heaven is merciful — they even started to envy the rookies in Team 2…

According to Vice Captain Zhang, this kind of ethnic sleeve-dance, intertwined with acrobatics, would be a big feature in future galas — a show not to be missed! Those who secretly liked Su Niannian, upon learning not only that she was a wonderful dancer and a great beauty, but also a talented choreographer, fell for her all over again. After all, a woman like her — with a boundless future — was a desirable match. How much a waste it would be for her to be married off to some country bumpkin! So, many tried to connect with her, sending a steady stream of gifts to the troupe.

Su Niannian turned them down without a second thought — without even looking — much less touching them. If the givers didn’t come back to retrieve their presents, everything would simply be thrown in the trash. Liu Tao was forced to appreciate just how icy this glamorous woman’s heart was. She sighed as she reluctantly tugged a bag of White Rabbit candy from the pile — a rare treat that was hard to come by with ration stamps. “Li Xiang, the postman, brought this. Are you really not going to appreciate someone’s kindness?”

“If I kept it, I’d be fueling their misconceptions. Tao Zi, if you’re not busy, please help me return them. I’ll keep an eye on the practice here.”
Su Niannian changed into her practice shoes, neatly covering up her delicate feet. Locks of silky black hair fell gracefully by her ears, adding softness to her features — but when it came to discipline and fairness, there was a steely side to her.
Liu Tao sighed enviously, “You really are loyal to your fiancé.”

The ringing of a bicycle interrupted their conversation. Su Niannian rushed Liu Tao to return the gifts. “Go bring them back. After we eat, I’ll go with you to the store.”
Hearing this, the sisters in Team 2 fell over each other to fawn upon her and tag along, eager for a chance to see what new items the store had gotten in.
…the group made their way toward the store, with Su Niannian — the brightest amongst them — at its center.
She was wearing a red patterned shirt with a matching headband, emphasizing her delicate and charming features. The high-waisted pants cinched in her slim waist, adding an aura of confidence and softness. Her long lashes glimmered under the sunlight, casting beautiful black shadows — a picture that made everything else seem dim by comparison.

Chen Niannian, sitting at the store’s counter, was the first to notice Su Niannian’s stylish appearance. Just her matching headband — something you didn’t normally see with ordinary braids — made her stand out, glamorous, much like a stylish poster from Hong Kong. Her breath faltered as she turned to tug at her own sleeves.
“Chen… Niannian…!”
Su Niannian raised her gaze and their eyes met. Her expression was calm — distant — as if ignoring an irrelevant person.
She simply nodded gracefully. “Hello, I’m Su Niannian.”
Chen Niannian’s lips slowly drew back in a nervous smile. “Ah… I made a mess… I meant… what can I show you today?”
How frustrating! She was haunted by her own memories. Inside, her resentment grew — the kind a woman feels when comparing herself to someone more glamorous. Obviously, someone like this — beautiful, poised — was the kind that Jingchuan liked.
Her nervousness gnawed at her, growing greater with each side-eye. The two kept their distance, adding a thick layer of awkwardness.

Su Niannian ignored her, choosing instead to select a range of stylish and expensive sweets, casually placing down a large note in payment.
Chen Niannian couldn’t help wondering — hadn’t the Su family taught their children to be frugal? Was Old Lady Wang not there to keep them in check? How could someone be this extravagant?

When the group finished their shopping and left, the rest made a circle around Su Niannian — a glamorous leader — while Chen Niannian fell into a moment of silent resentment.
One colleague who was restocking the grain said casually, “Such pretty girls — all stylish, charming — I wish I could introduce them to my nephew.”
“The art troupe?!”
“That’s right — aren’t these the girls from the art troupe?”
Chen Niannian’s heart tightened. She thought her employment at the store was already a desirable opportunity, yet Su Niannian was a member of the art troupe — a much more glamorous path.
No — she must win Jingchuan’s heart to avoid a precarious future. Determining this, Chen Niannian pressed her lips together, retrieved her emergency money from her pocket, and rushed toward the department store.
A quarter of an hour later, wearing a red shirt and jeans, Chen Niannian walked gracefully down the path. She stood there, waiting for Jingchuan.
The color of her shirt was a dramatic red, making the green around her fade in comparison — until Jingchuan lowered his car window. His piercing gaze fell directly upon her, causing his breath to tremble.
He asked quietly, “What’s the matter?”
Chen Niannian, delighted by his overt stare, tugged at her thick braids and said with a nervous smile, “I bought a new outfit. Do I look nice?”
Jingchuan remained calm and raised his eyebrows. “Red is passionate; blue is elegant… but it makes your face look as black as charcoal. At first glance, I thought I was seeing a black bear come alive.”