Chapter 26

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Chapter 26: That’s Just Too Strange to Think About

Chu Yuanqing had a good reason for not wanting to advance.

You see, according to the rules of Dazzling Stage, even if she were eliminated in the first round, she would still have to stay in the program group for three months. During that time, she’d continue to receive her salary—more than enough to cover her insurance costs.

In other words, the earlier you were eliminated, the happier you’d be.

When Chu Yuanqing went to the audition, she never planned on seriously practicing dancing for the show.

After all, if she got paid regardless of when she was eliminated, why bother? She couldn’t improve much anyway!

So, when Kirimi Miyuki extended an offer to help her, Chu Yuanqing decisively and politely declined.

“No thanks, I’ll practice on my own.”

“My skills are pretty poor; they’d just slow you down.”

Kirimi Miyuki shook her head and said earnestly:

“Because your basic skills are weak, you should agree with me, right?”

“You said on stage that you came here for your dream. But for someone with no dance foundation, it’s not realistic to learn the theme dance in three days.”

“I want to help you.”

In Kirimi Miyuki’s eyes, Chu Yuanqing was a dream chaser through and through.

Her decisive audition, firm declaration of “dreams,” and tender yet emotionally rich dance on stage all pointed to an unwavering devotion to her idol. Such sincerity was rare.

Such a person willingly sitting in the last position only showed respect for the stage, exceeding any concerns about camera assignments.

This clumsiness and stubbornness made her see her past self in a daze.

Sometimes, when you want to help someone, it’s not necessarily because you think they are so important, but simply because helping them… is like helping your past self.

‘Dazzling Stage’ was harsh. Once eliminated, dreams withered forever.

So, whether you call her naive or foolish.

Kirimi Miyuki didn’t want to see someone fall at the very beginning.

Chu Yuanqing was speechless, she could feel the sincerity of the other person.

Even though she didn’t understand where it came from, this kindness was undeniable.

And precisely because she realized that, it was very difficult to argue against this statement.

Could she admit, “I’m a fraud. I never wanted to be an idol. I have no interest in the stage”?

Especially with her daughter standing next to her, it was impossible. Even without her there, it felt like too much—a betrayal of someone’s goodwill.

Chu Yuanqing became more anxious as she realized the child had gone this far.

It seems a bit much to repay just for helping on a rainy day.

Chu Yuanqing tried to stay calm and decided not to rush, trying to belittle herself:

“I know, but it would be too much trouble for you.”

“I’ve barely learned any dancing before. The only dance I know is the one I just did earlier. It would be very hard to teach me, so let’s forget about it.”

“If you’re doing this because of earlier, there’s no need. Someone like me doesn’t deserve you wasting your time…”

But Chu Wang Shu was having none of it.

What? What is this talk!

How could a little “sakura girl” like Kirimi Miyuki make Qing Qing feel inferior?

Chu Wang Shu couldn’t hold back anymore. She held Chu Yuanqing’s hands tightly and said sincerely:

“Qing Qing, if you think it would be a waste of Kirimi Miyuki’s time, then let me teach you instead.”

“Let’s work hard together!”

Kirimi Miyuki also nodded in agreement:

“Chu Wang Shu’s dance foundation is very strong. We’ll teach you together. It’ll be fine.”

This statement is completely true.

Chu Wang Shu has been practicing ethnic dance for five years and is very skilled in the basics, especially in flexibility and certain techniques, much better than Kirimi Miyuki who has never had professional training and learned on her own.

Kirimi Miyuki’s strength lies in her seven years as an idol, having performed and deconstructed many dances on stage. Her experience in self-taught dance and quick training is richer, and her performance style is closer to girl group dance than ethnic dance, providing more professional guidance in certain areas.

Together, their complementary strengths made them more than capable of guiding someone like Chu Yuanqing who knows nothing.

After all, they didn’t have to teach her everything. The two of them just helped her finish her class, went through the dance routine, guided some movements, and offered some assistance.

And yet…

She really didn’t want to advance!!!

Chu Yuanqing was caught off guard. For the first time, she understood what it meant to be overwhelmed by kindness. Her lips moved, but she couldn’t find the words to say. Before she knew it, she had agreed to practice with them.

However, to others, it just looked like she was touched by her two good friends, appearing particularly heartwarming.

When Chu Yuanqing came to her senses,

Kirimi Miyuki had already bid her goodbye politely, her figure gradually disappearing at the end of her sight.

Seeing her still lost in thought, Chu Wang Shu thought she was too moved and comforted her by saying:

“Don’t worry, Qing Qing. Practicing together won’t take much time. Having more partners will even keep us motivated!”

Little Shu said seriously:

“Moreover, I think Kirimi sister must think so too. Look, she is in a foreign country, it’s rare to have someone to talk and chat with. Having someone to chat with must be nice for her mindset on stage, too.”

Chu Wang Shu was delighted with this outcome. She didn’t want her new friend stolen away for some two-person world.

The current situation is so great, everyone is happy about it.

Chu Yuanqing, on the other hand, was totally different; her steps were incredibly light when she walked, as if she was about to fall into an abyss, her head almost dropping, her hands and feet getting cold, as if the happy and carefree life was getting further and further away.

Haha, there’s nothing to be afraid of now.

Even if practicing dancing in front of her daughter was embarrassing, there’s nothing to be afraid of anymore!

Just a few more times pressing down the tentacle monsters in her mind, endure a bit and it will pass!

Yes, that’s it!

Chu Yuanqing accepted the sad truth and said goodbye to the lively Chu Wang Shu. She looked at her daughter walking away and felt a bit relieved.

Honestly, even though she had finished recording earlier and it was time to relax, she found it hard to let her guard down completely when with her daughter. She was afraid of accidentally revealing a fatal flaw in some detail.

Being alone is nice.

Putting aside her worries for now, Chu Yuanqing walked to the dorm room door, knocked politely, and waited, but there was no answer.

Hmm, it seems like her roommate hasn’t arrived yet, just like before.

Chu Yuanqing hesitated a bit. It felt a bit strange to her, a middle-aged man living with a few young girls.

But she couldn’t act fussy with the program group and request to live in a single room, could she?

Xie Qingxuan might have that privilege, being graded as a Grade C, maybe she could sleep soundly.

Well, as long as she closes her eyes and doesn’t look at things she shouldn’t, that should be fine!

Chu Yuanqing cheerfully encouraged herself and pushed open the door.

Soon after, a large expanse of scenery came into view.

A girl stood with her back to the door, pulling off her shirt. Her slender waist curved gracefully, framed by delicate white lace. Platinum hair fell in soft waves, brushing the edges of her provocatively simple outfit, concealing some trembling heaviness.

It was the powerful championship contender hailed as the Great Devil by the audience.

——Xie Qingxuan.