Theme Song (Continued)

The crimson class uniform stood at the very front, while the black uniforms behind him grew more numerous, spreading like droplets of ink. There were even a few figures in yellow and blue among them.

Before he knew it, the one-on-one lesson had expanded into a small class of over twenty people.

Lai Yudong hadn't expected things to develop this far.

From the bullet comments, he learned that someone had let the news slip, spreading word far and wide that a kind soul from Class A was helping the poor in Class F. As a result, many trainees who had been lying comfortably in bed came running to take advantage of the lesson, like elderly people lining up for free eggs.

Lai Yudong stole a glance at the curly-haired youth staring into the mirror. He had a clear hunch that, though the other boy didn't show it, the lesson probably wouldn't go on much longer.

Su Junzhe had come to Class F for some peace and quiet, but now there were more than three times as many people as in Class A, and they were all relying on him alone.

Even so, he had taught them for so long without complaint. He had already gone above and beyond.

As one of the people partly responsible, Lai Yudong felt a little bad about the situation.

Sure enough, I've caused him trouble.

"Has everyone learned it? Come on, let's put it together and dance through it once."

Calling out the counts, Su Junzhe danced through a complete eight-count at half speed. His movements were crisp and powerful, nothing like those of a beginner who had only just received the choreography.

The other trainees, however, were at varying skill levels. A jumble of uneven footsteps sounded behind him, and quite a few people got the moves wrong or fell ahead of or behind the beat. The scene was a mess.

[As expected of the first A]

[Su Junzhe's just focusing on his own dancing. He hasn't really taught the others...]

[It's good enough that he's willing to teach. What more do you want, a bicycle?]

[If you're not happy, don't mooch off the lesson]

[Come on, this is a survival show. They're competing against each other. Su Junzhe hasn't even learned it himself yet, and he's still willing to help others. Isn't he a living bodhisattva?]

[Stop arguing. They're all good kids studying hard. No one's complaining that Susu's teaching is bad]

[Hope they don't cut this part from the main show]

Su Junzhe's actions won him plenty of goodwill from casual viewers, instantly establishing an image of someone cute and delicate, warmhearted and hardworking.

At this early stage of the show—especially with the first episode not yet officially released—for a trainee without an existing fanbase to stand out in both skill and personality was undoubtedly a nearly perfect start.

Barring any surprises, he would be a strong candidate for the top ranks.

Lai Yudong's hunch soon came true.

After teaching that eight-count, Su Junzhe turned around and scratched his cheek, his naturally smiling eyes full of apology. "Sorry, I wanted to learn the whole dance with everyone before the group lesson started, but there really isn't enough time. I haven't eaten lunch yet..."

"No, no, we should be thanking you."

"Thanks for your hard work, Teacher Su!"

"Go eat! Eating is the most important thing!"

The trainees hurriedly stopped him from apologizing.

[Baby, you're really too good... TUT]

[Oh my god, I've seen an angel]

With its only teacher gone, the little Class F lesson fell apart in an instant. Everyone else either returned to their own classes or their dorms, and only a handful of trainees stayed in Class F.

Lai Yudong was no exception. He had been wondering when to get lunch, so this worked out perfectly for him.

He was the first to follow Su Junzhe out of the practice room, striding after him and gradually closing the distance between them.

Finally, they both stopped in front of the elevator.

"I thought you'd stay and keep practicing." Su Junzhe pressed the down button, which lit up. He glanced at the light-blond youth, who showed no intention of pressing the up button, and realization dawned on his face. "You're going to eat too?"

"Mm." Lai Yudong pressed his lips together. "Just now..."

[Here we go again, here we go again]

[Be brave, little You, don't be afraid of difficulties! Go talk to sweet Susu!]

[Baby, are you really not a cool guy? (beats chest)]

[I still think he's very aloof. You're just imagining that he's socially anxious to make him look better.]

*...*

Isn't that the pot calling the kettle black? You're all imagining things!

Lai Yudong stared into those dark eyes that seemed to hold a smile at all times. His mind raced, and his hesitation gave way to a clear answer.

With his overseas contestant persona, he could simplify many things and keep a watch on his words and actions, but his principles for dealing with others shouldn't be bound by rules and restrictions.

Like when he spoke up for Zhao Yifeng.

And like this very moment.

So Lai Yudong sincerely said the words he had wanted to say to Su Junzhe in person no matter what:

"Thank you, and sorry for the trouble."

He dropped the pretense of deliberately mumbling whenever he spoke a long sentence after transmigrating. His voice was so soft that the viewers only noticed his lips moving, but he clearly conveyed his thanks and apology to the other boy, at a volume only the two of them could hear.

That was also why he hadn't chosen to take the stairs.

Su Junzhe burst out laughing. "What are you talking about? I should be thanking you."

"...Me?"

"That's right." The elevator doors opened, and Su Junzhe stepped into the car and pressed the button for the second floor. His sweet smile made it seem as though he really was happy about it. "I got a lot closer to everyone all at once, didn't I?"

Lai Yudong neither agreed nor disagreed. "Maybe."

Just as that inflammatory bullet comment had said, Su Junzhe had barely paid attention to the others the whole time. Rather than a dance teacher, he had acted more like an exercise leader. When they had been one-on-one, by contrast, he had carefully corrected Lai Yudong's mistakes.

Getting closer to everyone sounded more like the explanation for public consumption.

Lai Yudong didn't want to speculate too much about Su Junzhe's real thoughts, but he couldn't help forming a rough idea of his personality.

Perhaps the reluctance he had sensed earlier hadn't been his imagination.

The elevator doors slowly closed. Su Junzhe looked away from the floor indicator and raised his eyes to Lai Yudong, who was a little taller than him. "Do you really have no foundation at all?"