The Beijing Grand Ballet Theater was preparing to begin a worldwide tour.
As the principal dancer of the Zhongjing Ballet Company, Shen Bingci represented the highest level of ballet in China.
Recently, she had begun an intense training schedule in preparation for the international performances.
Shen Bingci was also the star performer who had helped make the Zhongjing Ballet Company famous around the world.
At the age of sixteen, she had become the company’s principal dancer through exceptional talent and skill, breaking previous conventions.
At first, both the media and the public questioned her qualifications.
For an entire year, she became the target of relentless online criticism.
People claimed she had used her family’s influence to steal the principal position from ordinary dancers.
They accused her of abusing power and receiving special treatment.
The reason was simple:
The runner-up at the time was Wen Shengyue, a girl from a modest background.
Wen Shengyue’s parents ran a small restaurant and struggled financially.
Even so, her entire family had sacrificed to support her ballet career.
Their efforts paid off, and she quickly became one of the company’s most promising dancers.
After several successful performances, she rose to fame and became second only to Shen Bingci in popularity.
Because of her humble origins, her reputation often surpassed Shen Bingci’s.
A story of rising from poverty and changing one’s fate perfectly matched the type of success story the public loved.
Wen Shengyue became the ideal symbol of an ordinary person’s triumph.
During interviews, she often spoke tearfully about her mother and the years she spent washing dishes overseas while pursuing ballet.
Her emotional stories moved countless people.
Compared to her, Shen Bingci’s smooth and privileged life seemed far less appealing.
Yet when the final evaluation for principal dancer took place, Wen Shengyue lost to Shen Bingci.
One was an ordinary girl.
The other was a wealthy young heiress two years younger than her.
To many people, the explanation seemed obvious.
A tidal wave of criticism immediately engulfed Shen Bingci.
“Of course Wen Shengyue lost. Her opponent was Shen Bingci, the rich heiress.”
“Capital wins again.”
“I’ve never liked Shen Bingci. Rich girls should stay home and play around instead of stealing opportunities from ordinary people.”
“Do you know how much Wen Shengyue suffered for ballet?”
“Our Shengyue worked three years washing dishes overseas. She couldn’t afford food, lived on the streets, practiced fifteen hours a day, and often skipped meals before performances to maintain perfect form.”
“I’m sick of wealthy people ruining ballet.”
“Shen Bingci dances terribly, yet everyone praises her because she’s rich.”
The backlash became overwhelming.
Negative hashtags remained at the top of social media trends for over a week.
#ShenBingciReturnThePrincipalPositionToWenShengyue
#ShenBingciDancesLikeTrash
#ShenBingciSuspectedOfImproperRelationshipsWithTheCompanyManagement
#TheConnectionBetweenTheShenFamilyAndTheZhongjingBalletCompany
#WhoKeepsPromotingShenBingci
At sixteen years old, Shen Bingci’s life contained no praise and no carefree youth.
Instead, she endured stalkers throwing eggs, vegetables, and even dog waste at her.
Her vehicle was stopped repeatedly in attempts to make her miss performances.
Naturally, the Shen family launched an investigation into Wen Shengyue.
Too many things seemed suspicious.
Information about Shen Bingci kept leaking.
Nothing added up.
The Shen family dealt harshly with those involved.
The online scandals were eventually buried and removed.
Today, most people could no longer find those stories online.
At the same time, the Shen family strengthened Shen Bingci’s protection and quietly continued investigating Wen Shengyue.
Under tremendous pressure, Wen Shengyue eventually left the company and moved overseas.
Only recently had she reappeared.
As for the investigation, Shen Bingci’s father never told her much.
The matter had always been handled in secret.
The more complicated the situation became, the more carefully it needed to be managed.
Removing someone without leaving evidence required long-term planning.
It could never be accomplished overnight.
After returning to training, Shen Bingci spent several days practicing.
She sweated constantly but found the work fulfilling.
Zhuang Zhenying came to visit her and immediately began teasing her when she saw her in a training outfit.
“Look at our Chaochao.”
“How can your figure be this good?”
“Even the simplest practice clothes look amazing on you.”
“Shouldn’t you take a picture and send it to President Xie as a little benefit package?”
Shen Bingci nearly choked on her water.
She glanced at herself in the mirror.
Covered in sweat, she thought even she looked messy.
If Xie Yuli didn’t mind, she certainly did.
“Bingci, your dancing was wonderful again today.”
A gentle voice appeared behind her.
Wen Shengyue walked in carrying a bag and greeted her with a smile.
The moment Zhuang Zhenying saw her, her mood soured.
“My best friend already has me to praise her.”
“She doesn’t need compliments from you.”
Zhuang Zhenying snorted.
“I told you they should build private practice rooms.”
Seeing someone she disliked was enough to irritate her.
Shen Bingci shook her head, indicating it was fine.
She thanked Wen Shengyue politely, though she clearly had no desire to continue the conversation.
The Zhongjing Ballet Company had always prohibited private rehearsal rooms.
It was a long-standing tradition.
She had no intention of changing it.
After finishing practice, Shen Bingci prepared to leave.
Pulling on her coat, she asked:
“I’m going to pick out a gift later. Want to come?”
Zhuang Zhenying immediately became excited.
“Oh?”
“Our Third Miss Shen is personally choosing a gift?”
“Who is it for?”
“Don’t tell me it’s for your fiancé?”
She guessed correctly on the first try.
Shen Bingci lowered her eyes and quietly nodded.
“Oh, look who’s blushing!”
“What’s there to be embarrassed about?”
“You’re buying a gift for your fiancé!”
“Of course I’m coming.”
“I guarantee I’ll help you find the perfect gift for Hong Kong’s number one gentleman.”
“We’ll make him completely fall for you!”
Shen Bingci couldn’t help laughing.
She patted her friend’s shoulder.
“Alright, alright.”
“Let’s go.”
“Why are you saying all that?”
Wen Shengyue remained behind, checking her bag.
She had heard every word.
Naturally, she knew exactly which “Mr. Xie” they were talking about.
She took out her phone and sent several messages.
After receiving a reply, she looked toward Shen Bingci’s departing figure.
Then she smiled faintly.
Just as Shen Bingci stepped outside, her phone vibrated.
A new message appeared.
[Fiancé]: Miss Shen, are you busy?
(Author’s Note: Regarding Wen Shengyue, the Shen family has already begun handling the matter, and Xie Yuli will deal with it as well. More details will appear in later chapters.)