When Zhang Guiyun saw Jiang Nianxin arrive, she greeted her with a smile.
“Director, where did you find such a treasure? She’s full of surprises.”
Jiang Nianxin knew she was referring to Li Yang and wanted to hear Zhang Guiyun’s opinion.
“Oh? Guiyun, you also think Li Yang is quite good?”
Zhang Guiyun looked at the slender figure seated at the piano and nodded.
“She’s truly excellent. When I explain new movements, she immediately grasps the choreographer’s intent. Her movements are smooth and natural, elegant and pleasing. And her musical sense is strong—she plays the piano very well.”
“The accompaniment today was from a new tape my friend brought back from the Soviet Union. I’m certain she could replicate it after hearing it just once. If possible, you should hire a professional teacher to train her properly.”
“And also…”
Jiang Nianxin smiled. “Since when did you become so long-winded? What else?”
Zhang Guiyun shook her head. “I have a feeling her greatest talent isn’t dancing or piano. What do you think?”
Jiang Nianxin recalled Li Yang’s captivating singing voice and her astonishing mental calculation skills, and for a moment didn’t know what to say. Perhaps some people were simply favored by heaven.
Seeing Jiang Nianxin didn’t respond, Zhang Guiyun continued:
“I don’t think it’ll be difficult for Li Yang to pass the performance selection. I suggest you let her prepare a few solo acts in advance. Whether it’s singing, dancing, or piano, it will likely be far more exciting than our usual repetitive programs.”
Her words struck right at Jiang Nianxin’s thoughts.
After dismissing the girls, Jiang Nianxin stopped Li Yang and asked her not to go to the cafeteria yet, but to come to the office first.
Unexpectedly, Jiang Xue found an excuse to follow them.
In the office, Jiang Nianxin shared her idea.
“Li Yang, would you be willing to prepare a few additional performances?”
Li Yang hadn’t expected such a good opportunity.
Right now, she needed chances to stand out. As long as she became the star performer of the troupe, the next step of building her own empire could begin.
She nodded without hesitation.
“I’m willing.”
“Good. I’ll give you authority. After the selection, you’ll be the leader of the first team. You can help train your teammates and report any good ideas to me.”
After finishing with Li Yang, Jiang Nianxin finally turned to her troublesome niece.
But Jiang Xue paid her no mind and chased after Li Yang.
“Li Yang, wait for me!”
She ran up to her.
“My name is Jiang Xue. Can we be friends? Director Jiang is my aunt.”
Li Yang was usually indifferent, but seeing Jiang Xue’s sincerity, she nodded.
“Hello, I’m Li Yang.”
Since they had just met and were both somewhat introverted, the conversation soon fell quiet.
Jiang Xue smiled. “Let’s go eat together! I know the cafeteria has several delicious dishes—I’ll show you.”
Li Yang smiled back. “Alright, thank you.”
Seeing such a beautiful girl speak so gently, Jiang Xue’s heart pounded wildly.
She scratched her head. “Li Yang, you’re so pretty! Like a fairy.”
Li Yang was slightly surprised—she hadn’t expected girls of this era to be so direct with compliments.
She smiled warmly. “You’re very pretty too.”
Jiang Xue’s cheeks instantly flushed.
The two walked together to the cafeteria, where they ran into the girls who had mocked Li Yang earlier in the dance studio.
These girls had always performed well in class, but ever since Li Yang arrived, they had been completely overshadowed.
How could they accept that?
Li Yao stepped forward, whispered a few malicious words about Li Yang, then left.
That morning, her mother had brought her a thick quilt. After a quick breakfast, Li Yao headed to the gate to collect it. Whatever happened in the cafeteria wouldn’t be traced back to her.
Cheng Miaoxin, whose father was the director of a meat processing factory, came from a wealthy family.
She signaled to a plainly dressed, timid-looking girl.
The girl’s gaze toward Li Yang turned malicious.
Meanwhile, Li Yang and Jiang Xue were lining up, focused on the food in the display window, unaware of someone approaching from behind.
Suddenly—
“Ah!”
Li Yang frowned. Something hot had been splashed on her back.
Before she could react, Jiang Xue grabbed her hand and quickly brushed off the soup stains.
“Are you blind? Can’t you see people standing here? You ran straight into her! What if you burned her? Can you afford that?”
“I… I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to.”
Li Mei assumed Li Yang wouldn’t dare make a scene in public and continued her act.
But Li Yang spoke calmly:
“Compensate me. Fifteen yuan for a dance performance top.”
Li Mei was stunned. “W-what did you say?”
“Pay up. Fifteen yuan.”
Jiang Xue repeated firmly.
Li Mei hurried to her feet.
“Li Yang, are you crazy? It’s just a top—how can you demand money?”
“Can’t you show some sympathy? My family is poor—I can’t afford this. I… I don’t have any money.”
Seeing the instigator still not stepping forward, Li Yang lost her patience.
She grabbed Li Mei by the collar, dragged her to a nearby slop bucket, and shoved her head straight into it.
Jiang Xue stared in shock.
Li Yang released her, face cold. “We’re even. No need to pay.”
Then she turned and left.
Furious, Li Mei sat beside the bucket, cursing loudly:
“Li Yang, you vicious—”
Before she could finish, a dirty plate flew at her face.
Smack.
She had never been so humiliated. Scrambling up, she burst into tears and ran out.
The girl who had instigated everything watched the entire scene. Some of her followers grew uneasy.
“Cheng Miaoxin… maybe we shouldn’t target Li Yang anymore?”
“She… she really hits people…”
Cheng Miaoxin’s face darkened. She ignored them, now even more determined to make Li Yang lose face.
Why should she be so admired?
Li Yang felt uncomfortable from the mess on her back and decided to go home to wash up.
Jiang Xue grabbed her arm warmly.
“Li Yang, come to my dorm and change—it’s very close.”