Chapter 119: The First Dance!

You can taunt me, bully me, or challenge me, and I can accept all of that.

However, the inexplicable help and kindness shown to him left Tang Fei somewhat at a loss.

He felt that he was born with a lowly fate and simply couldn't handle passionate care from others.

Except for women.

"What? Still staring?" Seeing Tang Fei gazing blankly at the sky at a forty-five-degree angle with a look of lingering attachment, Sheng Xinhuai couldn't help but chuckle and tease, "Do you think that guy is actually pretty nice, huh?"

"She's copying the way I talk," Little Fatty pointed at Sheng Xinhuai and accused.

Little Fatty had a habit of ending his sentences with the particle "huh" when he spoke, and as a result, Sheng Xinhuai had picked it up from him.

Her mimicry, rather than being annoying, carried an unexpected hint of coyness and cuteness.

When Little Fatty said "huh," he sounded endearing and foolish, just like a big, clumsy bell.

Sheng Xinhuai pointed back at Little Fatty and said, "He's copying the way I talk, huh."

...

"You guys stop bullying Little Fatty," Phoenix couldn't bear to watch any longer and spoke up to defend Little Fatty.

These two were simply too bad, always picking on the honest and simple-minded Little Fatty.

"She's the one bullying me, Big Brother didn't," Little Fatty corrected Phoenix's choice of words.

...

The court master of ceremonies walked over and invited Phoenix to go to the back to change her clothes.

Next came the dancing segment, and Phoenix was the undisputed female protagonist of this banquet, so naturally she had to lead everyone in the first dance.

She was currently wearing a magnificent and formal princess gown, which was completely unsuitable for dancing. Furthermore, the Phoenix Soars to the Nine Heavens crown on her head had to be removed—just in case it fell off while dancing...

How valuable was this crown?

If it were accidentally dropped and broken, even the royal family would feel heartbroken.

Phoenix looked at Tang Fei and said, "You guys chat for a bit, I'll be right back."

"Go on, go on, I'll take good care of them," Sheng Xinhuai shooed her away.

Once Phoenix left, Sheng Xinhuai looked at Tang Fei and asked with a smile, "How is it? Do you feel terrible inside? Stifled? Want to throw a temper tantrum, only to find that you can't come up with a single reason to be angry?"

"Yes," Tang Fei nodded and asked, "Have you ever felt this way?"

"Never," Sheng Xinhuai answered crisply and decisively.

...

"He'd be better off just beating me up..." Tang Fei said.

He didn't hide his true feelings in front of Sheng Xinhuai, and of course, he couldn't hide them anyway.

Whether it was Phoenix or Sheng Xinhuai, both of these girls were intelligent to the bone.

Wasn't the parting remark Phoenix left behind also out of concern for his state of mind?

"Indeed. For him to hit you proves that he values you. For him to instruct you proves that you don't even exist in his eyes," Sheng Xinhuai acknowledged Tang Fei's words, adding, "However, this is precisely where Shen Xinglan's brilliance lies. Qin Jianyi wanted to retrieve the Qin family's honor and avenge his good-for-nothing younger brother, only to fail his challenge."

"Originally, everyone was looking forward even more to you and Shen Xinglan crossing paths, since Shen Xinglan is, after all, the most formidable contender. After he appeared, quite a few people must have been fanning the flames behind the scenes, right? Who knows how many eyes were staring right at him as he walked toward you."

"Yet Shen Xinglan chose not to do as they wished. He was full of thanks and praise for you, and even pointed out the flaws in your cultivation along with ways to correct them..."

"He is slapping you across the face again and yet you have to thank him. Is that how it feels?"

"Yes," Tang Fei smiled bitterly. "I expected him to come and smack me, but I never expected him to use this method."

"The face he slapped was far more than just yours alone. He slapped the face of the Qin family, and the face of Qin Jianyi... Heh, the adults are contending, and the little brats are contending too. He and Qin Jianyi are both among the Seven Stars, but the two of them handle problems in completely opposite ways. One wants to crush you with thunderous momentum, while the other uses softness to overcome hardness, backed by realm, strength, and irresistible momentum... Without even drawing his sword, he has already secured a steady victory."

"After tonight, the distance between them will widen even further. Shen Xinglan's prestige among the younger generation in Phoenix City will become even higher..."

"As for you, defeating Shen Ping and defeating Qin Jianyi can already be considered extremely impressive, far beyond our expectations. However, if you think that means Phoenix City has no talent left, you would be gravely mistaken."

"I haven't puffed up to that extent," Tang Fei shook his head with a bitter smile, saying, "Every time I make a move, I treat it as my very last move. Every time I fight to the death with someone, I embrace a determination to perish... How could I possibly think that Phoenix City is devoid of talent?"

"Even facing Shen Ping, I didn't have absolute confidence that I could defeat him a second time. I am changing, so aren't others changing too? Do you know what is most feared in this world? Capsizing in a drainage ditch."

"Are you worried you'll capsize in front of Shen Ping?"

"No, I am the drainage ditch," Tang Fei said.

...

Sheng Xinhuai was stunned for a moment, then sighed and said, "I'm starting to believe now—you might lose, but you will never die. For someone who can trample his own body into the mud and bury it in a stinking ditch, his vitality must be extraordinarily tenacious, right? Who on earth could ever kill such a person?"

"I'm not afraid of losing, I'm only afraid of dying," Tang Fei said with a smile. "As long as I don't die, there's always a chance to turn the tables."

"I like you," Sheng Xinhuai stated bluntly.

"What?" Tang Fei stared at Sheng Xinhuai with wide eyes.

Little Fatty also looked over with a look of astonishment. What was wrong with this woman? How could she say such things to Big Brother?

If she liked Big Brother, who would Phoenix Sister like?

No wonder people say you need to guard against fire, theft, and your best friend...

This woman was so pretty, and her voice sounded quite nice too...

Little Fatty felt anxious and uneasy inside, genuinely worried sick for Phoenix Sister.

Anyway, he was firmly on Phoenix Sister's side, because Phoenix Sister had always been the kindest to him.

Sheng Xinhuai rolled her eyes at Tang Fei and said, "Where is your mind wandering? I have no interest in young boys. I said that compared to Shen Xinglan, I like you better..."

"Shen Xinglan is the darling of the heavens. It is said that they used the most advanced sperm selection and genetic optimization technology. The Shen family members were already exceptional to begin with, and he was the absolute best among all those sperms..."

"Born to a renowned aristocratic family, the head of the nine great clans, with countless secret manuals and rare texts at home, guided by master teachers—as for those rare medicinal herbs and heavenly treasures that nourish the body and consolidate one's foundation, his supply of them was inexhaustible."

"He could sense the Qi of Yin and Yang at age five, entered the Body Refining Realm at seven, channeled Qi at eleven, and reached the Nether Realm at thirteen... He broke the Phoenix Empire's cultivation record for the youngest person to enter the Nether Realm."

...

"...Similarly, he is also the cultivator who stayed in the Qi Channeling Realm for the shortest time, spending a mere two years in that single realm... Praising him by saying he advanced one rank a year feels almost like insulting him."

"..." Tang Fei was filled with shame.

He had been stuck in the Qi Channeling Realm for nearly four years, and had only just broken through to the upper tier of the Qi Channeling Realm a few days ago...

Comparing oneself to others only makes one want to die of anger.

Yet, in such a vast world, how many people could cultivate like Shen Xinglan?

"Later, he was personally invited by White Egret Academy to become the disciple of Academy Director Xuanyuan Mingjing. His journey all the way through has been smooth sailing, surrounded by stars adoring the moon... The so-called Three Moons and Seven Stars—he appeared even more dazzling than the moon."

She paused for a moment and added, "Of course, her Royal Highness the Princess is the exception."

"Why is she an exception?" Tang Fei asked.

Could it be that Phoenix's strength was also terrifyingly formidable? So formidable that even Shen Xinglan had to avoid her sharp edge?

Yet, he hadn't noticed that before...

"Human relations and worldly sophistication."

...

"With a person like that, do you feel wronged to lose to him? Not at all."

"All living creatures admire strength. Since he is so outstanding, why don't you like him?"

"He lacks the touch of the common world," Sheng Xinhuai curled her lips and said. "Having never experienced wind and rain, never encountered setbacks, never begged for life or begged for death, never knelt down or lowered his head... He lacks the aura to defy the heavens and change his fate, and he lacks the heart to fight to the bitter end."

"No matter how precious and glamorous a flower in a vase may be, it ultimately lacks a flavor of wild growth and unbridled audacity."

"Coincidentally, these are all the virtues possessed by you. You are more vivid, more wild, and much more full of dramatic ups and downs than he is."

"Put that way, all those hardships are actually my advantages?"

"Not quite to that extent, but they can certainly serve as your medals."

"I'd still rather be Shen Xinglan," Tang Fei said with a smile. "A lifestyle of smooth sailing and being surrounded by adoring stars is simply too blissful. If one can stand and enjoy glory, who would willingly kneel and beg for mercy?"

"Who wouldn't want to be Shen Xinglan?" Sheng Xinhuai nodded and said. "Unfortunately, you don't have a choice."

"Are you comforting me?" Tang Fei looked at Sheng Xinhuai and asked suspiciously.

"I am encouraging you," Sheng Xinhuai replied. "I want to make you face reality squarely, yet I don't want you to lose your edge."

"Then I suppose I should thank you," Tang Fei said, exasperated.

After hearing her encouragement, he felt even less confident instead...

Shen Xinglan was simply too outstanding—so outstanding that even a protagonist would feel embarrassed to model their life after him.

People used to say, 'How can you see a rainbow without experiencing wind and rain?'

That was wrong. Only those who didn't need to experience wind and rain had the leisure to appreciate rainbows; those who endured wind and rain all day long still had to keep their heads down and hurry on their journey when the rain stopped.

No matter how pretty a rainbow was, it wasn't as practical as earning a few loose coins.

"You're welcome," Sheng Xinhuai cupped one hand over her chest with a very proud expression.

Soon, Phoenix walked out wearing a small black evening dress. She was playful, lively, and carried a young girl's unique, subtle modesty and sexiness.

The Phoenix Soars to the Nine Heavens crown on her head had also been removed, and her mass of dark hair was casually and simply pinned into a bun.

However, to Tang Fei's secret delight, the wooden hairpin he had given Phoenix was wedged just right among the tips of her hair.

As she walked with a bouncy, lively posture, the wooden phoenix seemed to shake its body as if about to spread its wings and fly high.

"The dance is about to start," Sheng Xinhuai remarked.

Her eyes were bright and gleaming, a faint smile playing at the corners of her lips as she said, "Shen Xinglan and Qin Jianyi are gone. Let's see who will come and invite our little princess to dance the first opening dance..."

This woman seemed utterly indifferent to everything, maintaining a carefree attitude of drifting through the world, as if everyone else was awake while she alone was drunk.

"You seem quite expectant."

Sheng Xinhuai tilted her head, looked Tang Fei up and down, and smiled with narrowed eyes, "Don't you want to go up and try?"

Of course Tang Fei wanted to go up and try.

However, he was well aware of his own situation. If he rushed over to dance the first opening dance with Phoenix at this moment, it would solidify his identity as Phoenix's rumored boyfriend...

Previously, the rumors between them had only stemmed from a few minor incidents that revealed their close relationship, and most people assumed it was just groundless gossip.

However, if at the princess's coming-of-age ceremony, the two of them walked hand in hand and arm in arm to dance the first opening dance—who would still say they weren't a romantic couple?

Under the gaze of so many eyes, through the spreading of so many mouths, alongside countless photos and videos, by then he and Phoenix would inevitably be pushed back into the storm's center.

If you wish to wear the crown, you must bear its weight.

Yet, if that crown was far too heavy—heavy enough to crush and break you, causing the crown itself to roll onto the ground and shatter into pieces—would you still insist on wearing it?

Such an action would bring misfortune rather than blessings.

Sheng Xinhuai's provocation carried a hint of malicious mischief, clearly having determined that Tang Fei wouldn't dare make such a choice.

"I won't go and put her in a difficult position," Tang Fei sighed softly.

Sheng Xinhuai let out a giggling laugh and scolded, "Coward."

...

"Big Brother, I'll go," Little Fatty spoke up. "I'll go invite Phoenix Sister to dance."

Tang Fei looked at Little Fatty in astonishment and asked, "Can you dance?"

"I can't," Little Fatty replied with a simple, honest smile. "That's why I have to go."

Tang Fei hesitated for a moment, patted Little Fatty's shoulder, and said, "Go ahead."

"Alrighty," having received Tang Fei's command, Little Fatty swayed his chubby figure and walked toward Phoenix, who was surrounded by the crowd.

Sheng Xinhuai thoughtfully eyed Little Fatty's plump back and remarked, "This younger brother of yours isn't foolish at all."

...

It had to be said that this was the best way to handle the situation.

Tang Fei himself definitely couldn't go; if he went, he'd probably end up trending on hot searches, which was far too dangerous and meant needlessly roasting himself over a fire.

Although she loved intense romance stories where moths flew into the flame, if it happened to be a close friend, she would advise them to avoid flying into the flame if at all possible...

Wasn't it better to just live a good life?

Dead people couldn't enjoy the sweetness of love or the saltiness of women.

If Tang Fei didn't extend the invitation, based on her understanding of that young lady, she would likely reject everyone else's invitations.

Wouldn't that make things even more obvious?

What's this? She didn't invite you, so you're not going to dance at all?

Little Fatty going was the absolute best fit first. He was Tang Fei's brother and also had an exceptional relationship with Phoenix; it was clear that Phoenix cared for and looked after him, genuinely treating him like her own younger brother.

With that approach, Tang Fei could accept it, and Phoenix could accept it too.

Second, Little Fatty was also Phoenix's savior. What was wrong with Phoenix dancing with her own savior?

Even when facing such a rival in love, you couldn't even feel jealous...

No way, no way? Are you really that petty?

Jealous of even Little Fatty? Are you still a man?

Third, Little Fatty was very fat...

With Little Fatty going up there, no one would suspect that he had a fling with Phoenix, and even the gossip-loving tabloids wouldn't be able to fabricate romance rumors between them.

Even if they wrote it, nobody would believe it.

Sheng Xinhuai could think of all these wonderful implications, but had Little Fatty figured them out himself?

"Of course he's not stupid, he's just fat," Tang Fei said, exasperated. "Don't assume that fat people are idiots. There are plenty of very smart fat people out there."

"Alright, alright, I know you brothers have deep affection for each other. An older brother full of shady tricks, a younger brother who looks simple-minded but is actually shrewd—I'm truly curious, how on earth did you guys live up on the Old Soil? What kind of person could possibly raise a pair of brothers like you? Is it that old man you always talk about?"

"We are self-taught geniuses," Tang Fei said.

"As if I'd believe that, huh."

"There you go copying Little Fatty again..."

——

"Your Royal Highness the Princess, may I have this dance?" Gongshu Yan of the Gongshu family was the first to step forward and issue an invitation.

"I'm sorry, I'm not ready yet."

"Your Highness Xiuxue, might I have the honor of a dance?" Shi An of the Shi family bowed slightly, making an inviting gesture.

"I'm sorry, I'm feeling a bit unwell."

"Your Highness the Princess, today is your seventeenth coming-of-age ceremony. Might I have the honor of accompanying you for this first dance?" Gongshu Jin made an inviting gesture with perfect courtesy.

"I'm sorry, I'm too tired, I'd like to rest for a little while..."

Phoenix then turned to the young men and women gathered around and called out loudly, "Everyone go ahead and dance, please enjoy yourselves..."

"How can that do? Today is Her Royal Highness the Princess's coming-of-age ceremony..."

"Yeah, according to tradition, Her Royal Highness the Princess has to lead everyone in the first dance..."

"If Your Highness doesn't dance, how could any of us dare to dance?"

"Indeed, Your Highness the Princess, why don't you dance this first dance?"

——

Clearly, everyone understood that the sole protagonist of tonight was Her Royal Highness Princess Zhongyu Xiuxue of the Phoenix Empire.

No matter what excuse she used to refuse, before she danced that first dance, if anyone else rushed ahead and started dancing on their own, that would be completely lacking in tact and appreciation...

Most of the young people present were children of high-ranking officials or prominent figures. They might not be skilled at much else, but etiquette in human interactions of this sort was something they were extremely familiar with.

They knew what to say and what to do on such occasions.

"Your Highness the Princess, just dance one!" someone chimed in to instigate.

"Your Highness the Princess, just dance one!"

"Your Highness the Princess, just dance one!"

"Your Highness the Princess, just dance one!"

——

The crowd chanted in unison, and Phoenix was once again driven into a corner.

Right at that moment, a tall, plump young boy wearing a suit that didn't quite fit his figure made his way through the crowd and walked toward Phoenix.

"Phoenix Sister... I... I..." When Little Fatty stood in front of Phoenix, he suddenly grew nervous.

He had never done anything like this before. He didn't know how to dance, let alone ever invite a girl to dance.

Under the blazing glare of the crystal chandeliers and the scrutiny and appraisal of those countless eyes, Little Fatty couldn't even speak clearly anymore.

"I... can I... ask you to dance with me?"

Phoenix looked at Little Fatty standing before her, taking in the beads of sweat on his forehead, his flushed red face, and his right hand that kept trembling as he extended it...

She smiled with narrowed eyes, placed her small hand into Little Fatty's large hand, and said in a crisp voice, "Alright. It's my honor."