Chapter 120: If You Do Not Come, the Phoenix Will Not Bloom!

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The sudden appearance of the little chubby boy disrupted many people’s plans.

Originally, they intended to invite Her Highness the Princess to dance the first dance and claim the honor.

They were not afraid of rumors involving the Phoenix; they had strong physiques, solid skills, and powerful family influence that could withstand all gossip and schemes.

Even the royal family’s suitor selection would likely come from among their young talents.

Yet, they never expected to be upended by a little chubby boy.

Nor did they expect the Phoenix to truly accept the chubby boy’s invitation, agreeing to accompany him for the first dance at the coming-of-age ceremony.

“What does Her Highness the Princess mean by this? How could she accept an invitation from a chubby boy?” Gong Shuyan asked with a displeased expression as he saw Phoenix place her delicate hand in the chubby boy’s large one.

After Qin Jianyi lost and Shen Xinglan left, Gong Shuyan felt he was the top among the young people present.

So, when Phoenix appeared in a new outfit, he was the first to step forward and invite her.

Of course, reality was cruel, and he was the first to be rejected.

It was one thing for her to refuse him—she had refused everyone else, after all.

But for her to accept the invitation of a little chubby boy—what did that mean?

Could it be that the talented youths of Phoenix City were inferior to a chubby boy from the Old Lands?

Wasn’t that a slap in the face?

Standing nearby, Shi An’s face was also grim as he said in a low voice, “That chubby boy is Tang Fei’s younger brother. At the start of the banquet, he even got into a fight with Qin Yuyang. Qin Jianyi challenged Tang Fei because of that, but ended up losing. What a loser.”

“Oh, I know him. He claims to be Shang Xiulin’s master. How could Shang Xiulin have such a master? That must be fake, right?”

Shi An gave Gong Shuyan a surprised glance and said, “Do you really need to ask? Shang Xiulin must be out of his mind to find such a master. What could he possibly teach him? How to eat? But apparently, he is Shang Xiulin’s last disciple.”

Gong Shuyan was stunned for a moment before saying, “Sure enough, Shang Xiulin is brainwashed.”

Nearby, Miss Li spoke candidly, “Beauty and the Beast, oh my god, I was wrong. I shouldn’t have been so eager for the princess to dance—I’d rather she refuse everyone.”

—

The music began, and Phoenix took little chubby’s hand, stepping into the center of the dance floor.

Little chubby had no idea what to do.

After inviting her, he just stood there awkwardly.

As everyone said, the contrast between his large, bulky frame and the tall, graceful Phoenix was truly like Beauty and the Beast—full of comedic charm.

“Have you never danced before?” Phoenix asked, looking at him.

She knew he wouldn’t know how to dance; after all, such social activities didn’t exist in the Old Lands.

Furthermore, she was sure he didn’t even like dancing—he would rather be breaking stones.

For him, this was both torture and humiliation.

She had heard the cruel words from others, and he had too.

Yet, he still came.

He came in place of his older brother.

He knew it was his moment to stand up, so he did.

As for the scorn, mockery, and insults from others—what did they matter?

“Yeah,” little chubby smiled guilelessly and said, “I only know how to break stones.”

“That’s okay, I’ll teach you. Follow my rhythm. Forward, backward, oh!”

“Sorry, sorry,” little chubby apologized repeatedly, accidentally stepping on Phoenix’s toes.

He knew his own weight; that step must have cracked her toes—if she weren’t a cultivator, that is.

“It’s okay,” Phoenix said, enduring the pain with a sweet smile on her beautiful face, reassuring him, “When I first learned to dance, I often stepped on the etiquette officer’s shoes. Just keep trying.”

“Don’t be nervous. Relax your body.”

“Don’t look around; try to look into my eyes. Don’t look at your toes—oh no, it’s okay, don’t look down…”

“Yes, yes, that’s good—you’re dancing better and not as nervous as before. Oh, it’s okay, you’re stepping on my feet less now. That means you’re improving.”

“Very good, just like that. Little chubby is amazing to learn so quickly.”

—

There was no denying that little chubby’s movements were awkward and comical, like a clumsy bear dancing with its paws.

He often turned the wrong way or stepped on Phoenix’s feet, causing laughter throughout the hall and some unfriendly remarks.

He was very nervous, extremely so.

Sweat poured down his forehead, soaking the white shirt beneath his suit jacket before the dance was even over.

Yet, he persisted.

He kept trying his best to learn.

He didn’t like dancing, but he was determined to finish this dance.

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His older brother had done so much for him; he couldn’t even fail at this small task.

He knew he was clumsy, but also knew he was tough—neither knives nor swords could hurt him, let alone some trivial words.

Tang Fei watched from the side, laughing along with everyone else.

His smile was bright, seeming even happier than those mocking little chubby’s awkwardness.

Yet, his gaze was fierce and cold.

He knew all the humiliation little chubby endured stemmed from his own lack of strength.

If he were the number one in the galaxy, who would dare mock his brother like that?

No, if he were number one, would he even need little chubby to cover for him?

He would proudly invite Phoenix to the first dance in front of everyone—who could say a word?

“Get stronger!”

“I must become stronger!”

Tang Fei clenched his fists and once again vowed silently.

To ensure he could still be seen among the crowd, that his every word was listened to, and that those around him would not be bullied.

Tang Fei resolved to become number one in the galaxy, the strongest man on this planet.

If that failed, then little chubby would be first, and he would be second.

“Tang Fei,” Sheng Xinhui called out.

Tang Fei, still struggling to calm himself, turned and asked hoarsely, “What?”

When Sheng Xinhui’s eyes met Tang Fei’s, she was momentarily frightened.

His gaze was terrifying—like a wounded beast ready to pounce and devour.

Sheng Xinhui, sharp-witted, immediately understood Tang Fei’s mood.

“Before absolute strength, all anger is meaningless,” she said, echoing his thoughts and then asked, “Can you dance?”

“No.”

Tang Fei replied.

“How’s your memory?”

“Excellent.”

This was no boast; Tang Fei naturally had a superb memory. He could learn whatever the old man taught in one go—whether hunting or cultivation.

That was why the old man insisted on teaching him mechanical knowledge, since he could remember every program and detail.

Little chubby forgot everything immediately—like a goldfish with a seven-second memory, but worse.

“From now on, I’ll teach you court dance. You must remember every move I make,” Sheng Xinhui said.

“I understand,” Tang Fei nodded.

She then drank her champagne in one gulp, handed the empty glass to Tang Fei, and said, “Watch carefully. You don’t need to cooperate yet. Just watch and put yourself in the role of the male lead. Can you do that?”

“I can.”

Tang Fei said.

He understood Sheng Xinhui’s meaning: she would demonstrate the solo dance while he observed, imagining himself as the absent male partner.

This was a dance for two, but she was showing it alone.

Wouldn’t it be faster to learn if they danced together? Was she worried he’d take advantage of her?

Of course, she didn’t say, and Tang Fei was too shy to ask.

After all, he was also a bashful young man.

“Remember, here you spin.”

“Here the lady leans back; you need to support her lightly with your right hand.”

“Here, you leap forward, actively leading her.”

—

When the demonstration ended, Sheng Xinhui looked at Tang Fei and asked, “How much did you remember?”

“About eighty percent.”

“Very good.”

She was very satisfied with his performance.

She knew Tang Fei had no dance background and had never been exposed to it before. Remembering eighty percent after one demonstration was impressive.

Not only did he remember the moves, but he mentally filled in the gaps during her performance.

“I’ll show it again. Watch closely.”

“Okay,” Tang Fei nodded.

She then quickened the pace and performed the dance again.

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Because she accelerated and wasn’t a cultivator, by the end she was slightly breathless.

Her chest heaved softly, breath fragrant as orchids, sweat beads appeared on her forehead, and her complexion was rosy like blooming peach blossoms.

She looked at Tang Fei and asked, “How much do you remember now?”

“All of it,” Tang Fei said confidently.

“Excellent,” Sheng Xinhui nodded and glanced toward the center of the dance floor where Phoenix stood. “The first dance is about to end. Go invite her to dance the second.”

Tang Fei had long anticipated Sheng Xinhui’s impromptu tutoring and took the chance to voice his doubts, “Is it appropriate?”

“It’s fine. The first dance is symbolic; the rest don’t matter. After the second, you two can find others to dance with.”

“Don’t think dancing with others means you’re unfaithful to each other. Don’t be so dramatic…”

“I understand,” Tang Fei nodded.

As the music for the first dance ended, Sheng Xinhui patted Tang Fei’s shoulder and said, “Go.”

Tang Fei strode toward Phoenix, stopped before her, bowed slightly, and extended his right hand, saying, “Respected Princess, may I have this dance?”

“Of course, it is my honor,” Phoenix smiled sweetly and placed her delicate hand in his.

The person she was waiting for had finally come.

Tang Fei smiled at little chubby and said, “Thank you for your effort.”

“Brother, it’s no trouble. Dancing is fun,” little chubby wiped sweat from his face and said.

“Okay, go rest.”

“I’m going to get something to eat. Dancing made me hungry,” little chubby said.

“Go ahead. Eat more,” Phoenix said, smiling at little chubby. “He’s a very good dance partner.”

“Just keeps stepping on Phoenix sister’s feet,” little chubby said embarrassedly.

“That’s okay,” Phoenix said, “It doesn’t hurt at all.”

“Okay,” little chubby said, looking at Tang Fei. “Brother, I’m going to eat.”

“All right. Leave the rest to me,” Tang Fei said.

The music started again. Tang Fei took Phoenix’s hand and led her to the center of the dance floor.

Tang Fei’s arm lightly encircled Phoenix’s waist, and she placed a hand on his shoulder. Hand in hand, they danced gracefully to the rhythm.

It was a slow love song, perfect for intimate interaction between a couple.

Others, seeing Phoenix invited again, quickly found their own partners and began to dance.

They couldn’t just stop dancing because they couldn’t invite the princess; after all, there were many options.

Unlike Tang Fei, whose gaze was fixed on the princess’s long legs.

Her warmth and softness in his arms, the familiar scent of lemon on her breath.

“It’s been so long since I’ve smelled this up close…”

Tang Fei thought to himself.

“So fragrant.”

Looking at the beauty so close, Tang Fei smiled with narrowed eyes.

Phoenix also smiled and said, “Mr. Tang, you dance quite well.”

“I just learned,” Tang Fei explained. “Teacher Sheng is a good instructor.”

“Oh?” Phoenix nodded, realizing Sheng Xinhui had worried he’d be as clumsy as little chubby, so she gave him extra lessons. “Teacher Sheng really is a good teacher.”

“Jealous?”

“Of course not,” Phoenix denied. “Why did you dare to step forward?”

“I was afraid you’d be upset if I didn’t.”

“Why didn’t you come sooner if you knew I’d be upset?”

“I was afraid your father would be angry.”

“…”

Tang Fei looked into Phoenix’s eyes and asked, “If little chubby hadn’t come, would you have kept refusing forever?”

“Of course,” Phoenix said. “I was ready not to dance tonight. I’m not a woman who can be easily persuaded…”

If you didn’t exist, I would have danced the first dance with anyone.

But because you exist, dancing the first dance with anyone else feels wrong.

“What if I didn’t come?”

Phoenix lifted her head, met Tang Fei’s gaze, and whispered, “If you don’t come, the Phoenix won’t open.”

“…”

(End of chapter)