When She Stops Being Dramatic

Chapter 234: Chapter 97: Leading Lady of the 1960s Cultural Troupe (36)

"Others might not know, but based on my understanding of her, she wants you all to get good results at this August City arts festival. It will help her squeeze her way back into the Central Political Department and become one of the choreographers!"

"So, for the August festival, she’s definitely going to bring out her best work, and that will be your Heavenly Ladder into the Central Political Department."

Jie Xiaoqin trembled all over. "Teacher, are... are you telling the truth?"

"If your guess is right, does that mean as long as I’m the lead dancer and perform well in this performance and the one in August, I can ride on Teacher Su’s coattails into the Central Political Department?"

Master Yuan nodded, her smile certain. "Yes. Su Bai Meng was pushed out back then. If she can return to the Central Political Department this time, how could she not bring one or two of her favorite students with her?"

"Whether it’s one or two, one of them has to be you!"

Jie Xiaoqin pressed her lips together tightly. Her dream was within reach, but she hesitated and said with some frustration:

"The performance here in North City is one thing. Since Xia Zhaoyun missed the first week of training and rehearsals, Teacher Su just brushed her aside and had her put together a single act."

"But for the city-wide festival in August, how could Mr. Xue and Teacher Su possibly choose me over her?"

"After all, the better the lead dancer’s skill and flair, the more extraordinary the work will seem. Besides, Group Three has been making quite a stir these past two days. Maybe Xia Zhaoyun will actually come up with something good."

Remembering the beaming smiles on the faces of the people in Group Three and how they were holding their heads higher each day, even though Jie Xiaoqin had never considered them rivals, her heart pounded in this moment. She had a nagging feeling that something was about to happen.

Master Yuan scoffed. "Silly girl, you need to remember that opportunities are man-made. I can create one for you, and I can create a second. But the prerequisite is that you have to be more outstanding than everyone else, besides her."

"Let that little vixen Xia Zhaoyun make a fuss for half a month. We’ll see what she can cook up. But whether it’s good or bad, I won’t let her have the chance to set foot on stage for the final performance."

"Mr. Xue also said that this North City performance is the main criterion for selection. If she can’t even get on stage, there’s no way Xia Zhaoyun will be nominated for the program in August."

A fire ignited in Jie Xiaoqin’s heart. The muscles in her face grew rigid with excitement.

Although things had to be taken step by step, she could already envision herself entering the Central Political Department. A ferocious, determined smile spread across her normally delicate and placid face.

Teacher Yuan spoke with her for a while longer, telling her to maintain a good balance and not to drop the ball at the critical moment.

As soon as the two of them left, Xia Zhaoyun watched their retreating backs, then turned to Huo Tianhao and pouted aggrievedly. "Do they think I’m some paper doll they can just push around?"

’What’s all this about one opportunity more or less not making a difference to me?’

’Even Master Yuan herself knows that an artist’s prime is only so many years long. The Central Political Department’s recruitment is like the ancient imperial examinations—it’s strict in every respect, and you can’t get in through the back door.’

’Missing one chance means waiting two years. And even with my talent, it’s not like I’d stand out that much once I got to the Central Political Department. It would be a whole new journey then.’

Huo Tianhao stroked her head, his eyes glinting with anger and coldness. "They have no regard for anyone else. Who knows what kind of methods they’ll use to achieve their goals."

He never underestimated the malice of others. Whether it was back when he was in school, in the army, or now in the transport team, he’d seen more than his fair share of people trying to trip him up—maybe for a bonus of just a few dozen yuan, or maybe because his own excellence made others jealous.

Xia Zhaoyun sensed the change in him and tugged at his sleeve with a smile. "I’m not that easy to bully. Even before I knew what they were planning, I had already come up with several ways to handle unexpected situations."

"At the last Golden Microphone competition, I didn’t give anyone a chance to mess with me, did I?"

"Real strength is the ultimate weapon for shattering all ghosts and demons!"

"And now that I know how important these two performances are, I’ll definitely have to fight for it with everything I’ve got."

"Tianhao, this is all small stuff. I can handle it myself. You don’t need to worry. Just focus on driving safely—that’s the most important thing!"

Huo Tianhao pulled her into a tight embrace. "Xiaxia, you know, you don’t have to be so smart and strong all the time. I’m your man. You can lean on me a little. Otherwise, it makes me feel pretty useless."

Xia Zhaoyun burst out laughing and snuggled her head against his chest. "How could that be?"

"I used to fight my battles alone, but now I have Ranran, the kids, and you. It gives me a whole different level of confidence when I face my enemies. Honestly, for me, struggling with heaven is endless joy, struggling with earth is endless joy, but struggling with people? That’s what really fills me with the will to fight!"