After Zhao Xiyin's fever subsided, she caught a bad cold. Soaking in the hot springs was good for her, to get rid of the chill. With a towel draped over her head, she leaned over the pool and sent New Year's greetings to Dai Yunxin, Li Ran, Zhao Zhao, Cen Yue, Gu Heping, and a few other university classmates. After hesitating for a moment, she sent one to Su Ying as well.
Everyone else replied, but Su Ying didn't.
Dai Yunxin called directly and said succinctly, "Let's have dinner together tomorrow."
Zhao Xiyin stuck out her tongue, "Master is still the best."
The next day, the master and apprentice ate sour soup dumplings at Hanshe Restaurant in Guomao. Zhao Xiyin quite liked this Sichuan restaurant and ate heartily, finishing half a plate of dumplings. Dai Yunxin reached out and took the dumplings away, saying seriously, "We're about to start filming together, will you never learn to control your weight?"
Zhao Xiyin's cheeks were bulging, and she couldn't bear to swallow half a dumpling. "Master, it's the New Year, how about an extra meal?"
Dai Yunxin glared at her, and she gave up in a cowardly manner.
"Now that you've taken on the lead dance role, what are your plans?" Dai Yunxin asked.
Zhao Xiyin didn't think much of it, "I didn't plan on it, I'll just dance well."
“Once the movie is released, opportunities will only increase. Dancing is a passion, and it should also be a profession.” Dai Yunxin asked, “What are your career plans?”
This is too formal. Zhao Xiyin licked a drop of vinegar from her lips, still craving it. "I really didn't think that much about it. Zhang Yijie asked me the same question last time."
"What did you say?"
"I just want to dance properly." Zhao Xiyin took a small sip of chrysanthemum tea, the fragrance lingering on her tongue. "I think what he said was too complicated, and I'm not interested in it."
Dai Yunxin sighed, "When will you change your indifferent nature?"
Zhao Xiyin smiled sheepishly.
“Here’s what we’ll do,” Dai Yun thought to himself, “Don’t sign any contracts Zhang Yijie offers you. Just focus on completing this mission. It’s the right thing to do to concentrate on your work.”
Zhao Xiyin nodded repeatedly, as if mashing garlic.
"When the time comes, you can come directly to my side. I'll personally oversee how you develop, how you jump ship, and where you jump ship," Dai Yunxin said earnestly. "You're twenty-six, not young anymore. How can you not have something to rely on for survival?"
Zhao Xiyin didn't think too much about it and just said what she meant, "But it's a contract with your company, isn't it?"
"What are you saying?" Dai Yunxin was displeased. "You wouldn't trust someone else to sign with you, would you?"
That's really too much. Zhao Xiyin grinned. "No, no, I was afraid of causing you trouble."
Dai Yun was heartbroken and exasperated. "With your easygoing and unambitious nature, you'll be sold out and still have to count the money for the seller! I won't feel at ease unless I keep an eye on you."
Zhao Xiyin knew in her heart that this title of "Master" was not given for nothing.
She started learning dance from Dai Yunxin at the age of seven, without paying a single penny in tuition; all her hard work and dedication had been poured into her training. If she still harbored any resentment, she would be unworthy of being called human, worse than a beast.
"By the way, how are things between you and Zhou Qishen lately?" Dai Yunxin asked casually.
Zhao Xiyin gripped her chopsticks tightly, her tone calm, "Not very good."
Dai Yunxin glanced at her meaningfully, "It's good to end the entanglement. If you really remarry, who knows what trouble you'll cause, and it won't help your future career."
She put the half-plate of dumplings she had just taken back back down, gently placing it in front of Zhao Xiyin, and generously said, "Eat up."
Dai Yunxin had other things to do, so she left after lunch.
Like a relay race, Cen Yue's phone rang immediately. Her clear and pleasant voice sounded cheerful, "Zhao Xigua, let's go shopping together this afternoon."
Zhao Xiyin asked in surprise, "Didn't you go back to Shanxi?"
“You’re back again,” Cen Yue said. “I just went back to see my dad. He’s so nagging. So I ran away back to the capital overnight to seek the glorious protection of the Party.”
Zhao Xiyin laughed out loud, "Nonsense."
"So, are you coming shopping or not?"
"Come on." Zhao Xiyin headed towards the subway station. "See you at the usual place."
The two watched a movie, which was really bad. They complained about it all the way home, saying it was a waste of money. Later, they went to Aoyama Research Institute to eat cake, which made up for their disappointment, and their good mood was restored.
Cen Yue took a bite of what she ordered and suddenly asked, "Zhao Xigua, is Gu Heping pursuing your friend?"
Zhao Xiyin choked and coughed, "Huh? Ah. No, I've heard about it before, but there doesn't seem to be any sign of it lately."
Cen Yue responded with an "oh," her face expressionless, as if she were about to embark on a major undertaking.
Zhao Xiyin swallowed hard. "No, Little Moon, do you really like Gu Heping?"
"I like him," Cen Yue said frankly. "He has the kind of looks I like."
Sigh! So he's swayed by looks? That's absurd. "He's not short of money. If you like this type, I'll ask my aunt to help you find one?"
Cen Yue shook her head. "I don't want a fake."
Zhao Xiyin suppressed a laugh, "Alright, alright, then I wish you success."
She had been worried before, but judging from Cen Yue's attitude, it was at most a "spending money to support a gigolo" mentality. If she didn't develop real feelings, then it wouldn't be too serious. Comparatively, she was more worried about Li Ran. This girl was stubborn and loyal. She seemed carefree, but she was very devoted. Zhao Xiyin had asked her several times, and Li Ran always responded with a straightforward "I'm number one" tone, "Pah! A playboy like that surnamed Gu wants to pursue me? I wouldn't take him even if he paid me!"
Who can be sure what's true and what's false?
After finishing a small piece of cake, the two of them managed to control themselves and didn't dare eat too much for dinner. Just as they were discussing where to go that evening, Cen Yue's eyes lit up, and she suddenly said, "Haven't you always wanted to learn pole dancing?"
Zhao Xiyin blinked. "How do I learn?"
Cen Yue pursed her lips, like a child who had secretly eaten candy, "Shall we go to a bar?!"
Zhao Xiyin thought about it and was also eager to try, "Okay."