Chapter 11

The first dance I performed with them was “Swan Lake,” as if it had been destined from the very beginning.

Soon, after a month of rehearsals, the Orientation Gala arrived.

That afternoon was the military training achievement review.

In the evening, the Orientation Gala officially began.

Renwen University is a private university, and the composition of the School Leadership is rather complicated, with people from all walks of life.

In the VIP section of the gala, many unfamiliar middle-aged faces were seated.

It wasn’t until the four of us finished our makeup in the dressing room and were about to change clothes that I suddenly discovered my ballet costume was missing from my wardrobe.

I nearly burst into tears: “Who did this? Who took my clothes?”

Deng Xingxing said impatiently, “Since it’s gone, you might as well not go on stage.”

Cheng Youran, standing nearby with her eyes lowered and an eerie air about her, echoed, “It’s better if you don’t go.”

I was furious, convinced that the two of them had stolen my dance costume. The emotions of being neglected and excluded for a month finally snapped, and I started shouting:

“What is it with you two? Why do you have to target me? I just want to study well, dance well, repay Teacher Zhang! Save some money for my family! Why can’t you tolerate me?”

The air fell silent in an instant. Deng Xingxing’s face looked especially ugly, but she still stiffened her neck and retorted angrily:

“Yes! I just can’t stand you! Always pretending to be pitiful! Get lost!”

The clock on the wall suddenly ticked twice. There were thirty minutes left before our performance.

Qin Xue was still as gentle as ever. She walked over to me and took my hand.

She gently wiped away my tears and asked me seriously, “Ji Xia, I’ll ask you one last time. Are you sure you really want to participate in this performance?”

I was born stubborn and competitive, and that spirit surged up inside me: “Yes, I’m performing!”