Chapter 22

Just like last September, after I first attended the Orientation Gala, the sound of footsteps echoed outside.

Like a nightmare, it clung to me relentlessly, driving me to the brink of collapse.

Time overlapped and intertwined, and I began to lose track of what was dream and what was reality.

At that time, the four of us had just finished dancing Swan Lake and were quickly brought back to the club.

Teacher Zhang said that later, the leadership would personally come to evaluate me.

Only by passing this evaluation could I truly become a member of the Ballet Club.

I prepared myself, determined to greet the leaders in the best possible state of mind.

But what was it that awaited me?

…

It was greasy embraces, terrifying hands, suffocating breath.

A torn skirt, men’s lewd jokes.

I struggled and screamed with all my might, only to be met with merciless slaps.

“Not obedient? It’s fine, a little training will fix that.”

My cheeks burned and swelled, venomous words pierced my heart, suppression and coaxing intertwined.

“Ji Xia, right? Not bad, I like you. From now on, your future is in my hands.”

Many voices echoed in my ears.

At one moment, it was the girls’ desperate cries.

“Help…”

“No…”

“Save me…”

At another, it was the men’s coarse laughter.

“It’s even better in front of the mirror. Xiao Zhang did a good job with this. For next year’s awards and honors, she’ll get priority consideration.”

“Did you bring out all the tools from the lounge? Let’s have some real fun tonight.”

“Forget it, you guys play downstairs. I’ll take her back to my room.”

Then, it was Teacher Zhang’s warning.

“All of this stays buried in your stomachs. Especially you, Ji Xia. No one forced you. You joined the club of your own free will, and you participated in the Orientation Gala of your own free will. If you dare to speak out, your parents will suffer.”

“These leaders, every one of them is powerful and influential. The title of School Leadership is just the lowest layer of their identities.”

“If you can latch onto them, your future will be smooth. You’ll avoid so many detours. Don’t be ungrateful when you’re already blessed.”