Tan You wasn’t the least bit surprised by Wang Jue’s words. She smiled. "Then let’s shoot the video this afternoon. I’m confident in my dancing."

While Tan You could be modest, she also had a very clear understanding of her own abilities. She had performed on a stage as grand as the Spring Festival Gala; of course she knew her own skill level.

Besides, ever since coming to this world, she had never slacked off on her daily practice. Tan You had now returned to her former peak condition.

That afternoon, in Tan You’s dance studio, Wang Jue sat on the floor, resting her chin in her hands as she stared at Tan You. Meanwhile, Xu Liang stood quietly behind the main camera. There were several other cameras in the studio, which would give him plenty of footage to edit after Tan You finished.

Tan You’s previous dance costumes had almost always been red; she loved that kind of extreme passion. But today, she had chosen a pale cyan outfit, making her look like a beauty who had stepped out of a landscape painting.

Wang Jue stared, captivated, at the costume. ’If I were to make this into a dough figurine, how would I mix this pale cyan color? And how could I replicate the flow of the skirt?’

As she pondered these questions, her eyes never left Tan You, and she tried to commit every one of Tan You’s movements to memory. When Tan You leaped into the air, Wang Jue’s eyes widened. She felt as if Tan You had broken free from gravity itself, as if she could actually fly.

Xu Liang felt the same way. Watching the dancer move freely in the center of the room, he lowered his gaze and let out a soft laugh. ’I thought she truly wasn’t bothered by the recent events. But now it seems she’s let it all go completely. She’s like a person unbound, so ethereal she could drift away at any moment.’

When Tan You finished her dance, Wang Jue remained silent, lost in a daze. Tan You knew she was struck by a burst of inspiration, so she didn’t disturb her. Instead, she exchanged a look with Xu Liang, and the two of them quietly slipped out of the room.

Tan You had been in a great mood. Having just performed a highly polished dance, she was naturally feeling pleased, so the smile on her face was radiant as she came out.

When someone who rarely smiles finally does, it’s especially captivating—and that was particularly true for Tan You. Her smiles always began in her eyes, slowly spreading across her entire face.

Wen Zhe turned his head and saw the sight of Tan You’s eyes crinkled in a smile. He froze on the spot.

Tan You, of course, saw Wen Zhe as well. Her smile slowly faded, and her usual expressionless look returned. Xu Liang glanced between the two of them and was about to make his exit when he caught the sharp glare Tan You shot his way.

Xu Liang pivoted on his heel, the foot that had been about to step away immediately changing direction. "I’ll go make some tea for our guest."

When he saw Tan You’s approving gaze, Xu Liang knew he’d made the right move. The exchange of looks between them lasted only an instant, but Wen Zhe saw it all clearly.

Digging his nails into his palm, Wen Zhe forced a smile. "Long time no see, Li Li."

Xu Liang’s ears twitched. ’Li Li? Calling her so intimately?’ He wasn’t jealous, just curious.

Tan You sat down in the hallway. "It has been a while. Why didn’t you call ahead?"

Wen Zhe said in a low voice, "I was worried you were still angry with me, so I didn’t dare to get in touch."

A smile finally touched Tan You’s lips. "I wouldn’t get angry at a stranger. I’m not that petty."

Wen Zhe grew anxious. "How are we strangers? Weren’t we good friends?"

Tan You was very calm. "But I remember when I said I was coming back here, you told me that if I did, our friendship was over. Those words are still ringing in my ears; of course I haven’t forgotten."

Wen Zhe was exasperated. "I... I just said that in a fit of anger..."

Tan You just smiled. "Angry words or not, it’s all the same. I didn’t care that much anyway. Why did you suddenly come here? It must have been inconvenient, right?"

Wen Zhe felt like he had punched a fist into cotton. He sighed and said, completely out of the blue, "Xia Mo and I broke up. I realized she wasn’t the kind of girl I thought she was."

Just then, Xu Liang came out with the tea. He took the opportunity to sit down next to Tan You and pour her a cup. Watching his familiar movements, Wen Zhe frowned.

He glanced at Xu Liang, who was sitting with perfect composure, then looked tentatively at Tan You. "Can... can I talk to you alone?"

Tan You shrugged. "Teacher Xu and I tell each other everything. If you’re not comfortable with that, then don’t say it."

Wen Zhe sighed. "It’s nothing private."

He glanced at Xu Liang again. "I... I only recently found out how controlling Xia Mo is. She’d bombard me with calls every day, and she went through my phone every single day..."

Once he started, he couldn’t stop, talking nonstop for a full five minutes before pausing. Tan You just held her cup and listened quietly. Xu Liang did the same, and the two of them looked remarkably alike in that moment.

"So I broke up with her and then quit my job." Wen Zhe concluded, summarizing his last six months.

Tan You set down her cup. "So you’re telling me all this hoping I’ll comfort you, guide you, and keep you company like I used to? If so, you’re going to be disappointed. I have no interest in being a shoulder to cry on or a sympathetic ear. A person should digest their own negative emotions, not dump them on others."

Wen Zhe was stunned. He never expected such a response. After a few seconds of silence, he finally spoke. "But... but you were never like this before..."

Tan You smiled. "People change. I quite like the person I am now. Besides, I have absolutely no interest in these petty romantic dramas. I won’t waste my time on them."

Wen Zhe was completely taken aback. It was a long moment before he said, "You... you always used to comfort me..."

Tan You replied, "If you’re looking for comfort, you have plenty of girls in your contact list who would be falling over themselves to console you. Coming to me, however, you were bound to be disappointed."

She added with a small smile, "I won’t kick you out since you’re here as a guest, but that’s as far as it goes."

Wen Zhe grew anxious. "You think petty romance is meaningless?"

Tan You was resolute. "Yes, completely meaningless. I don’t like people talking to me about these things. I consider it an offense, and a waste of my time."

"Teacher Xu, I’m going to cook in a bit. Later, please get the guest room ready for him. I won’t be sleeping at home today. I’m going to my uncle’s place tonight."

Tan You understood that gossip was a fearsome thing. So, while she would be a proper host to Wen Zhe, she would also keep her distance by staying down the mountain.

Xu Liang was starting to catch on. He made an "OK" sign. "Got it. I’ll make sure he’s well taken care of, guaranteed."

Tan You’s smile became a little more genuine. "I’ll take Wang Jue down with me in a bit. I’ll have to trouble you with things here at the house."

Xu Liang replied, "It’s no trouble at all, don’t worry about it. What time will you be back tomorrow?"