Chapter 12: The Contest

Zhou Ruikang sat by the treadmill, wiping the sweat from his brow with a towel.

Lately, Second Young Master Xu had been frequenting the gym for reasons unknown, dragging Zhou along every single time, leaving him utterly exhausted.

"I just don't get it," Zhou panted heavily. "With those abs of yours—eight-pack, clear as day—what's left to train? Are you planning to charm every woman in the world to death?"

Xu Yancheng simply shot back, "How many abs does Xu Mingchuan have?"

Zhou was baffled. Why did Xu Mingchuan come up out of nowhere?

"You want to compete with him? Is that really necessary? He can't hold a candle to you," Zhou said, genuinely at a loss. By all logic, when it came to the Xu family, shouldn't the competition be about business management skills?

Why did it have to extend to physique as well? Since when did the rivalry between heirs become so intense?

"The eldest young master is only older than you. In every other way, he falls short. He's not as handsome, not as tall. Come on, can't you take a break?" Zhou naïvely thought that after all he'd said, Xu Yancheng would surely stop, but the result was that Xu went on to complete a full two-hour workout without pause.

Truly, his self-discipline was astounding.

Ever since the truth-or-dare incident, Xu Mingchuan hadn't dared to ask Lin Lu out again.

With the competition approaching, Lin Lu was immersed in intensive rehearsals. Xu decided he would simply show up to support her in person on the day of the event.

Yet, what troubled him was that his family had arranged one blind date after another for him, to the point where he was utterly overwhelmed.

Soon, the day of the competition arrived. To ensure everything went smoothly, the organizers required all contestants to check into the on-site hotel a day in advance.

Since the venue was in North City, there was no need for tiring travel, and time was on their side.

The Dream Chasers' team, led by Huang Han, checked into the hotel on schedule. It was here that Lin Lu met Su Yi's mother, Wen Caiqing.

"Teacher Huang," Wen greeted with a gentle smile.

"You're early, Teacher Wen," Huang replied with a polite smile, though it was all superficial courtesy.

Wen Caiqing turned her attention to Lin Lu, who stood at Huang's side. "Is this your star student?"

"Hello, Teacher Wen," Lin Lu greeted in a calm, unflinching manner.

Wen was a beauty herself, and Su Yi had inherited much of her grace.

"A strong leader commands only the best. I wish you a great performance," Wen said.

Though Lin Lu knew the words were hollow, she replied with polite gratitude, "Thank you, Teacher Wen."

The opening ceremony was scheduled for tomorrow morning, with the competition proper beginning in the afternoon.

Huang Han settled each team member, then carefully checked the costumes with her assistant before finally retiring to her room to rest.

With nothing urgent to do and no rehearsals required that day, Lin Lu lounged on her bed, scrolling through Weibo.

Many fans had left messages of encouragement, and she replied to a few, assuring them she would do her best and live up to their expectations.

Lin Lu's posts on Weibo were always strictly dance-related; she rarely shared anything about her private life.

The troupe required this of her, to maintain a positive, professional image.

A message popped up from Xu Mingchuan on WeChat: "Lin Lu, I've reached out to a few fan clubs. They'll be at the venue tomorrow to cheer for you all."

Lin Lu called him back. "You really did it?"

"Of course. I keep my promises," Xu replied. He had just escaped from a painfully awkward blind date and, finally free, was instantly cheered by the sound of Lin Lu's voice.

"Then let me thank you on behalf of Dream Chasers," she said.

"Alright, I'll let you get back to it. I'll coordinate directly with Teacher Huang a bit later. See you tomorrow." Xu hung up, feeling completely refreshed.