Xia Hanyan Came to Her Rescue

Wen Shuang held her dance shoes in her hands.

The first person who came to her mind when she saw those embroidery needles was Xia Anran.

But there were no cameras in the dressing room.

Even if she confronted Xia Anran with the shoes now, she certainly would never admit to it!

Back when Wen Shuang was still in school, she’d heard some of the senior girls talk about all sorts of underhanded tricks in the dance troupe—things like slipping nails into shoes or sprinkling allergens into makeup cases.

She hadn’t believed it then, thinking how could people be so malicious.

She never expected to witness it herself today!

Just then, a voice from outside urged, “Wen Shuang, Yao Qianqian, are you ready? You’re on soon!”

The two women exchanged a glance.

Wen Shuang made sure to remove every single needle from her shoes before carefully slipping them on.

As she walked past Xia Anran’s makeup table, she paused for a moment.

“Qianqian, I remember Xia Anran has a performance of ‘The Copper Sparrow Branch’ tonight, doesn’t she?”

At this, Yao Qianqian’s tone soured. “Yeah! It starts at six.”

Wen Shuang hurried off to the stage.

In ‘The White-Haired Girl,’ she and Luo Xingwei danced together in perfect harmony.

Her movements were graceful; her emotional immersion flawless.

Over twenty consecutive, smooth pirouettes held the audience spellbound.

The applause from below was thunderous—everyone felt their ticket was well worth the price.

In the center of the first VIP row, a man in a blue jacket sat with quiet refinement, cradling a teacup, gently blowing on it.

Xia Anran glared hatefully at the figure on stage, slamming the table in frustration.

Damn it!

Nothing had happened to Wen Shuang at all.

She’d hidden the nails so subtly in Wen Shuang’s shoes, yet this wretched woman had been so careful! She’d gotten lucky!

Xia Anran had hoped Wen Shuang wouldn’t make it on stage today, so all of Wen Shuang’s roles would naturally become hers.

“What’s wrong, Anran?” Today Xia Hanyan had come especially to watch his sister’s performance, but he’d misremembered the time and arrived early.

As soon as the show began, Anran had been restless beside him.

Xia Anran shook her head. “It’s nothing.”

“Your performance is at six,” Xia Hanyan said, glancing at his watch. “I’m looking forward to it.”

He looked up again—the woman on stage had changed her makeup.

She seemed to blossom at her feet, flowing with unending grace.

The feeling was different from last night, as if she had fully become the character of the White-Haired Girl.

In the neighboring VIP seats, someone murmured, “Who is this actress? I’ve never seen her before.”

Someone nearby explained, “She’s a new arrival—Wen Shuang, a graduate of Beijing University’s dance program.”

“Oh, no wonder she’s so beautiful and dances so well,” the businessman replied, interest lighting his eyes. “Go ask her how much, and if she’s available.”

Xia Hanyan frowned.

By then, Wen Shuang had finished the first act and left the stage.

Soon the man returned. “Mr. Lin, Miss Wen said no matter the price, she’s not available. She asked you to seek someone else.”

“Just a mere dancer, and she dares put on such airs!”

Refused in front of everyone, Mr. Lin felt his pride wounded.

He stood abruptly, intending to intercept her.

Xia Hanyan set down his teacup, took a sip, and followed.

After stepping off stage, Wen Shuang had Yao Qianqian buy her a few things, then passed by Xia Anran’s table.

As she stepped outside, she was startled by a greasy man who suddenly appeared in front of her!

“You must be Miss Wen. I watched you dance just now—you were incredible, beautiful as a fairy. I just had to come introduce myself,” Mr. Lin said, approaching.

Up close, her beauty was even more stunning, more alluring than on stage.

Wen Shuang stepped back warily, thinking this must be the man who’d tried to buy her services earlier. Even after being turned down, he wouldn’t give up!

She said coldly, “Sorry, I’m busy—I have the second act to prepare for, and I’m not interested in meeting you. Excuse me, Mr. Lin.”

Mr. Lin blocked the door, leaning against the frame, assuming an air of charm. “Miss Wen, dancing here every day must be tiring. If you’re willing, I can make you the principal dancer.”

Wen Shuang refused. “That won’t be necessary. I can rely on myself.”

The more distant and cold she was, the greater Mr. Lin’s desire to conquer her.

He reached out, intending to touch her.

Wen Shuang was just about to slap his wandering hand away when a crisp male voice sounded.

“Mr. Lin.”

Xia Hanyan had come backstage at some point.

Mr. Lin frowned. “And you are?”

Xia Hanyan had only just returned to the country, so the local power players didn’t recognize him.

“Xia Hanyan of the Xia family.”

At the mention of the Xia family, Mr. Lin hesitated. Though not as influential as the Ji family, the Xias were still one of Jinghai’s four great families.

Moreover, Xia Hanyan’s businesses overseas were formidable. Rumor had it he was returning to China, but no one expected he was already here.

“So it’s Young Master Xia—it’s an honor!”

Mr. Lin exchanged a few polite words with Xia Hanyan. Realizing he meant to protect Wen Shuang, he was disappointed, but for the sake of future business, he withdrew.

Wen Shuang hadn’t expected Xia Anran’s brother to be here today, let alone to come to her aid.

“Thank you,” she said.

Clad in a snowy white costume, her makeup delicate and charming, she looked like an enchanting sprite beneath the lights. “I came to support Anran’s performance tonight.”

Wen Shuang nodded.

Xia Hanyan fixed his gaze on her face. “Yesterday, Anran acted out of line toward you. I’d like to apologize on her behalf.”

She hadn’t expected Xia Anran to have such a principled brother.

Wen Shuang was a little surprised, but replied coolly, “It’s nothing, Mr. Xia. I slapped Anran yesterday, so I suppose we’re even. There’s no need for you to apologize. Besides, Anran’s actions are her own responsibility.”

With that, she turned and headed back on stage.

A faint whiff of roses seemed to linger in her wake.

Xia Hanyan thought, this Miss Wen isn’t at all like Anran described—she has backbone.

After Wen Shuang’s performance ended, she heard about Xia Anran’s sudden bout of diarrhea.

Less than an hour before her show, Xia Anran had started running furiously to the restroom, making a dozen trips.

Seeing the situation was dire, the deputy director hurriedly asked Wen Shuang to step in again—Xia Anran’s ‘The Copper Sparrow Branch’ was about to begin, and they couldn’t go on without a leading lady!

Wen Shuang recommended Yao Qianqian.

“Director, Qianqian has already performed ‘The Copper Sparrow Branch’ five times. She’s more experienced than I am—why not give her this opportunity?”

The deputy director thought about it and agreed.

So the role was given to Yao Qianqian.

Yao Qianqian was overjoyed and hugged Wen Shuang tightly, praising her for being a true friend!

Xia Anran’s stomach troubles? That was their joint handiwork—Yao Qianqian bought the medicine, and Wen Shuang swapped the water between acts. The dressing room at three o’clock was empty, with no cameras.

Naturally, Xia Anran ended up in a world of trouble!