When the performance ended, Shen Yuzhe impulsively asked the other staff to pass a message to Jiang Wei under the guise of "discussing dance matters," requesting her to stay behind temporarily.
Jiang Wei was unaware that it was Shen Yuzhe. She first went to the dressing room to change into her own clothes, and then obediently waited backstage.
"Jiang Wei."
When Shen Yuzhe appeared behind her, she turned slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.
"Senior Shen?"
Shen Yuzhe smiled awkwardly, "Yes, it's me."
"Didn't you already leave?"
Jiang Wei had known that Shen Yuzhe was the script consultant for this performance, but she didn't consider herself a friend of his, nor did they have much interaction. Therefore, during the performance, she had avoided making eye contact with him entirely.
Since she didn't plan on having further interactions with him, Jiang Wei maintained a clear boundary.
"Well, I was planning to leave after the show ended, but... I didn't expect to see you in the closing dance."
Shen Yuzhe's voice was soft, tinged with a hint of laughter.
It was understandable that Shen Yuzhe didn't know since Jiang Wei was a last-minute substitute.
"The original dancer was injured, so I was a replacement," Jiang Wei smiled politely. "My performance wasn't great, please forgive me, Senior Shen."
"No, no, not at all, you danced beautifully. As the saying goes, 'A beauty's dance is like a lotus flower spinning, yet few in this world have eyes to truly see...'"
The corner of Jiang Wei's mouth twitched.
Here we go again.
"Senior Shen," Jiang Wei sighed softly, then smiled politely and interrupted him in a calm voice, "The dance instructor asked me to wait here for her. If you don't have anything else, please go ahead and leave."
Jiang Wei had dismissed him, and Shen Yuzhe scratched the back of his head, only then feeling embarrassed as he said, "There is no dance instructor... Jiang Wei, it was me who asked someone to have you wait here for me..."
After Shen Yuzhe spoke, Jiang Wei fell silent.
Her temperament was reserved, and she didn't wear her emotions on her sleeve. But Shen Yuzhe's actions had genuinely caused her to feel averse, as it was a form of deception.
"Are you angry?"
Seeing the light fade from Jiang Wei's eyes, Shen Yuzhe immediately became anxious.
Shen Yuzhe stood there helplessly, repeatedly apologizing to Jiang Wei, "I... I didn't mean to deceive you. I thought if you knew it was me who wanted to see you, you might refuse me directly, so I had to find this way... I..."
"So... what did Senior Shen want to tell me?"
Jiang Wei asked patiently.
"I like you."
Shen Yuzhe suddenly raised his head.
Without warning or preparation, Jiang Wei was stunned by Shen Yuzhe's words, her pupils dilating.
Does this kid... have some strange condition where he feels unwell if he doesn't confess his love every day?
"Senior Shen, we've only known each other for a few days. Are you perhaps mistaken about something..." Jiang Wei was both annoyed and amused. She spread her hands in exasperation, trying to speak gently, "Or perhaps... did I do something to give you the wrong impression... I..."
"No, it's not you!"
Shen Yuzhe raised his eyes, and although they were obscured by thick glasses, a glimmer of hopeful light could still be seen.
"It's me. It's me who fell for you at first sight. It's me who has been infatuated with you. It's me who shamelessly dreams about you every single day since the first time I saw you. It's me who recklessly kept you here today after seeing you again..."
Shen Yuzhe panicked.
His rashness today was something Jiang Wei couldn't have anticipated, and even he himself hadn't expected.
He only remembered the erratic beating of his heart when he saw Jiang Wei on stage—one beat, two beats, three beats, faster and faster, like a fawn being chased by a cheetah, about to leap out of his chest.
"Jiang Wei, I really like you."
He stood there, his voice breaking, "I really, really... like you..."