Clad in camouflage and under the scorching sun, I, like everyone else, sweated on the blazing ground, persistently presenting the vibrant spirit of youth.
"Take a ten-minute break in place," the instructor announced, causing a stir among the crowd.
...
Someone shouted, "Let's have a dance performance!"
The crowd chorused, "Let's see a performance!"
"Thea, perform a dance for us."
I was taken aback, put down my water bottle, and slowly stood up from the ground.
"With Thea's great figure, her dance must be amazing. We're in for a treat…"
It was Leila who spoke.
Among those who shouted my name just now, her voice was the loudest.
She looked at me with a gleeful expression, her face radiating the satisfaction of revenge.
So after losing the dorm conflict to me, she was trying to embarrass me in front of so many people?
And she called me out to dance, probably because she overheard my conversation with my mom last night.
My mom mentioned that the TV station was launching a dance talent show next month, and the director wanted me to be a guest.
I checked the recording schedule, and it coincided with the day of my book signing event.
So I casually said, "I'm not good at dancing."
At that moment, Leila had just finished her shower and probably overheard it.
As the daughter of the richest man in Arcadia, dancing was just the most basic social etiquette, and I had been learning it since I was young.
But compared to my other achievements, this one was indeed not impressive.
Want to see me make a fool of myself?
Fine!
I'll give you what you want!
Under Leila's mocking gaze, I walked to the front and started warming up.
To her, this seemed like my last-ditch effort before I went down.
"Is there any music?"
"Yes!"
Excited, Leila pulled out her phone and played an upbeat track.
I didn't ask for a change and danced to the rhythm.
After finishing, I was slightly out of breath, with a light sheen of sweat on my forehead.
The crowd erupted in applause and cheers, while my three dorm mates looked livid.
Indeed, to them, I was a poor person who couldn't possibly have any talents, let alone perform so well.
...
Leila's face was ashen. She gaped in disbelief, silently mouthing, "Impossible…"
...
I smiled gently and said, "Next, let's welcome my roommate Leila to perform a song for us. Let's give her a big round of applause!"
Leila stiffened, her eyes blazing with anger at me.