When the Side Character Gets a System and Travels through Difference Worlds-Chapter 63: Chi Mo 17

Tan You performed the ritual dance in its entirety—the very dance that had moved her countless times before. This was the first time she had performed it in this world. When she struck her final pose, she saw the director, his eyes brimming with tears.

Tan You came back to herself. "What’s wrong?"

’Why is everyone here red-eyed? Every last one of them.’

Teacher Xu pinched the bridge of her nose. "How could we not be crying? This dance... it’s truly beyond judgment. I consider it a work of art, almost impossible to surpass."

"But the set... I feel it’s a bit slapdash. If we were to re-shoot it with a great bronze ding, or in a large public square..." The moment she said that, the director’s eyes lit up.

"Teacher Xu is right. I’ll have to edit this dance out separately; I won’t include it in this video. And the set! I’ll get in touch with some people later. A dance this artistic can’t be so carelessly posted online."

Tan You was feeling tired. "Okay, I agree that the set needs to be more refined. The great bronze ding Teacher Xu mentioned sounds great, and the furnishings should be more rustic and classical..."

The dance had been so emotionally draining that Tan You was understandably exhausted.

After boarding the bus, Tan You went to the back to rest, while the director began planning how to edit the video. Teacher Xu, meanwhile, quietly sent the clip she had filmed of the ritual dance to a director she often collaborated with.

Less than ten minutes after she sent it, her phone rang. Teacher Xu glanced toward the back row; Chi Mo was resting with her eyes closed. She declined the call and began to text instead.

Director Liu: Where did you find such a talent? Her dancing is incredible.

Teacher Xu: Just a chance encounter. Weren’t you stressing about the dance number for your movie? What do you think of this dance?

Director Liu: It’s excellent. The dancer’s performance is great, too.

Teacher Xu: She’s a professional dancer from a dance troupe. Of course she’s professional.

Director Liu: Can you send me her info?

Teacher Xu: I’ll send it to you later.

After a brief exchange, his profile icon went dark. Teacher Xu glanced at Chi Mo again. ’If she ends up in a movie, this girl’s brilliance will be impossible to hide.’

The next day, Tan You spent the entire day out shooting to get all the necessary footage for the first video. After they returned that afternoon, the director pulled Brother Chuan into seclusion. In their words, they were going to edit a version that would be unforgettable.

Leaving professional matters to the professionals, Tan You didn’t interfere. Instead, she chatted with Teacher Xu, occasionally exchanging insights on historical costume design.

Teacher Xu said, "That ritual dance you performed yesterday was exceptional. I sent a clip of it to a director I know. If Director Liu is interested, he’ll contact you."

Tan You had no idea about this. "Huh? Acting? I’m fine with dancing in a TV show or movie, but I don’t think I can handle actual acting."

Teacher Xu said, "Director Liu is looking for a dancer. There are no lines. Unfortunately, the right dancer is hard to find. He wants someone with a heart-stopping beauty, but he also demands professionalism, and he doesn’t want to use a body double."

Tan You got it. "So, Director Liu is looking for a decorative piece."

"Pretty much. But even as a decorative piece, you’d be the most beautiful one." Teacher Xu didn’t see this as a disparaging comment. "Your beauty can truly withstand the scrutiny of the camera. Look at Little Chuan’s close-ups—you were ethereally beautiful in them."

Tan You said, "I don’t have a problem with it. I’m just worried I might ruin Director Liu’s film."

Teacher Xu said, "He still needs to consider it. I just wanted to give you a heads-up, since quite a few people have their eyes on this role. It’s a very brilliant part, but not everyone dares to take it."

"After all, looks, figure, and professionalism are all important, and in my opinion, you’re the most suitable candidate."

Tan You smiled. "Teacher Xu, you’re always praising me. I’ve never felt that appearance is the most important thing. More than that, I hope that after the initial impact of my looks, people can see my professionalism and my dedication to dance."

"But you can’t deny that the first thing everyone sees is your face and figure." Teacher Xu smiled as well. "I’ve seen plenty of people who flaunt their good looks, but I don’t see any of that in you."

Tan You said, "Beauty fades. I’ll get old one day. I need to establish myself in this world with something other than my looks. Ultimately, beauty is a consumable."

"In the future, when people talk about me, I hope they say I’m a very professional dancer, not that I’m a beautiful dancer."

In front of Teacher Xu, Tan You’s expression softened unconsciously, perhaps because they were both women. If she were with a man, Tan You wouldn’t reveal so much of herself.

Teacher Xu patted Tan You’s shoulder. "Once you land that role with Director Liu and your video is released, many people will see your professionalism."

"I look forward to it." Tan You smiled. "When the dance troupe has a new show, I’ll send you tickets, if it’s convenient for you..."

"Convenient, of course it’s convenient!" Teacher Xu agreed immediately, before Tan You could even finish. "You’re already so beautiful when you’re just dancing casually. If it’s a carefully choreographed performance, couldn’t you dance your way to the Spring Festival Gala?"

Tan You said, "Then I’ll work towards that goal. If I can perform at the Spring Festival Gala, that would be the peak of my dance career."

She said it with great seriousness. ’If you’re going to do something, do it to the best of your ability. Alright then, starting today, I’ll set a new goal: work toward appearing on the Spring Festival Gala.’ Tan You knew it was difficult, but everyone has to have a dream, right? What if it came true one day?

Teacher Xu smiled. "You’ll do it one day."

The two chatted in low voices. Just as it was turning eight o’clock, the director and Brother Chuan, who had been busy ever since they got back, finally emerged from the room. Teacher Xu immediately stood up. "Is it done?"

Tan You leaned forward slightly, clearly also eager to see the final product.

Brother Chuan waved his arms dramatically. "Our director is an absolute master when it comes to filming beautiful women! I feel like he used every ounce of his skill. It’s so beautiful, I couldn’t tear my eyes away from Little Chi."

"Stop fooling around! Let’s see the finished product," Teacher Xu said impatiently. "With our Little Chi’s looks, she’s beautiful no matter how you film her."

The director came over with a laptop, smiling. "Take a look. This is the version I’m most satisfied with. Of course, I’m even more excited for the ritual dance video. Little Chi, when do you plan on shooting that?"

Tan You thought about the schedule. "We’ll have to see how things work out. I have some things to take care of when I get back, so I can’t spare the time right away."

"Alright, we’ll keep in touch." The director didn’t press Chi Mo for an answer. As far as he was concerned, Chi Mo was currently part of his production team, so they could shoot whenever they wanted.

He completely missed the subtle look in Teacher Xu’s eyes. She, for her part, didn’t mention what she had done that afternoon. ’In any case,’ she thought, ’Director Liu is on a much higher level than this director.’