"Did you guys live in a cave? How can you live without network?" the boy asked.
Tang Yujin had more patience than others. He smiled faintly and answered, "It's easy. After practicing martial arts, swimming in rivers, catching fish, rowing boats and exploring the mountains and the woods, we didn't even have the time to think about mobile phones and network." He recalled the time when they went out with their martial art teacher, Mr. Hui. They traveled with him last year.
"O-oh, you, Yuan and Sheng know martial arts? I didn't know that…" the fellow member stammered.
Since the Three Musketeers never appeared in the karate or judo club, the students didn't think they were interested in martial arts. They also went to the gym every day and everyone thought that they had muscles because of exercise. Only those who were close to them knew that they practiced martial arts every day in the morning.
After that, the fellow member didn't talk anymore and Tang Yujin finally had a quiet room. He was able to concentrate on his work and worked faster than usual. Eventually, he finished all his paper work quite early. He knew that Han Sheng Ming, Mo Yuan and Han Luo were busy with their activities, so he headed toward the dance class.
He remembered that on Wednesdays, Han Luo had dance class during fifth period. After class, she usually practiced dancing in the classroom. This day was Wednesday. Tang Yujin reached the dance class and peeped inside the room. It was just as he thought – Han Luo was practicing ballet. He smiled and entered the room.
P. Tchaikovsky's 'The Nutcracker' was being played in a medium tone while Han Luo was dancing on the stage. There was a boy from the same year as her dancing with her as a pair. Tang Yujin's smile disappeared from his mouth. For some reason, he didn't like the boy.
He looked at the boy carefully. Since he had a photographic memory, he instantly recognized this boy. His name was Jared, a student of Year 9, Set 3 (class / Grade 9, section 3). Since he was from Set 3 it meant that his academic results weren't as good as Han Luo's. He was a popular and handsome boy among the Year 9s. In fact, he was the best dancer in school. Jared wished to pursue his career as a professional ballet dancer.
His hand was on Han Luo's waist, causing Tang Yujin to narrow his eyes. Since everyone was looking at the pair like they were spellbound, they didn't even notice his presence.
The music hit the last note as Han Luo swirled in Jared's arm. In the end, Jared took her hand and they both bowed gracefully at the same time. Everyone started clapping excitedly.
The teachers who were present started to praise them.
"That was brilliant!"
"Great job, you two!"
"Luo, you have done well."
The girls whispered behind them; they seemed happy yet envious.
"Jared is always the best dancer."
"He is so dreamy."
"I want to dance with him too!"
"Why did she get the chance to dance with him?"
"She deliberately smiled at him and made a request."
"She always smiles at everyone."
"Ah, shut up!"
Tang Yujin heard everything and coughed. He was loud enough for the students to hear him. They were startled and turned around. When they saw him they had become flustered.
"Ah, Yujin!"
"When did you arrive?"
"Why are you here?"
Upon hearing all the questions, Tang Yujin smiled and replied, "I came long ago. I wanted to see Luo's dancing. She is remarkable, isn't she?" He meant he had heard and seen everything.
"Y-yes!"
"Sh-she is…"
"Y-you are right, she is… remarkable..."
They all stuttered.
Tang Yujin didn't seem angry at all. He continued, "I've seen her dancing from childhood. She worked really hard to come to this stage. I hope you are all working hard. I look forward to your friendly competition." He didn't badmouth them and politely reminded them that to go to a higher place, they all have to work hard.
The girls were ashamed and flushed. They couldn't look at him properly and quickly agreed with him.
"Yes, we are working hard."
"We practice every day."
"We will practice dancing with Luo."
"Wonderful!" Tang Yujin praised them and walked past them. They sighed in relief, thinking he didn't hear them badmouthing Han Luo.
The dance teacher pointed out some mistakes of Jared and Han Luo when Tang Yujin reached the stage. When the teacher was done instructing, Han Luo looked at him and her face brightened. She exclaimed, "Big brother Yujin!" and then jumped out of the stage and strode toward him. She asked, "Did you see my dancing?"
Tang Yujin chuckled at her childish behavior. No matter where she was, she always acted like a child around him. He gently stroked her head and cooed, "Yes, from the beginning to the end."
"How was it?" Han Luo eagerly asked.
Tang Yujin could never say anything bad about her – she never gave him the option to do so. He was a perfectionist and she knew it. "It was impressive!"
Han Luo jumped in joy. "Yay! I got a compliment from you. This is the first time I danced 'The Nutcracker'." It was almost like she turned six again. She never changed, no matter how much she grew and that's what he liked about her.
"For your first time, you are doing so well. You are a quick learner. Don't become lazy because of it." Like an elder brother, he didn't forget to remind her not to become indolent.
Han Luo lowered her voice and said, "Of course I won't. I will become the best dancer in the school." She didn't want others to hear her.
"Since you like dancing, become the best dancer in this country," Tang Yujin encouragingly said, "but remember that you cannot push your studies aside either."
Han Luo shook her head. "I won't and you know it!"