Chapter 69: Elderly Men and Women: Young People Joining the Square Dance?

The two of them walked together toward the square. As they drew closer, they realized the crowd was made up entirely of young women. The original founders of the square dance, a handful of elderly ladies, trailed at the back of the group, working hard in inconspicuous spots to keep up with the energetic steps of the youth.

As times changed, square dancing was no longer just an activity for the elderly. Young people now saw it as a way to stay fit and healthy. Residents gathered en masse to exercise, and at the front of the group, several cameras were set up—likely for live streaming.

It was the perfect combination: earning money while getting a workout.

In his previous life, Lin Yu had delivered food for a living. With no money for a gym, he would sometimes join the elderly women in his neighborhood for square dancing during his breaks, whenever his girlfriend wasn't around and boredom struck.

Seeing Ji Ya hesitate—her lips silent but her body subtly moving to the music—Lin Yu quietly took her hand and led her into the crowd.

Guiding her steps and movements, he placed his hand around Ji Ya's waist. The viewers in the livestream could no longer contain themselves.

“Damn you! Lin Yu, take your filthy hands away!”

“What the hell! Do you really think you can touch Miss Ji? Let go of her and let me!”

“You took her to eat street food, now you’re dancing in the square—how could you lead a proper heiress astray? Don’t you feel any remorse?”

“Be a decent person! If I had a goddess like her by my side, I’d take her straight home to discuss the meaning of life in bed. Can you even handle that?”

“Hey, you upstairs—keep dreaming! Miss Ji belongs to us! You don’t stand a chance!”

“Haha, everyone’s fighting over Ji Ya, so I’ll just take Lin Yu then!”

“No way! Who’s actually a fan of Lin Yu?”

“Wait, why does it seem like their square dance turned into a ballroom dance? I can’t explain it, but it’s impressive…”

“…”

Lin Yu led Ji Ya to the front of the group.

Originally, the group consisted almost entirely of young women, so the sudden appearance of a tall man—his face hidden behind a mask, but his handsome silhouette evident—immediately drew much attention. Still, since the square dance was being livestreamed, the women continued their synchronized movements, only occasionally casting glances to catch a glimpse of his true appearance.

It was Lin Yu’s first time dancing with young people, but thanks to his experience with the elderly, he adapted quickly. The young dancers simply moved to the beat, and he picked it up in no time.

Ji Ya, raised as a proper heiress, had received excellent education from childhood. She had trained in dance—both international and traditional—and possessed relevant skills. However, the freeform nature of square dancing, which followed only the rhythm and lacked formal structure, was unfamiliar to her, and her steps were a bit clumsy.

Lin Yu soon matched the young people's pace, and began to incorporate elements from his own understanding of dance. As Ji Ya gradually blended into the atmosphere, combining her ballroom and traditional dance prowess, she partnered with Lin Yu in perfect harmony.

Without realizing it, the two transformed the street corner square dance into a ballroom spectacle. The onlookers were stunned, pausing their own steps to watch in awe.

Hand in hand, they spun in a circle. Lin Yu met Ji Ya’s gaze, wrapped his arm around her waist, and lifted her, spinning her high above the crowd. Ji Ya extended her arms gracefully, striking a swan-like pose—noble and elegant.

For a moment, the lively street felt like an elite ballroom. The rhythmic music seemed to transform into a symphonic masterpiece.

Young women and elderly onlookers stared, dumbfounded. Wasn’t such a magnificent scene only available with a pricey ticket?

The elderly, inspired by the spectacle, decided it was time for a proper showdown—a battle between traditional and modern square dancing.

“Let’s go! We need our gear. We can’t lose to the young people!”

After Lin Yu set Ji Ya down, he hugged her and spun her several times in place. They danced at the center of the crowd, like a swan and her knight spinning at the heart of the stage: noble, graceful.

When the song ended, they found themselves surrounded by onlookers. Ji Ya, catching her breath, glanced around, adjusted herself, and looked at Lin Yu helplessly. In a low voice, she said, “I’m a bit tired. You go on and dance by yourself.”

No sooner had Ji Ya left than Lin Yu found himself encircled by the young women.

“Hey handsome, are you a professional dance instructor? Your moves are amazing! Could you teach us?”

“Hey, your flexibility and stamina are incredible. Do I have a chance to have breakfast with you?”

“Ah~ You’re so handsome! Can I get your contact info?”

“Whimper, whimper—look at me, I’m great at dancing! Watch me!”

Lin Yu didn’t savor the limelight. He watched Ji Ya approach, and asked, “Weren’t you going to rest?”

“With so much attention on you, are you afraid I’ll steal your moment in the spotlight?”

Lin Yu let out a sound and leaned closer to Ji Ya, scrutinizing her face. She instinctively touched her cheek. “What? Is there something on my face?”

“How come I smell jealousy just now? Was it coming from you, boss?”

Ji Ya bared her teeth in mock threat. “Keep spouting nonsense and I’ll castrate you, believe it or not!”

“Then you’d better prepare plenty of anesthetic, boss—I can handle a lot.”

Lin Yu smirked, his eyes full of smug confidence. “Also, just so you know, mine’s quite big. Don’t be scared when you see it.”

Ji Ya: ?

You dirty thing, starting again, aren’t you?

Ji Ya rolled her eyes, and Lin Yu immediately behaved, putting on a pitiful face.

Aggrieved! Innocent! Helpless!

He wondered if he should perform Dance Routine No. 3 to dazzle these young people.

Lin Yu's lips curled into a confident smile. He was about to perform the now-famous Routine No. 3—blazing hot in the future, danced by everyone from international stars to restaurant staff—right here.

Would he astonish the crowd?

“Boss, follow me for something different!”

The elderly returned to the scene, and the young women gathered eagerly to witness the showdown: traditional versus modern square dance.

But just then, Lin Yu suddenly stood frozen.

“Hey, are you scared, kid?”

“If you ask me, nothing beats the traditional square dance!”

“Young people innovate, sure, but the old ways are more reliable!”

“Sigh, young people are so impatient nowadays. Square dance belongs to us older folks; you shouldn’t meddle!”

“What’s this half-baked nonsense?”

Lin Yu and Ji Ya’s extraordinary performance earlier had won thunderous applause, but the elderly, unwilling to admit defeat, insisted on claiming victory.

Lin Yu took it in stride. He realized Routine No. 3’s soundtrack probably hadn’t been released yet, and considered another opportunity to claim the copyright.

“Wait a moment!”

Now that he’d fallen out with the elderly, Lin Yu had no choice but to accept their challenge—though he had a request to make.