When the Side Character Gets a System and Travels through Difference Worlds-Chapter 96: Chi Mo 50

If Chi Mo’s name was only known within a small circle before the movie’s release, then she was indisputably famous after it premiered.

The number of followers on her social media accounts saw explosive growth, and many more people came to know her name. Correspondingly, tickets for the dance troupe’s tour became even harder to get.

"Momo!" After finishing her performance, Wu You gathered her skirt and headed backstage. Her eyes lit up when she saw Chi Mo standing at the side of the stage, and she bounded over to her in a few quick steps.

Tan You caught her with a helpless smile. "What are you so happy about? Didn’t you already perform on stage before the New Year? Why are you still this excited?"

Wu You said gleefully, "I just heard Teacher Wen say we’re adding more shows to our tour! We can earn some extra cash."

Tan You said with a chuckle, "Oh, really? That’s great."

’In any case, I’m not in a rush to create new works right now. It’s better to slow down and polish my skills. To improve myself, be less concerned with worldly achievements, and gain a clearer understanding of who I am.’

’Touring with the dance troupe isn’t bad, either. I get to see so many beautiful sights and try all sorts of local cuisines. Of course, there is one minor annoyance: I could be recognized by fans at any moment.’

The dance troupe’s tour continued until May. Afterward, it was as if Chi Mo had vanished from the public eye. Then, in mid-July, a dance video appeared on her social media account.

In her previous videos, Tan You had always danced solo, but this time she posted a group dance. The piece was short—barely five minutes—but its evocative beauty was palpable to anyone watching.

Watching the comments rapidly climb, Teacher Wen couldn’t help but smile. "It seems the reception is excellent."

Wu You clutched her phone and leaned against Tan You. "Beauty is universal. Besides, everyone practiced so hard for so long. Don’t tell me you didn’t think it was beautiful when you watched us dance?"

"Yes, it was very beautiful," Teacher Wen said with a nod. "Ms. Chi is a genius choreographer; she not only creates the dances but performs them beautifully as well."

"I wouldn’t call myself a genius. I just have a few ideas," Tan You said modestly. ’I’ve only seen and experienced these things before; I would never dare claim the title of a genius choreographer.’

Tan You skimmed the online comments and paid them no further mind. After "Green Waist" was released, Chi Mo once again vanished from the public eye.

After Tan You released yet another dance, people grew accustomed to Chi Mo’s inconsistent schedule and adopted a more Zen attitude. That all changed when the program for that year’s Spring Festival Gala was announced and "Green Waist" was on the list, setting off a firestorm online.

"She’s made it! She’s really made it big!"

"Our girl! I never imagined you’d be dancing at the Spring Festival Gala!"

"Our girl is too amazing!"

"I’m a little worried, though. Now that she’s made it to the Gala, will we even get to see her dance again?"

"She hardly ever posted new videos as it was..."

Reading the online comments, Tan You couldn’t help but smile. There was a unique happiness that came from being liked and admired. And since there were no financial ties between her and her fans, their affection felt all the more precious.

With "Green Waist" on the program for the Spring Festival Gala, the entire dance troupe, from top to bottom, was in full-on preparation mode. They rehearsed again and again, determined to give their absolute best performance.

Perhaps it was because everyone was so invested, or perhaps it was because she saw her goal for coming to this world was nearly within reach. While performing on stage, Tan You felt a rare thrill of excitement.

The performance was a resounding success; Tan You felt it was even better than any of their rehearsals. As the other dancers thronged around her on the way backstage, her steps were light and quick.

’How could I not be happy? My objective was complete, and to top it all off, Chi Mo had just woken up.’

Tan You was direct. ’Do you want to switch back now?’

Chi Mo sounded a bit dazed. ’Let me take a moment to process everything. We can switch back later, when you’re resting. This is all too much of a shock; I can’t take it in all at once.’

She never, in her wildest dreams, imagined this task-doer would be so incredible as to perform at the Spring Festival Gala—something she had never even dared to think about. Not only did she dance beautifully, but she was also a genius with money. Seeing how her own net worth had multiplied several times over, Chi Mo felt dizzy.

When Tan You finally had a moment to herself, she could sense Chi Mo’s gaze, practically burning with excitement.

Tan You asked suspiciously, ’What’s with that look?’

Chi Mo was an expert at acting cute. ’Sister, take me under your wing!’

Tan You laughed. ’A girl who’s good at being coquettish, huh. That’s a type I’ve never encountered before.’

"Since you’re asking, of course I’ll have your back." Tan You was still counting on getting a good review from Chi Mo, so she certainly wasn’t going to deny her request.

’It would just take a little more effort, but when I think about the Energy Points, the Intelligence Value, and all the good stuff waiting in the advanced mission worlds... I figure it’s no big deal to lower myself a little once in a while.’

Chi Mo and Tan You had completely different personalities. Tan You was cool and composed, spending much of her time reading and studying. Chi Mo, on the other hand, was your typical young woman. Outside of dancing, she spent most of her time on makeup, shopping, and taking photos.

’Tan You didn’t see anything wrong with that, though. They just had different hobbies; it wasn’t a matter of good or bad.’ 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

Chi Mo said, "I know my hobbies might not seem very sophisticated to other people, but I can’t help what I like."

Tan You lowered her book. "If you like it, that’s all that matters. Who cares what other people say? They aren’t the ones living your life. A lot of people who criticize how others live are probably unhappy with their own lives in reality. The way you are now is perfectly fine."

A smile bloomed on Chi Mo’s face, revealing her dimples. "I feel so much better after hearing you say that."

Tan You had a free moment just then. She glanced at Chi Mo, who was applying makeup in front of the mirror. "What are your thoughts regarding Xu Jike? It’s been almost a month since you’ve been back, and you haven’t mentioned him once."

Chi Mo put down her lipstick. "How can I explain it? You know how I started streaming later? My channel was pretty mediocre, and it seemed like my name always had to have Xu Jike’s attached to the front of it. That made me really unhappy."

"All I did was fall in love. All I did was foolishly believe a man’s sweet nothings. Why was I the one who had to suffer so much in the end? I was so bitter about it, but I still had to maintain a façade of adult composure."

"Being free of him from the very start like this... it makes me incredibly happy." Chi Mo rested her chin on her interlocked hands. "I think my life is wonderful right now. I have my family and friends, a career I’m passionate about, and no money worries. Everything’s going my way. It feels like I don’t need a man in my life."

Tan You smiled too. "I’m glad you were able to figure things out. Sometimes, dating and marriage really aren’t all they’re cracked up to be."

Chi Mo cupped her face. "But they have their good moments. At least when you’re happy, it’s a real happiness."

"But those are outnumbered by the sad and heartbreaking moments that come later," Tan You finished the thought casually. Chi Mo puffed out her cheeks, wanting to retort but not knowing what to say.