Narrator:

“This is ridiculous!” Feng Xin said, crossing his arms as he stared at Xie Lian. “Why us?”

Xie Lian smiled serenely, utterly unbothered by the hostility. “Because the two of you need to learn teamwork. And what better way than through dance?”

“We’re generals, not dancers” Mu Qing interjected, his voice sharp with irritation. “This is a waste of time.”

“Which is exactly why you should step out of your comfort zones!” Xie Lian clapped his hands together. “The banquet is tomorrow, and someone needs to demonstrate the opening dance. As my loyal subordinates, it’s only fitting that you two help me.”

“Why not you?” Feng Xin demanded, his tone bordering on desperation.

“I’ll be busy hosting” Xie Lian replied smoothly. “And besides, this is a great opportunity for you two to bond.”

“We don’t need bonding” Mu Qing said flatly, glaring at Feng Xin.

“Exactly!” Feng Xin agreed, pointing a finger at Mu Qing. “I’d rather bond with a brick wall!”

Mu Qing’s eyes narrowed. “The feeling’s mutual.”

Xie Lian sighed, placing a hand over his heart as if wounded. “So much hostility. Don’t you see how this will help? Dancing requires trust, communication and synchronization. It’ll be good for you both.”

Feng Xin groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “Fine. Let’s just get this over with.”

“Don’t act like you’re doing me a favor” Mu Qing muttered, rolling his eyes.

“I am doing you a favor." Feng Xin shot back.

Xie Lian beamed. “That’s the spirit! Now, let me show you the steps”

Feng Xin and Mu Qing stood stiffly opposite each other, their postures awkward and tense. Xie Lian circled them, offering pointers.

“Feng Xin, you’re the lead. Extend your hand to Mu Qing.”

Feng Xin hesitated, his hand hovering in the air. “Do I really have to?-”

“Yes” Xie Lian said firmly.

Grumbling under his breath, Feng Xin finally extended his hand. Mu Qing eyed it like it was a venomous snake before reluctantly placing his hand in Feng Xin’s.

“This is so uncomfortable...” Mu Qing muttered.

“You’re the one making it weird” Feng Xin snapped. “Just relax.”

“Relax?” Mu Qing scoffed. “You’re gripping my hand like you’re about to throw me into a battlefield.”

“Well, maybe I should!”

“Enough, you two!” Xie Lian intervened, clapping his hands. “Now, Mu Qing, place your other hand on Feng Xin’s shoulder. Feng Xin, yours goes on his waist.”

Both men froze.

“Wait, what?” They said in unison.

“On his waist” Xie Lian repeated patiently. “It’s standard positioning.”

“No way!” Feng Xin protested.

“I agree!” Mu Qing added, stepping back.

Xie Lian sighed, rubbing his temples. “You’re acting like children. Just do it, or we’ll be here all night.”

Reluctantly, Feng Xin placed his hand on Mu Qing’s waist, his fingers twitching as if the mere act physically pained him. Mu Qing stiffened, glaring daggers at him.

“Watch where you’re putting that hand....” Mu Qing hissed.

“It’s literally where it’s supposed to be!” Feng Xin snapped back.

“Good!” Xie Lian said cheerfully, ignoring their bickering. “Now, follow my lead. One, two, three...”

Feng Xin tried to move but Mu Qing stepped on his foot almost immediately.

“Ow!” Feng Xin yelped, hopping on one leg. “Are you trying to hurt me?”

“Maybe if you weren’t so clumsy, I wouldn’t have stepped on you!” Mu Qing retorted.

“I’m clumsy? You’re the one stomping around like a horse!”

“At least I’m not dragging my feet like a stubborn ox!”

“Stop insulting me!”

“Then stop being insufferable!”

“Gentlemen!” Xie Lian raised his voice, his calm tone cracking slightly. “This is not how a dance works. You need to work together.”

“Tell that to him” Mu Qing muttered, jerking his thumb at Feng Xin.

“Me?” Feng Xin barked. “You’re the one acting like this is a duel!”

Xie Lian pinched the bridge of his nose. “Perhaps we should try again tomorrow.”
_

Several hours and countless arguments later, Feng Xin and Mu Qing finally managed a clumsy rendition of the steps. They were out of breath, their faces red..not from exertion but from sheer frustration.

“Don’t you dare tell anyone about this" Feng Xin said, glaring at Mu Qing.

“As if I’d want anyone knowing I danced with you” Mu Qing shot back, his nose wrinkling in distaste.

Xie Lian watched them with a satisfied smile. “See? You’re already more in sync. Who knows by tomorrow, you might even enjoy it.”

“Not a chance.” Both men muttered simultaneously, only to freeze as their matching responses registered. Xie Lian chuckled softly, leaving them to stew in their shared mortification.