Counterfeit Hero

The con artist’s training strictly controlled Fatty’s expressions. At this moment, he imagined himself as a king enjoying festivities with his people, holding his beloved princess, spinning gracefully to the beautiful music. He was so confident, so noble. The people around him combined seemed not to be worth even a finger of his. His honest appearance and elegant demeanor blended together to form a unique charm. If anyone could express sophistication, cultivation, and knowledge through their outward demeanor, it would undoubtedly be Fatty. When it comes to putting on an act, he’s the best in the world.

Fatty and Ann Lei’s dance steps were so in sync, so harmonious. Every turn, every step forward or backward was so graceful and beautiful. Among the dancing nobles, the performance of these two non-noble individuals was a delight to the eyes! Some of the nobles around Fatty and Ann Lei refused to admit defeat and did their utmost to display their skills. However, Fatty and Ann Lei had entered into a subtle state, totally forgetting themselves. Their eyes saw only each other, they heard only the music, and they only considered their first dance together. When the waltz ended, their performance was met with enthusiastic applause. A dance that is performed with all one’s heart can always resonate with the audience.

During the subsequent fox trot and quickstep, their performance remained flawless. Some nobles simply stopped dancing and stood by to clap and admire. Fatty used his dance steps to interpret what it meant to be elegant and graceful. No one expected that a fat man could dance so beautifully and excitingly. Even Bonnie had to admit that Fatty’s dance steps had a dazzling charm, a stark contrast between his seemingly clumsy body and his agile movements, which attracted more attention than a standard-figured dancer could. As for Ann Lei, it needn’t be mentioned that such a dance was just a warm-up for her. She was a talented dancer; her graceful figure seemed to have been born for dancing.

We can’t let Fatty and Ann Lei keep dancing! At Bruce’s suggestion, the band abandoned the fourth tango piece and started playing the court ballet music. When the crisp sound of the piano fell like raindrops, all the nobles were slightly stunned and naturally dispersed. On the floor, only Fatty and Ann Lei were left, facing each other.

Ann Lei was really curious about how much more this guy in front of her had hidden. So, when the court ballet music started, she lightly tiptoed and spun like a beautiful white elf dancing under the crystal chandelier. Fatty knew better than anyone else what Ann Lei’s best dance was. He had watched countless times since childhood, so he wouldn’t show weakness now. Silently, he slid behind Ann Lei, placing his hands on her slender waist, letting her dance in his palms.

Fatty found dancing ballet somewhat challenging, inevitably producing a "Penguin Lake" effect instead of "Swan Lake." After much research, he finally choreographed a set of moves that neither showed his nervousness nor hindered his perfect harmony with Ann Lei. Fatty was already extremely familiar with the positioning and steps of court ballet. Now, what he needed to do was to cooperate like a pole in pole dancing. For a pole dance, a good pole is crucial. Now, Fatty was trying hard to act as a high-quality pole, with distinct rhythms and precise steps, supporting the dancer to spin and fly in the air at the right moment.

Only this scoundrel in the world could link the most elegant classical dance with pole dancing that originated from eroticism. Especially with his honest expression and elegant movements, his gentle lifting would make all the poles in the world feel ashamed to break. This dance ultimately belonged to Ann Lei. In everyone’s eyes, they only saw this fairy-like woman spinning and flying in the air, floating like a dandelion in the wind or dancing and playing like a swan in the water. But Fatty successfully disappeared. Only Ann Lei knew just how vivid, carefree, and free she danced with Fatty’s cooperation.

Fatty felt wronged in his heart: "Damn, this is the downside of being a pole. Who the hell watches a striptease and studies the pole?"

When Bruce saw Fatty holding Ann Lei and dancing gracefully amid applause, he suddenly realized his previous judgment was wrong, and he felt an indescribable anger! He didn’t expect Fatty to dance so well. This was already the second time today that Fatty had surprised him. Bruce raised his eyebrows and decided to have someone thoroughly investigate this ignorant guy after the ball. He absolutely would not allow him to become an obstacle between him and Ann Lei! As a leisure prince, helping Stephen vent his anger and offending the Mythical Army was no big deal. With no personal ambitions, he wasn’t afraid of offending any force as long as he didn’t openly vie for the throne.

Sometimes a stance can put one in a position of advantage. However, this seemingly simple truth is unknown to many or often forgotten amidst interests and power. Like a merchant and a customer, no matter how eager they are to sell or buy, they mustn’t show it. Whoever shows their desire first loses the negotiation advantage. Moreover, when the crane and the clam fight, the fisherman benefits. The last to act may not necessarily come second.