Chapter Seventy-Nine: A Born Genius

Yan Nianan drove to the 2N Dance Studio in Donghai, parked her car, then stepped out wearing sunglasses and a face mask.

Ever since “Create 101” became a sensation just three episodes into its broadcast, not only had the contestants become household names, but even Yan Nianan, a choreographer who had previously lingered on the fringes of the entertainment industry, was now known throughout Donghai City.

She could no longer stroll the streets carefree as she once did. The last time she went grocery shopping, she was swarmed by fans, causing the supermarket to grind to a halt. Despite the disruption, the store manager was overjoyed and eagerly snapped photos with her.

Since then, Yan Nianan had been recognized in public on several occasions, so sunglasses and a mask became her standard attire. This reduced her chances of being recognized, allowing her to move about the city and enjoy an ordinary life with peace of mind.

Today, she had received instructions from Director Fu Yuntao to meet with a mysterious mentor.

So, as evening approached, she arrived at the 2N Dance Studio in Donghai, as arranged.

This studio belonged to Yan Nianan, though she seldom visited due to her busy schedule. Still, since today’s filming required her presence and the meeting was specifically requested by Director Fu to take place at her studio, she made her way there without hesitation.

Director Fu hadn’t revealed whom she would be meeting, only mentioning a “mysterious guest” in vague terms.

Yan Nianan couldn’t help but feel curious. Upon her arrival, a staff member informed her that the guest was already waiting in the dance practice room.

As she removed her mask and sunglasses, she asked, “Do you know who it is?”

The staff member shook his head. “He’s wearing sunglasses and a hat—you can’t see his face.”

Yan Nianan was speechless. “That mysterious?”

She turned to the cameraman. “Do you know?”

The cameraman also shook his head.

Yan Nianan’s curiosity only grew, and she headed straight to the practice room.

The moment she pushed open the door, lively dance music filled the air. Looking up, she saw a tall man in a newsboy cap dancing in front of the mirror.

His attire was peculiar.

A short-sleeved white shirt, fitted black dress pants, and a pair of polished leather shoes. The cinched belt at his waist accentuated his physique, making him appear both striking and enticing.

Broad shoulders, rounded hips, a slender, upright waist…

Damn!

Yan Nianan was transfixed.

Every line was just right!

Beyond that, there was his dancing.

He moved perfectly in time with the music’s beat, displaying a strong sense of rhythm. To the rhythm, the man’s hips swayed up and down, his hands gliding from his hips up to his head. With the music, he suddenly let his hands drop to his sides, swinging his shoulders and hips in succession, singing out:

“I-want-nobody-nobody-but-You…”

What song was that? Yan Nianan hadn’t caught it.

“I-want-nobody-nobody-but-You…”

This time, she heard it clearly.

Liao Yuan, noticing Yan Nianan and the cameraman in the mirror, stopped and walked over, extending his hand with a smile. “Hello.”

Yan Nianan looked up at the man in the newsboy cap, feeling both flattered and surprised. She hastily shook his hand. “Hello, teacher. My name is Yan Nianan. How should I address you?”

Liao Yuan smiled. “Just call me Nameless. For special reasons, I hope you don’t mind my disguise, Teacher Yan?”

He gestured to his hat and sunglasses.

Yan Nianan smiled. “Not at all, as long as you’re comfortable.”

Liao Yuan nodded. “My time is limited, Teacher Yan. Shall we begin our practice now?”

“Now? Of course.”

Realizing he was a hands-on type, Yan Nianan readily agreed and called over two other dance instructors from the studio to join them.

For the next half hour, Liao Yuan demonstrated the choreography for “Nobody” to the trainees.

Yan Nianan and the others were seasoned professionals. After practicing three or five times, they had grasped the essentials.

While dancing, Yan Nianan reflected on the movement. After a moment, she couldn’t help but praise, “It’s clear and easy to learn—absolutely perfect for a girl group. You’re amazing, Teacher Nameless!”

It was genuine insight, not mere flattery.

She observed that from start to finish, the teacher never left his spot. Nearly every step was performed within a one-square-meter area.

The entire dance relied chiefly on the legs, hips, and arms—rarely even nodding the head.

It was nothing more than stretching a leg, swinging the hips, and swaying the arms. Such simple combinations meant that even those with no dance background could easily follow along. Most of the moves could even be done while seated. This simplicity made it highly appealing and easy to spread.

“This is the song we’ll use,” Liao Yuan said, opening his phone and sending the “Nobody” lyrics, score, and demo track to Yan Nianan via Bluetooth. “I only have a few instruments at hand, so the demo isn’t perfect, but the main structure is there. You’ll need to arrange the accompaniment. I’ll stay in touch with the production team to discuss the song’s final version.”

Yan Nianan sensed something amiss. “Teacher Nameless, are you leaving already?”

Liao Yuan glanced at his watch and smiled. “Yes. My task is done. The rest is up to you, Teacher Yan.”

After Liao Yuan left, Yan Nianan ran through “Nobody” with the demo again, growing more excited with each repetition. “This song and this dance are a perfect match!”

Finally, she called the director. “Director Fu, this person’s work is frighteningly good.”

“What’s wrong?” Fu Yuntao asked, intrigued. “What do you mean by ‘frightening’?”

“You’ll never guess!” Yan Nianan replied enthusiastically. “This song is unbelievably catchy. It’s called ‘Nobody.’ In the chorus alone, the line ‘I-want-nobody-nobody-but-you’ repeats for almost a whole minute. I counted—seventeen times, not even including the seven without ‘but-you.’ The dance moves are just as repetitive—almost identical throughout. With such high repetition, it’s nearly impossible not to remember. I think it’ll be the hit of the year!”

Fu Yuntao was itching with anticipation. “Then what are you waiting for? Get back here!”

At the Donghai Film Base, on the set of “Create 101,” the entire production team and mentors gathered to watch the dance Yan Nianan and her colleagues had brought back.

Unlike traditional high-energy dances that showcased complex moves, “Nobody” conveyed bashful charm and playful cuteness with its simple gestures.

As the endlessly repeated “I-want-nobody-nobody-but-you” echoed, the dancers’ shy, finger-pointing actions were irresistibly adorable, making everyone smile. After a few rounds, even Chen Xiuyuan, Jiang Lingsu, and the others couldn’t help but join in.

The atmosphere was electric!

When the routine ended, Fu Yuntao was utterly delighted.

A true prodigy indeed!