Chapter Seven: Arrival in Beijing (Side Story)

"Ah! We've finally arrived in Beijing!" Tang Shiying stretched her arms wide and gazed at Beijing South Railway Station before her, unable to hide her amazement.

"Yes. Alright, let's head to the hotel first. It's not yet time for the freshmen to check in, and since the organizers have already booked us a room, it would be a shame to waste it." Song Cijin glanced down at her itinerary in the notes app and spoke to Tang Shiying.

"Mm-hm, I know, let's go," Tang Shiying replied obediently, nodding as she pushed her suitcase along.

"Alright, let's go." Song Cijin gently patted Tang Shiying's head, and the two of them, carrying their purchases, made their way to the hotel.

"Um... Cijin, your phone is ringing." Tang Shiying pointed at Song Cijin's phone.

...

They arrived at the hotel.

"Ah! I'm so exhausted!" As soon as Tang Shiying entered the room, she flopped onto the bed, utterly worn out.

Song Cijin quietly unpacked their two suitcases, taking out the snacks they'd just bought and the daily necessities they hadn't managed to get in Qizhou. Glancing over at Tang Shiying, she saw the girl had already drifted off to sleep.

With a gentle, indulgent smile, Song Cijin brushed Tang Shiying's hair from her forehead and tucked her in. She then printed out the script for their lines in the Cat Ear Dubbing Competition, settled herself beside Tang Shiying, and began to practice.

And so, Tang Shiying slept soundly through the afternoon...

...

"Ah! What time is it now?" Tang Shiying groggily sat up, yawning as she asked.

"Now? It's already five in the afternoon." Song Cijin glanced at her phone and replied. Then she poured a glass of water and handed it to Tang Shiying. "Have some water first, our takeout hasn't arrived yet."

"Mm-hm." Tang Shiying nodded obediently and took the cup.

Song Cijin placed Tang Shiying's script in her hands and took back the empty cup. "These are the lines for the Cat Ear Dubbing Competition. Practice them well—we'll be on stage tomorrow."

"Alright."

"Go ahead and rehearse by yourself for a bit. In a while, we can run through it together."

"Okay, will do!"

...

The next day.

That morning, Tang Shiying got up early to do her makeup, get dressed, and practice. She was extremely nervous, terrified of making a fool of herself or making a mistake; after all, she wanted to leave a good impression in front of her idol!

Song Cijin sat quietly nearby, saying nothing. When she saw Tang Shiying had calmed down enough to take a seat, she walked over and gently reassured her, "Don't be nervous. As long as you focus and control your emotions, you'll be just fine.

As for being embarrassed or anything like that, just forget about it. Remember, you're the best."

"Mm-hm, got it. Thank you, Jinbao," Tang Shiying nodded and hugged Song Cijin. "You're the best, Jinbao!"

"So... do I get a reward?" Song Cijin tilted her head, looking especially adorable as she spoke.

"Ah, um..." Tang Shiying began to reply, but before she could finish, Song Cijin cut her off.

"Since Yingbao can't decide what reward to give me, how about a kiss?" Song Cijin teased with a mischievous grin.

"Song! Ci! Jin!" Tang Shiying shouted, flustered and exasperated.

But to Song Cijin, her reaction was utterly endearing.

"Alright, don't be mad, little fairy." Song Cijin ruffled Tang Shiying's hair affectionately. "Hurry and get ready! Let's do our best together!"

With those words, Tang Shiying forgot all about Song Cijin's teasing and devoted herself wholeheartedly to her preparations.