Mrs Liping and Jianhong stood by the side watching as the music started playing. Xinyi rubbed her hand against her trousers quickly preparing herself. The music started and Xinyi danced trying to follow up with the rhythm of the others. The trainees in the first row seemed to be well experienced as they were all in sync with one another. The second row seemed to be doing well except for the third row who was more concerned with impressing JH making it hard for those at the back.
Jianhong walked through observing the trainees. Of course they were some that were still weak in dancing. But still there was space for improvement. In the upcoming months, they would have to strive hard if they wanted to debut. Time flew by and it was already evening. Jianhong smiled as he saw they finally started to be in sync with one another. Although it wasn't perfect, it was an improvement.
"End. You all did great." Mrs Liping said signaling as they turned off the music.
Xinyi fell to the ground tired and hungry. They had been practicing since morning and even skipped lunch. Suddenly, her eyes looked up and she saw everyone gazing at her.
"Get up. Mrs Liping hasn't left." Xinyi saw Shu Chun whispering to her.
Groaning from hunger, Xinyi stood up immediately taking her place.
"You girls should rest well. Tomorrow, you will have vocal classes. Don't drink anything cold until then." Mrs Liping said.
"Rest well too, Mrs Liping." They said in unison.
Xinyi held her stomach watching as Mrs Liping nodded her briefly before heading to the door being followed by JH. This time,Jianhong's farewell seemed to be the loudest.
"Goodbye Senior." The girls shouted while Xinyi crossed her hand in front of her daydreaming.
This seemed to earn a smile from Jianhong as he smiled and waved at the trainees. Opening the door, Xinyi saw him pause which caught her curiosity.
"Oh, you are here to see Xinyi?" Xinyi heard her name making her freeze.
Did her parents find her so soon? Bending down, Xinyi hid behind the other girls trying to avoid the upcoming danger.
"Yes. Is there a problem? JH, how was her performance?" Xinyi heard one of them ask.
Suddenly, she recognized that voice as JH answered in his usual low voice making hard for her to hear anything from where she was. Raising her head, Xinyi watched as Bao Jun entered the room.
"That's it. I'm really going to kill him." Xinyi whispered to herself as she clenched her fist.
Bao Jun entered the room searching for Xinyi with his eyes. He knew she was going to be mad but he was more concerned about her to think about anything at that moment. Once upon a time he had also been a trainee and he knew the sufferings behind the decision she had taken. Even though he had done his best to make sure his idols weren't bullied or suffered any grievances, there was so little he could do because he was human.
"Tang Xinyi." Mrs Liping called out for her.
Bao Jun walked to the back spotting where she was hiding. Holding her by the back of her neck, Bao Jun waited till she stood up groaning in pain.
"It hurts." Xinyi said groaning as she stood up.
"Are you okay? Where does it hurt?" Bao Jun asked spinning her around.
Xinyi found herself confused as she was turned round because of her cousin. Lifting her eyes up, as usual she saw everyone in the room including JH looking at her.
"Enough. Everyone is staring." Xinyi whispered making Bao Jun look around.
Gazing back at his cousin, Bao Jun's smirked realizing Xinyi was embarrassed. Even though he had agreed to allow her train in the agency, he was going to try and change her mind. If making sure they misunderstood was going to make her leave, he was willing to do it.
"Xinyi, I especially came to pick you up. You must be hungry. Let's go eat." Bao Jun said dragging her out of the room as Xinyi bent her head using one hand to cover her face.
After they had come out, Xinyi released her hand forcefully making Bao Jun gaze at the hand he had used to hold her. Obviously she was angry. Folding his arms, Bao Jun gazed at Xinyi.
"You are not hungry?" Bao Jun asked.
Ignoring Bao Jun, Xinyi stomped away to her cousin's office. Opening the door, the delicious smell of food hit her even before she laid eyes to search for the food. Holding her stomach, Xinyi feasted upon the food with her eyes devouring it. Bao Jun caught up with her watching as she stood still by the door. Entering inside, Bao Jun gazed at the food on the table and laughed entering inside.
"Since you are so hungry, why don't you come and sit?" Bao Jun asked.
Xinyi gazed at her cousin confused for a second before realizing she had been caught drooling. Rolling her eyes at her cousin, Xinyi walked to the table and sat. Picking her chopsticks, Xinyi leaned forward sniffing the delicious fish in front of her.
"Here. I made sure to prepare everything you like. Spicy Sichuan fish soup, spring onion braised fish, Sichuan pork, honey chicken. All of them that you like." Bao Jun said placing a piece of fish on her plate.
Gazing at her cousin, Xinyi scoffed at him briefly before turning her face away.
"Okay Xinyi. Don't be like this. I really came to pick you up. Aren't you hungry? Look. I prepared all these dishes for you." Bao Jun said.
"It's enough that you prepared these dishes for me. But, everyone must be talking about the both of us. Some even think I'm your girlfriend." Xinyi said.
"Girlfriend? Can't they see that you and I have the same surname? How can you be my girlfriend?" Bao Jun asked trying his best not to laugh.
"Tang Bao Jun! This is serious. I don't want JH to think I am just a spoilt brat who doesn't know how to do anything." Xinyi said.
"Tang Xinyi. I really don't care what Jianhong thinks about our relationship. You are here to train. If not, then go home." Bao Jun said seriously.
"Hey! Why, why are you being so serious? Didn't I already tell you? I came here because I have nothing to do at home. As you know, school isn't resuming any time soon. Being at home everyday is too boring." Xinyi said.
"Even if you are bored, they are thousands of things to do. Don't come here and cause trouble for me." Bao Jun said.
"Enough. You are scolding me. Be careful that I don't lose my appetite and leave. Okay. Let's eat." Xinyi said quickly stuffing her mouth with food making Bao Jun's heart soften.
"Slow down. Nobody body's going to take your food from you." Bao Jun said.
Xinyi swallowed her food smiling as she looked at her cousin. He had always had a soft heart for her. When she was little, he used to tell her the same thing all over and all over again. Nobody was going to take her food. Even if she was the daughter of an elite family, it didn't stop her from being bullied when she was young. Every day when she came, her food would always be taken from her. Until Bao Jun transferred to her school.
"Thank you." Xinyi said briefly before stuffing her mouth again.
************************************
Meanwhile, Jianhong gathered with Randy and Liuxian waiting for their good as they say down outside. This was Liuxian's favorite restaurant and once in a while, they had made it important to bring him here. The restaurant was very close to the agency making it easy for them. Glancing at his phone, Jianhong checked the time briefly before glancing back at the empty spot meant for Mochi.
"Don't worry. Mochi will definitely arrive soon." Randy said as his eyes followed Jianhong's own to the chair.
Jianhong sighed shaking his head at the thought of their maknae. Mochi has always been willful just like Randy which was why he had done his best to ensure the both of them stayed far away from each other. They were like a bomb and a detonator put together. But somehow, Randy always seemed to know something about the whereabouts of Mochi.
"Aunty, is it done?" Jianhong called out realizing Liuxian's impatience.
"Already done." A middle aged woman replied heading out with several people following her.
Placing all the dishes on the table, Jianhong watched as the woman glanced Liuxian briefly before leaving. Reaching out for the chopsticks close to him, Jianhong handed it over to Liuxian. Just as they were about to eat, Mochi arrived. But not alone.
"I'm here. Sorry Senior. I was really caught up by traffic. Me and Liena went to get some ice cream." Mochi said holding the chair for Liena to sit down beside Jianhong.
Jianhong turned his face focusing on Liuxian after Mochi had taken his seat.
"Greetings Seniors. Hope I didn't keep Mochi from returning early?" Liena asked looking at Jianhong as she talked.
"It's okay. Although we didn't expect you to be here. Allow me to order for you." Randy said taking the menu from the table.