160 Recovering
In a bit of a haze, Miaoyi found herself unsure of how she wound up back in the hotel room.
All she could recall was the wild climax of the Ultra Music Festival, where the entire live performance hit its peak, setting off what felt like a chemical reaction that plunged the entire venue into a frenzied celebration.
Post the grand finale, she, utterly drained, felt her body weighed down like it was made of lead, almost reaching a breaking point. Yet, with sheer willpower, Miaoyi managed to stave off collapsing.
The subsequent memories relayed scenes of all the participants in the performance, including The Rex, Qiuying, the VJ, and the lighting engineer, taking the stage for a few words and the event wrapping up. It was backstage where Miaoyi found herself fielding questions from reporters.
These reporters, lacking proper authorization to enter backstage, somehow blocked the only exit, bombarding anyone leaving with inquiries. Miaoyi was never a fan of paparazzi, but this only solidified her distaste for the profession.
Ignoring them wasn't an option; even saying nothing would be taken as a response by them. So, Miaoyi reluctantly played along...
Luckily, the questions weren't too challenging, except for the first two about "AVICII." Miaoyi handled them without a hitch, and the queries weren't bizarre. They mostly revolved around the details and information about the live performance.
For instance, the most commonly asked questions were: "Who is AVICII?" "Why did your new single feature two consecutive artists?" "Details about the new single release?" "What's the style of the last performance that astonished everyone? Is this another transformation?"
Except for the initial inquiries about AVICII, Miaoyi smoothly addressed the rest. For those wanting info on the new single, she encouraged them to hurry up and leave.
Concerning "Who is AVICII" and "Why the consecutive features," after some reflection, Miaoyi eventually provided a carefully thought-out response.
At that moment, Miaoyi said, "Honestly, he's my teacher, my mentor, and simultaneously, the person who introduced me to the world of electronic music. Truthfully, I might not be the person I am today without his guidance. So, I thought to pay homage to him with those songs, but please refrain from prying too much. He doesn't want to be disturbed!"
As she uttered the last sentence, amid her fatigue, a hint of seriousness flashed on Miaoyi's face as if cautioning the media. She wasn't joking.
And from Miaoyi's perspective, she wasn't even lying...
She had reached her current position because of that indispensable guidance. Intrigued by his work, she had wholeheartedly dived into this turbulent industry, facing challenges with determination.
After "answering" their questions, Miaoyi was able to push through the swarm and leave with the help of a few of Ultra's security guards.
Given the speed of these media outlets, specialized reports on this incident would undoubtedly flood the airwaves soon.
But after answering, Miaoyi couldn't care less; she had responded to everyone she needed to.
Returning to the hotel room, Miaoyi's memories and consciousness finally grew hazy. Though there was still a faint self-awareness, her mental and physical batteries had died already. Even though it was still daytime, she could barely keep her eyes open...
Which meant it was time to catch some Zs.
This time, she was genuinely fatigued. The blueberry-flavored girl finally had a real and legitimate excuse to have a nap...
...
..
.
With this thought, Miaoyi slipped into a profound sleep.
This slumber stretched an entire day. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say this was the longest and deepest sleep Miaoyi had experienced in this world.
However, she was abruptly roused. As she opened her eyes early in the morning, an arm lay directly under her nose. Although the additional warmth was comforting, it shifted to block her nostrils in juuussst the wrong way...
"MMMnnnhhh, *cough*, I can't breathe!!"
Miaoyi's small face twisted uncomfortably. She wriggled to break free from the tight embrace enveloping her. Taking a deep breath, she composed herself and looked up.
Indeed, the familiar touch, warmth, and scent belonged to Qiuying!
Miaoyi's pretty face suddenly reddened. Wow, this little Qiu Qiu had sneakily infiltrated her bed while she was sleeping. That was quite a bold move!
Well, in the future, she needed to... commend her appropriately.
Just as Miaoyi woke up with a bit too much commotion, she also woke up Qiuying from her slumber. Rubbing her eyes, she sleepily remarked, "You're awake?"
As they both spoke, they were momentarily taken aback.
Evidently, after singing continuously as the lead vocalist yesterday and hyping up the audience, Qiuying's usually melodious voice was now rather hoarse.
"Your voice..." Miaoyi sighed and, after a moment's thought, promptly said, "Wait, I'll call room service for a cup of tea for you."
Miaoyi's voice wasn't at its prime either, though it wasn't as hoarse as Qiuying's.
"Thanks, Miaoyi." Qiuying was suddenly moved by this touch of gentleness as her eyes, shining softly, looked at Miaoyi.
"Of course, we're in this together. I'm also counting on you to help me deal with Tang Lina," Miaoyi, completely oblivious to Qiuying's current mood, rolled her eyes and gave a straightforward answer.
"..."
Now it was Qiuying's turn to roll her eyes. She lightly tossed a pillow at Miaoyi's face.
At this moment, in the room, the atmosphere began to seem ever so slightly warmer.
- - - - - - - - - -
The mood stayed much the same until at the ungodly hour of 7 in the morning, Miaoyi secretly ordered takeout. As for Qiuying, out of consideration for her throat's condition, Miaoyi chose a soothing bowl of chicken soup.
And then came the time to bid farewell and check out.
After an extended stay, with all essential tasks wrapped up, it was time to make the journey back to the Magic City.
Despite the delays caused by the new single and the electronic music festival, there wasn't a compelling reason to prolong their stay. Conveniently, their flight was set for noon at 12.
However, even during departure, a customary farewell was in order. Miaoyi and Qiuying swung by the East Records headquarters to inform everyone, and then they were chauffeured to the airport in a special car.
As for the equipment, East Records had it covered. No issues at all. This was the beauty of having a label backing you; you could pack up and leave, and your equipment would obediently follow suit.
Miaoyi was relieved that their flight faced no delays.
At precisely 12:20, the flight from the Imperial Capital to the Magic City took off punctually, soaring into the sky.
During the flight, Qiuying succumbed to another deep slumber, while Miaoyi, having snoozed all day, was brimming with energy. Sleep was not on her agenda.
So, during the flight, she utilized the time to strategize and organize her thoughts about what awaited them upon returning to Shanghai.
First on the agenda was for her and Qiuying to return promptly. Then, without delay, a trip to the school office to report to Tang Lina was in order.
The next plan involved a visit to the Bilibili headquarters. She had already hashed out the details of the so-called "K/DA Plan" and arranged to experience the life of a bona fide top content creator.
These were the two most immediate plans in the pipeline. As for the rest, that could be dealt with in the not-so-distant future.
"Hmm, school and Bilibili headquarters." Miaoyi mulled over these plans in her mind, silently gazing at the blue sky and white clouds outside the window, sipping her tea, lost in contemplation.
- - - - - - - - - -
January 11, 2:30 PM. On the third day of the Ultra Music Festival, after a little over two hours of flight time, a flight from the Imperial Capital to the Magic City smoothly touched down at the Magic City Hongqiao International Airport.
One more day later, on Tuesday, January 12th, at the crack of dawn at 7 in the morning, Miaoyi and Qiuying finally stepped back onto the school grounds.
"Hey, did you folks catch TMY's Ultra recording the day before yesterday?"
"Is that even a question? Of course, we did. She's from our school."
"Look at her, a mere 18-year-old, already DJing at an international music festival. I'm still being yelled at by my parents for not having a job!"
"Absolutely mind-blowing. She's a true talent, a real goddess. When will I find a girlfriend like her? I'd willingly shorten my life for that."
"Wha? Get out!"
"I was dumbfounded at the time. There was even a holographic projection."
"The world's number one princess!"
Entering the high school teaching area of the school, Miaoyi's initial impression was that the stifling atmosphere typical of the third year of high school seemed noticeably lighter today. Even though students were still grappling with the stress of exams, the ambiance was decidedly more cheerful.
The reason? Many students walking by were fervently discussing the Ultra event from the day before yesterday. A few students even got berated by their friends for not having seen the performance.
Miaoyi and Qiuying couldn't help but tug their hats down a bit more, feeling their presence drawing too much attention.
Now, Miaoyi had become a notable figure in the Magic City High School No. 7. Her name was probably featured in nine out of ten sentences.
"Do we really need all this attention? It makes me think twice about entering the classroom..." Miaoyi whispered to Qiuying amidst the buzzing conversations around them.
These were just students unaware of them, and things had already snowballed to this extent. If their classmates found out, it would be even more troublesome.
Qiuying simply smiled gently, "Isn't this a good thing? It means TMY is really popular now."
"No use now. Besides, we have a certain "test" to look forward to." Miaoyi shook her head and continued walking towards the teaching building.
The girls were not headed to the classroom. First, they needed to go to the office and check in with Tang Lina.
This is a big problem.
- - - - - - - - - -
Tang Lina held a pen in her hand and tapped the desk slowly, looking at Tang Miaoyi and An Qiuying standing in front of her. No words were spoken.
Miaoyi only felt that the air seemed to have solidified, making her breathing slightly shaky. Miaoyi had never thought she would see the day when 'spiritual pressure' would somehow manifest in real life...
After the calm, the storm always came very violently. After being silent for a long time, Tang Lina angrily shouted: "Classmate Tang Miaoyi, classmate An Qiuying, I need an explanation!"
This sound was ten decibels louder than it needed to be.
Fortunately, most of the teachers in the office have gone to class now. Otherwise, just this shout would definitely scare some teachers.
"Aunt Lina, I'm not deaf!" Miaoyi was suddenly frightened and then looked at Tang Lina resentfully.
However, she didn't say much. She was now in her senior year of high school, and there was still more than a semester left. Even a lion still needs to act cowardly every now and then.
The person in front of her is her aunt and homeroom teacher. Even if Tang Lina doesn't report to her mother, she is still qualified to impose some 'family punishment' on Miaoyi. It would be really miserable if they were really grounded.
With Miaoyi's current situation, being grounded is undoubtedly a big punishment.
"Okay, Teacher Tang, calm down." At this time, the only teacher left in the office sorted out the homework he had just finished correcting and couldn't help but look up at Miaoyi and Qiuying with a smile. Xiao Wang concealed his appreciation: "Actually, Mrs. Tang and Mrs. An are already very good. They have brought a lot of fame to our school. They are two rare good children."
Miaoyi was already well-known as an outstanding student before she became famous at the Electronic Music Festival. Now, as a high school student, she has achieved such an achievement that makes people stunned, which is even more amazing.
With a series of honors added to it, it creates an undefeatable aura.
Such students will definitely be included in the Alumni Hall of Fame when they graduate.
Therefore, in fact, the school's attitude towards Miaoyi is very relaxed. Otherwise, Miaoyi could not take so many days off with Tang Lina looking over her shoulder.
After all, you can hear the name Miaoyi wherever you go in the No. 7 Middle School of the Magic City, and a big incident happened during the school anniversary earlier.
Hearing this, Tang Lina could only sigh and smile: "Teacher Xiao Wang, it's just that you don't know this girl's recent state..."
"Fine, let's just head to the classroom. But this is the last time! Your grades are already beginning to drop, so don't even think about running around. At least stay in Shanghai!" Tang Lina finally spoke, somewhat reluctantly.
"Huh?" Miaoyi and Qiuying exchanged glances.
- - - - - - - - - -
(A/N)
New cover!!!
YAAAYYYAAYAYYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYYYY
It feels like only a couple chapters ago that it changed to the other one, and now it's gone again.
...It was a couple chapters ago?
.
..
...
Wow, I'm updating this REEEAALLLL slowly.
Honestly, I'm doing pretty good compared to some of the other authors on here...
(you know who you are)
(I'm still waiting for chapter 29)
hehe
;)
