Chapter 27 - Hien JieJie

Staying in her room for the rest of the previous day, Mei left for the Academy in the early morning, not wanting to face Jian.

Taking a deep breath, she entered the training room, expecting to be the only one present.

To her surprise, another one of the trainees was busy practicing in front of the mirror.

Turning around, she greeted her,

"Good morning, Mei Ling is it?" she asked, continuing her routine.

"Uh yes, that's me," smiling, she placed her bag in the corner, "I'm sorry I didn't get your name?"

Glancing back at her, she smiled,

"Nuwa, I'm surprised you don't remember me after all we had been through some years ago."

Confused, she shook her head,

"I think you might be mistaking me for somebody else."

Smirking, Nuwa stopped as she stepped out of the room,

"Maybe, maybe not. I guess we can figure that out later."

Feeling flustered, Mei walked into the bathroom, changing her clothes and tying her hair up.

After practicing alone in the room for an hour, she heard the connecting door from the trainer's office open as Wei strolled in.

"Oh, you seem to be early, Ling. How is your health now? Hopefully much better considering you came today."

Bowing down, Mei assured, "Yes, thank you very much."

Nodding, he walked back to the office again,

"Well, continue your practice. I can see you are getting better. However, today you will have to leave early to attend the dietician's appointment. I already sent you the details. Be sure not to be late."

An hour later, the other trainees started arriving, only missing Nuwa.

Mei felt a sudden pat on her back as Kuan excitedly bumped into her.

"There you are! I must say, it was pretty weird that you came the first day and didn't on the next. But, hey, you're here now!"

Chuckling, she replied, "I did come early today though."

Suddenly, Kuan's expression changed, questioning Mei in a gloomy tone,

"Early? Does that mean you met Nuwa?"

"Oh, ya I did. Won't she be back?"

Squinting her eyes, she poked her in the shoulder,

"Don't you know? She only practices during dawn because apparently, she is shooting for a movie, however, she can't officially debut before the given date, so it hasn't been announced yet."

Shrugging it off, Mei inquired her about the dietician, trying to indulge in gossip,

"Never mind that, did you have to visit a dietician too? Trainer Wei has told me to meet one assigned through the Academy itself. Do you know her?"

Confused, Kuan tilted her head in response, "You're meeting Hien jiejie now? I thought you already had your check-ups before joining Group A. It was mandatory for us to complete it to check our overall health, because of how hectic the routines can get."

Rolling her eyes, Mei cursed in her mind, 'Another damn check-up.'

Another trainee rushed in, squealing, "Trainer Wei's here! Let's start the warm-up everybody!" making everyone return to their positions and start training.

During their session break, Mei packed her bag after talking with Wei.

"I'm sure you are aware of the Soo Hospital? Just tell the receptionist that you're from Liu Academy to meet Hien and they would direct you to her clinic."

Nervous, Mei felt her hands trembling as she walked through the gate to the grandly built private hospital.

After informing the receptionist, a nurse guided her to an elevator, stating,

"Just head to the fifth floor, and that's where you will find Miss Hien."

Waiting near the entrance, Mei couldn't help but dread her appointment,

'I know my body is extremely weak, why didn't I eat something before coming here? What if she tells Trainer Wei that I'm not capable of debuting yet? Should I just leave?'

Suddenly, a voice from inside the clinic called out, "Mei Ling!"

Her heart beating loudly in her chest, she slowly stepped inside where she was greeted by a young lady in white clothes.

"Good to meet you, Mei Ling. I'm surprised to see a new member in Group A this late. It's good that you are taking the check-up as soon as possible."

Smiling, she looked down at her fingers, nodding.

Hien continued, "Wei has informed me about your decreasing energy levels compared to your early years as a trainee. Is there any particular reason for that?"

"Not that I know of," she shook her head, frowning while remembering all the times she skipped her meals.

"Okay then, please make yourself comfortable while I'll take your blood samples, BMI, and overall body status."

As the time passed by, Mei bit her lips in tension, waiting for her results, her palms sweaty, she could feel her breathing getting unsteady again.

'Why isn't she here yet? I'm sure there is something wrong, it's been more than 2 hours since she asked me to wait. What could have possibly happened?'

Some minutes later, Hien waved her over to the consultation room, increasing Mei's agitation.

Handing her a folder, Hien calmly spoke,

"So, it seems that your iron levels are remarkably low, and you are slightly underweight. There is a possibility you might have to start taking supplements and some medicines for the time being, but other than that, I don't see any grave problems with your report."

Sighing in relief, Mei thanked her as Hien asked her if by any chance she had been receiving any particular therapy.

Surprised, she answered softly, "I have actually been taking anti-depressants and sleeping pills for a couple of years now. Would I have to take specific medications due to that?"

"You're on anti-depressants? You should have notified me regarding that earlier, Mei Ling. That explains some small irregularities from your results," she refuted.

"I'm sorry?"

Her voice stern, Hien asked, "Mei, do you perhaps suffer from any food disorders? Bulimia, Anorexia?"

Biting her lip, she gulped, hesitating, "I...I am mildly anorexic. I used to be bulimic, but it has been some years that I have not been acting upon my urges."

Putting her elbows down, she expressed, "I would advise you to see a psychologist for your mental health, Mei. Medicines without therapy do not work."

Tapping her foot on the ground, Mei mumbled, "I don't have any experience with therapy, and I have no idea who to consult."

Standing up from her seat, Hien placed her hand out, indicating her to follow her,

"Well, you are in luck because I seem to know one of the best in the field."