Snow-Kissed Rose (GL) Chapter 38.2

After the setlist for the performance was decided, everyone busily and enthusiastically rehearsed their respective songs. Nobody stopped for an afternoon nap.

Instead of being divided by class, the practice rooms were now divided by performance teams. Each song would have its own practice room, so 12 practice rooms were needed. The production crew had to open up seven more practice rooms on the seventh floor to make up the missing numbers.

Song Yingshi was very focused on her dance practice. When 5 PM came around, some of the trainees on her team took a break for dinner.

Having consumed energy throughout the afternoon, Song Yingshi was hungry. As her practice came to an end, she tied her hair up again in front of the mirror and headed out.

Having expended a lot of energy in the afternoon, Song Yingshi was starving. Hence, she similarly decided to put her practice on hold to refuel. After tying her hair in front of the mirror, she walked out of the practice room and headed for the cafeteria.

…

At the cafeteria, Song Yingshi ordered a serving of braised pork rice. As she held her tray and glanced around, she saw many trainees eating in groups of two or three.

Despite being divided into teams, everyone seemed more accustomed to eating with their roommates. At this sight, Song Yingshi couldn't help but think of her own roommate.

Huai Xu's been out for quite some time, so she should be back by now, right? But where is she? Song Yingshi wondered. Isn't she hungry? Why isn't she coming to the cafeteria?

However, Song Yingshi didn't dwell on the matter for long. When she saw Wan Jiao eating alone, she went over, grabbed a seat, and casually asked, "How's practice coming along?"

Although Wan Jiao was also in the dance group, she selected a song that was different from Song Yingshi.

"Not bad. We should be able to get it down within the one-week deadline," Wan Jiao replied. Then, she curiously asked, "Where's Huai Xu?"

I want to ask you the same question, Song Yingshi mentally retorted. She never expected others to ask her about Huai Xu before she could ask them about Huai Xu's whereabouts. Finding this coincidence quite amusing, she chuckled, "How would I know?"

"Don't you two always hang out together?" Wan Jiao casually said, then started singing, "Friends walk together for life; whoever debuts is a dog—"[1]

Song Yingshi chuckled at Wan Jiao's take on Emil Chau's "Friends," saying, "It's a shame you're not in the vocal group."

Wan Jiao agreed wholeheartedly, saying, "Not being able to hear my beautiful voice is a loss for the audience."

At this time, two girls from Wan Jiao's team came over and jokingly criticized her.

"We could hear your terrible singing from miles away," one of the girls said.

Then, the two girls looked around and asked Song Yingshi, "Little Shi, is Huai Xu not here today?"

When asked the same question, Song Yingshi helplessly said, "Mhm, she went out. I'm not sure if she's back yet."

One of the girls seemed disappointed, "I wanted to ask her for advice."

Before Song Yingshi could comfort the disappointed trainee, the girl's face lit up again, saying, "Since Huai Xu isn't here, Little Shi is ours for today."

Song Yingshi: ?

What kind of logic was this?

"Hey, I'm still here," Wan Jiao said, slapping the table.

However, the two girls ignored Wan Jiao and sat beside Song Yingshi, sweetly saying, "Little Shi, let's eat together. Hey, do you like beef brisket? I'll share some with you."

Song Yingshi was taken aback by their actions, confused as to why the two younger girls seemed so fond of her. For a moment, she even wondered if she was misinterpreting the situation. However, as she couldn't find it in her to ask, she politely refused the offer, saying, "Thank you, but I'm fine with what I have. You two enjoy your meal."

Under the watchful gaze of the two younger girls and Wan Jiao, Song Yingshi lowered her head and started eating.

As they watched Song Yingshi eat, the two girls exchanged affectionate glances.

Little Shi is so cute when she eats!

I want to feed her!

Little Shi, tell Mommy what you want to eat, and Mommy will buy it for you!

…

Unbeknownst to Song Yingshi, she had gained many mysterious "mother fans[2]" among the trainees.

Normally, Song Yingshi, an individual with a stunning appearance, a confident personality, and high emotional intelligence and capability, would make her the ideal older sister figure, especially for those younger than her. However, it was her fault for being irresistibly cute in her everyday life!

As a result, many trainees began looking at her as their "daughter."

Unfortunately, due to the constant presence of the "Ice Queen" around Song Yingshi, everyone was too shy and hesitant to approach their "daughter." They dared not engage the icy beauty in a "competition for favor."[3]

Hence, Huai Xu's absence today presented Song Yingshi's "mother fans" with the perfect opportunity!

Seeing that their "daughter" was almost done with her meal, the two girls from Wan Jiao's team quickly brought back some fruits from the counter.

"Little Shi, have some fruit," the girls said as they piled a bunch of watermelon, cantaloupe, mandarins, and cherry tomatoes in front of Song Yingshi.

Song Yingshi didn't have the habit of eating fruits after a meal, but she couldn't turn down their kind gesture and ate a piece of the watermelon the girls had sliced for her.

"Eat more!" one of the girls urged.

"I'm full," Song Yingshi said, smiling politely. However, seeing as the two girls were still insisting she eat more fruits, she picked up a mandarin and said, "I'll bring this back and eat it later, okay?"

Wan Jiao clicked her tongue at this sight, saying, "You're spoiling them rotten, Little Shi. If you keep being so lenient with them—Huai Xu?"

Wan Jiao suddenly called out Huai Xu's name mid-sentence and turned to look at the cafeteria entrance. At this unexpected development, Song Yingshi followed Wan Jiao's gaze and looked behind her.

Huai Xu looked like she had just returned from her outing, dressed simply in a T-shirt and long pants. She also had her long hair tied up neatly.

With an A5 notebook in hand and a backpack on her back, Huai Xu looked more like a student just finishing class than a trainee on an idol survival show at first glance.

Huai Xu stood by the cafeteria entrance without saying a word. Yet, she drew many people's attention, their eyes lingering on her for a long time.

When Song Yingshi turned around with the mandarin in hand, she happened to make eye contact with Huai Xu.

Seeing Huai Xu return, Song Yingshi's eyes gradually curved into smiles. Then, she waved the mandarin at Huai Xu and called out, "Huai Xu, have you had dinner yet?"

Huai Xu's gaze dropped to the mandarin, then swept over to the two trainees beside Song Yingshi…

Huai Xu suddenly felt her appetite disappearing and the cafeteria lights disorienting. Her feet that originally intended to move forward froze. Then, a few seconds later, she turned around and left the cafeteria.

"Why is she leaving?" Song Yingshi muttered.

"Maybe she has already eaten," Wan Jiao said.

"I'm done eating, too. You all take your time," Song Yingshi said before returning her tray and chasing after Huai Xu.

Fortunately, Song Yingshi didn't have trouble finding Huai Xu this time, as the latter had returned to their dormitory.

Huai Xu was drinking water when Song Yingshi returned to the dormitory, the light blue cup in her hand making her fingers look whiter than usual.

As Huai Xu gulped down the water, Song Yingshi's eyes were drawn to the water droplets rolling down Huai Xu's neck. However, before Song Yingshi could admire Huai Xu's smooth and elegant neck further, Huai Xu caught her staring.

"What are you looking at?" Huai Xu asked, glancing at Song Yingshi.

"I'm looking at my pretty roommate," Song Yingshi replied honestly.

Huai Xu didn't respond and looked away.

Song Yingshi chuckled at Huai Xu's reaction. Then, she got serious and asked, "What did you do with Director Wu today?"

"We went to meet someone," Huai Xu replied concisely.

"Who?" Song Yingshi continued questioning.

Huai Xu didn't answer.

Song Yingshi leaned closer and lightly rested her head on Huai Xu's shoulder. Pouting, she said, "Don't be so stingy. Tell me~"

Huai Xu's brows furrowed slightly, then quickly relaxed. Tilting her head to avoid Song Yingshi's breath, she asked in a less-than-calm tone, "Must you stand so close when you talk?"

Song Yingshi: "..."

It was rare for Huai Xu to be so uncooperative. After pondering for a moment, Song Yingshi quickly realized that Huai Xu most likely still hadn't forgiven her for last night.

Must you have such a good memory? Song Yingshi inwardly clicked her tongue. However, this level of rejection wasn't enough to get her down. On the contrary, it stoked her temper as she murmured, "I didn't see you avoiding me."

Once these words were spoken, as someone with high self-esteem, Huai Xu lifted her leg to walk away without hesitation.

When these words fell, as a person with high self-esteem, Huai Xu promptly lifted a leg to walk away.

Song Yingshi let out a slight "ah" sound before quickly leaning forward again. This time, she also hooked her forearm around Huai Xu, coaxing, "Hey, what's wrong? Please tell me what's bothering you. Did I upset you, or did you encounter something unpleasant today? Tell me. I promise I won't say a word. Okay?"

Song Yingshi's voice was as sweet as usual. She even spoke softly and coaxingly, like an adult comforting a child.

Huai Xu pursed her lips, not wanting to respond. However, the soft body pressing against her back instantly brought up her memories from the previous night.

As Huai Xu recalled the unforgettable warmth, she felt even less inclined to respond to Song Yingshi. Nevertheless, she dared not push Song Yingshi away. As such, she remained silent and stood tensely with her back to Song Yingshi.

Song Yingshi also felt a bit frustrated, wondering why her usually good-natured roommate was so hard to coax today. She also worried that Huai Xu might have been bullied outside, which would explain why Huai Xu came back upset.

Song Yingshi had grown used to looking out for Huai Xu over the past two months. Today was her first time being completely ignorant of Huai Xu's well-being.

Song Yingshi became very unhappy when she thought of the possibility that Huai Xu might have suffered injustice.

Seeing Huai Xu refusing to speak, Song Yingshi started to grow anxious. Looking at the mandarin in her hand, she controlled her emotions and smiled, saying, "How about we make a deal? I'll peel this mandarin for you, and you tell me what happened, okay?"

This time, Huai Xu finally responded, "Do you like peeling mandarins for others that much?"

"Hmm?" Song Yingshi was momentarily taken aback, unable to fully process Huai Xu's words.

"You might like to peel mandarins, but I never said I liked eating them," Huai Xu added.

Realization dawned on Song Yingshi. As she looked at Huai Xu's back, she regretfully said, "You don't like them? Then I won't..."

"It's fine," Huai Xu said stiffly.

Huh? Song Yingshi had intended to say, "I won't use this line with you again," but was unexpectedly interrupted by Huai Xu. So, do you like eating them or not?

Song Yingshi couldn't help but laugh. However, she didn't bother asking for Huai Xu's opinion again.

While leaning against Huai Xu, Song Yingshi peeled the mandarin and broke it into slices. Then, she walked around to Huai Xu's front and held up a slice, "Open up."

The mandarin's warm color highlighted the whiteness of Song Yingshi's fingertips and complemented the brightness of her smile.

Huai Xu stared at Song Yingshi for a moment before quickly lowering her gaze. Eventually, she opened her mouth and ate the mandarin.

Huai Xu chewed slowly while Song Yingshi waited patiently for her.

The mandarin had a sweet flavor with a hint of sourness. However, the rich and fragrant juice made the final sourness seem insignificant.

"It's pretty sweet," Song Yingshi commented as she ate a slice herself. Then, she looked up at Huai Xu and said, "Well? Tell me what happened."

Savoring the taste of mandarin, Huai Xu lifted her gaze to look at Song Yingshi, her knitted brows relaxing slightly. Immediately afterward, she shifted her gaze away and said, "Song Yingshi, I'm going to release a solo single."

Huai Xu was going to release a single.

Of course, this wouldn't be her first time releasing one, but it was the first time she wanted to share the news with someone immediately.

Huai Xu wanted Song Yingshi to be the first to know.

TL Notes:
[1]The lyrics mentioned here belong to the song "Friends" by Emil Chau.

Youtube link: https://youtu.be/6lbPgfKK7m4