Afternoon, Shen Media.
Different practice rooms echoed with the sounds of various instruments and singing voices.
Su Qianqian had just finished a basic vocal lesson, cradling a notebook filled with meticulous notes as she gracefully stepped out. Music was her weakest area—aside from her naturally beautiful voice, her foundational skills were lacking.
She wore a fitted blue dress that accentuated her slender waist, the hem revealing a glimpse of her delicate, porcelain-like ankles. On her feet were pristine white canvas sneakers, a limited-edition seasonal release from a luxury brand.
A light, humming melody drifted closer.
"La~ la~ la~ mm~"
The voice was bright yet carried a hint of casual huskiness.
Su Qianqian instinctively turned toward the sound.
A girl in a vibrant orange T-shirt and ripped jeans was approaching, her fingers casually tracing an invisible rhythm in the air. Her short brown hair bounced with each lively step.
Slung over her shoulder was a stuffed canvas bag adorned with an array of cartoon pins.
Noticing the gaze, the girl glanced over.
She had a doll-like face, with large, sparkling eyes like black grapes, now slightly dazed as if interrupted mid-thought. Then, she tilted her head.
Their eyes met.
Su Qianqian flushed slightly under the scrutiny and spoke softly, "Sorry, did I disturb you?"
Her voice, still slightly hoarse from vocal exercises, was tender and sweet, laced with a delicate charm.
The girl’s eyes widened dramatically, lighting up with startling intensity.
"Oh my god!"
In a flash, she closed the distance between them, now so close that Su Qianqian could see the fine down on her face. Her expression brimmed with excitement.
"That voice! This is exactly the sound I’ve been looking for! The heavens have smiled upon me!"
Su Qianqian startled at her sudden enthusiasm and proximity, instinctively hugging her notebook as she took half a step back, flustered. "Huh?"
"'Huh' what?!"
The girl waved her hands animatedly, undeterred by Su Qianqian’s retreat, her gaze burning with fervor. "I’m Qin Yuwei, from the vocal department—songwriter and lyricist!"
"And you? New here? Which department? Trainee? Singer? Or actor?"
"Never mind! What’s your name? Your voice is insane, you know that? So clear and pure, with just a hint of that post-practice rasp!"
"It’s got such unique texture! Hey, wanna hear about my new song~?"
The rapid-fire questions left Su Qianqian momentarily stunned, her lips parting slightly as she struggled to decide which to answer first.
Qin Yuwei giggled at her dazed expression, revealing a pair of playful fangs.
"Hey, little fairy, snap out of it!"
"Tell me your name already—from now on, you’re my number one muse!"
Su Qianqian relaxed at her laughter, her stiff shoulders easing as she replied gently, "I’m Su Qianqian, a new actress in the performance department."
"Su. Qian. Qian!"
Qin Yuwei enunciated each syllable, her eyes crinkling into crescents.
"Even your name is gorgeous!"
"Just like you—fresh and lovely!"
"An actress? Tsk, you’d make an amazing musician too. Wasting that voice on acting is practically a crime."
"No, no, I’ve gotta talk to your manager. You have to record a demo for my song—even just reciting a few lines! A voice like yours could make love poems sound lethal."
Growing more animated, she reached out and playfully poked Su Qianqian’s soft cheek.
"Wow! So smooth, and it even smells nice."
"Qianqian, you’re too perfect—the universe clearly played favorites with you!"
Su Qianqian giggled, ducking away from the ticklish touch, her lips curling into a shy smile.
Her clear almond-shaped eyes sparkled with genuine delight at the praise, her entire demeanor brightening. "Miss Qin, stop teasing me."
"Miss Qin? Call me Yuwei!"
Qin Yuwei planted her hands on her hips, feigning indignation with a pout. "Or Weiwei! We’re basically sisters now!"
"Which practice room are you in? How was vocal class? Was Old Li super strict? Let me tell you, when he taught me, he nearly made me cry with his critiques."
Effortlessly looping her arm through Su Qianqian’s, Qin Yuwei chattered away, steering them toward the lounge.
Su Qianqian stumbled slightly but didn’t pull away.
She found herself enjoying the other girl’s vivacious rambling, feeling none of the usual shyness she had around others.
Occasionally, she murmured a quiet response, her voice laced with an unconscious lightness.
"We were practicing breath control today. Old Li said I’m still not steady enough," Su Qianqian shared softly.
"Pfft! That’ll come with time!"
"Your natural tone is what matters!"
"C’mon, there’s a new café downstairs—their matcha latte is to die for. My treat, to celebrate our meet-cute!"
"Plus, I’ve gotta play you my new song. There’s this melody that’d sound heavenly with your voice—it’ll blow minds!..."
Side by side, the two girls walked down the hallway—one fiery and exuberant, the other gentle as a spring breeze.
Su Qianqian covered her mouth with a hand, laughing at Qin Yuwei’s antics, her joy brighter than the sunlight streaming through the windows.
Meanwhile, Qin Yuwei orbited her newfound muse like a comet, words tumbling out in an endless, enthusiastic stream.
