Chapter 28: This isn’t a scar, this is a badge of honor
After the top three contestants received their trophies on stage, the competition finally concluded after running for over a month.
Backstage, the director gathered everyone together and happily declared, “Everyone has worked hard over this past month. Tomorrow, Producer Mu will be holding a celebratory feast at her home. Everyone needs to come!”
All the staff members cheered after he spoke. After the director handed out the invitations, he went to congratulate Ding Meng. Jiang Nanqing and the rest of the friends and family members had also arrived backstage under the direction of the staff members. When Jiang Nanqing saw Ding Meng who was surrounded, she happily rushed up, “Meng Meng, you’ve started running down the path of a goddess and there’s no looking back! Your performance just now was so incredible. Congratulations on becoming the champion and bringing honor to our neighborhood!”
Ding Meng, “…”
Even though she hadn’t been competing for the sake of the neighborhood, she still thanked Jiang Nanqing with goodwill.
From behind, a young girl she didn’t recognize offered her a gift box. The girl’s eyes watered with emotion, “Lemon leader, we the Little Lemons are giving you some honey! It can protect your throat!”
This was actually the first time Ding Meng had ever received a fan gift so she was a little embarrassed. Next to her, Jiang Nanqing spoke, “Don’t be embarrassed. Bravely accept it!”
Ding Meng smiled and received the honey. When Jiang Nanqing reminded her about the free meal offered by the chuan chuan restaurant’s boss, Ding Meng decided that there was no reason to wait. She would go today!
She speedily changed clothes and happily followed Jiang Nanqing and the others to 10 Li of Floating Fragrance.
When she left, she purposefully checked for Qiao Yichen’s whereabouts, only to discover he had already disappeared. With that head injury of his, it was unlikely that anyone would drag him to go eating or drinking. He had most likely returned to the hospital.
Ah, skipping out on tonight’s training shouldn’t be a problem, right? If he called to ask, she could just say she was at home practicing!
After making up her mind, Ding Meng relaxed and hurried to the chuan chuan restaurant.
That night, the restaurant was packed. When Ding Meng and the others arrived, they were immediately ushered into a private room. This special treatment made her a little embarrassed. “Lady boss, on top of treating me to a free meal, you’re actually personally taking care of us. I feel so undeserving.”
T/N: Lao ban niang can mean lady boss (aka female owner of a business) or the boss’ wife
The woman wearing a red colored qipao responded, “Ay, how many times have I told you all to not call me lady boss? I’m just a regular employee so calling me by my name will do.”
Jiang Nanqing blinked at her and then leaned in toward her, “How come you haven’t captured the boss yet? I’m not trying to rush you, but with the boss’s looks, if you don’t make a move, sooner or later, other young women are going to make a move.”
The woman rolled her eyes and replied, “You should focus on marrying yourself out first. Back when I started working here, your family was already setting you up on blind dates. Now, I’ve already become the boss’ wife in all your hearts, but your family is still setting you up on blind dates.”
Everyone in the private room started to laugh. Jiang Nanqing glared at Ding Meng and spoke in a very tongue-in-cheek manner, “What’s so funny? Being married must be so amazing huh?”
Ding Meng held back her laughter and replied, “Nono, you’re single. You’re glorious.”
At the table, everyone burst laughter. After the lady boss finished serving the dishes, she announced, “Take your time and enjoy the meal. Go ahead and order more if this isn’t enough. Tonight is the boss’ treat so eat to your heart’s desire!”
Ding Meng asked, “Is the boss going to come by tonight? Let our Nanqing see him a bit. Before, she used to come with me to eat chuan chuan just to see him.”
Jiang Nanqing kicked her under the table so Ding Meng quickly corrected herself, “Ah, now that Nanqing has Xiao Zhuo-zi, the boss is a thing of the past.”
Caught in the crossfire, innocent Xiao Zhuo-zi quietly hung his head.
Not long after, the food in the pot finished cooking. Ding Meng felt as if 500 years had already passed since she last smelled the delicious fragrance of chuan chuan. She didn’t hold back at all as she grabbed beef in large bunches.
Right as she was savoring her food, her phone rang. Ding Meng made a “shhh” signal to everyone and picked up her phone.
Sure enough, it was Qiao Yichen.
She cleared her throat, put on a friendly tone, and answered the call, “Gou…dada, what’s up?”
Gou dada’s eyelids twitched. Then he asked, “Where are you? What are you doing?”
Ding Meng smiled. He was just like a dormitory supervisor inspecting rooms….
“I’m at home practicing.”
Qiao Yichen paused, “Practicing?”
“Yeah.” Ding Meng’s performance was very natural.
“Eh.” Qiao Yichen’s voice started to sound a little odd. Ding Meng could faintly tell something was off. “What are you practicing?”
“I…am practicing my pitch.”
“Play the guitar for me to hear.”
Ding Meng, “…”
She hadn’t thought of that possibility…
However, no need to panic, she was quick witted! She let out a sigh and calmly replied, “If I play the guitar, I won’t have any hands to hold the phone. If I place the phone on the ground, you won’t be able to hear clearly.”
“That seems very reasonable.” Qiao Yichen’s voice sounded even more odd now. Without giving Ding Meng time to think more of it, he ended his interrogation. “Alright, that’s all. You continue practicing. I’m hanging up.”
After he finished speaking, he hung up. Ding Meng frowned at her phone. Why did she feel like something was off? Taking advantage of the fact that Ding Meng had been talking on the phone, Jiang Nanqing and Xiao Zhuo-zi had cleaned off the remaining beef in the pot. Jiang Nanqing looked at Ding Meng and whispered by her ear, “Actually, I’ve been a bit worried. If Qiao Yichen and your relationship is exposed, won’t you be slandered to the ends of the universe?”
Ding Meng actually wasn’t very worried about that problem. According to the contract, the marriage would only last half a year. Two months had already passed by in a flash. She doubted that she would become popular enough to be exposed in the remaining four months.
This meal took about two full hours to conclude. After Ding Meng and Jiang Nanqing made a “after eating this meal of chuan chuan, we’ll be good friends even in the next life” oath, Ding Meng carried the leftover chuan chuan and took a taxi back home.
The taxi driver actually recognized her and excitedly discussed the competition with her. At the end, he even asked her for her autograph.
Sadly he didn’t lower the fare.
Carrying her various things, she hummed a little tune and walked up the stairs. The second she opened the door, warm white light poured out from inside. Her heart immediately dropped.
“You’ve returned?” Qiao Yichen’s voice travelled out from the living room. Ding Meng took two steps inside and saw him sitting on the couch, slightly cocking his head to look at her.
“Ah…” The gears in her head churned again, and she contemplated saying that she had gotten hungry after practicing so she stepped downstairs to buy some…chuan chuan. Would that work?
Nono that wouldn’t work. She was still holding the competition clothes in her hands. She had obviously just returned home!
She didn’t speak so Qiao Yichen asked another question, “You were practicing at the chuan chuan restaurant?”
Ding Meng, “…”
Why! Wasn’t he supposed to be at the Hos! Pi! Tal!
Hospitals these days were really becoming too irresponsible. How could they casually release sick people?
She set down the things in her hands and walked over while smiling at him, “Gou Dandan, shouldn’t you be at the hospital?”
Qiao Yichen laughed coldly, “Of course you would love for me stay at the hospital. It would be best if I never came home, isn’t that right?”
“Nonono, how could I think so evilly! I’m just worried about your health. Afterall, such a huge hole opened up on your head.”
Qiao Yichen, “…”
He breathed in and then smiled at her, “I came directly home right after the competition ended.”
Ding Meng froze. When he called her earlier, had he been calling from home? Thinking about her lie, her heart ached for herself. After taking a deep breath, she wrinkled her brows and asked Qiao Yichen, “Didn’t you have to stay at the hospital to be observed? You didn’t secretly sneak out, right? Ah, I must say, a sick person like you, why didn’t you listen to the doctor’s advice? What will you do if you really do have some negative after effects?”
Qiao Yichen felt rather dizzy after listening to her stream of unending questions. “I’ll be able to remove my stitches tomorrow, so I went ahead and completed the discharge procedures today.”
Ding Meng still didn’t feel at ease, “Well how do you feel?”
Qiao Yichen replied, “Before you upset me, I was feeling pretty good.”
Ding Meng, “…”
When had she upset him? He was clearly teaching her a lesson!
However, after reminding herself that she shouldn’t argue with a sick person, Ding Meng took the initiative to admit her mistake, “About that, today the chuan chuan restaurant’s boss offered to pay. I had to give him face. It’s very rare that he treats!”
Qiao Yichen’s eyes swept over the leftover chuan chuan that she had brought home, “Even getting takeaway, you really gave him face.”
Ding Meng, “…Shouldn’t we not waste food?”
Qiao Yichen laughed, “Ok, well that’s reasonable. Who did you go eat with?”
“Just Jiang Nanqing, Xiao Zhuo-zi, and the others. Oh yeah, my fans even gave me a jar of honey!”
Qiao Yichen’s eyebrows moved slightly and he focused his attention entirely on Xiao Zhuo-zi. “Is Xiao Zhuo-zi the extremely silly looking youngster that stood next to Jiang Nanqing?”
Ding Meng, “…Yes.”
Sorry, Xiao Zhuo-zi.
Qiao Yichen glanced at her, “You really have no taste in finding chuan chuan friends.”
…When choosing someone to eat chuan chuan with, the only requirement was to enjoy eating. What was considered good taste? I like to eat beef while he only likes to eat vegetables?
Ding Meng stared at him for a bit and then walked into the kitchen to find a bowl. She poured her leftover chuan chuan inside, “Then why don’t we eat together? Asking you will mean I have good taste right?”
Qiao Yichen glanced at the bowl and spoke with a bit of disdain. “I don’t eat these sort of things.”
DIng Meng picked up a quail egg and enthusiastically raised it to his mouth, “Just try some. This restaurant’s food is really tasty. I’ve eaten it for so many years without getting tired of it, and I guarantee it’s clean!”
Qiao Yichen looked at the quail egg in front of him twice. Then he opened his mouth and ate it. Ding Meng expectantly looked at him, “How is it?”
“Mm, it tastes pretty good.”
Recommendation success! Ding Meng made some selfish calculations. If she could develop Qiao Yichen into her chuan chuan friend, then in the future she wouldn’t have to worry about not having any chuan chuan to eat!
“Wait but, can you eat these sorts of spicy foods with that head injury of yours?”
“…Probably not.”
Ding Meng silently scooted the bowl back toward herself. Maybe she was better off developing someone else to be her chuan chuan friend.
Qiao Yichen took a sip of water and spoke to her, “Since you won first place, I won’t pursue the matter of you skipping practice today.”
“Oh.” He spoke as if she ought to thank him for his great kindness. Ding Meng used her chopsticks to jab her bowl twice.
Qiao Yichen looked at her expression and couldn’t help but lift the corner of his mouth. “Ah, I had forgotten to congratulate you for winning the competition. Your performance today was very remarkable.”
Ding Meng finally perked up a bit. She took out the trophy and handed it to Qiao Yichen to take a look, “How about it? Doesn’t it look really pretty? Now that we’re on the topic, I really need to thank you. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have sang First Flower of February. I’ll give this trophy to you!”
Qiao Yichen was stunned for a moment before turning his face away, “Who cares about your lame little trophy?”
Ding Meng, “…”
If you don’t want it then forget about it. Who cares about you.
She snorted out of her nose and turned around to put away the trophy.
After Qiao Yichen had calmed down off to the side, he finally spoke, “Even though you’ve won first place, I hope you remember what I said today. Don’t become overly self-satisfied. You still have a very long road ahead of you.”
“…I got it already.” She rolled her eyes and then was drawn to the conspicuous gauze on his head again. “How’s your injury? You’re really going to be ok not returning to the hospital?”
“It’s fine.”
Ding Meng lifted her hand, wanting to take a look at his wound. Ultimately, she was scared of seeing a bloody scene so she didn’t dare take the gauze off. “Will it really leave a scar?”
Even though it was on his head and there was hair to cover it, what if that area actually became bald?
Qiao Yichen replied, “This isn’t a scar. This is badge of honor.”
Chapter 28: This isn’t a scar, this is a badge of honor
After the top three contestants received their trophies on stage, the competition finally concluded after running for over a month.
Backstage, the director gathered everyone together and happily declared, “Everyone has worked hard over this past month. Tomorrow, Producer Mu will be holding a celebratory feast at her home. Everyone needs to come!”
All the staff members cheered after he spoke. After the director handed out the invitations, he went to congratulate Ding Meng. Jiang Nanqing and the rest of the friends and family members had also arrived backstage under the direction of the staff members. When Jiang Nanqing saw Ding Meng who was surrounded, she happily rushed up, “Meng Meng, you’ve started running down the path of a goddess and there’s no looking back! Your performance just now was so incredible. Congratulations on becoming the champion and bringing honor to our neighborhood!”
Ding Meng, “…”
Even though she hadn’t been competing for the sake of the neighborhood, she still thanked Jiang Nanqing with goodwill.
From behind, a young girl she didn’t recognize offered her a gift box. The girl’s eyes watered with emotion, “Lemon leader, we the Little Lemons are giving you some honey! It can protect your throat!”
This was actually the first time Ding Meng had ever received a fan gift so she was a little embarrassed. Next to her, Jiang Nanqing spoke, “Don’t be embarrassed. Bravely accept it!”
Ding Meng smiled and received the honey. When Jiang Nanqing reminded her about the free meal offered by the chuan chuan restaurant’s boss, Ding Meng decided that there was no reason to wait. She would go today!
She speedily changed clothes and happily followed Jiang Nanqing and the others to 10 Li of Floating Fragrance.
When she left, she purposefully checked for Qiao Yichen’s whereabouts, only to discover he had already disappeared. With that head injury of his, it was unlikely that anyone would drag him to go eating or drinking. He had most likely returned to the hospital.
Ah, skipping out on tonight’s training shouldn’t be a problem, right? If he called to ask, she could just say she was at home practicing!
After making up her mind, Ding Meng relaxed and hurried to the chuan chuan restaurant.
That night, the restaurant was packed. When Ding Meng and the others arrived, they were immediately ushered into a private room. This special treatment made her a little embarrassed. “Lady boss, on top of treating me to a free meal, you’re actually personally taking care of us. I feel so undeserving.”
T/N: Lao ban niang can mean lady boss (aka female owner of a business) or the boss’ wife
The woman wearing a red colored qipao responded, “Ay, how many times have I told you all to not call me lady boss? I’m just a regular employee so calling me by my name will do.”
Jiang Nanqing blinked at her and then leaned in toward her, “How come you haven’t captured the boss yet? I’m not trying to rush you, but with the boss’s looks, if you don’t make a move, sooner or later, other young women are going to make a move.”
The woman rolled her eyes and replied, “You should focus on marrying yourself out first. Back when I started working here, your family was already setting you up on blind dates. Now, I’ve already become the boss’ wife in all your hearts, but your family is still setting you up on blind dates.”
Everyone in the private room started to laugh. Jiang Nanqing glared at Ding Meng and spoke in a very tongue-in-cheek manner, “What’s so funny? Being married must be so amazing huh?”
Ding Meng held back her laughter and replied, “Nono, you’re single. You’re glorious.”
At the table, everyone burst laughter. After the lady boss finished serving the dishes, she announced, “Take your time and enjoy the meal. Go ahead and order more if this isn’t enough. Tonight is the boss’ treat so eat to your heart’s desire!”
Ding Meng asked, “Is the boss going to come by tonight? Let our Nanqing see him a bit. Before, she used to come with me to eat chuan chuan just to see him.”
Jiang Nanqing kicked her under the table so Ding Meng quickly corrected herself, “Ah, now that Nanqing has Xiao Zhuo-zi, the boss is a thing of the past.”
Caught in the crossfire, innocent Xiao Zhuo-zi quietly hung his head.
Not long after, the food in the pot finished cooking. Ding Meng felt as if 500 years had already passed since she last smelled the delicious fragrance of chuan chuan. She didn’t hold back at all as she grabbed beef in large bunches.
Right as she was savoring her food, her phone rang. Ding Meng made a “shhh” signal to everyone and picked up her phone.
Sure enough, it was Qiao Yichen.
She cleared her throat, put on a friendly tone, and answered the call, “Gou…dada, what’s up?”
Gou dada’s eyelids twitched. Then he asked, “Where are you? What are you doing?”
Ding Meng smiled. He was just like a dormitory supervisor inspecting rooms….
“I’m at home practicing.”
Qiao Yichen paused, “Practicing?”
“Yeah.” Ding Meng’s performance was very natural.
“Eh.” Qiao Yichen’s voice started to sound a little odd. Ding Meng could faintly tell something was off. “What are you practicing?”
“I…am practicing my pitch.”
“Play the guitar for me to hear.”
Ding Meng, “…”
She hadn’t thought of that possibility…
However, no need to panic, she was quick witted! She let out a sigh and calmly replied, “If I play the guitar, I won’t have any hands to hold the phone. If I place the phone on the ground, you won’t be able to hear clearly.”
“That seems very reasonable.” Qiao Yichen’s voice sounded even more odd now. Without giving Ding Meng time to think more of it, he ended his interrogation. “Alright, that’s all. You continue practicing. I’m hanging up.”
After he finished speaking, he hung up. Ding Meng frowned at her phone. Why did she feel like something was off? Taking advantage of the fact that Ding Meng had been talking on the phone, Jiang Nanqing and Xiao Zhuo-zi had cleaned off the remaining beef in the pot. Jiang Nanqing looked at Ding Meng and whispered by her ear, “Actually, I’ve been a bit worried. If Qiao Yichen and your relationship is exposed, won’t you be slandered to the ends of the universe?”
Ding Meng actually wasn’t very worried about that problem. According to the contract, the marriage would only last half a year. Two months had already passed by in a flash. She doubted that she would become popular enough to be exposed in the remaining four months.
This meal took about two full hours to conclude. After Ding Meng and Jiang Nanqing made a “after eating this meal of chuan chuan, we’ll be good friends even in the next life” oath, Ding Meng carried the leftover chuan chuan and took a taxi back home.
The taxi driver actually recognized her and excitedly discussed the competition with her. At the end, he even asked her for her autograph.
Sadly he didn’t lower the fare.
Carrying her various things, she hummed a little tune and walked up the stairs. The second she opened the door, warm white light poured out from inside. Her heart immediately dropped.
“You’ve returned?” Qiao Yichen’s voice travelled out from the living room. Ding Meng took two steps inside and saw him sitting on the couch, slightly cocking his head to look at her.
“Ah…” The gears in her head churned again, and she contemplated saying that she had gotten hungry after practicing so she stepped downstairs to buy some…chuan chuan. Would that work?
Nono that wouldn’t work. She was still holding the competition clothes in her hands. She had obviously just returned home!
She didn’t speak so Qiao Yichen asked another question, “You were practicing at the chuan chuan restaurant?”
Ding Meng, “…”
Why! Wasn’t he supposed to be at the Hos! Pi! Tal!
Hospitals these days were really becoming too irresponsible. How could they casually release sick people?
She set down the things in her hands and walked over while smiling at him, “Gou Dandan, shouldn’t you be at the hospital?”
Qiao Yichen laughed coldly, “Of course you would love for me stay at the hospital. It would be best if I never came home, isn’t that right?”
“Nonono, how could I think so evilly! I’m just worried about your health. Afterall, such a huge hole opened up on your head.”
Qiao Yichen, “…”
He breathed in and then smiled at her, “I came directly home right after the competition ended.”
Ding Meng froze. When he called her earlier, had he been calling from home? Thinking about her lie, her heart ached for herself. After taking a deep breath, she wrinkled her brows and asked Qiao Yichen, “Didn’t you have to stay at the hospital to be observed? You didn’t secretly sneak out, right? Ah, I must say, a sick person like you, why didn’t you listen to the doctor’s advice? What will you do if you really do have some negative after effects?”
Qiao Yichen felt rather dizzy after listening to her stream of unending questions. “I’ll be able to remove my stitches tomorrow, so I went ahead and completed the discharge procedures today.”
Ding Meng still didn’t feel at ease, “Well how do you feel?”
Qiao Yichen replied, “Before you upset me, I was feeling pretty good.”
Ding Meng, “…”
When had she upset him? He was clearly teaching her a lesson!
However, after reminding herself that she shouldn’t argue with a sick person, Ding Meng took the initiative to admit her mistake, “About that, today the chuan chuan restaurant’s boss offered to pay. I had to give him face. It’s very rare that he treats!”
Qiao Yichen’s eyes swept over the leftover chuan chuan that she had brought home, “Even getting takeaway, you really gave him face.”
Ding Meng, “…Shouldn’t we not waste food?”
Qiao Yichen laughed, “Ok, well that’s reasonable. Who did you go eat with?”
“Just Jiang Nanqing, Xiao Zhuo-zi, and the others. Oh yeah, my fans even gave me a jar of honey!”
Qiao Yichen’s eyebrows moved slightly and he focused his attention entirely on Xiao Zhuo-zi. “Is Xiao Zhuo-zi the extremely silly looking youngster that stood next to Jiang Nanqing?”
Ding Meng, “…Yes.”
Sorry, Xiao Zhuo-zi.
Qiao Yichen glanced at her, “You really have no taste in finding chuan chuan friends.”
…When choosing someone to eat chuan chuan with, the only requirement was to enjoy eating. What was considered good taste? I like to eat beef while he only likes to eat vegetables?
Ding Meng stared at him for a bit and then walked into the kitchen to find a bowl. She poured her leftover chuan chuan inside, “Then why don’t we eat together? Asking you will mean I have good taste right?”
Qiao Yichen glanced at the bowl and spoke with a bit of disdain. “I don’t eat these sort of things.”
DIng Meng picked up a quail egg and enthusiastically raised it to his mouth, “Just try some. This restaurant’s food is really tasty. I’ve eaten it for so many years without getting tired of it, and I guarantee it’s clean!”
Qiao Yichen looked at the quail egg in front of him twice. Then he opened his mouth and ate it. Ding Meng expectantly looked at him, “How is it?”
“Mm, it tastes pretty good.”
Recommendation success! Ding Meng made some selfish calculations. If she could develop Qiao Yichen into her chuan chuan friend, then in the future she wouldn’t have to worry about not having any chuan chuan to eat!
“Wait but, can you eat these sorts of spicy foods with that head injury of yours?”
“…Probably not.”
Ding Meng silently scooted the bowl back toward herself. Maybe she was better off developing someone else to be her chuan chuan friend.
Qiao Yichen took a sip of water and spoke to her, “Since you won first place, I won’t pursue the matter of you skipping practice today.”
“Oh.” He spoke as if she ought to thank him for his great kindness. Ding Meng used her chopsticks to jab her bowl twice.
Qiao Yichen looked at her expression and couldn’t help but lift the corner of his mouth. “Ah, I had forgotten to congratulate you for winning the competition. Your performance today was very remarkable.”
Ding Meng finally perked up a bit. She took out the trophy and handed it to Qiao Yichen to take a look, “How about it? Doesn’t it look really pretty? Now that we’re on the topic, I really need to thank you. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have sang First Flower of February. I’ll give this trophy to you!”
Qiao Yichen was stunned for a moment before turning his face away, “Who cares about your lame little trophy?”
Ding Meng, “…”
If you don’t want it then forget about it. Who cares about you.
She snorted out of her nose and turned around to put away the trophy.
After Qiao Yichen had calmed down off to the side, he finally spoke, “Even though you’ve won first place, I hope you remember what I said today. Don’t become overly self-satisfied. You still have a very long road ahead of you.”
“…I got it already.” She rolled her eyes and then was drawn to the conspicuous gauze on his head again. “How’s your injury? You’re really going to be ok not returning to the hospital?”
“It’s fine.”
Ding Meng lifted her hand, wanting to take a look at his wound. Ultimately, she was scared of seeing a bloody scene so she didn’t dare take the gauze off. “Will it really leave a scar?”
Even though it was on his head and there was hair to cover it, what if that area actually became bald?
Qiao Yichen replied, “This isn’t a scar. This is badge of honor.”
