Chapter 51: This Life is A Bonus Round

Recently Su Ning had been spending more time hanging out with Qing Mei. Based on Qing Mei's actions these past months, Su Ning is convinced that the former has changed. The Qing Mei as of late is friendly and is working hard to audition for XIIN Entertainment. She often asks Su Ning to study together and is trying hard to pass her classes while attending practice for the annual musical.

In fact, Su Ning did not believe that Qing Mei was a bad person in the first place. In her mind, Qing Mei had just grown up somewhat spoiled and was used to being the center of attention. However, there's always people that would be better than you at something and it's possible that Qing Mei just lashed out after not being able to accept losing her spot in the limelight. Seeing that Qing Mei also fell out with Ma KeLi and Qiu Wei in addition to having a rough first year at M Academy, Su Ning felt sympathy for her new friend.

In Su Ning's past life, she could best be described as average. Average in looks, average in studies, average in personality, average in abilities. She worked extremely hard to perform well at her job because she wanted to have something she could be proud of. But who knew all that effort will just be used to pay off her father's debts and to fund his vices. 'He's probably used up my savings by now. I spent 5 years saving that sum of money,' Su Ning thought ruefully. There was a time in her past that she had felt so hopeless. Constantly she wondered until when she would have to suffer to get out of that dingy apartment and if she can even have the chance to start a family of her own. In her darkest moments, Su Ning even wished her father was dead, that he was the one who got ill and died instead of her mother. 

'Maybe I am a cold person. That's why I never bothered to look into my biological father's condition in this life.' Su Ning believed she already paid back her father for bringing her into this world by repaying his debts. 'Looking at my situation now, it's like this life is a bonus round for me,' Su Ning suddenly thought with a smile. She had parents who loved her. Her family may not be rich but they are financially secure. She is surrounded by friends and she has time for her hobbies. Appearance wise, her current face is extremely attractive; she had fair skin with a  slender body type. Moreover, she has an exceptionally beautiful singing voice. 'If I was able to have a second chance like this, then Qing Mei should be given the chance to show everyone she has changed for the better right?'

"NingNing-ah~ Exams are coming up! I really need to raise my grades this time!" Qing Mei cried out breaking Su Ning's train of thought. They had just bought some snacks after finishing their practice. 

"Hmm? Is it to apply for a specific uni?" Su Ning asked.

"Aaaaaah! It's not even that! There's a minimum grade I have to maintain to get into XIIN Entertainment! They want a B average!" Qing Mei explained.

"Wow. They are so strict." Su Ning commented with a surprised tone.

"Soooo, let's study together today again okay." Qing Mei said acting cute.

"Mm. Sure." (Su Ning)

"By the way, are you sure we can't study at your place? You live close by right?" (Qing Mei)

"Mm. My roommate doesn't like when people come over. Let's get a focus room at the school library instead," Su Ning answered and both girls began walking towards the direction of the library building.

"Oh. That's too bad," said Qing Mei. Su Ning didn't quite catch the glint in her new friend's eye and the little smirk on her lips as Qing Mei said this. 

"Yeah. My roommate is very private," Su Ning said apologetically. 

"I see. You kept rejecting me so for a moment there I thought you were hiding a man in your house," Qing Mei snickered. 

Su Ning couldn't help but cough in surprise at Qing Mei's surprisingly astute comment. She didn't want to purposely conceal that she was living with Lin JinYan but neither did she want any rumors to spread. Even though they are not in that kind of relationship, rumors can quickly turn ugly and affect Lin JinYan's future career in showbiz. Just for further precaution, Su Ning decided to send Lin JinYan a text before going to the library.

**text message**

[NingNing_Star]: JinYan-ge, recently MeiMei has been asking to study together at our place a lot. No one knows we are staying together so can you take care when you are going in and out of the apartment?

[Rose_JinYan]: My NingNing doesn't want to be seen with me. (ಥ﹏ಥ)

[NingNing_Star]: It's not like that silly. （￢з￢）

...........

M Academy Library, Focus Room 103

At the library, Qing Mei and Su Ning were diligently studying for their upcoming exams that were just a week away. Once in a while Su Ning would stop what she is doing to help explain concepts to her friend. She was quick to notice that Qing Mei's foundation was not very strong on most subjects except for music. So she made a mental note to create a study guide to help her new friend.

**text message**

[Rose_JinYan]: NingNing, where are you? ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ

[NingNing_Star]: At the library. I'll come home around dinner time. (9｀･ω･)9

[Rose_JinYan]:  Which room? 

[NingNing_Star]: ??

[Rose_JinYan]: I'm at the entrance right now.

[NingNing_Star]: 103. Coming to study?

[Rose_JinYan]: En. I can't concentrate without my NingNing. (≧◡≦)

[NingNing_Star]: （ ಠωಠ）

"MeiMei, JinYan-ge is coming over to study with us. Is that okay with you?" Su Ning tentatively asked. 'I really need to change Lin JinYan's name on my contacts to 'Sticky Rice'.' thought Su Ning. We just saw each other at practice a few hours ago. 

As soon as Su Ning asked this question, Qing Mei's face brightened considerably and the latter began to pull out her cosmetics bag.

"MeiMei?" Su Ning asked again.

"Of course, it's alright! This is the first time I get to study with the school prince Lin JinYan. Do I look okay?" Qing Mei asked, showing Su Ning a bright smile.

"Uh..Mm. Pretty. Pretty." Su Ning answered with a small laugh. 'Aii, another one has fallen into JinYan-ge's honey trap,' Su Ning thought with a shake of her head.