Chapter 2 - Mistakes

Taking deep breaths, Mei could finally feel a sense of calmness surrounding her once again.

Clapping her hands together, she smiled to herself.

She was absolutely thrilled to meet Lien, who finally had her first day off in three months.

Looking at herself, she realized how burnt out she looked and quickly tidied herself up while digging out the spare clothes she had bought for her class.

"At least something's good coming out of this day."

Soon after reaching the restaurant, Mei was led in by the hostess to a reserved private booth. Looking around, she finally settled down and let out a deep sigh. Nostalgia swept over her as the restaurant, which was right next to Liu Academy, was the two girls favorite spot.

Five minutes later, Mei heard a short yelp right behind her when suddenly someone in a black hoodie, mask, and sunglasses hugged her tightly and snuggled on her chest.

"MEI MEI! I missed you so much!" the woman cooed in her arms, removing her mask and glasses.

"My god Lien, don't jump on me like this. You're going to crack a bone of mine some day," Mei chuckled, hugging her friend back while patting her head.

Instantly, Lien's look switched to a concerned worried one, "You didn't eat again. Did you?"

"Why would you say that?" Mei grabbed ahold of the menu card, skillfully shifting her focus to avoid the worried gaze falling at her.

Snapping out loudly, Lien pushed her hand away, "Are you being sarcastic right now or did you not see this?"

After taking out her phone and opening social media, Lien shoved it right at Mei's confused face, all along mumbling out some curses.

Taking a careful look at the screen , she understood why her friend seemed to be so ticked off. It was a video posted by one of Mei's group members, who had recorded her performance and graciously edited it to her falling over the floor. Underneath read the comments,

'How can she even be a trainee, I could do a better job than her.'

'Seems like anyone can get famous now.'

'Ridiculous, can't even do a simple routine.'

Her hands started to shake as she continued scrolling through the comments when Lien snatched her phone away.

"There's no use to look at it further. You know how the Internet gets" she consoled the now quivering Mei, who looked at the verge of breaking down.

"Hey, it's alright. Look at me Mei Mei. You're the first one who knows that it isn't worth it, at least not now." Holding her hands, Lien comforted her with a warm smile on her face.

"I just thought today would have been a better day." Mei nodded, taking in a deep breath and calling out in a soft tone.

"At least eat a bit before your training sessions. You know how hectic they get." Lien said in a soothing voice, trying her best to calm her down.

Not able to help herself, Mei let out a low sigh of desperation.

"I know, I know. How is your movie going on?" She probed, barely confronting the eyes that rested on her as she tried changing the topic.

Lien Hua had made her singing debut a year ago and was shooting her debut romance movie, 'Crimson Petals'. She had been in the same trainee group as Mei in the beginning three years. However, unlike Lien, Mei acquainted herself with everyone, which unfortunately led her to the wrong company. Selfishness getting the best out of them, Mei resulted in losing all the respect and dignity she had acquired in the Academy. Due to her menial image, she could not be promoted to the advanced classes of Group B and Group A while the latter had gained all of China's attention and rose to be a new aspiring talent in her field.

"So complicated and annoying, everyone seems so fake Mei. It feels as if they envy each other on the tiniest things." Lien remarked, looking at the menu and signaling to the waiters.

"Well, that's why we got each other." Nodding, she picked up a glass of water and sipped on it.

"Oh, guess who would guest star in the movie?" Lien sighed, placing her hands on her freshly powdered cheeks.

"Who? Could it finally be a Hollywood actor?" Perking up, Mei sprang back against the booth and looked at her friend eagerly.

"I wish it was. The directors called a scene with Daiyu," she scorned, her expression turning into a menacing scowl.

"Isn't she on vacation in Hawaii?" Mei widened her eyes in confusion.

"Oh that's right but wait, who gave her a big fat deposit if she shows in the movie?" With a cold, sarcastic smile on her face, Lien applauded slowly.

"Director Zhang." Mei scoffed, closing her eyes whilst shaking her head in revulsion.

"When would she join you in the shooting anyway?" she asked, her eyes remaining closed, she placed a finger on her forehead.

"Tomorrow.." Hiding her face, Lien replied and looked through the crevices of her fingers at the dumbfounded look Mei had.

"TOMORROW? How would you keep your calm?" She quizzed while Lien just proceeded to hide her face completely.

"Well, this is why I thought you would accompany me?" her muffled voice reached Mei's fragile ears, who had a straight face.

"No."

"Please, Mei Mei, please please, You know I would punch that lady in the face if I'm alone." Pleading her to change her mind, Lien kept shaking Mei eagerly.

'You know what she did to me Lien Hua, I don't have the energy to face her tomorrow. I'm sorry." Holding her friends' hands, Mei firmly nodded a 'No'.

"I won't be able to do this without you Mei, Please understand." Lien pleaded while putting her hands together swaying her dainty body back to back.

"What about my trainee session tomorrow?" Mei retorted , squinting her eyes and puckering up her lips.

"I've covered that already, so please, please just agree Mei Mei." Lien pursued, smiling radiantly at her and blinking her eyes softly.

Mei hesitatingly nodded her head but looking at Lien's glowing face, she finally agreed, "Just this once."

Lien giggled, collapsing on her friend and hugging her tightly.

"You're the best Bao Bao, now let me treat you to our all time favorite, pork dumplings."