CHAPTER 56:“Our Time to Shine”

As the girls slung their bags over their shoulders, they turned to the members and said, "We're heading to college."

The boys nodded, still half-asleep and confused.

Nian looked at DK and warned playfully, "Don't eat late. And sleep early!"

DK's face lit up. "Yes, ma'am," he said with a goofy smile.

Xuanye smiled at Minghao. "We're off to college. Be good, eat properly, and don't push yourself too hard."

Then she turned to the others, adding gently, "That goes for all of you—don't overwork yourselves. Do what you can."

The members smiled in unison. "Yes!"

As the girls stepped out, the boys watched them leave with a fond smile.

—

After booking a cab, Nian and Xuanye arrived at their college by 9 a.m. They headed to their dorm to freshen up before making their way to Professor Xi's office.

Standing outside the door, Nian smirked and nudged Xuanye. "You go in first."

Xuanye rolled her eyes and knocked confidently. "May I come in, sir?"

Professor Xi was lounging in his chair, scrolling through his phone. Without looking up, he said, "Come in."

The girls entered, and Xuanye proudly held out their exam results. "Sir, we—"

But Professor Xi chuckled. "You don't need to show me. I'm the one who corrected your papers. I must say… you've shown real capability. Not like before."

Nian laughed awkwardly. "We're just a little naughty, sir. But studies come first!"

He raised an eyebrow. "Little naughty? Should I call your mothers and tell them everything you've done in college? Want to see what happens then?"

Xuanye winced. "Sir! Why would you do that? Don't make our lives harder…"

The professor smirked and gave Nian a playful paper-slap on the hand. "Still the same, I see."

Then he leaned forward. "So, what's next?"

Nian and Xuanye exchanged proud smiles. "We're going for an interview today—to become journalists!"

Professor Xi nodded, clearly impressed. "Good. Don't be nervous when you see the panel. Just speak with confidence. I wish you both the best."

The girls stood and bowed. "Thank you, sir! We really appreciate your guidance."

He waved them off with a grin. "Go prepare. You'll do well."

—

Outside, Nian turned to Xuanye. "Let's go crack this interview."

"Let's do it," Xuanye replied, eyes shining.

They took a cab to the interview venue. As they stepped out, Nian took a deep breath. "All the best."

Xuanye smiled. "You too."

Just then, both their phones buzzed.

Group Message:

"All the best, girls! We know you'll do great. Waiting for good news!" — Seventeen

The girls grinned and sent back a big heart emoji.

Then private messages followed:

DK: "Nian, fighting!! Do your best! When will it end?"

Nian: "Around 12 pm. Thank you, Loudie~ 💙"

Minghao: "Ye~ all the best. I'll be waiting for your news 😘"

Xuanye: "😘"

They smiled, tucked their phones away, and entered the building.

At the front desk, they were directed to the interview hall on the second floor.

As they climbed the stairs, they saw a long line of candidates. Xuanye suddenly spotted someone.

"Yichen?"

The guy turned, surprised. "Xuanye? Nian? You're here too?"

The girls nodded, equally shocked.

"I've been standing here since 8 a.m.," Yichen said with a laugh. "The line's barely moved. A lot of people applied."

"You're really diligent," Nian teased.

"You're being dramatic," he teased back.

Xuanye asked, "You're all prepped?"

Yichen gave a confident nod. Xuanye gave him a thumbs-up, and the three laughed together.

Eventually, their names were called at the same time. Their stomachs did flips, but they entered the hall together, pale but determined.

The panel began asking questions. Nian, Xuanye, and Yichen answered with clarity and confidence. The judges nodded, clearly impressed.

"You three are hardworking," one judge remarked. "It's been a pleasure speaking with you."

The trio beamed.

Xuanye leaned forward, half-joking, "So… does that mean we passed?"

The judges chuckled. "You'll have to wait for the official result."

They all stood, bowed politely, and left the room.

—

Once outside, Nian and Xuanye looked at each other—and squealed. They hugged, jumping with joy.

"I think we nailed it!" Nian said.

Xuanye nodded eagerly. "Definitely!"

They turned to Yichen and grabbed him too. The three of them jumped together like kids, laughing in the middle of the corridor.