Chapter Ninety-Seven: The Lucky Audience Member

“Wake up!” Qin Tian was dreaming of a table laden with delicacies, at the very center of which sat an irresistibly tempting fish head. When it came to fish, the best parts were the boneless strip along its back and the tender meat on its cheeks.

He lifted his chopsticks, eager to pick at the cheek meat, but suddenly the fish head opened its mouth, startling him out of his wits. Good heavens! How was it still alive, speaking even—had it become a spirit?

More terrifying still, the fish head extended two enormous pectoral fins and shook Qin Tian vigorously. He jolted awake, realizing it had all been a dream. At that very moment, Shen Xiaoqing was straddling him, shaking his shoulders with all her might.

“Honestly, Miss, disturbing someone’s dreams so early in the morning—what are you up to?” Qin Tian yawned, rubbing his face.

“Today is Mi Xue’s concert! Let’s hurry up and head out!” Shen Xiaoqing leaned her face close to his.

She was still in her pajamas, and as she bent forward, some indescribable sights were revealed. Qin Tian couldn’t help but steal a glance and swallowed hard, silently cursing himself for his sinful thoughts.

“What time is it? It’s only six thirty! Are you out of your mind?” He pushed Shen Xiaoqing aside, asserting his gentlemanly nature. Glancing at the alarm clock, his eyes widened—indeed, it was just six thirty.

Mi Xue’s concert didn’t start until seven in the evening! What was the point in leaving so early?

“You made arrangements for me to have lunch with Mi Xue, didn’t you? Of course we need to leave early!” Shen Xiaoqing pouted in dissatisfaction.

“You think Mi Xue has that much free time? She still has to rehearse. She might only have time for a quick lunchbox meal with you,” Qin Tian replied, exasperated.

“I don’t care, I don’t care! Get up, we’re leaving now!” Shen Xiaoqing refused to give in, still astride him.

“Alright, alright, just get off me first and I’ll get up.” Qin Tian couldn’t take it anymore—how could anyone withstand this? Fortunately, there was a blanket between them. This girl was far too bold.

“That’s better. You have half an hour. I expect to see your car at the door in thirty minutes,” Shen Xiaoqing declared with satisfaction, climbing off him.

Similarly, Jiang Yingying did not escape Shen Xiaoqing’s clutches and was dragged out of bed by force.

As Qin Tian and Jiang Yingying left their rooms to wash up, they exchanged bitter smiles, each heading to a different bathroom.

Twenty minutes later, Qin Tian was already washed and had the car waiting downstairs.

“So, how do I look? Is my appearance alright?” In the car, Shen Xiaoqing pestered Jiang Yingying, repeatedly asking if she looked presentable.

“Sister, are you going to a matchmaking event or something?” Jiang Yingying shook her head, speechless.

“She’s my idol! Mi Xue is only twenty this year, just a year older than us, and already has such achievements. It’s truly admirable!” Shen Xiaoqing’s eyes sparkled with adoration.

“If your dad arranged things for you, you’d surpass Mi Xue in no time,” Jiang Yingying said.

Shen Xiaoqing’s excitement suddenly faded, and Jiang Yingying realized she might have said something wrong.

“Xiaoqing, I didn’t mean anything by that,” Jiang Yingying hurriedly explained.

“It’s nothing.” Shen Xiaoqing gazed out the window and fell silent.

Watching through the rearview mirror, Qin Tian grew curious. Was there some issue between Shen Xiaoqing and her father—perhaps a rift between them?

From then on, Shen Xiaoqing seemed like a different person, her enthusiasm gone.

“Ahem, Xiaoqing, Mi Xue is releasing a new album soon. I’ll ask her to send you a collector’s edition, alright?” Qin Tian coughed, breaking the gloomy atmosphere.

“Really? That would be wonderful!” Shen Xiaoqing’s eyes lit up, her smile returning.

When the three arrived at the concert venue, the surrounding streets had already been cordoned off since the previous night. They had to park in a distant lot and walk over.

Mi Xue’s concert was expected to boost the local economy, so all relevant departments offered their full support. Traffic guidance and safety checks were all in place.

“So many people!” Shen Xiaoqing’s eyes widened. It was only eight in the morning, and already a long line had formed outside the venue.

These weren’t people scrambling for tickets—they had already purchased them online. They came early to catch a glimpse of Mi Xue as soon as possible.

It was madness, pure madness.

“We’ll go this way.” Qin Tian pointed to an employee entrance nearby.

“Stop! What are you doing?” At the gate, the three were stopped. The security staff saw they weren’t wearing staff credentials and refused entry.

“We’re here to see Mi Xue,” Qin Tian replied.

“To see Mi Xue? Join the line over there—everyone wants to see her.” The guard pointed to the long queue.

“I’ve made an appointment with Mi Xue,” Qin Tian whispered.

“You?” The guard eyed Qin Tian with contempt—who did he think he was, claiming to have an appointment with Mi Xue? Who was he trying to fool?

“I…” Qin Tian was about to argue when a middle-aged man came out from behind the security staff.

“Step aside,” he said, pushing the guard away.

“Captain, they—” the guard tried to explain.

“Out of my way!” The captain shot him a glare.

“Are you Qin Tian?” The security captain asked, looking at Qin Tian.

“Yes, that’s me.” Qin Tian nodded.

“Go in. Mi Xue is already inside, she told me to expect you.” The captain smiled warmly at Qin Tian, likely out of respect for Mi Xue.

“Thank you very much,” Qin Tian replied, satisfied. It seemed Mi Xue had made proper arrangements.

As the three entered, those waiting in the long line erupted in protest.

“Why do they get to go in now? They’re not staff—I don’t see any badges!” someone complained.

“Yeah, we want to go in too!” others chimed in.

“They’re lucky audience members chosen to watch the rehearsal early. There was a lottery during online ticket sales—didn’t you know?” the captain replied with a smile.

He couldn’t help but feel smug: Hmph! Against such fervent fans, I have a thousand ways to handle them!

“Lucky audience?” The crowd was momentarily stunned.

Was there really such a thing? Some wanted to ask more, but the captain had already gone inside.

The crowd could only look at each other in confusion, thinking Qin Tian and his companions had struck gold and become the lucky audience.