30. Friends (End of Text)

Three months passed quietly in anticipation.

As the weather in the small French town gradually warmed up, a sign reading "Temporarily Closed" was hung on the glass door of the dance studio "Leng." Chu Qingling entrusted the studio to Cici and began packing.

This time, his departure was completely different from the hasty one a year ago. He felt at peace, with a little concern around him (Ranran could already call him "Dad" and "Xie Sui Dad" in her baby voice). More importantly, by his side stood the person who had once broken his heart, but who now made amends with her actions, holding him in her arms with care.

Xie Sui almost turned down all non-essential work and stayed with them the entire time. He watched Chu Qingling patiently fold Ranran's little clothes one by one, watched Ranran stumble into Chu Qingling's arms, babbling in "baby talk" that no one could understand, and Chu Qingling would gently lower his head and rub his cheek against the soft top of her head.

This scene was so heartwarming that Xie Sui's eyes warmed. This was a treasure he had nearly lost forever, and now that he had found it again, he felt like every day was a stolen happiness.

"Is everything packed?" Xie Sui walked forward, gently put his arms around Chu Qingling's waist from behind, rested his chin on his thin shoulder, and spoke in a low and gentle voice.

"Yeah." Chu Qingling relaxed in his arms, feeling the solid warmth behind him, and softly responded. He looked out the window at the sunlight, and in his heart, he felt a genuine anticipation for returning home and the unknown new life.

…

In China, in the apartment arranged by Xingshuo Entertainment for the GSS group.

Mi Xi had just returned from a presentation, his face a bit tired, but his eyes bright. He glanced at the calendar, his lips curling slightly. Ji Ye pushed the door open and saw him like this. He walked over and took his coat naturally.

"Are you in a good mood?" Ji Ye raised his eyebrows.

"Qing Ling and Xie Sui are returning home on tomorrow's flight." Mi Xi walked to the sofa and sat down, picking up her phone. "I've already made an appointment with You You and Ruan Xu. We'll get together once they're settled."

Ji Ye sat down beside him, his arms resting on the back of the sofa, forming a semi-encircled posture: "Do you need me to arrange a place for you?"

"No need," Mi Xi shook his head, a cunning flash in his eyes, "I have already chosen the place, it is guaranteed to be quiet and no one will disturb us." In the past year, in the "game" with Ji Ye, he is no longer the newcomer who was restricted in every way. He has more say and autonomy in making arrangements.

Ji Ye looked at his confident look, chuckled, and leaned over to kiss his lips: "I'll do as you say."

…

VIP lounge at Incheon International Airport, South Korea.

Wu You was fully armed, wearing sunglasses and a mask, but he couldn't hide his excitement and kept checking the time. Pei Yu sat beside him, checking emails on his tablet, his posture calm.

"Oh, why does it still take so long!" Wuyou complained for the Nth time.

Pei Yu put down the tablet and reached out to pinch the back of his neck, like smoothing the fur of an anxious little animal: "See you soon."

"I haven't seen Xixi for over a year! And that little idiot Ruan Xu! And that icy-faced Chu Qingling!" Wu You counted on her fingers and finally curled her lips, "I wonder if that bastard Xie Sui treated him well."

"Xie Sui won't dare to do that again." Pei Yu said firmly. After experiencing the bitterness of loss, no one would be foolish enough to make the same mistake again.

…

In Xingshuo Entertainment's practice room, Ruan Xu had just finished a day of training, his hair soaked with sweat. He picked up his phone and saw Mi Xi's message in the group chat confirming the time for the party. A bright smile immediately appeared on his face, and he quickly replied:

Ruan Xu: Got it! Idol! I'll be there on time! (^▽^)

He put down his phone and looked at himself in the mirror, his eyes determined. This year, he had grown a lot in Xingshuo. He was no longer the little fan who only hid behind Mi Xi, but an artist who could stand on his own. He was looking forward to this reunion, wanting to show his brothers how much he had improved.

The next day, the international flight landed smoothly at the airport.

Xie Sui held Ranran, who was looking around curiously, in one hand, and held Chu Qingling tightly in the other, as they walked out of the arrival hall. The sun was shining brightly outside, and it felt like another world.

Chu Qingling narrowed his eyes slightly, taking in the familiar air, a mixture of emotions welling up in his heart. He had left alone, heartbroken; when he returned, he had a new family and a more mature relationship that had been lost and regained.

His phone vibrated. It was a message from Mi Xi, with the location and time of a restaurant.

【Mi Xi: Welcome back.】

These four simple words brought a surge of warmth to Chu Qingling's heart. He raised his head, met Xie Sui's gentle gaze, and nodded gently.

"Let's go," Xie Sui squeezed his hand tightly, "Let's go home."

A new life is about to begin.

And the reunion of old friends is just around the corner.

All partings may be for a better reunion.

Their story is still very long.

And this is just a new and hopeful prologue.

————

The agreed date soon arrived. Mi Xi chose a private restaurant with excellent privacy, hidden in a deep alley in the downtown area. The environment was elegant and she was sure that she would not be disturbed by anyone.

Wuyou and Peiyu were the first to arrive. Wuyou took off his mask and sunglasses as he entered, looking around curiously. "Xixi, great! This is a great place!" Peiyu followed him, nodding slightly to Mixi and Jiye, who had arrived earlier and were arranging the dishes.

Ruan Xu ran in breathlessly shortly afterward. Seeing Mi Xi, her eyes lit up: "My idol!" Then she spotted Wu You and politely greeted him: "Teacher Wu You!" Finally, her gaze fell on Pei Yu and Ji Ye, and she instantly grew reserved: "Hello, Mr. Pei, Hello, Mr. Ji."

Wuyou walked over and ruffled Ruanxu's hair out of habit: "Alright, alright, there's no teacher or boss today, relax."

As they were chatting and laughing, the door of the box was pushed open again. Xie Sui walked in hand in hand with Chu Qingling, holding a delicate little girl in his arms, who was Ranran.

In an instant, everyone's eyes were focused on him.

Chu Qingling seemed unaccustomed to such stares, his eyes lowered slightly, his ears reddening. He wore a light blue sweater today, his demeanor still aloof, but his expression was softened by the gentle care he'd received. Ranran, in his arms, stared curiously at the people in the room with eyes that resembled his own, her eyes watering. She wasn't shy at all.

"Teacher Qingling!" Ruan Xu was the first to shout excitedly, and her eyes turned red instantly.

Wuyou also put aside his joking expression, walked forward, looked at Chu Qingling, then looked at Ranran in his arms, and finally his eyes fell on Xie Sui who was staring at him nervously, and snorted: "You still have some conscience."

Xie Sui rarely refuted and just held Chu Qingling's hand tightly.

Mi Xi came over with a smile: "We're all here, please sit down."

When they sat down, there was naturally another round of courtesy. In the end, Mi Xi and Ji Ye sat in the main seat, Xie Sui and Chu Qingling sat with Ran on one side, Wu You and Pei Yu sat on the other side, and Ruan Xu sat obediently next to Mi Xi.

Ranran became the focus of the whole place. She wasn't shy at all, looking at this and that, and finally, she stretched out her short hand towards the prettiest girl, Mi Xi, and called out in a baby voice, "Piao Niang...Brother..."

The whole audience was stunned, and then burst into good-natured laughter.

Ji Ye's face darkened instantly. He pulled Mi Xi closer to him and warned in a low voice, "Call me uncle."

Mi Xi laughed, gently broke away from him, and reached out to tease Ranran's soft little face.

Wuyou felt itchy and moved closer: "Ranran, look at me, am I not cute?"

Ranran tilted her head and looked at him for a while, then turned and buried herself in Chu Qingling's arms, leaving him with only the back of her head.

Wuyou: “…” Everyone laughed again.

Pei Yu helplessly pulled his devastated little fox back to his seat and handed him a piece of dessert.

The atmosphere was completely lively. Everyone chatted about their experiences since their separation, ranging from career breakthroughs to interesting life stories. Ruan Xu excitedly recounted her training at Xingshuo, Wu You complained about the Korean food, Chu Qingling occasionally added a few words about life in France, and Xie Sui kept his gaze gently fixed on him the entire time, occasionally picking up food for him.

Although Mi Xi and Ji Ye didn't talk much, they had a tacit understanding just by looking at each other.

The competition and estrangement of the past have long since vanished in the face of time and sincere friendship. What remains is the friendship of a partnership that has shared sweat and glory.

After dinner, several "adults" were drinking tea and chatting. Ranran was taken by Ruan Xu and Wuyou to play with toys on the soft cushion next to them, giggling constantly.

Chu Qingling watched this scene, a warm smile in his eyes. He felt his hand being held, turned his head, and met Xie Sui's deep gaze.

"Go home." Xie Sui said softly.

"Yeah." Chu Qingling shook his hand and nodded vigorously.

The lights outside the window are coming on, and the house is warm like spring.

Friendship, love, and family affection are intertwined into the warmest picture at this moment.

Their stories are each wonderful and intertwined with each other.

In the future, we still have a long way to go together.

And this is just a good beginning.

————

(End of the main text of "The Talent Show Vase Is So Beautiful and Rampant")

PS:

Those who run towards each other will meet again.

Good friends are the best friends.