Chapter 25: Homecoming
After winning the national championship, her fame undoubtedly skyrocketed. Previously an unknown girl, she now became a representative of the younger generation. Before this, no one would have imagined that an eighteen-year-old girl would become the highlight of this competition, winning the championship at such a young age.
Although anyone over sixteen could participate, conventionally, contestants of that age reaching the top sixteen was already considered a remarkable achievement. Previous champions were usually between twenty-three and thirty-four years old. Nangong Ying broke this pattern, proving that even at a young age, one could dominate the competition.
Thus, everyone gave this girl a title: genius.
But Nangong Ying didn’t seem to like this title. To her, the word “genius” couldn’t fully represent her hard work. Her achievements today weren’t simply due to luck.
“First of all, congratulations on winning the championship. Just as I expected, you didn’t disappoint me.”
Li Yuexin came to find her after the award ceremony, of course, to congratulate her. After all, winning the national championship at this age was a remarkable feat. Li Yuexin hadn’t even been on stage at Nangong Ying’s age.
“Thank you, Senior Li.”
Nangong Ying nodded and shook her hand. Although Li Yuexin often hovered around her, and she personally didn’t like this person, Li Yuexin was a senior in the entertainment industry, and she deserved respect.
Now that she had won the championship, if she wanted, companies would definitely approach her with contracts. Then, she would have to consider her debut. Whether she would become a professional singer was uncertain, but the possibility was high.
“Nangong Ying, I know you must have some reservations about me. You can rest assured, I’m not the clingy type. But I do need you.”
“…Because of your band?”
Li Yuexin had approached her multiple times these past few days, explaining her reasons clearly. She wanted her band to thrive. Currently, the band’s popularity was low, and relying on Li Yuexin alone wasn’t enough. She wanted Nangong Ying, with her strong vocals and rich stage experience, to join.
But all beginnings were difficult.
“I think I need to consider it carefully.”
“Alright, ultimately, it’s your decision. I can’t force you. But you’ll reach the top sooner or later, nothing can stop you. If you think I’m a decent person, please cooperate with me. I’ll take you to the highest place.”
Nangong Ying looked at Li Yuexin, confirming that she wasn’t lying, and nodded without saying anything. She was still unsure.
Indeed, she didn’t like Li Yuexin, but she had to admit, as a newcomer in this industry, she needed someone to guide her. And Li Yuexin, with her established fame, was indeed a viable option.
“Before that, I want to go home.”
Nangong Ying returned to her hotel room to pack her luggage. She didn’t plan to stay in Beijing for long. She had won the championship trophy and wanted to take it home. Moreover, she had gained fame, and people would definitely try to recruit her. She wanted to leave Beijing before things got too hectic.
And, she wanted to see Yu Linna.
That girl she hadn’t seen for a long time, she wondered how she was doing.
After several hours of flight, the plane landed, and a wave of warm air greeted her. Unlike Beijing’s cold weather, South China was much warmer. Nangong Ying pulled her suitcase, took off the jacket she wore on the plane, and exited the airport.
Starting from this small city, she won the city championship, then went to the provincials, obtained the pass to the national competition, and finally, fought her way to the top, winning the national championship trophy.
Just like when she won the national martial arts championship and the national youth tennis singles championship years ago, she returned home victorious, always the most outstanding. But unlike those years, her father wasn’t by her side.
“Nangong! Over here!”
“Welcome back, Nangong!”
“You’ve really brought honor to our school!”
Upon exiting the airport, unexpectedly, there was a welcoming party organized by the school, mostly consisting of younger students. After hearing that Nangong Ying had won the championship, they admired her greatly, and they were overjoyed to have the opportunity to welcome her at the airport. Nangong Ying looked over and saw school leaders among the crowd, clearly showing their high regard for her.
Two years ago, in her first year of high school, when she returned after winning the national youth tennis singles championship in Beijing, the situation was similar. This wasn’t surprising. When you became famous and brought honor to the school, the leaders would naturally pay attention. It was ironic that a student admitted for her athletic talent would ultimately choose music.
“Principal Li, thank you for coming to pick me up.”
“Don’t mention it. You’re a member of our school. Of course, we have to welcome you back after the competition.”
Principal Li was a man in his fifties, showing clear signs of middle-aged weight gain. Dressed in a suit, he looked quite respectable. His face wore a caring smile, but inside, he was anxious, worried that this student would be poached by someone else.
This principal had poached Yu Linna from City Experimental High School three years ago, nurturing her as a top student. Unfortunately, Yu Linna became unreliable after entering her third year, always taking leave. But Nangong Ying, whom he specially admitted, was different, always bringing surprises. She won the national youth tennis championship in her first year and the national singing championship in her third year. The latter held more weight.
Whether this student chose sports or music in the future, it was a good thing for their school. They now had a selling point for next year’s admissions.
Nangong Ying hadn’t intended to go back to school with the principal and these younger students, but since the principal insisted, she couldn’t refuse, so she reluctantly agreed. She boarded the school bus and, upon arriving at school, took some photos, holding the trophy as requested. Afterward, she met with many school leaders who expressed their concern, but Nangong Ying disliked being surrounded by so many people.
She just wanted to see Yu Linna.
“Senior Nangong, how do you feel about winning the national championship? Can I take a photo with you?”
“Mm, it’s alright. Of course, we can take a photo.”
“Senior Nangong, can you give me your autograph?”
“Sure.”
She had already been exhausted from the flight, and these younger students, showing no consideration, kept approaching her. Nangong Ying thought, as expected, being famous is different.
The championships she won before were different from this one. After all, championships in martial arts and sports weren’t as influential as those in singing and dancing. The latter had a wider audience.
In the end, she declined the principal’s dinner invitation and fled the school. She shouldn’t have agreed to return to school; it was asking for trouble. She took a taxi home, not wanting to stay a moment longer. She was exhausted from the flight and now had to endure this for a whole day. Where would she find the energy?
Nangong Ying’s home was in a residential area. Unlike the apartments in big cities, she lived in a three-story house, luxuriously decorated, a small villa. It was evident that her family was well-off. After all, her father was an Olympic athlete; they were definitely not poor. It was just that her allowance was limited, which was why she worked part-time at the convenience store.
But now that she had won the national championship, she would have many opportunities to earn money in the future. She wouldn’t have to worry about money anymore.
She carried her suitcase and bag, unlocked the door with her key, and entered. The hall was magnificent, the floor gleaming, probably recently cleaned. She walked in and turned a corner. A young woman sat on the living room sofa, seemingly waiting for a long time. Seeing Nangong Ying enter, she stood up.
“Xiao Ying, you’re back! I heard you’re doing well. I watched your live broadcast. As expected of my daughter.”
The woman resembled Nangong Ying, a gentle smile on her face, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
“Mom, where’s Dad?”
Nangong Ying put down her luggage, tossed her bag onto the sofa, and sat down, looking exhausted. Days of continuous competitions, coupled with high-intensity focus, had drained her energy. All she wanted to do was sleep.
“Your dad is still at the sports team, training the athletes. He hasn’t come back.”
“…He didn’t even come back to see his daughter? Seriously.”
Although she said that, she didn’t actually complain. She knew her father’s personality; it was just like him.
Their father-daughter relationship had changed ever since she said she didn’t want to be an athlete. She had known this for a long time.
“You’ve worked hard, my dear daughter. How about you don’t go to school for the next few days? I’ll ask for leave for you. Just rest well, don’t think about the college entrance exam for now.”
Nangong’s mother thoughtfully massaged her daughter’s shoulders and patted her head. She knew that whenever her daughter was tired, she liked this. It always helped her relax. This was just like her father.
“Mom, it’s good that you’re here for me.”
“Silly girl, what are you saying? Of course I’ll treat you well, I’m your mother.”
Nangong Ying smiled, her expression relaxed. Then, she seemed to remember something and abruptly stood up, taking out her phone and dialing.
“Hello?”
“Hello, Linna? Are you there? I’m back.”
The first person she called was, of course, Yu Linna. This was without a doubt. In her heart, Yu Linna was always her best friend.
“You’re back? You didn’t even tell me, I was planning to pick you up.”
“It’s okay, I’m back now. Don’t forget about our barbecue!”
That promise, at least, remained.
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