Mysterious Assistant of the Washed-Up Queen-Chapter 438 - 296: New Year’s Eve Surprise

"Phew! Thank goodness it wasn’t a love song. That scared me to death."

"I want to hear President Xu sing, but I’m also afraid she’ll sing a love song. I was conflicted for ages and finally realized her motivational songs are better."

"Hahaha! Xu Qingqiu is in love, and the fans are the ones who get hurt the most. Hilarious!"

"President Xu’s new song is really good, but I’m single... I really can’t handle sweet songs."

"What sweet song? At most, Xu Qingqiu sings love songs. She’s not the ’sweet’ type at all, okay?"

"Uh... true. Xu Qingqiu doesn’t look sweet. She seems so unapproachable, and even when she sings, she doesn’t have that ’sweet girl’ vibe. She’s more like a domineering CEO."

"Actually, President Xu is very gentle in private; it’s just that she looks more aloof."

"You said it yourself, in private. She really isn’t suited for singing sweet songs, and her new album isn’t really sweet, is it?"

On stage, Xu Qingqiu’s performance was nearing its end. Known for her consistent performances, she had once again completed the entire show flawlessly.

The backup recording prepared by the production team naturally wasn’t needed.

"Sister Qiu, this way, this way."

Just as she came offstage, she was led backstage by a staff member and saw Yiyi waving at her, a backpack on and a water bottle in hand.

"Whew! Let me get a drink of water first. I was fine while singing, but now that I’m done, I’m actually a bit nervous."

Sister Hua looked at her, who still seemed shaken by the experience, and a rare smile touched her lips.

"It’s normal. After all, you haven’t participated in such a large-scale event for a long time, especially an evening gala like this. You probably..."

Li Chunhua trailed off, thinking for a moment but not finishing her sentence.

The last time she had participated in a New Year’s Eve gala seemed to be when she was still with Baise Entertainment. Back then, the company often collaborated with East Sea TV, and Xu Qingqiu had attended East Sea TV’s New Year’s Eve gala.

"Alright, let’s not talk about that for now. Are you going to stay here a while longer and wait for the New Year countdown, or do you want to head back first?"

This kind of TV station’s New Year’s Eve gala isn’t as strict as the Spring Festival Gala, nor as solemn.

When participating in the Spring Festival Gala, everyone, aside from big names or regulars, usually waits until the very end before they are allowed to leave. It’s like a newcomer at a company; if the senior employees and leaders haven’t left after work, the newbie wouldn’t dare to leave either.

But TV stations are different, and Xu Qingqiu wasn’t considered a newcomer anymore, so she had much more freedom.

She thought for a moment. Deep down, she wanted to go back, preferably to be with Chu Tian.

Unfortunately, Chu Tian wasn’t here right now. Though it was New Year’s Eve, it looked like she would probably end up spending it alone.

No, that wasn’t quite right. She still had Yiyi and Sister Hua with her.

"Forget it, let’s go back to the hotel. I want to rest a bit."

Seeing her somewhat disheartened expression, Sister Hua didn’t say much. Work is like that; not everything can always go as one wishes.

"Okay, I’ll go inform the production team, and then we can leave."

Whether they stayed or left, they had to inform the production team to facilitate planning. Otherwise, they might be stopped from going on stage or leaving during the New Year countdown, which could cause a misunderstanding. They also needed to inform the host to arrange seating and other similar matters.

After exiting the broadcast hall and driving only a short distance, Xu Qingqiu suddenly heard a BANG.

Looking up out the window, she saw a firework bursting in the sky.

"So beautiful..."

Beside her, Yiyi, oblivious to her boss’s lovesickness, was excitedly scrolling through her phone.

"Wow, Sister Qiu, look! There are so many people at Xian City’s New Year’s Eve gala, and they’re even releasing Kongming lanterns!"

"This is great! This is great! Flower City is using hydrogen balloons? You can write your worries and dreams on them? That’s so romantic!"

"Wow, wow, wow, these fireworks are so beautiful! A fireworks countdown! Sob, if only I could be there to see it in person..."

Listening to the incessant chattering beside her, Xu Qingqiu felt utterly helpless.

She was already depressed enough with Chu Tian not being around, and having someone constantly rubbing salt in her wounds made it even worse.

The key is, for single audiences like you, how romantic can it be to participate alone?

Before Xu Qingqiu could speak, Sister Hua, who was driving, seemed to think of something. A flicker of annoyance and embarrassment crossed her face. She glanced at the phone on the passenger seat beside her, and the expression instantly turned to indifference.

Hearing Yiyi’s excited exclamations, Sister Hua’s expression turned grim, and she scolded, "Yiyi, can you please be quiet? People spend New Year’s Eve with their partners, going with their significant others. What does it have to do with you?"

Goodness, that one sentence made Yiyi flush red.

However, Yiyi wasn’t one to give in so easily. She immediately retorted, "Who says I don’t have anyone? Besides, this is New Year’s Eve, not Valentine’s Day! There’s no rule saying only couples can go. Can’t best friends go together? I still have Sister Qiu! It would be romantic if we went together too!"

Hearing this, Xu Qingqiu felt a stir in her heart. Perhaps that could work.

She could film a video and send it to Chu Tian. That way, it would be like they had spent New Year’s Eve together. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

Just as she was about to speak, her phone suddenly rang. She quickly took it out and glanced at it. That single glance made tears well up and stream down her face unconsciously.

A rented minivan drove down the street. Inside the dimly lit vehicle, Yiyi and Sister Hua continued their verbal sparring, going back and forth relentlessly.

Meanwhile, Xu Qingqiu read the message on her phone, tears streaming down her smiling face.

[I’ve arrived in Star City. Are you done with work? Are you still near the broadcast hall?]

Looking at the message from Chu Tian, her hands trembled slightly, whether from excitement or from being deeply moved.