Her Majesty The Empress Has Made Her Debut In The Center Position [Ancient to Modern] - Chapter 36

Yu Cheng quickly changed her name.

Then, she found a suitable emoji from the sticker pack and sent it to Ji Zhao as a greeting: “Now even if Your Majesty is very, very far away, I can still contact you.”

Ji Zhao also marveled at the advancement of technology.

“If only the Great Qi Dynasty had this too,” she said. “The progress brought about by communication technology is tremendous. I just saw a video from the military on a short video platform—this is no longer the age of cold weapons.”

Never mind anything else—if they had guns, they would dominate the battlefield. Who would dare to challenge the Great Qi Dynasty then?

“However,” Ji Zhao said, changing the subject, “war, no matter how it’s fought, is always brutal. With instant communication, both sides can express their grievances promptly, reducing mutual suspicion and perhaps speeding up the path to peace.”

Yu Cheng nodded in agreement.

 

The two wanted to discuss the matter further, but their phones kept buzzing with notifications. When they opened them, they found the “Estate Hundred Day Tour” group chat was particularly lively.

Song Jiangjiang, who had created the group, automatically became the group admin and sent a group announcement reminding everyone to update their group nicknames.

Song Jiangjiang: I’m not particularly talented, but there happen to be exactly 108 of us here. Coincidentally, the previous leader of 108 also shared my name, though I have an extra “Jiang” at the end. So, just call me Boss!

Shen Xin: [Eye Roll.jpg]

Qiao Yue: Jiangjiang, be more humble.

Zheng Dongqing: [Congratulations on your wealth, great fortune!] x5

Song Jiangjiang: Whoa! Zheng Dongqing, you’re so sneaky! Sending five red packets in a row, trying to corrupt everyone with money!

He Yumeng: @Zheng Dongqing, thanks, Boss!

Shao Ke: [Kneeling in gratitude to the Boss.gif]

Ding Yan: Money spent will return.

Wan Qi: Speak human language.

Ding Yan: Finally, participating in this show seems worth it for the potential rewards.

[ He Yumeng ]: …

******

Even though we’re no longer in the same group, why do I feel so embarrassed?!

[ Shen Yican ]: Song Jiangjiang, aren’t you ashamed? You condemned us but still didn’t forget to grab the red envelope, didn’t you? And you even won the “Best Luck” title!

[ Chen Xingzi ]: Aiyo, who only grabbed 0.3R?!

[Shen Yican:] Big Loser.jpg

[ Song Jiangjiang ]: Where are Yu Cheng and Ji Zhaozhao? Where are they?! They still haven’t accepted my friend request!

[ Shen Yican ]: Sitting on the bed whispering to each other.

[ Chen Xingzi ]: I want to crawl up there and eavesdrop.

[ Shen Yican ]: …

[ Y ]: Here.

[ Song Jiangjiang ]: …Change the nickname!

[ Y ]: Oh.

[ System ]: Y changed the group name to “Yu Cheng”.

[ Song Jiangjiang ]: Change your own!

[ System ]: Song Jiangjiang changed the group name to “Estate Hundred Day Tour”.

[ System ]: Y changed the group name to “Perfect Pair Yu Cheng”.

[ Shen Xin ]: Hahahaha x120

[ He Yumeng ]: I can’t take it anymore! My head hurts from laughing so hard!

[ Zhou Yuting ]: Yu Cheng hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

Song Jiangjiang: Smile.jpg

[ System ]: Song Jiangjiang changed the group name to “Estate Hundred Day Tour”.

[ Song Jiangjiang ]: What about Ji Zhaozhao?! Teach her! @Lethal Move

[ Lethal Move ]: Here.

[ System ]: Lethal Move changed the group name to “Ji Zhaozhao”.

[ Song Jiangjiang ]: …

[ Zheng Dongqing ]: Not family.

[ Shen Xin ]: Not friends.

*****

Finally, Shen Yican and Chen Xingzi couldn’t stand it anymore. They climbed up and helped Ji Zhao and Yu Cheng change their group names, then sighed deeply. “I seriously doubt you two are even from this century!”

Chen Xingzi shook her head. “Don’t doubt it. They’re just plain stupid.”

Ji Zhao and Yu Cheng turned to look at her simultaneously.

Chen Xingzi uttered an awkward, “They’re perfect for each other!”

Despite the creation of the main group, with over a hundred trainees, many hadn’t even spoken to each other. Smaller groups quickly sprang up. In Ji Zhao’s contact list alone, there were groups like “The Remaining 75,” “Dorm 309,” “Perfect Pair Group,” “Dramatic,” and “Timely Entertainment Candidates.”

Ji Zhao figured out how to block notifications, finally getting some peace. She then found the Timely Entertainment work group in her contact list. After days of recruitment, the company had added many new colleagues. Ji Zhao had reviewed their resumes—they were all exceptionally skilled.

It was now past quitting time, and the last message in the work group chat had been sent at 5 PM. No one had spoken since.

Ji Zhao was quite satisfied.

Only by resting properly could one work well. Working with resentment would only ruin the job.

She lingered in the “Only 75 Left” group, watching the lively chatter. Just as the conversation was heating up, the member count suddenly jumped from 75 to 76. The group fell silent, and the new member spoke: “Hello, trainees!”

The profile picture was unmistakably the Assistant Director’s.

The trainees greeted him cautiously, unsure why the Assistant Director had joined the group. They waited silently for his next words, but after a long silence, the member count flickered between 75 and 76.

The trainees were bewildered.

Is this some kind of magic trick?

Song Jiangjiang: I kicked the Director out. I talked to him about it and arranged for Operations to join and handle things instead. Welcome, Operations! (clapping)

The group erupted in cheers.

[ Operations: ] Hello, everyone! First, let me congratulate you on successfully completing the second performance task on behalf of the production team. You’ve all worked hard!

[ Operations: ] The second round of voting is now locked. On the day after tomorrow—next Tuesday—we’ll be filming the announcement of the second ranking round, where the list will narrow from 75 to 34. Everyone, please get ready.

[ Operations: ] Good news! Tomorrow is a day off!

[ Trainees: ] !!!

[ Operations: ] Trainees are free to do as they please, but you’ll need to shoot a vlog and post it on Weibo that evening.

[ Operations: ] Have fun!

The group fell silent.

After a long pause, Song Jiangjiang broke the silence with, “I kicked Operations out of the group too.” The chat exploded with thumbs-up emojis for Song Jiangjiang, but she quietly opened the “Perfect Pair” group instead.

[ Song Jiangjiang ]: @All members, what’s the plan for tomorrow?

[ Shen Xin ]: Aren’t you a food streamer?

[ Song Jiangjiang ]: Well, I still need something to eat, right? I saw there’s a music festival by the river tomorrow. Anyone want to go together?

[ Qiao Yue ]: I’m in!

[ Qiao Yue ]: But where are we getting tickets?

[ Song Jiangjiang ]: I’m friends with the lead singer of a band. I’ll ask her.

[ Yu Cheng ]: Zhaozhao and I will go too.

[ Song Jiangjiang ]: Hmph, you two can’t even register separately!

[ Zheng Dongqing ]: I’m in too.

The Perfect Pair Group was getting pretty excited, and we figured taking public transport would mean getting recognized. We started discussing what kind of car to rent—something cheap but respectable. Ji Zhao asked, “Do you think we can get a car in time if we go now?”

[ Song Jiangjiang ]: …I know you’re rich, but don’t be so wasteful. Besides, what shop is open at this hour?!

[ Yu Cheng ]: I have the sales manager from a 4S dealership in my contacts. She said she’s available 24/7.

[ Song Jiangjiang ]: Right, your contacts are amazing.

[ Ji Zhao ]: ?

[ System ]: Song Jiangjiang has deleted a message.

[ Zheng Dongqing ]: I just took a shower.

[ Zheng Dongqing ]: I’ll handle the car rental.

And just like that, it was settled.

Early the next morning, the estate was quiet. The trainees, who had spent the night glued to their phones, were catching up on sleep. Some early risers had eaten breakfast and, finding nothing else to do, gone back to bed for a nap.

After lunch, the Perfect Pair Group gathered at the estate’s entrance.

A long black Lincoln, its sleek body exuding mystery and luxury, was parked outside. Seven or eight security guards in black suits and sunglasses stood by. The woman at the front, elegant and efficient, extended a gloved hand in invitation. “Young Miss, you’re here.”

The guards behind her chimed in unison, “Good afternoon, Young Miss!”

The Perfect Pair Group stared in shock.

Zheng Dongqing: “…I told you to keep a low profile!”

Her high heels clicked against the marble path as she approached Zheng Dongqing. “This is as low-profile as it gets.”

She glanced around the group, smiling. “You must be Young Miss’s teammates. I’m so glad she’s made such beautiful and talented friends.”

The group turned to Zheng Dongqing, speaking in unison: “Young Miss?”

Song Jiangjiang draped an arm around Zheng Dongqing’s shoulders. “Who’s this? Shouldn’t you introduce her? Young Miss?”

Zheng Dongqing said irritably, “Xue Man, my housekeeper.”

She awkwardly pulled her hand out of Song Jiangjiang’s grasp and turned to Xue Man. “Go home. I don’t need so many people here. Just leave the driver. If you don’t listen to me, I’ll fire you!”

Xue Man raised her eyebrows slightly, her expression indulgent. “Alright.”

 

After Xue Man left, they got into the car. Song Jiangjiang immediately began gossiping with Zheng Dongqing. Ji Zhao listened in, then grew curious about the massive vehicle and studied the in-car fridge and TV with Yu Cheng, finding it all fascinating. “I want one too.”

Yu Cheng immediately said, “Let’s buy one.”

Shen Xin groaned. “Do you even know how expensive these are?”

Yu Cheng asked, “How much?”

Shen Xin replied, “Uh… a well-equipped one would cost over two million.”

Yu Cheng checked her balance and told Ji Zhao, “We can afford it.”

Shen Xin closed her eyes.

If this conversation continued, she’d really start resenting the rich.

 

According to Zheng Dongqing, her parents and grandparents had been too busy making money to spend time with her. Worried about the possibility of abuse by nannies and unable to provide emotional support, they’d spent a fortune hiring Xue Man from an international butler academy to accompany her. To Zheng Dongqing, Xue Man was like both a mother and an older sister. However, in the past two years, Zheng Dongqing had grown increasingly annoyed by Xue Man’s overprotectiveness.

After hearing about the wealthy family’s affairs, Song Jiangjiang felt her horizons broaden. “People! They gain something, but they also lose something. Even though you rich people have money, you’ve lost your worries!”

Qiao Yue patted her. “You’ll lose things too.”

The music festival was by the river, set to begin in the evening. Worried that the riverside park was already packed, Song Jiangjiang’s contact regretfully informed her that the tickets she’d been holding onto had been sold at a premium, with no remorse. “Jiangjiang! He really paid way too much!”

Song Jiangjiang: “……”

She put down her phone, turned around, and stared blankly at her teammates. “What should we do?”

Shen Xin suggested, “Let’s just disperse here and go back to sleep.”

Zheng Dongqing hesitated. “If we’re not going to the concert, I’ll just head home.”

Qiao Yue tiptoed to peek inside. “Actually, even if we don’t go in, it’s nice to feel the atmosphere outside. I want to walk around the area. Jiangjiang, you want to come with me?”

Song Jiangjiang looked at Yu Cheng and Ji Zhao.

Yu Cheng also looked at Ji Zhao.

“I’ll wander around too,” Ji Zhao said. “I don’t want to go back so early.”

She’d received Ji Lin’s book earlier that morning and was fascinated by Don’t Know How to Lead? Then Work Yourself to Death. She’d spent two or three hours reading it without even taking a nap and needed a change of pace.

It was troublesome to send Shen Xin back to the estate alone, so Zheng Dongqing decided to take her home instead.

“Why don’t we split up?” Ji Zhao suggested. “The four of us are too conspicuous. The chances of being recognized increase, and splitting up will be more convenient.”

Song Jiangjiang thought about it and decided she was right. With their phones, they could contact each other anytime, so she happily went off to play ring toss with Qiao Yue.

The music festival was packed, with vendors lining the surrounding paths. There were ring toss games, balloon popping games, flower and poster stalls, and stands selling rough-looking cheer batons and glittery headbands. The variety was overwhelming.

Ji Zhao bought a skewer of candied hawthorn berries, but after taking a bite, her small face scrunched up at the sourness. “These aren’t as sweet as the ones from the Great Qi Dynasty.”

Yu Cheng said, “If Your Majesty doesn’t like them, you can give them to me.”

Ji Zhao stuffed the skewer into her hands.

They then bought some grilled starch sausages, which were much more to their taste. “Jiangjiang raved about these sausages, saying they’re not authentic if they have even a bit of meat mixed in.” She handed one to Yu Cheng. “Try one.”

Yu Cheng hesitated.

“Imperial Decree,” Ji Zhao declared.

Yu Cheng instinctively bit into the sausage. The crispy, spicy, and cumin-flavored skin made it truly delicious. She smiled at Ji Zhao. “It’s delicious.”

Ji Zhao rolled her eyes. “If you keep this up, my Imperial Decrees will become worthless.”

“Huh?” Yu Cheng asked.

 

Ji Zhao stuffed a starch sausage into her hand, ordered a pink cotton candy, and said, “Back then, every decree I issued was either for the people or the nation. Now look at this—I have to issue a decree just so you’ll eat a starch sausage I’m feeding you? Doesn’t that make my decrees worthless? Do you acknowledge your wrongdoing?”

Yu Cheng fell silent. “…I acknowledge my wrongdoing.”

“Then eat all of this,” Ji Zhao said. “Don’t waste it.”

“Yes,” Yu Cheng replied.

Others came to the music festival to listen to music or go on dates, using the roadside stalls to fill their stomachs. But Ji Zhao seemed to have come specifically to wander these stalls, walking from one end of the street to the other, reluctant to stop even after finding nothing else interesting.

Dusk was approaching, the setting sun hanging over the lake. The sky glowed with vibrant clouds, and the lake shimmered with golden light, creating a breathtaking scene.

Ji Zhao fanned herself with a flyer she’d just picked up, gazing at the eternal sun. A faint melancholy rose in her heart. “Look, this sun is no different from our own. But where is our world?”

The sun slowly sank into the horizon before Yu Cheng’s eyes. She murmured, “Just like us, it’s waiting for dawn after the night.”

Ji Zhao nodded thoughtfully.

She suddenly exclaimed, “Eh?” and held up the flyer she’d been using to fan herself. The tri-fold flyer, issued by the city’s public relations department, prominently advertised the upcoming music festival and recommended local cuisine for out-of-town visitors.

Ji Zhao spread out the flyer. “This restaurant looks promising.”

Perhaps the local public relations department placed great importance on this music festival, as even the flyers were printed with a high level of sophistication. Only top-tier establishments merited a listing, and the one Ji Zhao mentioned was a Western restaurant.

The 47th-floor sky restaurant offered panoramic views of City A’s night skyline, with average spending per person exceeding 1,000 yuan, and a five-star recommendation rating.

Ji Zhao glanced at the address. “It says it’s right by the river.”

She looked up and spotted a tall building in the distance by the riverbank. The restaurant’s massive sign glowed brightly in mid-air. She pointed. “There it is. Let’s go try it.”

The estate’s restaurant also served Western dishes, complete with knives and forks. However, the trainees were often too busy to savor the gourmet meals, so the offerings were largely ignored. Eventually, the production team removed them.

Ji Zhao had never experienced a proper Western meal before.

As Ji Zhao and Yu Cheng walked toward the restaurant, Ji Zhao remarked, “I wonder how it compares to hot pot in terms of flavor.”

Yu Cheng chuckled, “Your Majesty enjoys hot pot so much. This probably can’t compare.”

Ji Zhao mused, “Hot pot is such a lively meal, with room for hundreds of different ingredients. It’s like embracing all the rivers, isn’t it? People who love hot pot have a grand spirit. You even eat it on the border to ward off the cold, right?”

Yu Cheng suggested, “Then let’s try Western cuisine today.”

 

They took the elevator straight to the forty-seventh floor. The transparent elevator walls offered a panoramic view of the cityscape. Ji Zhao found it fascinating at first, but by the time they reached the third floor, her legs began to wobble. She clung to Yu Cheng, forcing herself to look away. “This… this is—”

Just then, an excited voice interrupted her: “Ji Zhaozhao! Yu Cheng?! It’s really you!”

Both Ji Zhao and Yu Cheng froze.

Yu Cheng reacted first, instinctively stepping in front of Ji Zhao to shield her, her gaze wary as she sized up the speaker.

It was a girl with twin ponytails, looking no older than fifteen or sixteen. A pink fox dangled from her backpack, swaying mid-air. Startled by Yu Cheng’s guarded expression, she stammered, “I-I’m your fan…”

Ji Zhao patted Yu Cheng. “It’s a fan.”

Yu Cheng hummed in acknowledgment and shifted to the side. “Hello.”

The girl gushed excitedly, “I thought I saw you guys waiting for the elevator earlier, and I can’t believe it’s really you! Your performance yesterday was amazing! I was at the show!”

The elevator stopped at the fifteenth floor, and new passengers boarded. Ji Zhao raised her index finger, signaling the girl to keep a low profile and forget about the height behind her. She smiled. “Thank you.”

The girl nodded understandingly and leaned closer to Ji Zhao and Yu Cheng. “Are you here alone?”

Yu Cheng nodded slightly. “Yes.”

The girl covered her heart, gasping silently. “No assignment from the production team? No cameras?”

Ji Zhao shook her head. “No.”

The girl looked puzzled. “What’s wrong? Did you want to see Yu Cheng and me hanging out on the show?”

The girl: “!!!”

Of course I want to see you, but who understands the thrill of the main characters sneaking out on a date alone?!

Thinking the girl wanted to see them, Ji Zhao said, “We have… the GoPro? We’ll record some videos and post them on Weibo. You can watch them tonight.”

The girl nodded excitedly. “Yes! Yes!”

This was the first time Ji Zhao and Yu Cheng had been so close to a fan. They signed autographs and took photos with her. The girl reluctantly left them at the forty-seventh floor, still cheering them on: “You two have to debut together!”

Ji Zhao waved. “We will!”

Turning back, she smiled. “What a cute girl.”

As the stranger moved away from Ji Zhao, Yu Cheng’s guard lowered. Trying to recall how exactly the girl was so cute, she came up blank and simply said, “This way.”

A long corridor stretched directly in front of the elevator doors, leading to a pair of intricately carved cherry wood doors at the end. A well-dressed waiter stood by the entrance, greeting a young couple with a beaming smile. But moments later, the couple turned around and retraced their steps.

“What kind of snobby place is this?” the man grumbled, pulling out his phone. “They actually require reservations two weeks in advance? I’m going to complain! How dare they treat customers like this!”

The woman scoffed. “You think you’re a ‘customer’ just because you tried to spend money? And you even asked if they accepted group-buy vouchers! If I’m not mistaken, their vouchers only cover afternoon tea at the café downstairs, not this restaurant. Trying to look fancy on a budget and then complaining about it? What a joke!”

With that, she ignored the man and stepped into the elevator.

Stunned, the man stood rooted to the spot. Just as he was about to lose his temper, he noticed two people watching him like he was a circus act. Though they wore ordinary clothes and masks, their features betrayed their beauty. He straightened his tie. “What are you staring at?”

Ji Zhao averted her gaze. “Did he say the restaurant requires reservations?”

Yu Cheng hummed in acknowledgment. “And you need to book half a month in advance.”

Ji Zhao clicked her tongue in disappointment.

Yu Cheng’s expression shifted slightly. “If you really want to eat there, I can try to arrange something.”

“Arrange what?” The man sneered, trying to regain his superiority. “Even if you managed to book a reservation, could you two afford it? You’re so young and already gold-digging. What man in his right mind would want you?”

Ji Zhao didn’t understand most of what he said, but she caught the last part. She nodded. “You’re right, we’re not as good as you.”

The man stared in confusion.

Ji Zhao smiled faintly. “Men love women like you—practical and good at managing a household. Go out and find a husband right now. You’ll be swamped with suitors. Countless men would break their heads trying to win you. Your real luck is yet to come!”

The man was furious. “You!”

“Ms. Yu!” At that moment, a delighted voice suddenly called out from the direction of the restaurant. “I heard a colleague say you were at the door! Why haven’t you come in yet? It’s been a while since you’ve been here, hasn’t it?”

The three people at the door turned around simultaneously.

A tall woman in a dark red uniform approached, a small name tag pinned to her chest that read “Manager.” She hurried over. “Your table is still reserved.”

Ji Zhao looked at Yu Cheng.

 

A flicker of hesitation crossed Yu Cheng’s eyes. She said to the manager, “I’ve been very busy lately.”

The manager smiled. “I’ve been watching your shows and even voted for you. Still the same, then? Shall we start with the appetizers? How about the Moonlight Sonata?”

With that, she turned to lead Yu Cheng and Ji Zhao inside.

“Wait!” The onlooker, a man, suddenly snapped. “She didn’t even make a reservation! Why is she getting special treatment?”

The manager patiently explained, “Ms. Yu is a VIP client here. She has a reserved seat that’s always kept for her. If she doesn’t come, it stays empty. Do you understand, sir?”

Without waiting for a response, she smiled at Yu Cheng and Ji Zhao. “Please follow me.”

She seemed quite familiar with Yu Cheng, leaning closer as they walked and whispering, “Ms. Yu, this girlfriend of yours is even prettier than all the others you’ve brought here before.”

Yu Cheng: “???”

Ji Zhao, with her keen hearing, shot the manager a frosty look. “Looks like Young Miss Yu has brought quite a few people here before.”

Yu Cheng: “!!!”

I’m not! I haven’t! You’re accusing me wrongly!