Her Majesty The Empress Has Made Her Debut In The Center Position [Ancient to Modern] - Chapter 44

Ji Zhao and Yu Cheng were both live-streaming for the first time, without a script or set format, so they answered fan questions from the comments and occasionally jumped when fans added special effects to their screens.

“What’s Best Duo performing? Can we say?” Ji Zhao glanced at the camera on the wall. The camera shook its head, and she obediently replied, “The production team doesn’t let us reveal it.”

“Hmm, the production team is so mean!”

Yu Cheng read the comments emotionlessly: “What did you do today… Today, I ate hot pot with Zhaozhao. It was very spicy, not really…” Before she could finish, she felt a cold stare beside her, and the words on the tip of her tongue took a turn: “I recommend the tripe—it was a bit tough.”

Tripe that tough? Your Majesty wouldn’t like it.

Fans: “……”

So obviously reading the room? Do they think we’re blind?

 

[This is intense. I’ve seen a real-life wife-controlled husband in action!]

[Wife Treasure Girl… Love-struck brain…]

[Hey, hey, hey, “a bit tough”? The tripe says you’re being snobbish, trying to flatter your wife and put me down!]

Ji Zhao was very satisfied. “What do you like to eat? Hot pot, right? Hot pot warms you up in winter, drives away the chill in spring, keeps you warm and healthy in summer, and in autumn… I can’t think of anything else, but hot pot is just happiness!”

Yu Cheng nodded in agreement.

The live stream chat asked them to reveal more about their daily lives and stage-related activities. Ji Zhao couldn’t resist. She took the makeup remover, squeezed some into her hand, and rubbed it between her palms as she thought. “This stage… it’s very educational.”

Fans: “?”

Who wants to see a great educator on stage?!

Ji Zhao also squeezed some for Yu Cheng. The two of them began taking off their makeup on live stream, leaving fans in a daze. “Are these idols? How can they be so careless about their image…? Why does it look like they haven’t even taken it off?!”

Ji Zhao explained, “We have to get up early for training tomorrow. Once the stream ends, we’re going straight to bed.”

She shifted the camera. “We’re sharing a room and a bed right now. Don’t worry, we’ll work hard to build our bond and chemistry, and give you the best performance possible.”

Yu Cheng said, “Don’t worry, everyone.”

But the comment stream had already exploded.

[Wait, did I hear that right? Are you saying they’re “cultivating feelings” on the same bed?]

[The Premonition fandom’s ability to take things out of context has gotten even worse! Is that even what she meant?!]

[They’re on the same bed, right? And she’s talking about “cultivating feelings,” right? So… they’re cultivating feelings on the same bed… Spread the word: Premonition is getting into bed, falling in love after marriage!]

[The Premonition fandom has gone mad!]

The live stream lasted two hours. They’d said their piece, but the scheduled time hadn’t run out. The fans, understanding, let them relax and move freely, telling them to act as if the cameras weren’t there. They could just pretend they were watching extra footage from Dorm Secrets Revealed.

Once Ji Zhao and Yu Cheng stopped watching the comments, the comment stream went wild.

[This is the scene I’ve longed for! To become any object in my OTP’s bedroom, silently savoring their simple, warm love. It would be even better if they could just forget me and do it already.]

******

Your request isn’t remotely warm and cozy!

Ji Zhao asked Yu Cheng if she should wear this outfit tomorrow. I’m seriously in love with it—it’s so homey, so supportive, so respectful. In my imagination, we’ve already lived a lifetime together.

Two minutes? That’s way too short! Does Ji Zhao have a clock in her head? I didn’t even see her check the time. How did she know when it was time?

And she’s ordering Yu Cheng to end the stream? Hmph… Does she really think my wife is her subordinate?

Just accept it. This is just sisterhood.

Those who don’t understand the age gap trope can go die.

Wait! Yu Cheng! Get back here! You didn’t end the stream! Aaaaaah! Why did you leave? Seriously? Don’t tell me you think the stream is off and you’re planning to kiss on camera later?

Guys, I’m getting excited now.

Just passing by. Heard there was a girl-on-girl romance happening here?

******

Meanwhile, Yu Cheng, unaware she hadn’t ended the stream, hadn’t even moved her phone when she left. She saw Ji Zhao about to undress and head to the bathroom, and her expression sharpened. “Wait!”

Ji Zhao looked up. “Hm?”

She smiled reassuringly at Yu Cheng. “It’s alright. The camera’s covered.”

Yu Cheng’s gaze drifted. “Still… you should probably be careful around me.”

“Huh?” Ji Zhao asked.

Yu Cheng didn’t answer her question. She placed her palm on Ji Zhao’s shoulder, half-hugging her as she walked her to the bathroom door. “Go ahead and wash first. I’ll wash later.”

Since Yu Cheng insisted, Ji Zhao didn’t press the matter.

After Ji Zhao went in, Yu Cheng stood outside the bathroom for a moment, listening until the sound of running water came from inside. Then, as if waking from a dream, she snapped back to reality and quickly walked to the bed, sitting down.

The comment stream fell silent.

[…………]

[………]

[Yu Cheng’s fans, where are you? Say something!]

[Yu Cheng’s gaze at Ji Zhaozhao isn’t innocent at all… They’re practically doing girl-on-girl now…]

[I’m crying, I’m really crying. I want to unfollow, but I still love her. What should I do?]

[We can ship this pairing!]

[…Get lost!]

“What are you guys talking about? Their atmosphere was a little strange, but is that enough to speculate about their sexual orientation? Even if Yu Cheng likes girls, isn’t it normal for Ji Zhaozhao to be a bit cautious around her?”

“Only a Yu Cheng fan would think that’s normal.”

Just then, someone knocked urgently on the door. The staff manager’s voice came from outside, “Yu Cheng! Yu Cheng! Get out here quickly!”

Everyone watched Yu Cheng walk to the door. There was no need to wonder what the staff manager had said. When Yu Cheng returned, she walked right up to the camera, stared at the screen for a moment, and said, “Goodnight,” before closing the livestream.

This time, she really closed it. Seeing the sudden “Livestream ended” message on the screen, the fans felt a pang of loss.

“She said goodnight to me… Such a dreamy voice. I’m falling in love again.”

“What a shame! I didn’t get to see my wife’s bath photos! Staff Manager, I hate you forever!”

“Going to the super topic to analyze the sweet moments. Youth has no price tag—pulling an all-nighter till 8 AM!”

*******

Early the next morning, after a hurried breakfast in the cafeteria, the trainees plunged into intense training.

Their schedules were packed. Some went straight to dance class, others to vocal lessons, and a few to rap workshops, all taught by mentors. Those without classes returned to their dormitories to practice choreography on their own or headed to the confessional, everyone busy beyond belief.

Ji Zhao and Yu Cheng’s song focused heavily on dance interaction, personally taught by Cheng Feiwan.

After reading the lyrics, Cheng Feiwan wore a mysterious smile. She beckoned Ji Zhao and Yu Cheng forward. “I once performed this song with my teammates. Though the original dance moves were daring and wouldn’t air today, they were highly expressive. Once you master this dance…”

Ji Zhao asked, “What then?”

Cheng Feiwan: “Rising in Place.”

In the idol group, professional skills are crucial, but to gain fans’ affection, outstanding skills only account for part of it. To become a top-tier idol, one must possess multiple skills: good variety show presence, high emotional intelligence, the ability to charm fans, and the ability to promote.

“Some people always say ‘charming fans’ is a negative term, mocking idols who are too good at it. I don’t think that’s right,” Cheng Feiwan said. “Sincerely thanking fans, reciprocating their affection, and mutually pursuing each other with fans—that’s what ‘charming fans’ means. It can only be a positive term. They’re just trying to smear the term to put you down. Just stay true to yourself.”

“Let’s talk about performance. Performance means acting affectionate with your teammates. To be honest, since we’re all living together as a group, it’s hard not to develop deep bonds. Since fans enjoy watching this, we should give them what they want.”

“If you do this well, promotion is within reach.”

“Of course, you don’t need to force anything. For now, just focus on nailing this stage.”

The information was overwhelming. Ji Zhao and Yu Cheng listened attentively, but digesting it all immediately was a tall order. Fortunately, Cheng Feiwan wouldn’t be quizzing them later, so understanding the last part was enough.

“Alright,” Cheng Feiwan stepped back two paces. “Now, let’s see you perform it for me.”

Ji Zhao had a good memory, and Yu Cheng was quick to grasp things. After practicing all morning, they had mastered about ninety percent of the moves. A smooth run-through was no problem. Yet when Cheng Feiwan watched them, her brow furrowed.

Cheng Feiwan shook her head. “It’s wrong.”

She pointed at Yu Cheng, then at Ji Zhao. “Your execution is solid—only a few missed beats that wouldn’t be noticeable unless you’re really watching closely. But the problem is, there’s no emotion in your dance.”

“And Yu Cheng—” Cheng Feiwan called out.

Yu Cheng straightened up. “Teacher Cheng.”

Cheng Feiwan asked, “Why aren’t you looking at Zhaozhao?”

Yu Cheng: “…Huh?”

Cheng Feiwan clicked her tongue. “How can you convey emotion without looking at her? This song is about love! You two need to connect to interpret it properly! Now, Yu Cheng!”

Yu Cheng: “Present.”

Cheng Feiwan: “Look at Zhaozhao.”

Yu Cheng hesitated, then turned and glanced at Ji Zhao’s face. Just as she was about to look away, Ji Zhao suddenly stepped forward, cupped her face, and met her gaze. For a moment, Yu Cheng seemed dazed. “Zhaozhao.”

Ji Zhao stared into her eyes. “I think this is what Teacher Cheng meant.”

Cheng Feiwan nodded approvingly. “Exactly! That’s it! Now get closer, feel each other’s breath… Closer, but be careful not to cross your eyes… Yu Cheng, wrap your arms around Zhaozhao’s waist and press your bodies together.”

Yu Cheng: “!!!”

The dance included this move, right at the line “I crave your body, electrified by desire.” But when she and Zhaozhao had practiced it, they’d always held back, as Song Jiangjiang would say, operating in “power-saving mode”—never fully committing to the motion.

Now…

Yu Cheng’s mind was a tangled mess. Her hands, resting on Ji Zhao’s waist, tightened slightly. Perhaps sensing the struggle in her eyes, Ji Zhao murmured, “What’s wrong? Can’t do it?”

Yu Cheng denied it. “No.”

“Then do it.”

“It’s too…”

Before she could finish, a sudden warmth spread through her body. Ji Zhao pressed closer, her hips moving against Yu Cheng’s. They were so close Yu Cheng could feel the heat radiating from Ji Zhao’s skin, like a hidden flame. Her pupils dilated. She wanted to push her away, yet couldn’t bear to.

She felt as if she were floating on clouds.

This was too much.

 

Though Your Majesty often proclaimed that everyone here was equal, and she shouldn’t be treated as the Emperor, years of ingrained habit made reverence instinctive. Though she had overstepped before, this… this intimacy frightened her.

Yu Cheng was terrified that Your Majesty might see through her thoughts. She didn’t even dare imagine how she would feel or how angry Your Majesty would be.

But Ji Zhao didn’t give her time to think. Moving closer to her in rhythm with the background music, Ji Zhao’s fingers slid down from Yu Cheng’s slender collarbone, hooked onto her belt, and tugged her forward. “What’s wrong?” she growled, teeth bared in a smile. “Am I dancing with a wooden figure? Dance properly!”

Yu Cheng lowered her gaze. “Yes.”

She wrapped her arms around Ji Zhao’s waist, then released them, pushing her away before suddenly pulling her close again, the teasing movements heightening the sexual tension.

Cheng Feiwan nodded repeatedly. “Play the music.”

The background music began.

The less-than-three-minute stage left no room for slacking off. By the time they finished the routine and struck the final pose, both women were still breathing heavily, their bodies glistening with a thin sheen of sweat.

“Wow, that stage was so sensual!” Song Jiangjiang exclaimed from the doorway, her eyes wide with astonishment. “Were you two about to kiss at the end?”

Qiao Yue stood beside her. “Isn’t that the ‘True Kiss on Her Neck’ from The Truth Is True?”

Cheng Feiwan was caught between laughter and exasperation. “Are you two finished practicing?”

“Reporting in, Teacher Cheng!” Song Jiangjiang gave a sloppy salute. “We just finished our vocal lesson. Teacher Ruan is so strict, she’s practically driven us into a state of despair. We’re heading to the rooftop to contemplate life.”

Cheng Feiwan: “……”

She cleared her throat. “Teacher Ruan has high expectations for you.”

Song Jiangjiang nodded vigorously. “Teacher Ruan said she’ll wait for you to join her for dinner.”

Cheng Feiwan checked her watch. “Alright, then today’s lesson ends here. Zhaozhao and Yu Cheng still need to spark some chemistry. We don’t want them to look like wooden posts when they go on stage! Maintain your momentum!”

As soon as Cheng Feiwan left, Song Jiangjiang immediately turned to Ji Zhao. “Qiao Yue and I were only halfway through that scene. Let’s do it again so I can see it properly!”

Ji Zhao asked, “Aren’t you going to the rooftop to contemplate life?”

Song Jiangjiang made an “uh” sound. “That can wait.”

“But lunch today is twice-cooked pork,” Ji Zhao said. “If you don’t hurry, Chen Xingzi will eat it all.”

Song Jiangjiang: “!”

She grabbed Qiao Yue’s hand. “Goodbye!”

Watching Song Jiangjiang and Qiao Yue quickly leave, Ji Zhao slowly turned her gaze to Yu Cheng, who had been silent since the end of the dance. She stepped forward, reaching for Yu Cheng’s wrist. “…What are you thinking?”

Before Ji Zhao could grab her wrist, Yu Cheng suddenly took a step back, her face flushing crimson. “I-I’m going back to the dormitory!”

Ji Zhao: “?”

How dare Yu Cheng leave her behind like this? Even if you gave Yu Cheng a hundred times more courage, she wouldn’t dare… And yet, Yu Cheng really left!

 

The training room was suddenly empty, leaving Ji Zhao alone. Still somewhat unused to this, she quickly rushed to the window and saw Yu Cheng had already left the building, hurrying back to the dormitory.

Ji Zhao looked up at the sky.

My dear subject has grown up and has secrets now.

And she was finally experiencing what it meant to be alone in the world.

How lonely!

But less than two minutes later, the Assistant Director and his assistant walked in with broad smiles, asking why Ji Zhao was alone. Their ingratiating smiles made Ji Zhao distinctly uncomfortable. “Just get to the point,” she snapped.

“Great, great, great!” the Assistant Director exclaimed. “Thanks to Teacher Ji, our production team has secured an opportunity to shoot a fashion magazine cover!”

The fashion industry is notoriously exclusive, with its top tier dominated by five major publications. The one extending the invitation to Debut, Girls! was none other than the most prestigious among them.

During the coordination meeting, the magazine’s representative had specifically emphasized that they initially only wanted to invite the Center Position holder. However, Timely Entertainment had informed them that their CEO believed in shared prosperity and insisted on including several other popular trainees as well.

Ji Zhao nodded thoughtfully.

She couldn’t constantly monitor external developments from the estate, so she’d entrusted many arrangements to Timely Entertainment. Though she trusted their team, she couldn’t help but offer a few reminders.

Though she didn’t fully grasp the significance of a fashion magazine cover, the Assistant Director’s tone made it clear it was a valuable opportunity.

The Assistant Director suggested, “My thought is to send all seven trainees who have secured debut spots. What do you think, Teacher Ji? Oh,” he added, remembering something, “and let’s add Pei Jia too.”

Ji Zhao didn’t care much about the others, as long as Yu Cheng went.

“When do we leave?” she asked.

“Tomorrow evening by plane,” the Assistant Director replied.

Ji Zhao raised her voice. “By plane?”

“To Hong Kong,” he clarified.

 

Even after living in the modern world for so long, Ji Zhao had only ever been as far as The Grasslands, and that was on a production team bus. She’d seen planes fly overhead countless times but had never actually been on one herself. She was especially eager to visit Hong Kong.

When she asked Ji Lin about it, it turned out to be Zhong Qingxiu’s doing.

Ji Lin explained, “There’s a business deal to be negotiated in Hong Kong. We’ll make time for you to go while we’re there. I’ll send you the materials and have our assistant bring a copy. You’ll meet up in Hong Kong.”

Ji Zhao gave an “OK” gesture. “What’s Ji Jing been up to lately?”

“He invested in some kind of lie detector that’s now in mass production. He’s been running back and forth to Macau a lot lately. I wonder if he’s gotten into gambling.”

“Hmm, keep an eye on him.”

“Sure.” Then, realizing what she’d said, Ji Lin added, “I’m not your subordinate! Who are you ordering around? Besides, Ji Jing is my brother! I wouldn’t harm him, Ji Zhaozhao!”

But Ji Zhao ignored her.

After lunch, the Assistant Director gathered the trainees who were flying to Hong Kong for the magazine shoot in a meeting room for a brief briefing. To avoid complications during filming, the trainees had all obtained passports and Hong Kong-Macau travel permits in advance, thinking they’d never need them. But now, at the critical moment, they proved invaluable.

The team heading to shoot the magazine included Ji Zhaozhao, Yu Cheng, Song Jiangjiang, Shen Yican, Zhou Yuting, Shen Xin, Qiao Yue, and Pei Jia.

Pei Jia timidly raised her hand. “I know I’m the one, but… can I really not go? What if my fans say I’m royalty?”

Ji Zhao gave her a frosty look.

“I’ll go,” Pei Jia muttered.

“How did you learn to curse?” Song Jiangjiang exclaimed.

“That’s not what I meant! I said I’ll go shoot the magazine!”

“Oh.”

Shen Yican, however, was preoccupied. “No Chen Xingzi?”

Zhou Yuting chuckled. “We always see you bickering with Xingzi, and we thought you two didn’t get along. Who knew you’d still be worried about her even now?”

Shen Yican’s expression shifted awkwardly. “Who’s worried about her? Your best partners are all going, but mine isn’t. How are we supposed to promote our idols if she’s not there?”

Shen Xin rested her chin in her hand. “A little separation is good for the relationship.”

The assistant director slapped the table. “This meeting is just to notify you all to prepare. Once we’re in Hong Kong, the magazine representatives will brief you on the cover theme. Meeting adjourned.”

After the meeting came more training.

Ji Zhao and Yu Cheng’s group experienced both smooth sailing and rough waters.

The smooth part was their seamless chemistry and precise execution. The Follow PD even praised it as the most impressive stage performance she’d ever seen, eagerly anticipating how it would translate live.

What wasn’t going smoothly was the tension between the two, despite their outwardly harmonious appearance.

This was mainly due to Yu Cheng. After rushing back to her dormitory and doing who knows what, she returned distracted and absent-minded. Though she appeared to be looking at her partner, her gaze was unfocused, as if her thoughts were wandering elsewhere.

Her dear subject had a little secret. Ji Zhao very much wanted to ask, but she held back.

There’s no need to rush.

But curiosity got the better of her, and she found herself pondering it even as she drifted off to sleep.

Just as she was about to fall asleep, her thoughts drifted to the experience hall she and Yu Cheng had visited. A sudden realization struck her—could Yu Cheng’s hurried return to the dormitory have been to take care of something?

Then she had a dream.

 

In the dream, after Yu Cheng hurried away, the assistant director didn’t come looking for her. After a moment of hesitation, she chased after Yu Cheng. When she pushed open the dormitory door, she saw Yu Cheng lying disheveled on the bed.

Hands hidden beneath the covers, expression strained, Yu Cheng cried out, “Your Majesty…”

She was already intensely aroused.

In the dream, Ji Zhao simply watched Yu Cheng, her heart pounding, her mouth dry, her legs going weak, until she allowed Yu Cheng to pick her up and throw her onto the bed.

The world spun, overflowing with carnal desire.

Ji Zhao woke up drenched in sweat. Yu Cheng, who had been sleeping lightly, sat up almost immediately after she stirred. “Your Majesty? Are you alright?”

In the dim light, moonlight filtered through the thin curtains, casting its glow on Yu Cheng’s shoulders. Ji Zhao stared at her blankly.

She swallowed hard.

Could it be… I’m falling for Yu Cheng?

The thought kept lingering in Ji Zhao’s mind, dampening her excitement about the flight.

Their itinerary was classified, though the production team couldn’t guarantee how long it would remain secret. After disembarking, they were escorted through a VIP channel by magazine staff to a luxury restaurant in Victoria Harbour for a welcome reception.

Midway through the meal, the staff excused themselves, allowing the trainees more freedom to relax.

Song Jiangjiang immediately relaxed. “My goodness! This abalone and shark fin soup is going to make me spoiled rotten!”

Shen Xin poured herself a glass of 1982 red wine. “This vintage is going straight into my belly. What a waste.”

Qiao Yue and Pei Jia clinked glasses and toasted with their juices.

Yu Cheng seemed absent-minded, but she didn’t forget to serve Ji Zhao. She piled Ji Zhao’s plate high without even noticing how much she was serving.

Zhou Yuting couldn’t stand it anymore. “Zhaozhao is outside.”

Yu Cheng snapped back to attention.

Ji Zhao had gone outside with Pei Jia. The two slipped out through a side door and descended the stairs. The harbor offered several scenic spots with stunning views of Victoria Harbour’s glittering lights and opulent skyline.

But Pei Jia had no mind for the view. Her heart raced with anxiety. “Boss Ji, did you call me out here for something?”

Ji Zhao leaned against the railing, gazing into the distance. “Yu Cheng and I probably won’t debut.”

Pei Jia was stunned. “Huh?”

“Why not?!” she demanded.

Ji Zhao pursed her lips. “…I think I’m falling for Yu Cheng.”

Pei Jia blinked in confusion.

Ji Zhao continued, “Idols can’t have relationships. How could we debut?”

 

After a moment of bewilderment, Pei Jia snapped back to her senses. “Wait, you’re not actually dating right now, are you?! Besides, even if you like Yu Cheng, she might not feel the same way.”

Of course, Pei Jia knew that Yu Cheng couldn’t possibly not like Ji Zhaozhao.

Ji Zhao frowned slightly. “Does it even matter if Yu Cheng likes me or not?”

Pei Jia stared, speechless.

Ji Zhao turned around, her back was against the railing. Behind her, the dazzling, ever-changing night skyline of Hong Kong stretched out, with ships gliding slowly past. She looked at Pei Jia. “I love her. She belongs to me.”

How dare Yu Cheng not like her?