She Adopted Me After My Biological Mother Passed Away - Chapter 47

“Chi Yeyu, you’ve really ruined me!!”

Chi Yeyu was tickled by that playful “keep dreaming.” Watching Shi Shuxue’s back as she turned to get out of the car, she couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

She followed quickly. Just as she stepped onto the wooden steps in front of the hotel, she saw Shi Shuxue stop to wait for her.

Chi Yeyu smiled even wider and caught up in a few strides. Walking side by side, she intentionally leaned closer and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear, “Then I’ll just keep dreaming. Anyway, my dreams are full of you.”

Shi Shuxue didn’t respond. She simply raised her hand to adjust her scarf, hiding the corners of her mouth that had inadvertently curled upward.

“Stop messing around,” her voice was very low, and the tips of her ears were tinted a faint red, perhaps from the cold.

The pine and cypress trees in the courtyard were dusted with fine snow. Her gaze swept over the hotel staff coming to greet them, and she unconsciously quickened her pace.

The Room and the Plan

The room featured a blend of Japanese washitsu and modern styles. The entrance was laid with tatami, while further in sat a soft double bed. Outside the floor to ceiling windows was a private courtyard with a pebble path winding around an oval hot spring pool. Two red plum trees, covered in light snow, stood by the water’s edge. Steam rose lazily, blurring the distant ink-wash mountain shadows.

Stepping into the room, Shi Shuxue set down her luggage. Chi Yeyu had already rushed to the courtyard, bending down to test the water temperature. She turned back with a smile. “The temperature is perfect. Want to soak now?”

Shi Shuxue looked at the rising steam and then glanced at the large bed. Her ears felt warm as she asked calmly, “You want to soak in a hot spring in the middle of the day?”

“I do whatever comes to mind, our itinerary isn’t fixed anyway. Or are you hungry? Shall we go eat?” Chi Yeyu brushed the stray hairs from her forehead, her eyes full of excitement.

Shi Shuxue admitted frankly, “I’m hungry.”

“I booked a restaurant for noon. If we walk now, the timing will be just right,” Chi Yeyu snapped her fingers.

“So you did prepare in advance after all,” Shi Shuxue remarked.

Chi Yeyu pulled her along. “Many restaurants are closed for the New Year. Since it’s our first day landing, we had to find a place to eat beforehand.”

Shi Shuxue didn’t pull her hand away, letting herself be led out. The surroundings were indeed quiet, many shops and small eateries hung “Closed for New Year” signs. Only a few convenience stores and large restaurants had people coming and going.

Fortunately, the reserved Kaiseki restaurant was open. The staff welcomed them warmly into a cozy interior. Their private room had a low table with a plain tablecloth, overlooking a small dry landscape garden (karesansui).

Soon after they sat down, the dishes began to arrive:

• Sea Bream: Translucent and bright white.
• Chawanmushi: Silky smooth with hidden shrimp.
• Seasonal Simmered Dishes: Sweet and fresh broth.

“Aren’t you ordering Tamagoyaki?” Shi Shuxue asked.

“Thanks for reminding me. Ordering it now,” Chi Yeyu said.

Shi Shuxue was speechless.

The “Family” Photo

After ordering, Chi Yeyu took a sip of her drink and smiled. “A friend recommended this place. She said the taste is great and it’s close to where we’re staying, with plenty of fun spots nearby.”

Shi Shuxue took a bite, the freshness of the fish bloomed on her tongue. It was indeed delicious. She looked up to see Chi Yeyu resting her chin on her hand, staring at her.

“Can you stop looking at me all the time?” Shi Shuxue felt a bit awkward.

Chi Yeyu took out her camera, pointed the lens at her, and said, “I want to take a family photo.”

“Family?” Shi Shuxue narrowed her eyes.

Realizing her slip of the tongue, Chi Yeyu corrected herself quickly: “My mistake, I meant a couple’s photo. To record my girlfriend’s beauty.”

Satisfied, Shi Shuxue let her take the photos while she focused on eating.

After lunch, they took a car to a local landmark. Since it was the holidays, many tourists were there taking pictures. Suddenly, Chi Yeyu stopped.

“Want to take a photo?” Shi Shuxue asked.

“Wait a second.” Chi Yeyu began rummaging through her backpack.

Shi Shuxue noticed her camera was already in hand and wondered what else she could be looking for. Chi Yeyu felt around the side pocket and suddenly pulled out a roll of bright red fabric. When unfurled, eight gold-leafed characters. “Heroic Spirit and Benevolent Heart, Boundless Merit” were blindingly bright.

Shi Shuxue’s pupils shook. She stared at the silk banner with its gold trim and tiny inscription, frozen in place.

“Why… did you bring that?” Her voice was laced with horror.

“To let our little hero take a commemorative photo, of course.” Chi Yeyu saw nothing wrong with it. She stuffed the banner into Shi Shuxue’s arms and began adjusting her camera settings.

“I specifically asked Chi Jin to customize a smaller one so it fits in the bag.” She pointed to the landmark behind them. “Come on, stand there, hold it high. Let me take a glorious photo. I’ll print it out and put it by your bedside when we get back.”

Shi Shuxue clutched the light but incredibly conspicuous banner, her face flushing instantly. She hissed under her breath, “Chi Yeyu, you’re sick! I’m not doing it, take it back!”

Nearby tourists began to look over curiously. Someone whispered with a laugh, “That banner is so unique,” causing Shi Shuxue to frantically roll it back up.

Chi Yeyu said, “Don’t be so thin-skinned. Just accept the envious gazes of the bystanders.”

Shi Shuxue was so angry she didn’t know what to say. Who exactly was envious? “It’s too flashy, it’s embarrassing!”

“Flashy is good.” Chi Yeyu stepped forward and insisted on unfurling the banner for her. “You risked your life to save someone, you deserve to be commemorated. It would be a waste not to photograph such a meaningful moment.”

Feeling bullied by Chi Yeyu, Shi Shuxue protested, “I don’t think it’s a waste at all.”

Chi Yeyu leaned in and coaxed her in a whisper, “Good Xue, girlfriend… just one photo. I’ll put it away right after, okay?”

Looking at the expectation in Chi Yeyu’s eyes, Shi Shuxue gritted her teeth and finally compromised. She stood before the landmark, holding the banner with both hands, her body stiff. She maintained her usual cool, calm expression, perfectly hiding her inner awkwardness.

Chi Yeyu, acting like a professional, directed her: “Smile! Look, those kids are watching you. A little hero should smile happily.”

Shi Shuxue remained expressionless.

Knowing when to stop, Chi Yeyu didn’t push further. She pressed the shutter, capturing the red tips of Shuxue’s ears, the scarlet banner, and the bustling holiday backdrop all in one frame.

The moment it was over, Shi Shuxue rolled up the banner and ran back to stuff it into the backpack.

“Perfect!” Chi Yeyu praised. “I’ll edit the photos later, remove the bystanders, and set it as my wallpaper.”

The Viral Scandal

By evening, as the streetlights flickered on, they returned to the hotel exhausted. Chi Yeyu had just come out of the bathroom and was connecting her camera to her computer when she heard a puzzled “Huh?” from beside her.

“What’s up?” Chi Yeyu asked.

Shi Shuxue was staring at her phone, her brow furrowed. Realizing something was wrong, Chi Yeyu walked over. “Xue, what is it?”

Shi Shuxue looked up, her eyes filled with a mix of daze and helplessness. She turned her phone screen toward her. “Look…”

On the Weibo trending list, several spots down, was a tag marked with a small flame icon: #HardcoreBannerCheckInOnTheStreetsOfOsaka

Below it was a “New” tag, and the popularity was skyrocketing. The top post was a photo taken by a passerby that afternoon. Shi Shuxue stood under a lantern, holding the bright red banner, her back ramrod straight. Her cold, resistant, and helpless expression was captured perfectly. Even Chi Yeyu’s profile, holding the camera with a triumphant grin, was caught in the corner of the frame.

“This…” Chi Yeyu blinked, then chuckled. “A family couple’s photo?”

Shi Shuxue’s horror had turned into resentment toward Chi Yeyu. “You didn’t buy this trending spot, did you?”

“No, no! Why would I buy that?” Chi Yeyu clarified quickly.

Shi Shuxue swiped down. Right below was a related trending topic. Netizens had already dug up screenshots from the band’s previous performances. Comparing them to the banner photo, the comments were screaming: “It’s Xue! No doubt! It’s her, it’s her!”

It was only a matter of time before Chi Yeyu’s identity was leaked too. Shi Shuxue felt like dying.

Chi Yeyu was more optimistic. “It’s fine. It’s not that viral yet, and the comments are mostly positive. There’s nothing bad about it.”

“It’s too high-profile,” Shi Shuxue said. She believed a band should be known for its work, not for becoming famous through such an absurd incident.

As she tried to calm down, her phone exploded with notifications from the band’s group chat:

• Human Bass Cannon: Shi Shuxue, you went on vacation?
• Sweet Melon: Nice, Xue! You didn’t even tell us!
• Yu Xiu: Are we sure Chi Yeyu didn’t buy this trend?

Shi Shuxue massaged her temples and replied that it was just an accident. The messages came so fast she couldn’t keep up, so she eventually muted the group.

The Crisis Management

“I hope the heat dies down quickly,” she said wearily.

But when Chi Yeyu refreshed the list, the tag had climbed to the 10th spot. She clicked a short video where Shi Shuxue rolled up the banner with desperate speed. The caption read: “The socially-anxious but brave lady,” and the comments were full of “So cute” and “I’m a fan now.”

Suddenly, Shi Shuxue’s phone vibrated. “Sister Zhang” (her manager) was calling.

“Xue! Check the comments now!” Sister Zhang’s voice was anxious. “Some people are starting a narrative saying the band is doing this on purpose for hype, and they’re even questioning if your life-saving act was faked.”

Shi Shuxue’s heart sank. She refreshed Weibo and saw some unfriendly high-voted comments:

• “Is the band releasing a new song? This feels like a stunt.”
• “The banner looks so staged.”
• “Never heard of this band before, now they suddenly trend like this? Too calculated.”

Chi Yeyu reached out to smooth the frown on Shuxue’s forehead. “Xue, I know what you’re thinking. The band’s foundation is its work. You speak through your music, you don’t need this kind of controversy.”

The manager heard Chi Yeyu’s voice over the phone. “Xue, are you with Chi Yeyu?”

“Yes, we’re at the hotel,” Shi Shuxue replied.

After a pause, the manager said, “Good. I’m relieved you two are together.”

Chi Yeyu couldn’t help but laugh. “Hello, Sister Zhang. If you need support with the comments, just have your team contact my assistant. My PR department handles this daily, we’re faster than most companies.”

The manager’s voice brightened. “No need for a complex PR team. For a band like theirs, the most effective thing right now is a Live Stream! You two are in a hotel, it’s authentic. Just let Shi Shuxue chat with everyone face to face.”

“A stream?” Shi Shuxue hesitated. “Just me?”

“Yes, just you is enough,” the manager rushed. “Just talk honestly about the rescue. Keep it simple. Say the banner was a prank from a friend, people love that! Chi Yeyu doesn’t need to be on camera, she can just pass you a drink or chime in from the side. It makes it look more genuine.”

“Now? But I don’t have my bass, and I haven’t prepared anything,” Shi Shuxue argued.

“You don’t need prep. Go bare-faced, wear casual clothes. Fans want to see the real you, not the bassist on stage. The traffic is peaking, it’s a great chance to gain followers!”

Shi Shuxue looked calm, but internally she was in agony. She was terrible at impromptu camera interaction. Without an instrument to hide behind, she felt completely lost.

Chi Yeyu has really killed me this time!!

29 Minutes to Go

“Start in half an hour,” the manager concluded. “I’ll send a brief outline to your WeChat. Three points: clarify the doubts, thank people for their concern, and mention the upcoming new song. Chi Yeyu, help her manage the flow, it’ll be fine!”

After hanging up, Shi Shuxue glared at the laughing Chi Yeyu. “Chi Yeyu!”

“You have 29 minutes to prepare,” Chi Yeyu teased. “Should I excuse myself?”

“…Suit yourself.” Shi Shuxue hurried to the bathroom mirror to fix her messy hair. Her lips were a bit dry, so she applied a layer of shiny lip balm.

Hearing the silence from the sink, Chi Yeyu walked over to find Shi Shuxue staring miserably at the mirror, trying to practice a “natural” expression.

Chi Yeyu covered her mouth to hide a laugh. “You don’t have to force a smile like that.”

“I’m not smiling.” Shi Shuxue instantly dropped the expression and turned. Under the warm orange lights, she noticed a few stray hairs sticking up on Chi Yeyu’s head.

Shi Shuxue grabbed Chi Yeyu’s neck with her cold hands, pulled her down, and stood on her tiptoes to press her lips against Chi Yeyu’s. The sticky lip balm transferred onto Chi Yeyu’s mouth.

Chi Yeyu licked her lips. “What did you put on?”

“You get half of the pig grease,” Shi Shuxue said crossly.

Chi Yeyu blinked, then leaned in to sniff her lips. They smelled sweet. Thankfully, she didn’t actually eat pig grease.

“I’m so mad at you,” Shi Shuxue pushed her face away and returned to the desk. She opened the streaming app and put on her “Ice Queen” face, preparing to be a cold, professional person once again.