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The name Jing ji kept circulating in both St. Freya and Schicksal of the far east branch. And due to Schicksal’s ongoing reformation, there was barely a way for them to get in touch with other branches. Few have tried but none was so lucky to find out about the details of the mysterious guest.
No one exactly knew who she was.
All they knew is that she was a former Schicksal Treasurer of the different branch that asked Fu Hua on a dance.
Their performance entranced the audience and they couldn’t make a sound as they didn’t want to disturb the elegant atmosphere.
Many recorded and have posted it on HomeiBox.
Many critics couldn’t have a heart to badmouth the performance and many more, especially younger teens, have tried to imitate the dance as part of their routine. But they all still wished to invite her mysterious lady herself and get to know her more.
Some say that she is a beautiful female spirit that haunts St. Freya with her melody once in a few nights as it helps them to relax and grants them a good night sleep.
Others say that she is a special Valkyrie that hasn’t been registered to Schicksal yet. And many captains, aside from Hajime, has been finding ways to recruit her to their specific battleship but kept failing.
Many valkryies wouldn’t have believed such stories if it weren’t for the fact that there is a genuine picture of her, circulating around in St. Freya. Both Theresa and Fu Hua can confirm that Jing Ji is real.
The only way for them to at least make contact with her is to have them reach out to Captain Hajime M. Stellar and see what he can do. But considering his reputation and intimidating aura, they decided to not ask the man and figure out things on their own.
They rather do that more than talk to Captain Hajime.
And they really dont want to talk to the man who even Lady Durandal deeply respects and sometimes fears.
Hajime and Elysia were at the Theresa’s office in St. Freya, helping her settle a few things.
“Ughh……. Why? Just why?” Theresa held her head as she laid her head on table.
“It isn’t that bad.”
“That’s easy for you to say. You are not the one who is going to do it.” Hajime crossed his arms as he took a deep sigh.
"One is more than enough i can handle. All of the world leaders coming here just for a formal party is not something i can tolerate for hours."
Elysia cheered with a grin as all of the world leaders have decided to reach out to Theresa and proposed that they would hold a Gala for them and Schicksal's Personnel would act as host.
Elysia smiled at the plan as it would convince the world leaders to put a good word for Schicksal to the people whenever the Hyperion Battleship arrives at a certain city.
Both Theresa and Hajime have been working here long enough to know that this is just a ruse and they have planned for something else.
They don't truly know what they are planning for but it was still for the best to have their guard up to those would-be guests.
"Can't you just decline their proposal, Theresa?"
"I wished i could, Hajime. But gossips and news of upcoming party in St. Freya have already circulated."
"Damn........ In other words, they have already backed us up to the corner with no way out. Because if we decline, They would just use the Public against us, making us look like the bad guys as if we failed to comply to them. And that is not good since we are still reforming."
"How did these guys know that we are still in the reformation process?"
"Someone scouted us out?" Theresa glared at the captain but he responded with an unknowing shrug.
"Well.......Whatever they did, we need to figure the way to stay firm with those jerks. 'Cause once those silver-tongue word-twisting hypocrites gets ahold of at least one of our pixies.........."
"Yeah.......... No need to tell me. I already sent Rita the information and hopefully she would come up with a fool-proof plan of not letting them getting comfortable with the valkyries. But even then Rita can do so much on her end and i rather not let her do all of the hardwork."
"Maybe they just wanted to know us a bit more as people and hopefully they would spread the word for us?" Hajime sighed.
"Your optimism is really admirable, Ellie but sometimes it doesnt hurt to have a back-up plan when things comes to worst. And i am just avoiding another one of their schemes much like what they did back when Herscherr of Domination came around. It took that much of willpower in me not to hunt them down like a dog." Elysia raised an eyebrow with a smirk. "Don't worry. I am still your loyal ‘puppy'."
"Honestly, you are more of a cat with a personality. But thanks for doing it anyways, my spicy angwy kitty. Your wifey wuvs you~" Elysia giggled and gave him a side-hug which prompted him to pat her on the back while eye-rolling. Theresa smirked slightly at the sight.
Elysia finished hugging him and took a deep sigh as she tried to process the information.
"Guess people like that exists in this era too.........."
"Yeah............ Sorry about that. But we promise we will do our best for the Valkyries in St. Freya." Theresa groaned.
"Ugh....... Don't make promises we can't keep 'cause I am not sure how any of us will be able to walk out of that party not frustrated or miserable."
Both Hajime and Theresa slumped on wall, showing that how miserable will they get after this proposed gala party.
Seeing this, Elysia smiled softly as she saw the miserable state of the two.
“Well…….. How about we change the tides into our favor? If they are going to ask for gala, then we might as well give them a party and everybody gets to join.” Elysia took a sip after taking Hajime’s cup latte.
“Well…….. that sounds like a good idea. That way, we could lessen the numbers who could come to us for them to worm their way in as it is not a private party anymore which would honestly hurt their chances to get comfortable with the valkyries. Some of them would manage to get in but as long as the numbers are decreasing, it is all good for us.”
“What kind of party, Elysia?” As Theresa finds this an interesting idea.
“Well……. The ones you see in idol concert and such. The thing is…….. I don’t know any one we can get in touch with for that. Or Anyone elegant and majestic enough who is suitable for that role. I could ask Rita but I am pretty sure she would decline the offer. As much as I want to suggest Rozaliya and Liliya, I rather let them rise to stardom the old-fashion way. They are just kids after all. Theresa would be also ideal but she would be needed to greet the world leaders up front and personal.” Theresa chuckled as Hajime took back his drink.
“After that, I got nothing.” Theresa widened her eyes as she remembered something.Or better yet, Someone that would fit the bill.
“Well……. Hajime knows a friend.” Hajime raised an eyebrow and immediately smirked as he sipped.
“But the only Hajime can get in touch with her. And somebody, I am not pointing who, redacted her information in the system before I even get to read it.” Theresa gave Elysia Jing Ji’s photos as the short haired valkyrie glaring at the man who kept averting his eyes from her.
“Oh~ She is very pretty~” Elysia inspected the picture.
“The last thing she did in St. Freya was that she came in with a graceful and elegantic aura. And she asked Fu Hua on a dance of tango.” Elysia cheered with delight.
“Oh~ She finally gets to fulfill her dreams of learning how to dance with someone. Her old teacher promised her but that was not something she was able to deliver.” Hajime smiled as Elysia cheered for Fu Hua.
“Seems like we are in an agreement then?” Elysia and Theresa nodded, causing Hajime to pull out his phone.
“All right……. Say Rita?”
“Yes, Master Hajime?”
“Make some preparations. We will having a guest over in St. Freya.” Rita giggled.
“May I know who is it for?”
“It’s for Jing ji. She will be performing in St. Freya for this upcoming concert party.” Hajime knew Rita so well that She was having the biggest grin of her life.
“Preparations will be made. Master Hajime.”
“Thank you, Rita. Please accommodate her to the best of your abilities.”
“I will~”
Elysia rose an eyebrow as she was confused what was Hajime and Rita’s conversation was about. Seeing Hajime leave the office prompted her to follow him.
“What was that about?”
“Hmmm? Oh! Rita often gets excited when Jing Ji is involved.”
“Oh? Someone had managed to intrigue Rita?” Hajime nodded as he kept sipping his latte from his cup. “Hmmm…… That is interesting. How come you never introduced me to her?” He shrugged.
“You never asked.” Elysia giggled at his response.
“Could you put a good word for me once you have made contact?” Elysia batted her eyelashes to him, causing him to give her blank look. “I promise I will make more cup of latte for you~”
“…………..”
“…………..~”
“Fine……………..” Elysia cheered and gave him a side hug.
“I gotta ask. Was there any reason that you had to make the latte using the world no. 1 dad cup?” As Hajime inspected the cup that was written “WORLD’S NO. 1 DAD CAPT.”
The word dad was crossed out and replaced with a cursive ‘CAPT.’ by a pink marker.
“Well…… I gifted you that because you are the captain of the hyperion, are you not?”
“Why though? You couldn’t have given me something else?” Hajime took a sip while letting Elysia approached him slowly to his ear.
“Oh~ Would you prefer being called ‘My Darling Sexy Hubby~?” Hajime choked from his drink, causing him to cough out the contents of his cup.
“I *coughs* walked right into that one *coughs*, didn't I?”
Yes. Yes, you did.
“So…… What will be Ha~ji~me~?” Hajime rolled his eyes and immediately power-walked away from his wife, causing her to call him back.
“Wait! Come Back Hubby~ I can call you something else if you want!” Elysia ran towards to Hajime much to the captain’s dismay.“
"How many got through?”
“Unfortunately, their papers are legit so some have managed to get in.” Theresa sighed as Fu Hua head-counted few senators that managed to get into the party.
“Where’s Hajime?”
“Decided to take the heat on the front line by being the first person they will greet outside.”
“Hopefully he wont kill them.”
“He wont~. Hajime is much stronger than that. He is not going to do anything lethal He will be very exhausted once he comes back home later though.” Theresa nodded and took note that she might sincerely thank Hajime for this.
“So how many musician valkyries we have?”
“Just a few.”
“Kiana, Bronya and Mei is not going to join in, right?”
“Yeah. All of them are in security detail. And I wanted to have them to take a break after that mission deployment they just recently did.” Fu Hua nodded with a smile as she knew that the trio deserves a little bit of down time.
“Oh~ I forgot to tell you this. Fu Hua.” Fu Hua turned her head to Ellie with an expectant look.
“Jing Ji is coming.” Fu Hua widened her eyes and just stared as if the pink haired elf grew another head.
“Fu Hua? You doing okay?” Elysia waved a hand in front of her friend’s face as she stood there, silently on a trance. “Yoo~ Hoo~ Anyone in there?” Elysia widened her eyes .
“I think hearing Jing Ji broke her, Ellie.”
“Awww~ That is a shame. I was looking forward to all of us girls, including Jing Ji, hanging out in the party.” As she tried to lead Fu Hua to somewhere else, she was surprised to see Herscherr of Sentience came out and ran for the buffet table.
“Huh…….. Looks like I don’t need to worry about Fu Hua after all.” As she giggled, watching Herscherr of Sentience, trying out every food as this was her first time seeing them.
“I wonder what is up with Fu Hua? She met Jing Ji before. Why does she look she was having problem processing it?”
“Maybe Jing ji is so pretty, Fu Hua couldn’t just resist admiring how beautiful she is?” Theresa scowled, making Ellie giggled. “Well……. Maybe she is just shy meeting Jing ji again. She after all taught Fu Hua how to dance.”
“And May I ask how is that relevant?”
“HIMEKO back in PE promised to teach her. Wouldn’t you need a time alone to think about when one of your longest promise has been fulfilled by someone else?” Theresa smiled as she understood what Elysia meant.
“Excuse me, Miss. You look lovely today.” Theresa sighed as her headache for the night has already begun.
The short girl looked at the politician who approached Elysia with a sleazy grin.
“Might I say…… you look very beautiful today.” Elysia giggled as she find this rather amusing.
“Awww….. Why thank you sir~”
“Ellie…………” Theresa facepalmed as Elysia was taking the compliments in. But Elysia knew better.
And besides, Elysia has a better man. Why would she let him do whatever he wants with her?
“So….. When the party is over……..” Elysia interrupted him as she removed her gloves, showing that she is happily married with Hajime.
“Your husband doesn’t need to know.” Theresa was this close to summon her Oath of Judah if it werent for Elysia’s playful giggle.
“I rather not cheat on my husband. After all, Hajime has been nothing but a darling to me.”
“Hajime? As in captain of the Hyperion Hajime? You are his wife?” Elysia playfully wiggled her eyebrows, causing the politician to shake on his knees.
He has heard from his peers and coworkers about Hajime’s heroic deeds and many have been commercializing him to the point where the creator of Arahato series has created a new hero called Aka No Kishi (The Scarlet Knight).
And his kids loves the heroic knight of Schicksal. He also witnessed how he walked away with a severed head of a giant beast in hand up close as he save the city from that monster raid.
“Mister Senator……. Please don’t stray from your group. We wouldn’t want you to get lost in the party, no?” The Senator could had to comply with the maid. This is Rita Rossweisse after all.
Even he is not stupid enough to ask Rita to be his valkyrie for hire. After all, he has heard the stories of Schicksal’s Queen of Roses. And many have speculated that it is referring to Rita Rossweisse.
None has confirmed if it was true. But He rather not test the credibility of those legends. He'd rather not end up being crucified by thorns to the public after all.
“Of…… Of Course. Miss Rita. P-Please lead the way.” Rita sincerely bowed to the Politician and led him back to where he belonged.
“It is honestly a surprise that you two have become so close after that fight “
“Well…….. Who wouldn’t want to be friends with a pretty and cute girl?” Theresa rolled her eyes as Elysia winked.
“When you two fought, it actually looked like she was going for the kill.” Elysia giggled.
“I am glad that she did go all out. A dance wouldn’t be a dance if someone didn’t put their heart on the line.”
“You actually believe that?”
“Of course~ How else would she emotionally communicate with me?”
“That’s honestly a weird way of saying it…….. But if you say so……. I genuinely thought she was trying to kill you that time.” Theresa took a sip of bitter melon juice.
“Don’t underestimate a cute girl’s charm, TeriTeri. It can make friendships last forever.” Theresa gave a blank stare.
“Hajime told you, didn’t he?” Elysia giggled.
“Of course not~ Aillie, Ai-chan and Rita told me.” Theresa facepalmed. “Rita even gifted this cute keychain of you when I invited her to my place for sleepover.” Elysia showed her a derpy TeriTeri to the overseer, causing the latter covered her face with both of her hands and tried to scream in them.
“I swear I will find someone who mass-produced that keychain and have him or her chained to my Oath of Judah for days.” Elysia covered her mouth while giggling as if she tried to stop herself from saying that Hajime made those derpy Theresa himself and had Rita distributed to those who she deems worthy of bearing the keychain.
Theresa turned and saw that the group of Senators who have been trying to get themselves comfortable with the valkyries, causing her to sigh on sight.
"Cheer up, Theresa. I am pretty sure that the valkyries like Rita are doing their best."
"I know. But it worries me seeing them like this. St. Freya are for the ones who wished to help people from Honkai."
"Don't worry~ Pretty sure that people like Fu Hua, Rita and Hajime has been teaching them the main basics of its motto and ideal." Elysia tapped the corner of her lips.
"Fight for all that is beautiful, Is it not the valkyries' motto?" Theresa nodded.
"Beautful quote. And I hope that valkyries who are enrolled, or would be enrolled, here know how precious that philosophy is. Did you make it?" Theresa shook her head.
"Grandfather did." Elysia giggled.
"Sounds like you have one thing to be grateful for Otto then." Theresa chuckled as she couldnt deny Ellie's word.
"Wished that he didnt turned out insane."
"It was his choice, Theresa. All we can do now is to respect it." Theresa took deep breaths as she really cant get mad at her grandfather.
After all, he intended to keep everyone, including the one he truly admired the most, safe from harm. And that includes Theresa.
Is Otto truly evil?
Theresa kept contemplating on that question for a long time whenever she has time for herself.
And for the longest time, she still hasnt figure out the answer to that question.
She asked Hajime that question before and his response was depends on how others see Otto's philosophy.
He never gave her a clear answer but she hopes that he would be there if she ever managed to come up with a right answer for herself.
Elysia giggled as she watched the short silver-haired valkryie kept looking at the valkyries as if she was in a daze.
"All right. Time for me to assist Fu Hua, Rita and the other Valkyries with their duties." Elysia watched Theresa left.
Before she gets to say anything else, she felt a tap on her shoulder.
Elysia turned around and widened her eyes as she saw mysterious female marooned-haired guest with sapphire eyes who was wearing a beret and a female trench coat as if she was trying to hide from the world. Elysia realized that her physique was the same with other older valkyries aside from Fu Hua.
But Ellie could not mistake that blue eyes of hers.
"Are you..... Ms. Ellie? Hajime........... asked me.............for help." Elysia cheered with so much delight as she immediately hugged Jing Ji, causing her to smile.
"Looks like............ Someone's excited." Jing Ji's female natural raspy voice made Elyisa shake on her knees. And her majestic aura that she was emitting is making Elysia giddy in excitement.
"Hajime said that............. you would be.........performing with me........ Is that true?" To her, Jing Ji's husky voice is driving her ears insane to how good it sounded.
Hajime! How dare you to keep her from the world? Everything about her is heavenly~
"That's right. Do you wished to be escorted by a pretty girl backstage?" Jing Ji chuckled as she took out her hand and let Elysia lead.
"Of course~" Elysia led the guest of honor to the back so that they can get started.
Fu Hua saw the Elysia and Jing Ji heading towards backstage and almost reminded her time when Eden and Elysia used to hanging out together.
"Glad to know that those two are having fun." As she returned to the buffet and let Herscherr of Sentience try more food on the buffet while claiming that all of it are offerings to her majesty.
"Are you doing okay, Rita?"
"Of course. Please no need to worry, Master Overseer."
"That is good to know that you are doing okay. They keep coming and they keep getting more and more comfortable with the valkryies." Theresa and Fu Hua are losing count on how many Politicians have they tried to fend off.
"When will those two ............." Theresa was immediately cut off by the sight of the lights going out.
Before she tries to assure anyone that someone might have switched the breaker, The spotlights were turned on and it was pointing at Jing Ji onstage, playing a grand piano.
Many audience didnt realize that she could play piano but they are not complaining.
Once she started playing, all of the present valkryies got excited at the realization that she truly is the one who have been playing that melody at the nights of St. Freya.
Before they get to stream this to the world, another spotlight got turned on and it was pointing at Elysia with a long white dress, playing a violin.
Seeing this, all of St Freya valkyries' attention were on them, especially the ones that had the Politicians had their eye on.
The valkryies did not care about the promotions or the offers the senators have made anymore.
They truly wished to keep beautiful things like these protected and they will do whatever it takes to keep it that way. Even if they have to fight for it.
In the middle of performance, Elysia giggled on the microphone, causing the audience to look at her in shock.
"Let's keep things exciting, shall we?" Jing Ji smirked as she switched up tempo.
The transition from calming and charimatic to seductively entrancing felt weird to them at first. But they could not lie.
It sounded amazing.
At the end of the night, there was no valkyrie that got pulled out from St. Freya and all of political guest left with a disappointed face.
Theresa was overjoyed that the valkyries were still standing firm on their beliefs and she expressed her deep gratitudes to both Jing Ji and Elysia.
Theresa was also happy that whenever she needs Jing Ji, She just needs to contact Hajime.
That way, things could go smoothly.
Theresa accepted and let the idol-to-be leave St. Freya.
As she turned around and leave, Elysia saw that Jing Ji was wearing a pair of black boots underneath the long red-and-black dress.
The sight caused Ellie to giggle.
"Looks like we had a fun night, didnt we?"
"Yeah....... Shame that Hajime had to take the front lines ."
"Yeah........ It is a pity too." Elysia sighed with a smile. "There will always be next time right?" Theresa nodded.
After that, Both deputy captains left to their home.
"Hubby~ I am home~" Hajime rolled his eyes as he kept reading on his holotab about the recent articles on Schicksal.
"You had fun with Jing Ji, Honey?" As Hajime took a sip from his latte.
"I did. And She was amazing~" As She sat besides him while looking at him.
"That's great, hun. You hungry? I made Shepherd's pie. It is in dining room." Elysia squealed as she zoomed off to the dining room and came back with a plate of pie on hand.
"Shame that i wasnt there to see it all." Hajime pouted as he showed his disappointment to his wife.
"Yeah..... Shame that you weren't there. So how was the plan of trying not to kill the politicians worked out for you?"As Elysia kept eating the food and savoring each moment.
"It was exhausting to say the least. I honestly am surprised that i managed to go through with that plan and walked out of there with a satisfied look."
"Is that so?" Elysia raised an eyebrow at him with a smile as she finished her pie.
"Something wrong?"
"No. Nothing's wrong. Thanks for the pie......." As he took a sip after acknowledging his wife's gratitude, not noticing that Elysia is this close to his ears with a smile.
"Jing~Ji~" Hajime choked on his latte.
Hajime coughed while letting Elysia looked at him with a playful smile.
Hajime sighed deeply as he knew he couldnt get out of there smoothly. He smiled softly.
"What gave me away?"
"You know? You almost had me fooled there, Hajime. You did your best disguising into someone else. If it weren't for the boots, i wouldn't have recognized you " Hajime chuckled.
"Have i ever told you that you remind me of an old friend of mine when you were disguised as Jing Ji?" Hajime looked up as if he was trying to remember his conversations with her.
"You did not, i believe."
"Well...... This will be the first of many." Elysia hugged Hajime tight.
"By the way? Why didnt you wear the heels? I could have let you borrowed my stilettos just to nail that disguise in." Hajime winced in pain.
"I am okay, disguising myself as someone else. Even as a girl in fact. Wearing heels is where i draw the line. Seriously.......... Those things hurt." He rubbed the sole of his feet as if remembering that painful memory. Elysia giggled.
"I need to ask. Where did you get those................"
"Melons?"
"I was going to say Twins of Eden but that works too." Hajime rolled his eyes as he took out a chest vest.
"Wraith gave me her spare as a thank you gift for helping her out. Otto made and termed it 'Weapons of Massive Distractions' or 'WMD's for short." Elysia couldnt stop giggling as how funny this actually was to her. It was even more hilarious that the 'size' can be adjusted after pressing them like a button.
"I am guessing he taught you how to crossdress?" Hajime nodded.
"Someone had to help Rita infiltrate those facilities whenever Otto deployed us for stealth missions." This indicated that Rita knew all along.
Elysia might need to talk to Rita and have her tell stories about her adventures with Jing Ji.
"How did you change your voice?" Hajime raised his head, exposing his neck, showing a small square sticker patch.
"Otto also made them. Helps me turn my voice into 'someone else'. All i had to do is change my 'personality.'" As Elysia played with the voice modulator, resulting to Hajime having different voices.
"And that majestic aura?" Hajime chuckled.
"You wouldn't believe me if i told you." Elysia sat on his lap and looked at Hajime up close.
I mean real close.
"Try me~"
"Confidence. Whenever i want Jing Ji involved, I remember Otto saying that 'In order for a disguise to work, I had to own that persona as if it was mine'. And i remember Himeko saying that If i was a bit more confident now and then, she wouldnt recognize me even if i was her beloved cousin." Elysia giggled and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"Believe me, love. You dont notice it but whenever i see that confident version of you, it is amazing to watch. Theresa, Amber and Fu Hua can vouch me on that." Hajime chuckled.
"I will believe it when i see it." Elysia looked fondly at the man as he kept reading.
"You know...... If you wanted to perform on stage, you didnt need to do those things, right? You could have just told me and i would have performed with you."
"Eh...... I wanted to give my wife a good time."
"Even if you had to sacrifice your manliness?"
"Eh........ That idea of manliness is overrated. I dont see the harm of joining in the fun, especially for my wife. Wouldnt want to disappoint her now, do i?" Elysia giggled.
"You looked great in that dress, Hajime." Hajime chuckled.
"Gurl? I slayed with that dress." Hajime gave a sassy-snap to his wife. Seeing this, Elysia hugged him tight as if she didnt want to let him go.
"I love you so much, Hajime." Elysia whispered softly into his chest, making Hajime confused what was she muttering about.
"Something wrong?" Elysia let go and shook her head.
"Nothing. Just wanted to look cute for you." Hajime rolled his eyes. Avoiding the topic, Elysia stood in front of him while had her hands behind her back.
"I have to admit, Hajime. It was a really great disguise." Hajime nodded. "I am glad when i realized that Jing Ji is just you crossdressing." Hajime chuckled.
"Honestly? Even if i was someone else, I'd feel like you would recognize me right away. So It was only a matter of time." Hajime smiled softly to his wife.
"So how does it feel like having a pair of twins?"
"They feel a little heavy to be honest. I am guessing those things works like a Honkai-weighted arm braces but on a chest." He stretched out his back. "Honestly, it makes me respect women a bit more. Especially when they had to wear for those.......... things."
"Are you saying that you don't respect Fu Hua?"
"What? No! I respect Fu Hua. How dare you?!" Elysia giggled.
"I am just joking, love." She hugged Hajime. "Now, I want to hug you while you are wearing the WMDs. I want to know how it feels like leaning my head on your pillows." He rolled his eyes.
"Dont push it." Elysia giggled.
"How about this then? You let me hug you while you wearing them. After that, i would let you play with mine?" Hajime took his cup latte.
"I AM LEAVING. AND I AM TAKING WITH THIS CUP LATTE WITH ME! GOOD NIGHT!"
"Wait! Come back Hubby! I can give you another offer if you want~"
At the end of that night, A certain melody was played in the night of St. Freya.
To the valkyries surprise, It wasnt a solo anymore.
It was a duo.
They just wished that they would get to to meet Jing Ji after her every performance.
That said..........
There will always be next time, right?