"If you had applied to Saint Ingo Academy back then, you would definitely have come to Central Academy for an exchange program, and we could have met years earlier."
As Ores, seemingly regretting not meeting Hexia sooner and as if there were endless topics to discuss, was pulled along by her regardless of others' attempts to intercede, Shui Yanqing noticed Blanchi standing to the side with a hesitant look. She approached with a smile and greeted her warmly.
"Are you still a bit nervous? It's okay, let's go sit over there." Shui Yanqing took Blanchi's hand and they sat down on the nearby seats, slowly starting to chat.
In contrast to Ores' unapproachable aura, Shui Yanqing seemed much more approachable and kind to Blanchi, which allowed her to gradually open up. She shared her experiences of the past two months, while Shui Yanqing frequently nodded and encouraged her with a warm smile, helping Blanchi to relax further.
A few minutes later, Hexia brought Ores over to meet Blanchi.
"This is Blanchi, don't scare her." The girl knew that even unintentional and thoughtless acts by Ores could place considerable psychological pressure on Blanchi.
"Am I really that cold-hearted? Tilan, really..." Although she spoke with a hint of complaint, Ores was not the least bit angry. She approached Blanchi, placed a hand on her ample chest, bent down, and greeted her.
"You, hello." Blanchi stood up flusteredly, then calmed down with reassurance from Shui Yanqing.
"I'm Blanchi, from Hemu Star Domain, I just awakened my Songstress Talent not long ago. I hope for the guidance and care of the senior Ores." She bowed in greeting, and then the two stood facing each other on equal footing.
Compared to Hexia and Blanchi, Ores had awakened her Songstress Talent more than ten years ago, but for Elves, such a length of time isn't considered long. It wasn't until her physical development matured a bit that she entered university, a common practice among many Elves. They usually spend nearly ten years in high school, more than twice as long as ordinary humans.
Back at Yuanting Academy, 'The Dazzling Beast of Midsummer' Brigitte was already at the school when Tilan enrolled, but even by the time Tilan graduated, Brigitte hadn't, because Elves physically mature slower, and they are accustomed to this lifestyle, not rushing their young to enter society prematurely.
"It's not so much about teaching as it is about helping." Ores gently touched her chin, her gaze swiftly scanning over the chestnut-haired Blanchi. She could feel the tension radiating from Blanchi, familiar with such situations, as it was rare for peers to meet her for the first time without being nervous.
Hexia was indeed an exception among Songstresses. Ores believed not only she felt this way, but Shui Yanqing probably did too, because Hexia's heart and words were in harmony. This kind of peaceful sincerity was a rare find even among Songstresses.
Since Songstresses face so much public attention and matters, and because of their varying personalities, they sometimes speak contrary to their feelings to maintain their image or to avoid conflicts.
But Hexia's rarity lay in her genuinely heartfelt words, straightforward while also being gentle and honest, making others feel at ease. Particularly for Songstresses, such alignment of heart and speech is extremely uncommon in a world teeming with insincerity and polite falsehoods.
It is precisely because Songstresses can see through lies that they find such sincerity and kindness combined so precious, leading both Ores and Shui Yanqing to have a favorable impression of Hexia.
Although Blanchi was not very impressive, leaving Ores somewhat unenthused, she still tried to show cheerful and relaxed emotions to express her welcome, a gesture that made Shui Yanqing turn her eyes away with a bit of unwillingness to watch. She wasn't the naive Blanchi, easily fooled by such behavior.
Despite being a bit forced, fortunately, Blanchi, having only recently awakened her Talent and still quite nervous, didn't scrutinize too closely. Seeing Ores' seemingly cheerful welcome, Blanchi also brightened up, feeling as though she had finally accomplished her mission for the day.
After the four sat down, they continued their conversation, ranging from various Star Domains and high school lives to Songstress-related topics, the production of music albums, composing lyrics, as well as promotional photography and the like. Ores provided a skilled introduction, with occasional supplements from Shui Yanqing, while Hexia and Blanchi gained a lot of insight.
"It's getting late; let's go have lunch." Noting the approach of noon outside, Shui Yanqing stood up to invite them.
Consequently, the four of them walked out of the grand assembly hall toward the distant restaurant for a leisurely stroll.