- so you're telling me you are transmigrators?- Qi Jiang asked again, mostly to get more time to digest the sentence just uttered by her cousin Chen Haoyu. Chen Haoran, the other self-proclaimed transmigrator nodded, both girls holding each other's hands tightly, rightfully scared of their cousin's possible reaction. They had thought about telling her for a long time, ever since they met, truly, it just seemed like the time was never right. So after thousands of failed attempts, the twins decided to break the news right in the middle of the night, as was demanded of them by the system. Qi Jiang took a deep breath, then shook her head. She would have believed them even if they told her the sky was fake, especially holding such scared expressions.
- Couldn't you have waited till I got enough sleep, how can I even process such a thing at- she looked at her phone's screen displaying the ungodly hour- 3 am?!
The two would have laughed, that is if they weren't so confused. Why is she so calm about it? Could she have known already? Did she think they were lying?
- Sister Jiang, you know we are being serious, right?- asked Chen Haoyu to make sure they were on the same page.
- with you waking me up in the middle of the night you better be- was the only answer they got before Jiang flopped back on her bed and closed her eyes – we will talk in the morning, you can sleep here or go to your rooms, I don't care, just let me sleep.
The twins looked at each other and laid down on either side of their cousin just like they used to do when they were younger. Even though Chen Haoyu insisted she was far too old for things like this, being already 16 years old, Haoran just shushed her, already curled up like a cat. Chen Haoyu grumbled for a bit longer but soon enough melted into Qi Jiang's side as well.
In the morning Qi Jiang was the first to awaken, she stretched trying her best not to bump the others, and slowly rose on her elbows. She squinted her fox-like eyes, holding back a yawn, her slightly wavy, shoulder-length hair stuck to her face in some places and sicked outwards in others. Her bedhead looked truly miserable. She sat up fully and combed her hand through her hair, taking it away from her face. She paused, a memory from the night waking her fully, she no longer wanted to yawn and her eyes became much less cloudy, she felt as if she could see everything clearly even without her glasses. She looked to her sides confirming the twins were indeed right next to her, she took a deep breath and called out their names.
- Haoran, Haoyu, get up it's morning- she shook them awake or rather tried her best to do so. Haoyu whined unhappily and laid half her body on top of Jiang's, trapping the girl under her leg. Haoran followed suit, being much quieter than her sister but still very motivated to stay in bed longer, her arms like a vice around the older's midriff.
- we were supposed to talk in the morning- Jiang's reminder sounded especially whiny in the early morning, she was still shaking off the lingering sleep herself. She considered giving in and lying back down but her curiosity made her restless, unable to fall asleep for even a bit more.
After a lot of coaxing and a great deal of struggle, the girls ended up in the living room. The twins occupied the couch, Jiang sitting in front of them on an armchair. Even though the couch was big the two girls huddled close, still nervous for Jiang's reaction. The older girl however looked as calm as ever, elegantly sipping her morning tea.
- well go on then, don't you two think you have something to explain to me?- Jiang finally asked trying to land on soft and encouraging but missing it and bordering on motherly annoyance. Haoran swallowed dryly.
Haoran explained clearly how they woke up in this world possessing the bodies of kindergarten students after dying at ten years old in a tragic airplane accident. They explained they had a system that was punishment and reward-based. Upon further questioning about the punishments the twins scrunched even closer to each other and only said that they were painful. It worried Jiang but she decided she wouldn't push them to talk more about it as they seemed strongly shaken by it. They said that they wanted to tell her sooner, they said that they wanted it so much it annoyed the system and gave them a task with a hard punishment if they didn't tell her right that moment. They said that the system wants them to become idols, rivals to the MC participating in the survival idol show, and later on group mates for two years. Jiang only nodded through all of it, not daring to interrupt them as they explained the stats and casual missions. She believed them obviously, it was rare that they both agreed on something so they couldn't have been lying. They also had no reason to. Jiang truly believed in them.
- So you will have to move to Korea to join the first act of the scenario? When will it happen exactly?- Jiang asked, hoping her voice didn't tremble. Korea was a whole different country, the twins were too young to go there, especially alone. Jiang hoped they still had time.
- in four months, there is a timer for the best-case scenario to occur, it even picked a plane for us, and seats- Haoran said, her small hands balled into fists. Jiang furrowed her brows, that was far too soon, at that point the kids would be barely 17.
- there is another requirement to fulfill for the best scenario to occur- added Haoyu, glancing at Haoran who seemed just as unsure as her twin. Haoyu gathered all of her bravery and continued- the requirement is that you will follow us, we know that it's a great thing to ask of you and you can say no, we will surely be able to-
- Right, I will go- Jiang cut her off, getting up immediately and going toward her room
- What? Jiang, you shouldn't agree that quickly! What about your life here?- Haoran demanded following after the older who didn't bother answering. Haoyu froze on her seat with her mouth left slightly ajar- and where are you even going?- asked Haoran again with even more confusion
- to talk to grandfather obviously- Jiang answered, trying her best to sound assured and leveled. The quiver in her voice and the following nervous swallow shatter the illusion of her calmness. She wiped her already sweaty palms on her pajama pants and began looking through her closet for an appropriate attire to visit Chairman Qi.