Chapter Five: The Princess's Dream

　　In the still of the night, the dim streetlights cast a warm glow.
　　In Macaron's room.
　　"Aren't you going to sleep yet, Xiaoli?"
　　"I haven't finished my diary." Xiaoli loved writing in her diary.
　　"You go to sleep first." Her teammates went to sleep first.
　　She picked up her pen and wrote: "Father, it's me, Xiaoli. How are you? I'm still the same, constantly striving to become a Dream Star. Although Macaron has debuted, this is just the beginning. I want everyone to know us, Macaron, and cheer us on." Memories flooded her mind:
　　we were practicing our dance diligently.
　　"Take a break." Teacher Caiwen told us to rest.
　　"Xiaoli, you should change your shoes." Xiaolan, sitting on the floor, noticed Xiaoli's shoes beside her.
　　"It's okay, I can still wear them." Xiaoli quickly waved her hand, shaking her head with a smile.
　　"I have several new pairs of shoes, why don't you take mine?" Taozi wanted to help Xiaoli.
　　"Really, no need, Taozi."
　　Xiaoli was completely absorbed in her practice, not caring about her princess image, and didn't mind her dirty shoes.
　　"Practice is tough, but I'm not alone. Everyone's here with me, caring for me." Yes, Macarons are always together, playing together when happy, and having Macarons as their strong support when facing difficulties. Not only that, she also met many new classmates, such as the lively and cheerful me, the hardworking Shiyu, the cute yet slightly shy Song'er, the handsome Ye Xi, the excellent Gao Yi, the elegant Xueyan, and so on. With the company of her lovely classmates, every day is happy and filled with joy.
　　"Don't worry, Father, for our hometown, I will definitely work even harder."
　　After finishing her diary, Xiaoli hadn't gone to sleep yet. She put down her notebook and pen and gently walked to the balcony, gazing at the dark moonlight, and made a wish: "One day, I will definitely become a dazzling star of Fei Meng."
　　The next morning,
　　the students from the debut class gathered together again. Xiaoli always smiled. "Xiaoli, you seem to be in a good mood today," Taozi said cutely.
　　"I think so too, did something good happen?" Xiaolan thought so too.
　　"Being with Taozi and Xiaolan is a good thing for me," Xiaoli said with a sweet smile. All three laughed. Isn't the companionship of friendship a happy thing?
　　Doles came in. Nothing had changed, except the captain had become Xia Ling. However, Xia Ling's appearance had changed. Her brown hair had grown longer, with a touch of pale yellow at the sides, tied in two long pigtails. At first glance, she looked like a completely different person, but upon closer inspection, her features were still recognizable. "You're Xia Ling?" Taozi recognized her.
　　"Don't call me that. I'm not the same person I used to be," Xia Ling said aggressively.
　　Everyone found her words inexplicable, their mouths agape. Ye Xi, completely bewildered, said, "What are you talking about?"
　　"Super Xia Ling. Call me that from now on."
　　"Listen carefully, I'm not the Xia Ling who had no presence anymore."
　　We found the name strange and funny: "You just changed your look, Xia Ling."
　　"Call me Super Xia Ling." Everyone covered their mouths and snickered.
　　"Really, what's so funny?"
　　Oliver arrived. "Everyone's here?"
　　Hearing Oliver's voice, the three members of the Duolus trio, who were standing at the door, quickly ran to their seats.
　　"Today we received a special invitation; Dreamy Notes wants Macaron to perform their final stage show," Xiaomin announced to Macaron.
　　"Are we going to perform on Dreamy Notes?"
　　The three of them excitedly raised their hands.
　　"This is a very important final performance, so I hope you'll give it your all," Oliver encouraged them.
　　"Here, these are special outfits prepared for you." They were going to wear these outfits for their performance. They saw that it was a set from the Nightfire Diamond brand's "Dazzling Galaxy" series. This set was quite different from Nightfire Diamond's usual rock and cool style; it was a cute style that suited them, yet still as exquisite as before. The three outfits were: "Rainbow Starfield," a sweet combination of cute and rock; "Flying Arrow Voyage," as dazzling as a neon rainbow streaking across the Milky Way; and "Universe Interstellar," sparkling like ice-blue stardust. Not only were they beautiful and exquisite, but the starry sky style of the outfits perfectly matched their new song, "Departure to the Star Kingdom." They were very happy.
　　"I hope you all do well."
　　"Okay, good."
　　"I want that one, then let's choose this one." They started choosing their clothes. Peach liked pink, so she chose "Rainbow Starfield," which was predominantly pink. Xiaolan, who liked purple, chose "Arrow's Wandering," which had purple tones. Xiaoli liked blue, so she took a liking to the blue "Universe Interstellar."
　　At this moment, Xiaoli's father wanted to take her home. The father was completely bewildered when he first arrived at Feimeng Academy. "This is Feimeng Academy? It's bigger than my palace. Where is it?"
　　He called the gatehouse. He walked into a room, which was actually our pre-debut class. But the father knew nothing about it. "May I ask what brings you to the pre-debut class?"
　　Song'er took out a sandwich. The father asked, "Is this some kind of high-class food?"
　　"It's just a sandwich. Would you like one?"
　　The father ate one piece, but wasn't satisfied. "Delicious, delicious, another one." He ate another piece.
　　"My sandwich!" This was clearly Song'er's breakfast!
　　"I'm full, you guys saved me!"
　　"By the way, do you know my daughter, Xiaoli?"
　　Xiaoli? Isn't that Xiaoli from the Macaron group?
　　"Are you Xiaoli's father?"
　　"You should say I'm her father, King."
　　"Then you're the king?"
　　"Indeed."
　　"If you know where Xiaoli is, please show me the way."
　　Macaron was in the practice room. They were discussing the upcoming performance. "Performing on Dreamy Notes is truly unbelievable." This is a very important program, and for newcomers like them to participate makes Xiaoli feel like she's dreaming.
　　"Now our Macaron group will definitely skyrocket in popularity and become a super popular group." Xiaolan also started imagining wonderful things.
　　"With Peach here, of course we can. We must do our best in this performance." Peach said.
　　"Our goal is to become Dreamy Star!"
　　"That's right, that's it. Xiaoli, work hard, work hard, and you can definitely become Dreamy Star." Xiaoli cheered herself on.
　　"Xiaoli," her father entered. "Father,"
　　"Why are you here?"
　　"It must be tough being here all alone."
　　"No, Father." How could she be alone? She was with Taozi and Xiaolan.
　　"As a princess, this is nothing." Yes, a princess can't be too delicate; a princess must learn to be strong.
　　"Xiaoli is completely different from usual." Song'er whispered to Taozi. She noticed something was off about Xiaoli. "
　　Taozi, this is the first time I've seen her like this either." Taozi also found it strange. "
　　She really has the air of a princess." In fact, she is a princess.
　　"Truly worthy of being my princess. But, it's time to end this. I've come to take you back. Come with me."
　　"But this is too sudden." Why did Father suddenly want to take her back?
　　"Because it's extremely urgent. Take a good look yourself. Look carefully." Father showed Xiaoli a photo. Wasn't that a photo of Xiaoli? She was wearing a school uniform, running on the grass. It looked like an ordinary photo, but there were many scars on her legs. It seemed that Xiaoli had indeed been through a lot.
　　"I accidentally bumped into this during practice last time, it's nothing," Xiaolan explained. "It's just a tiny scrape."
　　"What scrape? You're seriously injured! That's outrageous!" Father was angry. All three of them collapsed to the ground.
　　"Anyway, Xiaoli, come back with me."
　　"But, Father..." Xiaoli seemed to want to say something more.
　　"The performance is over. You should come back. Our hometown needs you. Come with me." Father wouldn't listen to her explanation.
　　In the recording studio, Taozi was practicing her part in their new song. Taozi's voice was sweet and beautiful. "Very good, but the ending could be a little cuter."
　　"Are you really leaving, Xiaoli? Didn't you want to become a Dream Star? Let's talk to your father again." Xiaolan still missed the three of them with their macarons.
　　"Our Candy Country is a little-known place. I want to become a Dream Star to promote it. Maybe Father thinks I can't do it," Xiaoli confided in her.
　　“Xiaoli, I know you’ve tried your best, and you don’t want to give up like this, right?”
　　“Xiaolan,”
　　“Xiaoli, go tell your father. Our Macaron will definitely become the Dream Star.” Xiaolan offered her advice.
　　“Thank you, Xiaolan.”
　　“This is the cafeteria.”
　　“It’s already twelve o’clock. It’s lunchtime. Would you like to eat with us? The food here is really delicious.” Song’er was very enthusiastic.
　　“You must be hungry after coming all this way, so please eat with us.” Shiyu said.
　　“Do you think doing this will change my mind?” Father was still thinking about this.
　　“How could we?” Actually, we just wanted to treat Father to something to eat. This is Xiaoli’s business; we don’t need to change his mind.
　　“The curry is delicious, and there’s roast spring chicken. Come on, eat up.”
　　“Then I won’t be polite.” Father wolfed down his food. Was this really acting like a king?
　　"It tastes great, give me another serving."
　　"Sure, coming right up."
　　"Wow, the food at Fei Meng Academy is so delicious! I really want to move this whole cafeteria to my hometown. And the environment here is nice too. Xiao Li said in her letter that she really liked it here, and it seems there's some truth to that." Perhaps Father doesn't know about the preparatory debut class yet.
　　Under the colorful cherry blossom trees, the King sat on a bench.
　　"Your Majesty, this is dessert, it's really delicious." We came over with our ice cream and sat down next to him.
　　While eating our ice cream, we asked, "Could you tell us why Xiao Li wanted to come to Fei Meng Academy?"
　　"From childhood to adulthood, Xiao Li has always been a very proud princess, someone I feel I've fulfilled my duty to. I really never imagined she would want to be a singer one day." Actually, Father was quite surprised that she wanted to be a singer.
　　"Didn't she tell you the reason?" I asked.
　　"She did tell you, before she came here, that she wanted to become the Fei Meng Star, so that more people would know about her hometown. She wanted to be a singer for her hometown. It's not what she truly loves." Father explained in detail.
　　"No, Xiaoli wouldn't have come to our academy just for this. Please go and ask her again." If it was just for her hometown, and that's not what she likes, why would she be so interested in those activities? Besides, she could promote her hometown in other ways, so why did she have to come to our academy? I think she's actually interested, but she's too embarrassed to tell her father.
　　"Macaron should still be in the recording studio. Let's go watch Macaron practice singing."
　　"Practicing singing?"
　　"Yes, Xiaoli is definitely practicing too."
　　"Quick, let's go." "
　　Wait, Kexing!"
　　"Wait!"
　　"Don't leave me behind!"
　　We arrived at the recording studio. Xiaoli was practicing singing. "No good, Xiaoli, your emotional delivery isn't quite there."
　　"What's wrong?" I asked Taozi.
　　"Well,"
　　"Let's try again."
　　"Look at me like this, isn't it cute? My steps are like a child's, hopping left and right..." It was Xiaoli's sweet singing voice. Although her voice was still very nice, something felt off. It was supposed to be a cute and lively song, but there seemed to be a hint of sadness mixed in.
　　“Look at me like this…”
　　“Start over!”
　　“Xiaoli, you need to control your emotions. You can’t let it affect the performance, do you hear me?”
　　Xiaoli was clearly still upset about that incident.
　　“Shut up!” Father snapped.
　　We all exclaimed “Ah!”
　　“Let’s go,”
　　Father pulled Xiaoli away.
　　“Really, who’s that?”
　　The teacher didn’t recognize Father. Peach said, “Xiaoli’s father.”
　　“Wait, Father!”
　　Father pulled Xiaoli to sit on a bench.
　　“I can’t watch you suffer. There’s nothing more to say, come back with me.” Father wanted to always cherish her, to be his princess, his precious jewel.
　　“I will go back.”
　　“But please, let me go on stage one more time.” This was a very important performance, how could Xiaoli be willing to give it up?
　　“You’ve already worked so hard, why do you still want to perform?”
　　“It’s for my dream.” Xiaoli wanted to go on stage not just for her hometown.
　　Father recalled what Kexing had said on the bench: "No, Xiaoli would never have come to our academy just for this."
　　Xiaoli explained her thoughts: "Originally, I only wanted to be a singer for my hometown, but slowly, it became my dream. I will definitely go back, please let me finish this last performance." Xiaoli bowed. "
　　Alright, but you must go back immediately after the performance."
　　"Thank you, Father."
　　"I will definitely let you see the best performance."
　　Macaron and we were backstage.
　　Xiaoli was crying, her head on the table. "What's wrong with Xiaoli?" Peach felt she seemed upset.
　　"Did her father scold her?"
　　"Don't cry, just tell us what's wrong."
　　"I'm leaving."
　　"What are you saying?"
　　"Why, Xiaoli?"
　　"Why are you leaving?"
　　"Are you really going home?"
　　"So I want my father to see our last performance."
　　"Melody, it's time to go on stage."
　　"Xiaoli, good luck with your performance later."
　　"We'll cheer you on."
　　"Thank you, thank you." Xiaoli cried again, but not from sadness, but from gratitude.
　　"Okay, let your father see our talent."
　　"We must show the best of our macarons!"
　　"We'll warm up the audience for you."
　　"Okay."
　　We went on stage and sang the uplifting song "Happiness Sense" again, bringing the audience a beautiful and happy melody.
　　"Do they also want to become Dream Stars?" The father saw our performance.
　　"Of course, that's the dream of everyone standing on that stage." Jinghao was right next to him.
　　"That performance was truly amazing! Melody, say a few words to the audience."
　　"Okay."
　　"Thank you everyone for your support."
　　"But this path has been so arduous, and defeating the current Dream Star is incredibly difficult," Father sighed.
　　"That's right, perhaps it's true, but striving so hard for your dreams."
　　"That's the most shining quality in a person."
　　"That concludes Melody's performance. Next, please welcome our final guest, Macarons!"
　　Macarons changed costumes and performed their new song, "Departure to the Star Kingdom." Exquisite night-fire diamond costumes, a dreamy stage, and lively, adorable singing and dancing transported everyone to a sweet and dreamy universe, allowing them to experience the unknown romance of the galaxy.
　　Father shed tears. Xiaoli truly gave her all for her hometown and her dreams!
　　Back in the dormitory. "Are you leaving today, Xiaoli?"
　　"Are you really giving up on your dream like this?"
　　"Xiaoli, let's go talk to your father again."
　　"Thank you, Peach."
　　"But I can't be so selfish. I'm a princess. I have my responsibilities; I can't just think of myself. I'm so sorry."
　　"Xiaoli, you really are a wonderful princess."
　　The three of them hugged each other and cried.
　　I gave Xiaoli the letter from her father. "Xiaoli, look! Father's letter!"
　　"Xiaoli, it's your father. Please forgive me for leaving without saying goodbye. I was afraid that seeing you practice so hard and shed tears would make me want to take you away again. That performance made me understand your true feelings, Xiaoli. I thought you were forcing yourself to perform for your hometown, but it was for your dream. I'm so happy because you've finally found what you want to do. Go and pursue your dream with your friends." This was the contents of the letter.
　　"Xiaoli."
　　"Father."
　　"I will definitely do my best," Xiaoli said through tears.
　　Her father left the school and wouldn't let Xiaoli go back.
　　"Work hard, your father will always support you."