Raj

5 3 0
                                    

**Jia's POV**

I'm going through a lot these days. I don't know what to do. I badly want to win the contest and have a video call with Wang Yibo, but I can't just focus on that when my family needs me.

It would have been easier if Dad hadn't gotten into an accident. Now, I can't just leave him alone and focus on the contest. Mom also needs me now. I'm so confused. I don't know what to do! I kept thinking for a long time and finally came to a conclusion.

“I can't be selfish and only think about myself. I should be here for my family. I will not continue worrying about the contest. My family is more important to me than Wang Yibo,” I thought, trying to convince myself.

I was lost in my thoughts when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked back and saw Raj standing there.

“Raj, when did you come?” I asked, surprised to see him at the hospital.

“I just got here. I heard about your dad’s accident and thought of visiting. How is he now?” he said, taking a seat beside me.

I sighed. “He’s stable, but the doctors said he needs to be kept under observation for two weeks.”

“Don’t worry, Jia. Everything will be fine soon,” Raj tried to console me.

“I don’t know, Raj. Everything seems to be falling apart. You know I was so excited about the contest, and I even submitted my work, but now I can't just focus on that with Dad’s condition and our financial problems,” I said, frustration evident in my voice.

“Don’t think too much, Jia. Maybe some miracle will happen and you’ll still be able to participate. Don’t lose hope, okay?” Raj said, giving me a comforting side hug.

“Raj, I’m not going to continue thinking about the contest,” I said.

“What? Why?!” he asked, shocked.

“As far as I know, you’re Wang Yibo’s big fan. How can you miss this opportunity, Jia?”

“But my family is more important to me, Raj. They need me right now. Maybe I’ll be able to have a video call with Wang Yibo in the future. But right now, I can’t afford to think about that,” I confessed, feeling a pang of sadness.

Just then, my mom walked in and saw us talking. “Raj, it's nice to see you here. How have you been?” she asked.

“I’m good, Aunty. I just came to see how Uncle is doing,” Raj replied.

“Thank you for coming, Raj. We appreciate it,” Mom said, smiling warmly. “How are things with you?”

“They're good, Aunty. I actually came with some news for Jia,” Raj said, glancing at me with a small smile.

“News? What news?” I asked, curious.

“It’s a project from college, Aunty,” Raj said quickly.

Mom looked between us, a bit puzzled. “Jia, you should go and get the full information about the project. You’ve already missed five days of college. You can’t miss more. If your dad knows you’re not going to college, he will get more upset.”

I hesitated, knowing Mom was right. “Alright, Mom. I’ll go with Raj to the cafeteria and get the details.”

Raj and I exchanged glances, then reluctantly, I agreed. We left the room and found a nearby café.

As we sat in the café, Raj showed me more entries from the contest. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy seeing how talented the other fans were. But Raj's words of encouragement and belief in me helped calm my nerves.

"Hey, Raj? Do you think I'm being selfish for wanting to participate in the contest?" I asked, looking at him curiously.

Raj thought for a moment before responding. "Jia, I think it's natural to want to pursue your own interests, even in difficult times. And who knows, maybe winning the contest could help your family in some way."

I nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope. Maybe Raj was right. Maybe this contest was a way to turn our luck around.

As we continued to browse through the entries, I couldn't help but feel grateful for Raj's support. He was always there for me, no matter what.

"Thanks, Raj," I said, smiling weakly. "Just talking to you makes me feel better."

Raj smiled back. "Anytime, Jia. That's what friends are for."

We sat in silence for a moment, sipping our drinks and lost in our own thoughts. Then Raj spoke up again.

"Hey, Jia? Want to grab another coffee and go over some ideas for the contest? I think it'll take your mind off things."

I nodded, feeling a sense of determination. Maybe, just maybe, I could still make this work.

Raj pulled out his tablet and showed me the contest's page. “Look, Jia, so many fans applied for the contest. It's incredible how much effort everyone puts in.”

I scrolled through the entries, seeing beautifully crafted essays, stunning videos, and creative cover pictures. My heart sank as I realized how tough the competition was.

“In the Mtjj group, even our friends applied,” Raj said, showing me some of their submissions. “And look at Twitter. Fans are sharing their work, and some submissions are really amazing.”

I nodded, feeling a mix of admiration and doubt. “Raj, their work is so much better than mine. I don’t think I stand a chance.”

“Don’t say that, Jia. Your work is great too. You put a lot of effort into it,” Raj reassured me.

“But look at these,” I said, pointing to a few impressive entries. “They’re so creative and well-made. I don’t know if I can compete with them.”

“Jia, you’ve done your best. That’s what matters. And you never know, maybe the judges will see something special in your submission,” Raj said encouragingly.

“I hope so, Raj. I really do. But right now, I just need to focus on my family,” I said, feeling a bit more resolved.

“Of course. And remember, I’m always here to help you. We’ll get through this together,” Raj said, giving me a reassuring smile.

Feeling a mix of emotions, I nodded. “Thank you, Raj. I just hope everything works out.”

---

Superfan to superstar's wifeWhere stories live. Discover now