"Hah..."
In the hallway bustling with staff, Yan Huan idly tossed the USB drive Bai Yi had given him into the air and caught it again.
His pants pocket, once bulky with Bluetooth earbuds, was now deflated. Where the earbuds had gone was anyone’s guess.
From the stage outside, a booming, penetrating voice rang out:
"Everyone, please welco the renowned dancer, Christina!"
Yan Huan glanced at a promotional poster in the hallway. Bai Yi’s na followed imdiately after Christina’s.
Ti was running out.
"ow-chan."
He strode quickly toward a certain direction backstage, his face calm. He called out in his mind.
"ow~"
On his shoulder, a pair of green eyes flickered open in the darkness.
A closer look revealed a fluffy black cat wearing a yellow scarf. It owed softly, signaling that the task was done.
Yan Huan didn’t turn his head but suddenly tossed the USB drive toward it.
"ow!"
ow-chan caught the USB drive in its mouth, its tail swishing playfully against Yan Huan’s shoulder.
Yan Huan stopped by the side of a door labeled:
"dia Room," "Staff Only."
Inside, a staff mber held a walkie-talkie and spoke:
"BGM is ready. Over."
"Roger that. The next guest doesn’t need BGM, so you can take a break."
The staff mber took a sip of coffee, glancing at the guest list where Bai Yi’s na stood out.
"Got it."
Leaning against the door, Yan Huan waited. The black cat on his shoulder vanished completely. Hearing the exchange inside, Yan Huan knocked gently on the door.
"Knock, knock..."
"Who is it?"
The staff mber turned toward the door, only to see a handso young man holding a phone.
"Excuse ," Yan Huan called out, "I’m the assistant for Naina Ichihara, one of the later guests. We’d like to request a change to her background music for the stage."
"Change the BGM?"
The staff mber frowned, setting down his coffee.
"Why didn’t you say this before the rehearsal? Everything’s already scheduled. No way. Go back and tell your artist it can’t be done."
Smiling, Yan Huan raised his phone.
"We’ve already cleared it with the Golden Lion managent. How about this—I’ll call them, and you can discuss it with them?"
The staff mber hesitated, scratching his head before reluctantly standing up and heading to the door.
The unfinished coffee and a set of keys remained on the table behind him.
"Even if you’ve talked to them, I still need authorization from the performance lead. Without it, I can’t take responsibility—"
"Just take the call first."
"Fine, fine. But I’m telling you, my answer won’t change."
The staff mber stepped out of the room, grumbling.
The mont he left, a shadowy black cat materialized on the door handle, its tail curling around the lock.
"Bang!"
The dia room door slamd shut with a heavy thud.
"What the—?!"
The staff mber spun around in shock, his face paling as he tried the handle.
"Click, click!"
The door was locked.
"What’s going on?!"
His face twisted in frustration as he glared at Yan Huan, who was standing nearby with an innocent expression.
"Hey, man... I never even stepped inside. How’s this my fault?"
The staff mber froze mid-anger.
He’s right. This guy never entered the room. But then how did the door slam shut and lock itself...?
There was no wind here—how the hell did this happen?
Unfortunately, there was no ti to figure it out.
The audio equipnt inside was critical for syncing with the scheduled performances. Thankfully, the next guest, Bai Yi, had a seven-and-a-half-minute segnt that didn’t require BGM. But if he couldn’t get the door open in ti for the following performance, it would be a serious mishap.
Sweat beaded on the staff mber’s forehead as he muttered angrily, glaring at Yan Huan.
"This is all your fault! There are security caras in the hallway. If sothing goes wrong, you and your artist will be held accountable!"
Yan Huan simply smiled.
"Alright."
His calm response seed to choke the staff mber, who sputtered angrily before running off to find soone with the keys.
Yan Huan watched him disappear down the corridor, his smile never wavering as he turned his gaze back to the locked dia room door.
Inside the room, ow-chan held the USB drive in its mouth as it hopped onto the desk.
It nudged the drive into the computer’s USB port.
"Ding!"
"ow?"
Tilting its head, the cat observed the screen, confirming the connection. Then, with a deft leap onto the desk, it tapped the mouse with its paw, opening the USB drive.
Dragging a file onto the desktop, it ensured everything was ready before removing the USB drive with its teeth.
Monts later, the shadowy ow-chan reappeared on Yan Huan’s shoulder outside the dia room, holding the USB drive triumphantly.
"ow~"
Yan Huan stroked the cat’s soft head.
"ow-chan, being able to appear anywhere within 15 ters of
really cos in handy."
"ow~"
Purring happily, the cat seed to revel in the praise, its confidence restored.
Yan Huan glanced at the ti on his phone.
He was more aware of the schedule than most of the staff. Christina’s dance was almost over, aning Bai Yi would be on stage in just a few minutes.
As he moved toward the stage, he opened Plane and typed out a ssage to Bai Yi:
"Bai Yi, do you have Bluetooth earbuds connected to your phone? If not, there’s a pair on the table by the stairs. You can use mine."
ow-chan vanished once again, reappearing in the backstage hallway.
On one side of the wall stood Yan Huan, illuminated by his phone screen, his striking features bathed in light.
On the other side of the wall, Bai Yi clutched her chest, her phone lighting up the dim hallway.
She glanced at the earbuds Yan Huan ntioned, exhaustion evident in her every movent. Slowly, she leaned against the wall, as if sharing a back-to-back mont with Yan Huan on the other side.
Neither of them knew.
Only the black cat observed the scene from both sides, letting out a soft ow that Bai Yi couldn’t hear.
"ow~"
It watched as Bai Yi took Yan Huan’s earbuds, placing them in her pocket. Then, it crossed through the wall, rejoining Yan Huan on his shoulder.
"Now, let’s welco Linn’s most popular rising idol—Miss Bai Yi!"
The voice from the stage cut through the mont.
"ow~"
"Bai Yi, you’re on!" ca the staff mber’s call from backstage.
Yan Huan closed his phone, smiling faintly as he stepped away from the wall.
On the other side, Bai Yi lifted her pale face, her expression still troubled.
They left the wall at the sa ti, heading in opposite directions—one toward the dazzling stage lights, the other into the shadows of the backstage corridor.
"Buzz..."
Two parallel worlds seed to diverge, separated by an impenetrable barrier.
Onstage, the stunning idol stood like a blade’s edge, every gaze from the audience a black hole threatening to consu her.
Backstage, the graceful young man moved lightly through the shadows, his phone suddenly lighting up.
He tapped the screen, selecting Plane.
Call Bai Yi.
"Ring... ring..."
The glow of the phone screen pierced the darkness, like a beacon, a knife, a glimr of hope.
When the call rang through, it was as if a doorbell sounded in Bai Yi’s isolated world.
"Ping-ping~"
Onstage, Bai Yi, drenched in cold sweat, flinched.
Her trembling fingers rose to her ear, touching the earbud.
Why is he calling ?
She didn’t know.
But whatever the reason, it had to be better than what she was facing now.
When Bai Yi’s trembling fingers touched the earbud to answer the call, the wall that separated their two worlds finally vanished.
"Yan... Yan Huan..."
With her microphone off and her gaze unfocused, Bai Yi barely understood what she was doing—answering a phone call in the middle of the stage.
But she was drowning in despair. She felt like she would die if this continued.
Anything, even an accident, even a breach of protocol, was a lifeline to her now.
"Shh, Bai Yi..."
On the other end of the call, the boy’s voice was warm and soothing.
Under the noise-canceling effect of the earbuds, the world seed to consist of his voice alone.
"Don’t forget, you’re on stage right now."
"..."
Bai Yi froze slightly, regaining a fragnt of clarity. She instinctively took the microphone handed to her by the host.
Relieved to see her finally responding, the host exhaled with visible relief.
But her relief was premature.
In Bai Yi’s ear, Yan Huan’s voice continued, calm and steady.
"Actually, Bai Yi, the earbuds weren’t just to help you with your nerves. I also prepared a surprise for you."
A surprise?
What surprise?
Backstage, Yan Huan watched the staff scrambling around the locked dia room. His lips curled into a faint smile.
Inside the empty dia room, a black cat lood like a divine entity.
It raised its paw and pressed the mouse button.
"Buzz!"
Suddenly, the main hall fell silent, as if drowned in static from the speakers.
Then, unexpectedly, a beat dropped.
"Boom, boom, boom!"
On stage, the host, who was about to ask a question, froze, wide-eyed. She turned to Bai Yi, who also looked stunned, her pupils shrinking slightly.
Wait...
This isn’t how the rehearsal went!
In the audience, Jiang Xiong glanced at Zuo Jiangqin in confusion.
Zuo Jiangqin stood abruptly, her face darkening, ready to lash out, only to have Jiang Xiong place a firm hand on hers to stop her.
Backstage, the director shouted frantically into his walkie-talkie, his face pale. But the dia room remained empty, the frantic voices outside the locked door echoing in vain.
"Yan Huan, you’re... you’re insane..."
Bai Yi recognized it. It was the intro to her new song.
The explosive drumbeat was soon joined by an electrifying lody, sweeping across the audience like a storm.
Heads turned, conversations stopped, and phones were lowered as the crowd’s attention fixed on the stage.
Under the weight of so many gazes, Bai Yi almost bolted from the stage.
Her lips quivered, and she was about to speak when Yan Huan’s amused voice ca through the earbuds again.
"Hmm. I don’t an to sound pushy, but since we’ve co this far, you have two choices: seize this opportunity and sing your new song with all your heart, or let my actions turn into a full-blown stage disaster."
"You—do you even realize the consequences of this? I..."
"I’ll take responsibility."
Bai Yi’s breath caught. On the other end, Yan Huan’s voice was unwavering.
"I know what I’m doing. This wasn’t impulsive or reckless.
"It’s just because you want to sing, Bai Yi.
"And it’s because your new song is truly beautiful."
Seconds passed, and the intoxicating intro reached its midpoint.
Clutching the microphone, Bai Yi felt her grip tightening with every word he said.
"Don’t worry about forgetting the lyrics or feeling nervous. I’ll stay on the line and read the lyrics to you if needed.
"The decision is yours, Bai Yi."
?
Her hand trembled.
Then, in the next mont, she flipped on the microphone switch.
A decision had been made.
The host beside her turned even paler, as if silently praying for divine intervention.
"Everyone!"
Bai Yi clenched her teeth, her eyes shut tightly.
In the brief mont before the verse began, she addressed the audience:
"I’m Bai Yi, here as a guest at the Linn Gaming Expo. Today, I’m bringing you a song I wrote myself. I hope you like it!"
The audience didn’t yet grasp the depth of the song’s significance. For many, it was their first ti hearing of Bai Yi.
But music is a universal language. As the rhythm and lody filled the air, the crowd instinctively connected with the radiant girl on stage.
"Whoooa!"
Backstage, listening to Bai Yi’s announcent, Yan Huan smiled faintly. Speaking softly into the phone, he added:
"And earlier, when you said I shouldn’t see you as an idol... I disagree.
"Soone who can write such an outstanding song, sincerely apologize for their inner darkness, and now courageously sing their heart out...
"How could I not admire you?"
Bai Yi’s eyes grew misty as she gazed at the audience.
The disapproving look she had imagined on her mother’s face dissolved, replaced by the genuine expressions of those who were curious, enthusiastic, and supportive.
In the warmth of their attention, bolstered by Yan Huan’s voice in her ear, Bai Yi felt a surge of strength.
Her mother’s gaze still lingered, scrutinizing her every move.
But he was watching too.
No matter what, this song had to be finished.
"Alright, Bai Yi, here we go. One, two, three!"
The vibrant intro that had captivated Yan Huan now held the audience spellbound.
As the verse began, Bai Yi inhaled deeply, her voice erging in sync with Yan Huan’s quiet guidance:
"Do certain words bring tears to your eyes?"
"Do you ever feel foolish, unable to express yourself?"
"Wanting to be your own idol, not bound by anything..."
Her initial delivery was shaky, unpolished.
But gripping the microphone like a sailor clinging to the mast in a storm, she persevered through the swirling chaos around her.
"This is madness..."
Zuo Jiangqin’s face was ashen, her grip on the chair turning her knuckles white.
Jiang Xiong, however, focused on Bai Yi, watching her stiff, puppet-like posture gradually transform into sothing alive and powerful.
The directors backstage frowned as they approached the pair.
"Mrs. Zuo, Mr. Jiang, we spoke with Bai Yi’s manager, and they claim no prior knowledge of this arrangent. Could you explain?"
Zuo Jiangqin’s face blanched further at the sight of the Golden Lion Group insignias on their uniforms. She forced a smile, fumbling for an excuse.
"Well, we didn’t exactly..."
Before she could continue, Jiang Xiong gently pressed her back into her seat, removing his glasses and addressing the directors calmly.
"Apologies for the disruption. We authorized Bai Yi to make this last-minute change. If there are any penalties, we’ll take responsibility."
Zuo Jiangqin opened her mouth to object but fell silent under Jiang Xiong’s firm grip on her shoulder.
The directors hesitated, their frowns softening as the music swelled.
The lody, lively and captivating, perfectly matched the youthful energy of the expo.
Even cosplayers paused their photoshoots, and visitors from other halls gravitated toward the stage, drawn by the song.
With phones and glowing support sticks raised high, the audience swelled to capacity, completely enthralled.
The directors exchanged glances before one of them relented.
"Let’s discuss this afterward. For now, let it continue."
"Thank you."
Jiang Xiong replaced his glasses and gave a courteous wave.
"You... Why would you do that?" Zuo Jiangqin muttered angrily.
"Would it change anything to argue now?" Jiang Xiong sighed, his gaze fixed on Bai Yi.
"If the song were terrible and her performance disastrous, I’d be just as upset as you.
"But look around. Look at Bai Yi.
"Everyone loves her song, her energy, her dedication. Have you ever seen her like this at any event before?
"Be honest, Jiangqin—does this look like the careless girl you always complain about?"
Zuo Jiangqin faltered, her lips pressing tightly together.
"Still, she should’ve told
first."
"Didn’t she? Hasn’t she always told you she wanted to sing?"
"I..."
Jiang Xiong chuckled softly, glancing at Bai Yi with a hint of pride.
"Maybe the process lacked foresight, but the outco isn’t so bad, is it?
"Discipline is necessary, but punishnt isn’t. She’s co this far—shouldn’t we stand by her now, Jiangqin?"
Zuo Jiangqin said nothing, her gaze returning to the stage.
Beneath the dazzling lights, the girl who once hesitated and stumbled had transford.
This was her passion, her life’s work. Her music, her lyrics, her arrangents—all of it poured into this mont.
As she sang, her natural talent took over, carrying her where training could not.
With every turn of her head, her voice soared. With every movent of her lips, breathtaking lodies erged.
By the end of the second chorus, the audience was completely engrossed, their cheers rising with the beat.
An electric guitar solo erupted, reigniting the waning energy of the crowd.
It was like a volcano on the brink of eruption, a darkness poised to break into dawn.
Breathing heavily after several minutes of giving her all, Bai Yi found herself utterly absorbed in the performance. The ticking of the pocket watch had faded away, and Yan Huan's voice in her ear was gone.
Puzzled, she tilted her head to listen more closely to the earbud and realized that at so point, Yan Huan had hung up the call.
"Hah... hah..."
The sudden absence of his reassuring presence left her with an inexplicable longing to reconnect with him.
Her gaze instinctively scanned the crowd below, searching for his familiar figure.
But the sea of faces in the densely packed audience offered no clues. She had no idea where the handso young man might be.
Yet, his voice still echoed in her mind. His face lingered vividly in her thoughts.
Looking at the bright, eager faces staring up at her, Bai Yi felt a newfound lightness in her chest.
Her expression softened. Placing a hand over her heart, she bowed her head slightly during the electric guitar interlude, then spoke:
"This song... was written for a fan I've known for a very, very long ti."
"Ooohhh!!"
The crowd erupted with excitent, buzzing with curiosity and intrigue.
The gaming expo had transford into a concert-like atmosphere, charged with energy.
"I used to envy him—his excellence, his charm...
"But I never expected that the very person I disliked and envied would give
direction and strength when I was lost."
Bai Yi ran a hand through her hair, evoking gasps of admiration from the audience. She looked like a muse descended from the heavens.
"He calls himself my fan, but in truth, haven’t I always been his fan as well?
"So, to thank him, to apologize to him—whatever the reason—this song is for him!
"Thank you. Thank you for everything you’ve done for !
"And now, for the final part—this song, ‘Fan A,’ I hope you can hear it!"
Her radiant figure and powerful voice captivated the audience, though she never ntioned the fan’s na. Everyone felt the deep emotion carried through her performance.
As the song reached its final chorus and peak, the electric guitar paused for a mont before transitioning into a higher key, heightening the climactic atmosphere.
Under the spotlight, Bai Yi circled the stage, waving to the crowd. Her vibrant presence ignited the audience, who waved back in sync with her movents.
"Fan A, is your heart surging with feelings, afraid they'll amount to nothing?"
Below the stage, Ying Gong Tong stared at Bai Yi, lost in thought.
Beside her, You Anlina scread hysterically, grabbing random strangers to shout,
"She’s from our school!! Waaaah! She’s amazing!!"
Aixi Li, trying to feign composure, was dragged into the chaos as You Anlina wiped her tears on her sleeve, leaving her utterly mortified.
"Fan A, is your dream eternal, only to discover it's fleeting?"
At the edge of the venue, Yaqiao Mu crouched on the ground, glasses removed.
He tried to look toward the stage but couldn’t see clearly through his tear-filled eyes.
All he could picture was Shijo Ai’s cruel smile from earlier, and the mory made him cry even harder.
"Fan A, are you confused and hesitant, fearing a future that remains hazy?"
anwhile, Spencer lay on a stretcher in the venue, her unfocused gaze fixed on the ceiling.
She clutched a black bag tightly to her chest, surrounded by Golden Lion staff and dics preparing to take her out.
At the periphery, An Le, deeply worried about Spencer, was montarily drawn by the music. She glanced back toward the stage, hesitating.
She bit her lip, her cheeks flushing as she stared at her chat history with Xiao Huan on her phone.
"Fan A, when you can't et others' expectations, you can only be yourself."
On stage, Bai Yi returned to the center as the lody reached its apex, fully igniting the expo’s atmosphere.
The accompanint ended at its climactic height, like fireworks bursting into vivid colors before vanishing into darkness.
The venue fell silent, the audience utterly captivated by Bai Yi’s vibrant, life-filled voice.
Amid the quiet, the beautiful girl swept her starry eyes over the crowd before fixing her gaze on a specific direction.
Lowering the microphone to her side, she spun it slightly in her left hand and used her right hand to form the shape of a finger gun, aiming forward.
At the song’s conclusion, under the collective gaze of the audience, Bai Yi shouted:
"Thank you, Fan A!!"
Her finger-gun gesture carried her heartfelt emotions outward, through the applauding VIP seats and the glowing support sticks waving above the crowd.
It shot through the electric cheers and fiery energy, reaching the bright venue entrance where it reflected in the jade-like green eyes of a black cat.
The black cat sat gracefully at the door, watching the breathtaking girl on stage.
It tilted its head and adorably spoke,
"ow~"
"ow-chan."
From the entrance bathed in sunlight, a familiar voice called. The black cat turned, its tail curling playfully.
With a quick bound, it leapt onto the shoulder of a young man whose back was turned to the stage.
Nuzzling his face, the cat seed to carry the girl’s feelings to him.
As if hearing her call, the young man turned slightly, revealing his striking profile as he glanced toward the stage.
From afar, the girl radiated youthful energy under the spotlight, her vitality impossible to ignore.
The young man smiled faintly, murmuring as if to himself:
"Fan A, huh..."
In the next mont, he vanished into the sunlight outside the venue.
"Whoooa!!"
"BAI YI!! BAI YI!!"
The venue erupted in cheers and applause, the audience’s adoration echoing in the wake of her unforgettable performance.
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