Concert Hall.
Heat waves were rising, and the music was reaching a new peak.
Shouts, screams, and colorful lights rolled over the vast indoor venue like waves. When the final note ended, the lights turned white, illuminating the three girls at the center of the stage.
The big screen captured their final moment, and for a split second, the venue fell silent. Then, a surge of passionate cheers erupted.
Bian Li, slightly out of breath, followed her team members in bowing as they walked off stage. The staff immediately crowded around.
“Thank you for your hard work.”
“Let’s head back to the lounge first.”
“The performance was fantastic. Congratulations.”
“Please take off your headset and place it here.”
Seeing this, the team’s captain approached to discuss the next steps. Bian Li stood by while a thin layer of sweat formed on her fair face. Despite the concert hall’s spaciousness, the temperature had steadily climbed.
Today’s concert had brought together many popular singers and major idol groups. Their fans packed every seat inside and outside the venue, with no empty spots left.
The atmosphere was electric, and the excitement from fans nearly lifted the tent covering the venue. The combined noise of cheering fans and booming sound systems hung in Bian Li’s ears, and she felt her heartbeat quicken.
Having just finished an intense song-and-dance routine, her whole body seemed wrapped in heat, starting from her feet and rising upward.
In the dim backstage light, Ying Xuelai retrieved three bottles of water from a box. She held two and tossed one to Bian Li, who caught it smoothly. A slight smile curved on Bian Li’s lips. After unscrewing the cap and taking a few sips, she turned to Ying Xuelai. “How do you feel today?”
Ying Xuelai shrugged, her face calm. “Not bad.”
“Not bad? Then when we get back to the dorm, we…” Bian Li paused, glancing at Ying Xuelai with a playful look.
The cold and collected idol everyone saw on stage caught the hint, stepped forward, and touched Bian Li’s chin with a straight face. “I know, the usual.”
The assistant, standing nearby and adjusting their costumes, heard this exchange and paused, a faint blush coloring her cheeks as she glanced between Bian Li and Ying Xuelai.
At just under 20, Bian Li had a captivating presence. With youthful energy and a face full of collagen, she looked soft and fresh. Her almond eyes were bright, her lips like ripe cherries, and her cheeks held a touch of lingering baby fat.
But Bian Li’s allure wasn’t only in her face. While she looks gentle and charming, it’s her natural charisma and devilish figure that draws people in. At the beginning of her debut, some media commented that she was a rare peach in the circle. She’s praised widely for her straight legs, full chest, and slim waist. She’s lauded by fans and industry insiders alike as a rare beauty, with dark, star-like pupils that seemed to pull you in.
Friendly and cheerful, Bian Li got along well with the staff and was down-to-earth. Her warmth lingered even after the intense performance, carrying a subtle fruity scent. The assistant glanced at her again, thinking about what Bian Li had just said, her eyes flicking shyly between Bian Li and Ying Xuelai.
Bian Li noticed and chuckled, “Sister, what are you thinking? We were just talking about ordering takeout for the dorm.”
Just then, Da Xiong, their manager, appeared nearby. “What’s this? Scold you for what?”
Da Xiong, a sturdy man with a simple, friendly face, had earned his nickname from fans. Over time, even the team, including Bian Li, had come to call him Da Xiong.
The backstage was noisy, with performances happening on stage, and his voice naturally rose above the din.
Bian Li covered her ears, trying to play it off. “I was just praising you!”
Da Xiong laughed, “You have an exclusive interview coming up next. Don’t forget, you need to stay until the whole show wraps up!”
The two nodded when they heard it. After the captain handed over the work to the staff, she followed behind.
The group walked toward the lounge, passing through a corridor that connected the backstage and the artists’ dressing rooms. Many artists were walking by, and they inevitably greeted each other.
Captain Ruan Xiangyi, though not tall, was petite but carried herself with an aura of charm and elegance. Her steps were graceful yet commanding.
Da Xiong walked beside her like a loyal follower, handing her a booklet.
“There will be a few questions in the interview later. Take a look at them first to get familiar, then answer after you’ve thought about it,” he said.
Ruan Xiangyi took the booklet with a nod. “Okay, I’ll go through them later. The staff just informed me that the replay needs editing. Apart from the live broadcast, the segment where we first interacted with the fans should be cut.”
“I understand. The official Weibo account will release the deleted parts later,” Da Xiong confirmed.
Bian Li stepped closer and pulled Ruan Xiangyi back, making sure they walked side by side. Leaning in, she whispered in her ear, “Ruan Ruan, Lai Lai and I have agreed that we’ll eat later…”
Ruan Xiangyi glanced at Bian Li, interrupting her with a teasing tone. “You think about food all day long. Are you an idol or a food blogger?”
Bian Li chuckled, her dark eyes sparkling like stars. “How did you know I applied to be a food blogger? It’s just that the application hasn’t been approved yet. I’m still waiting to hear if the boss agrees.”
Ruan Xiangyi raised an eyebrow. “You really applied?”
Idol groups are strict about body shape, but Bian Li’s naturally strong and well-proportioned figure meant the company’s standards were more relaxed with her.
Bian Li smiled. “Yeah, I haven’t been recording new songs recently, so I thought I’d give it a try.”
Ruan Xiangyi pinched her restless little hands. “As long as you’re happy.”
—
“Hello, seniors.”
A series of greetings came from the end of the corridor, interrupting Bian Li’s thoughts.
Da Xiong, who was walking ahead, stopped suddenly and raised his left arm to protect the three girls from what was coming. His sudden halt nearly caused Bian Li and Ruan Xiangyi to bump into him.
Bian Li paused, stepping back and pressing against the cool porcelain wall. The cold air spread slowly up her spine.
She raised her eyes, trying to peer past Da Xiong’s arm, and her gaze naturally fell on the three tall figures approaching.
The one leading was the most striking, almost glowing under the yellowish corridor light. His pale, flawless skin and sharp, elegant features stood out. His black hair fell carelessly over his forehead, and his straight nose and high cheekbones gave him an air of cold beauty.
Just one casual glance was enough to captivate anyone.
He walked by without acknowledging anyone, hands in his pockets, his brows slightly raised in an aloof manner.
Ruan Xiangyi squeezed Bian Li’s hand tightly and pulled her to bow slightly. “Hello, seniors.”
Bian Li snapped back to reality and quickly bowed as well.
When she looked up again, she barely caught a glimpse of his smooth side profile before a slender hand reached out, swiftly brushing past Bian Li’s eyes, and grabbed Ruan Xiangyi’s head.
Bian Li was stunned, and when she looked over again, the instigator had already walked away, leaving behind the imposing backs of three figures.
The three formed the legendary Ace boy group, renowned both inside and outside the industry. Their achievements truly reflected their group’s name. Since their debut, their popularity has skyrocketed nationwide. With countless fans at home and abroad, their albums had sold over ten million copies, both online and offline, and they were hailed as a sales myth in the Chinese music scene over the past decade. Endorsed by high-end luxury brands, their faces graced all five covers of major domestic magazines.
These three were also senior members from Yi Qian Entertainment, the same company as Bian Li’s group.
However, Bian Li’s attention was on Ruan Xiangyi.
Ruan Xiangyi’s delicate wavy hair was all ruffled, and she was visibly angry, her body shaking with frustration.
Bian Li asked, “Sister, are you okay? Does He Xuyi even know… that you’re actually so ruffled?”
Despite being from the same company, the Ace members were so busy that it was rare to see them around. Bian Li and her group had only crossed paths with them a few times.
Most of Bian Li’s knowledge about them came from the internet and their agents. Ace’s leader, He Yunxing, was responsible for their public appeal, Ning Xuechu was wild and flamboyant, and He Xuyi had a cold and sharp personality.
But He Xuyi’s sudden action just now was… really audacious.
Ruan Xiangyi let out a heavy snort, her voice brimming with indignation. “Know him? I know his grandmother!”
Bian Li and Ying Xuelai discreetly turned off their microphones as they continued back to the lounge, hearing Ruan Xiangyi muttering along the way, questioning why He Xuyi even came back.
Once in the lounge, Bian Li hesitated before speaking, “Can you really get him back?”
Ruan Xiangyi tossed a banana into Bian Li’s arms. “Why not?”
Bian Li peeled the banana and took a slow, deliberate bite, responding with a grin, “If you jump up, you’d only reach his kneecap.”
Ruan Xiangyi: “…”
“Today, I’m going to establish my authority as the captain!”
Bian Li darted away as Ruan Xiangyi chased her around the room. Da Xiong blocked the door, his voice booming, “What are you two doing? There’s an interview coming up—focus on the answer board!”
But the two continued to play, ignoring him entirely.
Meanwhile, Ying Xuelai, sitting calmly on the sofa, looked up and offered him a banana. “Want one?”
Da Xiong stared at the banana and sighed, feeling suddenly exhausted.
After nearly an hour, it was finally their turn for the media interview.
The reporters, as expected, were sharp. Beyond the questions on the answer board, they threw in a few challenging ones as the interview was wrapping up.
“We know that Gemini has been in the industry for nearly a year now, and your popularity has grown significantly. However, there’s still quite a gap compared to your seniors in Ace. Have you ever sought advice from them?”
It was a tricky question. Since their debut, Gemini had constantly been in the shadow of the Ace legacy, attracting both attention and comparisons. Careful consideration was required here.
Ruan Xiangyi smiled lightly. “Actually, everyone is very busy, and we rarely meet throughout the year. We do admire our seniors and will continue working hard. We’re also preparing our new album—please keep an eye out for it.”
The reporter pressed further, “But rarely meeting means you still meet sometimes, right?”
The trio continued smiling politely, while their manager and assistant stepped in, gently separating the reporters and microphones from the girls. “That concludes today’s interview. Thank you for your hard work,” the manager announced.
As they boarded the van, Ruan Xiangyi noticed that Bian Li had fallen behind.
She turned to Ying Xuelai and asked, “Where’s Feifei?”
Ying Xuelai wore a mask, her voice slightly muffled. “She told me to head back and grab something. She’ll be here soon.”
Ruan Xiangyi nodded, propping open the car door and shielding half of the entrance.
Bian Li, meanwhile, was still thinking about the candies fans had gifted her. During the afternoon rehearsal, the fan club president had come by the studio, but her agent intercepted the gifts. She’d only managed to snag a small bag of milk candies before they were whisked away.
After the interview, her focus was solely on changing clothes and packing up. Halfway down the hallway, she suddenly remembered leaving the bag of handmade milk candies in the lounge.
Retrieving them, she wrapped herself up tightly and made her way to the side door.
To prevent fans from lurking or snapping pictures, the security at the concert hall was top-notch. A cordon stretched a hundred meters from the side entrance, ensuring that no one lingered in the area except for the artists.
As she pushed open the glass door, a chilly breeze swept in from all directions. Late autumn had arrived, and the evening wind was particularly biting. She wrapped herself tighter in her soft woolen coat, but the cold still seeped through.
Night had already fallen, casting a deep, inky darkness over everything, and the wind grew even colder. Bian Li exhaled a small cloud of mist, her gaze drifting to the black car parked quietly by a sycamore tree, waiting for her.
The echo of stadium noise still seemed to hum in her ears. The moon hid behind sparse yellow leaves, casting a faint glow from the branches above.
She paused to admire the moonlight, feeling a wave of nostalgia as the year’s end drew near.
Not wanting to keep her team waiting, she pulled herself from her thoughts and trotted toward the car. The door of the nanny van was already open. She hopped in, lifting the bag of candies with a grin. “I got them back! Help yourself to some candy!”
But there was no response; only a rare, heavy silence filled the space.
Confused, she looked up—and found herself gazing at a sharp, elegant jawline. The smooth lines merged into a sculpted, alluring Adam’s apple, making her freeze mid-motion. Her eyes slowly traveled upward, meeting a pair of deep, dark eyes.
The dim lighting in the van cast shadows across his face, outlining his features in stark relief.
The young man half-closed his eyes, his voice cold and indifferent, with a faintly lazy drawl:
“Get out.”
