Early the next morning, Xu Zhinan opened her eyes and saw Lin Qingye, which startled her.

The work bed was already narrow, and being frightened, she let out a small cry. As she instinctively moved backward, her hand missed the edge, and just as she was about to fall, an arm reached across and pulled her back.

Lin Qingye was still drowsy, and that grab had been completely instinctive. Only now did he slowly open his eyes with a furrowed brow.

His appearance when just waking up looked very unapproachable, cold.

“What’s wrong?” His hand lingered on her waist for two seconds before withdrawing.

“How did I end up sleeping here?”

Xu Zhinan felt like she had blacked out. Last night she had only intended to close her eyes briefly to rest, but unexpectedly fell into a deep sleep until dawn.

As soon as she asked the question, she understood—Lin Qingye must have carried her to the bed.

“Did you sleep leaning over there last night?” she asked again.

“Mm.”

Lin Qingye sat up and raised his hand to press against the back of his neck.

Maintaining that sleeping position all night was no joke. Usually, Xu Zhinan would feel sore after just two hours of tattooing.

He pressed his neck and tilted his head slightly.

“Does it hurt?”

“It’s fine.” Lin Qingye looked at his phone. “When does the competition start?”

“Nine in the morning. It’s almost time.”

“That early.”

“Yes, because we need to do three designs this time. Though they’re all quite small, they’ll still need to score and select the first, second, and third place winners afterward, which might take some time.”

Xu Zhinan had already planned to spend the night at the shop, so she had brought her toiletries. She rummaged through a drawer and found a new, unopened toothbrush for Lin Qingye.

Though the tattoo shop was small, it had all the essentials.

She pushed open the door to the back room, and the wind blew her hair.

“Eh? Why is the window open?” She couldn’t remember ever opening this window before.

Xu Zhinan went to the window and saw patches of green outside. Lowering her gaze, she noticed cigarette ash that had fallen on the outside of the windowsill. She turned her head and asked, “Did you smoke yesterday?”

“Yes, I had a cigarette while boiling water. When I came back, you were already asleep.”

Xu Zhinan frowned slightly: “Didn’t you say you were quitting?”

Lin Qingye touched his nose: “Couldn’t resist.”

“Smoke a little less, okay?”

Her words were meant as a gentle complaint, but coming from her mouth, they sounded soft, not like a complaint but more like a plea.

Lin Qingye laughed and obediently responded, “I understand.”

The back room was very small, filled with miscellaneous items, with only a sink and toilet in the remaining space. It was difficult for two people to even turn around in there.

Lin Qingye poured out the water he had boiled the night before and filled another pot: “You wash up first, I’ll go boil water.”

As he said this, he turned and went out again.

Xu Zhinan watched his back as he left. He probably hadn’t slept well last night. After connecting the water kettle to the power, he leaned against the wooden shelf, raising his hand to continue pressing his neck and shoulders.

The roll-up door had been raised, and his bangs hung down over his forehead. The morning sunlight poured into the shop, casting dappled shadows across his face.

She looked away and began washing up.

By the time she finished, Lin Qingye came in to wash up. Just as Xu Zhinan stepped out, Xu Zhenfan arrived.

“Little Nan!” he called out, filling the entire shop with his lively energy.

“Why are you here?”

“Isn’t today your final competition? I came to support you, be your cheerleader!” Xu Zhenfan patted his chest. “How’s the preparation going?”

Xu Zhinan answered honestly: “Not very thorough.”

Xu Zhenfan comforted her: “It’s okay, the timeline was tight anyway. I talked to Brother Lu on the phone last night, and he said he’s been so busy preparing that he hasn’t even gone to his shop these days.”

Xu Zhinan organized everything she would need for the competition and packed it in her bag. Xu Zhenfan noticed the three design drafts she had placed to the side and looked at them: “Nice! Your totem design looks really good too.”

“Really?” Xu Zhinan smiled. “I rarely draw this style, so I was worried it wouldn’t look good.”

“Of course it looks good! Good luck in today’s competition, be confident.” Xu Zhenfan said, “Though Brother Lu is indeed very skilled, being a veteran in the tattoo industry, you never know—the student might surpass the master! You each have your style!”

Xu Zhinan smiled and thanked him.

At that moment, Lin Qingye finished washing up in the back room and pushed open the door. He had washed his face but had no towel, so water droplets still clung to his face, and his hair was also wet. The droplets rolled down along his nose bridge and the contours of his face.

Xu Zhenfan was dumbfounded for a moment, then recalled something Lu Xihe had mentioned when the incident with Wei Jing had caused a stir in the tattoo community—that Ah Nan, the tattoo artist, kept a low profile but was an impressive young woman.

Xu Zhenfan had asked for details, but Lu Xihe had only said, “A big celebrity playing hero to save a damsel in distress—have you seen that before?”

He never understood until seeing this scene now, suddenly connecting all the previous events.

Xu Zhenfan discreetly glanced at the clock nearby. It was only seven in the morning.

So early, yet a man was walking out of the back room, having just washed his face.

Oh my, this wasn’t something to think too deeply about.

It could lead to inappropriate assumptions.

This Ah Nan girl was indeed keeping quite a low profile!

Xu Zhenfan suddenly didn’t know where to look.

It was Lin Qingye who greeted him first, nodding slightly in acknowledgment. Xu Zhenfan smiled awkwardly: “Hello, hello.”

Lin Qingye didn’t pay him any more attention. His expressionless face looked cold, and standing next to Xu Zhinan, who was like a gentle spring breeze, the contrast became even more apparent.

Xu Zhenfan thought: No wonder he became famous at such a young age, acting all high and mighty.

But then that poker face bent down to ask Xu Zhinan: “Not having breakfast?”

His voice was very gentle.

Xu Zhenfan felt goosebumps rising on his skin.

“We don’t have time. I think there’s a breakfast shop nearby, we can buy something there.”

Lin Qingye: “I’ll drive you both.”

So Xu Zhenfan found himself sitting in a celebrity’s car in a daze. It was his first time riding in a famous star’s vehicle, and he felt as if he were sitting on pins and needles the entire time, not daring to speak until Lin Qingye parked near the competition venue.

There was a breakfast stall by the roadside.

Xu Zhinan turned her head to ask Xu Zhenfan in the back seat: “Brother Zhenfan, have you eaten yet?”

Xu Zhenfan didn’t have the habit of eating breakfast every day: “Not yet.”

“Then I’ll go buy some.”

After she spoke, she got out of the car, leaving only Lin Qingye and Xu Zhenfan. Unable to bear it, Xu Zhenfan quickly followed her to the breakfast stall.

Xu Zhinan was surprised: “Why did you come over?”

Xu Zhenfan told the truth: “That guy in the car has too strong a presence, I don’t dare stay alone with him.”

Xu Zhinan laughed and responded with an “Oh,” without saying more.

The steamed bun shop was doing good business. At this peak time for work and school commutes, the line stretched three or four meters long. They waited for several minutes before it was their turn.

“How many do you want?” Xu Zhinan asked.

Xu Zhenfan: “Three.”

“Uncle, I’d like six steamed buns,” Xu Zhinan said, bending slightly toward the breakfast shop owner. “And three cups of soy milk.”

Xu Zhenfan: “So many?”

“Yes, some are for him.”

There were many people around, so Xu Zhinan didn’t say Lin Qingye’s name, only pointing back toward the car.

Xu Zhenfan thought to himself, would a big celebrity eat these common steamed buns that cost only one yuan each?

Xu Zhinan paid and ran back to the car. Xu Zhenfan didn’t follow, waiting for her nearby.

Lin Qingye rolled down the window and handed her the work bag. Xu Zhinan took it with thanks and gave him two steamed buns and a cup of soy milk: “Would you like some?”

Lin Qingye’s gaze fell on the meat buns packaged in transparent plastic bags, and the soy milk in a flimsy plastic cup that would flatten with a squeeze, printed with a cartoon character on it.

He was usually quite particular about food and drink. Though not picky, apart from occasionally having late-night snacks with his band members, he had never eaten from roadside stalls like this.

Lin Qingye accepted them and thanked her with a smile.

Xu Zhenfan standing nearby: “…”

Xu Zhinan hugged her bag: “I’ll head over now.”

“Wait.”

Lin Qingye reached out his hand to her, palm up, with his slender, beautiful fingers slightly curved.

Xu Zhinan looked at his hand, confused: “What is it?”

“Your hand.”

She extended her hand hesitantly, unsure of his intention.

Lin Qingye grasped it, giving her hand a gentle squeeze, and said: “Good luck in the competition.”

When she arrived at the competition venue with Xu Zhenfan, Lu Xihe, and another group champion from the Eastern Traditional group had already arrived.

The Eastern Traditional group champion was a woman with blonde hair and smoky eye makeup. Xu Zhinan recognized her as the person who had been howling the song “Acacia” at the KTV last time.

Besides the three competitors, many others had come as well. The finals could be observed by spectators, and quite a few tattoo enthusiasts had shown up.

“Little Nan,” Lu Xihe greeted her.

“Brother Lu.”

Lu Xihe noticed her nervousness and patted her shoulder: “Hey, relax a bit. You’re so young, don’t put so much pressure on yourself. It’s just a final—that idiot Wei Jing isn’t here, and with only three people, you’ll all get first, second, or third place anyway.”

Xu Zhinan was amused by him, and her expression loosened up.

Soon, the competition began.

Each of the three was assigned a model.

The finals of this tattoo design competition were quite casual.

The three group champions worked at three parallel stations, while the spectators had no fixed viewing area and chatted not far from the work area.

Xu Zhenfan stood in the crowd, raising his arms to shout: “Go Ah Nan!!!”

Lu Xihe was an experienced tattoo artist and quite at ease with such competitions. He even had time to look up at Xu Zhenfan: “How come you’re switching allegiance to the pretty young lady?”

The surrounding crowd burst into laughter.

Xu Zhinan pressed her lips together in a slight smile.

Xu Zhenfan made several “eh, eh” sounds and hastily added: “Brother Lu, you can do it too!”

Someone stirred the pot by asking: “Who do you hope will win?”

Xu Zhenfan offended neither side: “Seeing how amazing all three of them are, they might as well all tie for first place.”

After dropping off Xu Zhinan, Lin Qingye went to Chuanqi Entertainment Company to re-record the modified demo, basically confirming the first song for his new album.

By noon, Lin Qingye returned to the Lin family’s main residence.

He could barely remember when he had last come home.

Not just him—even the household staff seemed surprised when they opened the door for him, their smiles a bit stiff: “Young Master is back.”

Lin Qingye gave a faint “Mm” in response and changed his shoes before entering.

Lin Guancheng was just coming downstairs: “You’re here. Sit down; it’s been a while since we ate together, hasn’t it?”

The two sat down together. Perhaps Wang Qi had mentioned it to Lin Guancheng, as he asked a few questions about Lin Qingye’s new album preparation.

Although Lin Guancheng owned many businesses, he wasn’t involved in the entertainment industry and didn’t know much about it, so it was just a casual conversation.

“Go upstairs and call the madam. Why isn’t she down yet? The food is getting cold,” Lin Guancheng said to a servant.

The servant responded with an “Alright,” glancing at Lin Qingye before going upstairs.

Soon Fu Xueming came down. Today she wore a black dress, with straight black hair cascading over her shoulders, minimal makeup, and no jewelry—very different from her usual appearance.

She glanced at Lin Qingye, then looked away and continued down the stairs.

A servant pulled out a chair for her.

Lin Guancheng: “Let’s eat. Afterward, we’ll go over together.”

The dining table was very quiet. The servants stood to the side, heads lowered, fearing that the young master would argue with the madam again and ruin the meal.

Fortunately, the meal ended peacefully, though the atmosphere was oppressive, with everyone barely daring to breathe deeply.

After eating, the three got up. Fu Xueming put on a pair of sunglasses, and a servant handed her a bouquet of white lilies that had been prepared earlier, still sprinkled with crystalline droplets of water.

“Shall we go in one car?” Lin Guancheng asked.

“I’ll drive myself,” Lin Qingye said. “I won’t be coming back afterward; I have other matters to attend to.”

Lin Guancheng paused, about to say more, but Fu Xueming had already walked to the car and softly called out: “Guancheng, let’s go.”

So they took two cars.

Lin Qingye got into his car, took out a cigarette pack, pulled one out, and put it between his teeth. Just as he was about to light it, he remembered Xu Zhinan saying “Smoke a little less, okay?” earlier that morning.

The young girl’s soft, sweet tone seemed to still linger in his ears. Lin Qingye faintly hooked the corner of his lips, put the cigarette back in the pack, and tossed it onto the passenger seat.

Throughout the journey, Lin Guancheng drove in front while Lin Qingye followed behind.

In the sultry afternoon, there weren’t many vehicles on the road, and even fewer as they headed toward the suburbs.

Finally, the two cars stopped outside a cemetery.

Lin Guancheng and Fu Xueming came here every year on this day. The cemetery security guard was already waiting. Lin Guancheng went to register their names.

Fu Xueming stood outside the security booth holding the bouquet. Lin Qingye leaned against a wall to the side and saw Fu Xueming lower her head and wipe her face.

She was crying behind her sunglasses.

Lin Qingye looked away.

Soon Lin Guancheng returned, and the three entered the cemetery, finally stopping at a gravestone.

On the gravestone was a photo of a very young person, about 15 or 16 years old, wearing a white shirt, with a brilliant smile, handsome features, and brows that resembled Fu Xueming’s, very refined.

Fu Xueming, crying, said in a choked voice: “Shi Heng, Mom has come to see you.”

Today she wasn’t wearing high heels but simple black flats. She knelt on the ground, placing the fresh white lilies in front of the gravestone. Hot tears continuously flowed from behind her sunglasses as she covered her mouth, sobbing inconsolably.

Lin Guancheng embraced her, his fingers threading through her hair, as if holding a fragile, pitiful wife.

Lin Qingye observed coldly.

The current Fu Xueming seemed like a completely different person from the one at the police station that night.

He looked at the young man in the photograph on the gravestone.

Although the photo showed him at only 15 or 16 years old, Shi Heng was considered his brother, whose life had ended at such a young age.

Since Shi Heng’s death, the relationship between Lin Qingye and Fu Xueming had never improved.

In the first two years after his death, Fu Xueming hated Lin Qingye, breaking down into tears and curses whenever she saw him. Gradually, it evolved into the current state.

But Lin Qingye was equally stubborn and would never be the first to yield. Whenever they met, even the slightest conflict would inevitably escalate.

The reason they had maintained such peace today was none other than the fact that today was Shi Heng’s death anniversary, and Fu Xueming didn’t want to make things unpleasant on such a day.

Or rather, she didn’t want Lin Qingye to disturb his peace.

At the gravestone, Fu Xueming knelt, Lin Guancheng crouched, and Lin Qingye stood.

From a distance, they looked like a couple and their deceased child, while Lin Qingye behind them didn’t seem to be part of the family.

Lin Qingye actually felt quite calm now.

But somehow, he also felt empty.

Fu Xueming’s sobs and cries were particularly jarring to his ears, making him anxious.

It felt as if he had been left behind. Their complete immersion in grief made him seem cold-blooded and heartless, unable to squeeze out even a tear.

Fu Xueming cried for a long time, intermittently speaking to Shi Heng for quite a while. Her chin was wet with tears that fell one after another onto the ground, soaking a damp patch.

Lin Guancheng felt in his pocket but had no tissues. Lin Qingye, however, pulled out a pack of tissues from his pocket, though it wasn’t clear when he had put them there.

He offered them.

Lin Guancheng took one out for Fu Xueming, but she raised her hand to block it, refusing.

Lin Qingye lifted the corner of his mouth in what seemed like self-mockery but showed no other reaction.

The tattoo design competition finals took considerable time because each tattoo artist had to create three designs, and everyone was extra meticulous. Fortunately, none of the designs were large, and by evening, they had all finished.

Scoring required some time.

The three finalists had been tattooing from morning until evening, only taking a few sips of water during breaks, without eating anything.

Thankfully, the organizers were considerate and even arranged a buffet while waiting for the scores. Other spectators who had come to watch were also invited to partake.

Among the tattoo enthusiasts were many robust individuals—notorious buffet killers—who surged forward at the sight of food.

Xu Zhenfan emerged from the crowd with two plates piled high: “Ah Nan! Over here!”

Xu Zhinan was small and thin, and hadn’t even managed to push into the central crowd. She turned her head at his call.

Xu Zhenfan called out again: “Come here, eat quickly. I feel like someone with your small frame will waste away after not eating for half a day.”

He had secured a table. Xu Zhinan had just sat down when Xu Zhenfan went for a second round.

These big guys always seemed especially enthusiastic about eating their money’s worth at buffets.

Before Xu Zhenfan returned, Lu Xihe came over with his plate and sat across from Xu Zhinan, asking: “How did you feel about your work earlier?”

“Pretty good.”

“I wasn’t satisfied. I didn’t handle the owl’s eyes well—they lacked some spirit.”

The owl was the subject for the realism category.

Realistic tattooing was indeed one of the more difficult styles to master. Lu Xihe wasn’t unskilled, but everyone had their specialties, and his realism technique wasn’t as good as Xu Zhinan’s.

His expertise was in totem designs, which didn’t require particularly advanced tattooing skills but rather focused on design—a good totem design was crucial.

Although the results weren’t as good as expected, Lu Xihe was always open-minded and didn’t regret it.

Unlike Xu Zhinan, he wasn’t competing to increase his visibility or to attract more clients in the future.

Lu Xihe was already an established tattoo artist who owned “Assassin,” a shop renowned nationwide with many excellent tattoo artists. His reputation was well-established, and clients came in a steady stream.

In recent years, Lu Xihe rarely did the tattooing himself. Except for some old customers who specifically requested him, he handed most work to his apprentices.

His participation in this competition was more for fun, though before meeting Xu Zhinan, his goal had been to “casually win a championship for fun.”

Xu Zhinan comforted him: “It’s alright, we still have to see the other two’s scores.”

Lu Xihe was amused by her serious demeanor.

Everyone dawdled over the buffet until evening.

Finally, the competition results were announced.

Although the competition setup was quite informal, with the venue now more like a party than a competition, with barely any competitive atmosphere, they still had the essentials.

Like the tripod and camera set up in front of the three of them now.

And the trophy was displayed on a red carpet on the stage, gleaming golden.

Xu Zhinan began to feel nervous.

The big screen displayed a table with the three tattoo artists’ names in the side column and the scores for the three tattoo styles in the horizontal rows.

The totem group scores came out first. Unsurprisingly, Lu Xihe took first place, with Xu Zhinan in second, not far behind in points.

Many in the audience knew Lu Xihe and applauded with a few cheers.

Lu Xihe, knowing his owl hadn’t turned out well, waved his hand dismissively.

Soon, the scores for the other two categories also appeared.

Each group champion had their strengths, being the best in their respective groups, but comprehensive ability in the other two categories was key.

The scores included decimals. Xu Zhinan nervously calculated in her mind, but before she finished, the total scores appeared—she had beaten Lu Xihe by 0.5 points for the championship.

Then, on the screen, Xu Zhinan’s name enlarged to the center, with a very tacky electronic firework display behind it.

Xu Zhenfan let out a distant “Wow!” exclaiming: “Ah Nan, you’re amazing!! Champion!!”

Prompted by his shout, the surrounding crowd also applauded.

Lu Xihe and the other tattoo artists shook hands with her. Both were straightforward people who congratulated her on winning the championship.

Although her goal had always been to win, and she had prepared her designs and practiced so diligently for this championship, when it happened, it still felt like a dream.

Xu Zhinan went on stage, accepted the trophy, and faced the camera to deliver an acceptance speech.

She hadn’t prepared anything, but fortunately had similar experiences from her school days, so she wasn’t too lost.

Xu Zhinan held the microphone.

Starting with “I’m honored to receive this award” and ending with “I will continue to work hard and not disappoint everyone.”

A very formal acceptance speech.

In previous years, people were used to hearing all kinds of arrogant and shameless acceptance speeches, so hearing Xu Zhinan’s version left them stunned.

“Wait,” someone in the audience said, “why do I feel like I’m attending my daughter’s school awards ceremony?”

Everyone burst into laughter.

The host laughed along, while Xu Zhinan, confused, hugged the trophy as she left the stage, not understanding what they were laughing about.

Everyone took a group photo before concluding.

Xu Zhinan walked outside by the side with Xu Zhenfan and Lu Xihe. The trophy was so large and heavy that she had to hold it with both hands, which looked somewhat comical.

“Now that you’ve won the championship, shouldn’t you treat us to a meal?”

Xu Zhinan was in a good mood and smiled with curved eyes: “Sure.”

“But let’s forget about it today. A young lady should go home early at night,” Lu Xihe said, having been frightened by the Wei Jing incident.

“Even if you wanted to go today, you couldn’t,” Xu Zhenfan nodded toward the side. “Your boyfriend is here.”

Xu Zhinan looked over and saw Lin Qingye’s car parked there.

“He’s not my boyfriend.”

“But he will be soon,” Xu Zhenfan quickly replied.

Xu Zhinan pressed her lips together, not explaining further. After saying goodbye to them, she ran toward the car.

The young girl had won the championship and was truly happy. Holding the huge, heavy trophy, she could barely run, almost taking small, hurried steps.

Her ponytail swung back and forth, bouncing and sweeping across her fair, slender neck.

Xu Zhenfan hooked his arm around Lu Xihe’s shoulder, clicking his tongue a few times: “Young people, eh.”

After leaving the cemetery, Lin Qingye had come directly here and waited for a long time.

Perhaps because he hadn’t slept well the night before, leaning over, he quickly fell asleep in the car.

In his dream, he saw the scene of Shi Heng’s death, then jumped to Fu Xueming’s slap at the police station, and then to Fu Xueming kneeling and crying at the gravestone today.

Then a slight sound in his ear pulled him from the dream. Looking to the side, he saw Xu Zhinan just opening the car door.

What entered his vision first wasn’t Xu Zhinan but her golden trophy, so large it completely blocked her face.

Lin Qingye had a moment of daze before reaching out to take the trophy from her.

“Got the championship?” Lin Qingye asked.

“Yes, yes!”

Xu Zhinan was so happy. With Lu Xihe nearby earlier, she had politely restrained her excitement out of consideration for his feelings, fearing he might feel disappointed.

Only now did she fully express it.

The young girl’s eyes curved, filled with light, with two small dimples appearing when she smiled.

“I tattooed for almost ten hours straight. Toward the end, my eyes were starting to blur, but fortunately, I didn’t make any mistakes. I probably shouldn’t have won against Brother Lu—his totem design was so beautiful, both exquisite and bold, but unfortunately, he made a mistake on one design. Still, I’m very happy to win the championship.”

She rarely spoke so much, each word filled with joy.

After finishing, she suddenly realized something.

…Why had she said so much to Lin Qingye?

Xu Zhinan glanced at him from the corner of her eye. He was leaning against the seat back, listening to her talk at ease, still holding the trophy for her.

“…”

She belatedly felt embarrassed.

She scratched her head and took back the trophy from his hands, placing it on her lap and falling silent.

Lin Qingye smiled, though, and reached out to ruffle her hair: “So impressive.”

“Have you been waiting long?”

“It’s fine.” Lin Qingye pressed down a tuft of her hair that was sticking up, and suddenly asked, “Your birthday is coming up, right? October 8th?”

“Ah.” Xu Zhinan paused. She had been so focused on preparing for the competition that she hadn’t thought about her birthday. “Yes, but it’s still a while away.”

“That day is the ‘I Come for the Song’ finals.”

“What a coincidence.”

Lin Qingye asked: “Mm, is there a birthday gift you want?”

Xu Zhinan looked at the trophy in her arms, thought for a moment, and softly said: “Then you should win a championship too.”

Lin Qingye paused, then laughed, his laughter deep and magnetic, rippling out softly.

He promised her: “Alright.”