The early autumn evening was pleasantly cool. A surging crowd gathered at the entrance of the city’s main bookstore. The crowd was evenly split between men and women, most clutching books, some holding up support signs. Anticipation shone on every face.

Even passersby could sense that something important was happening at the bookstore today, that someone special had drawn such an excited crowd.

Among the fans were not just young people, but also middle-aged intellectuals and even elderly people with graying hair and glasses. The books in their hands all bore the same author’s name.

You Mingxu stood outside the building, feeling somewhat warm but tolerating it. Though the weather hadn’t turned cold and most people wore short sleeves or at most long sleeves, she wore a trench coat that covered her entire body, collar turned up, topped with a baseball cap and face mask. Her attire drew curious glances.

You Mingxu stood immovable amidst the flowing crowd.

After most people had entered and the host’s voice could be heard from inside, You Mingxu finally approached the counter, bought one of Yin Feng’s books, and entered with her receipt.

The four-story bookstore was packed. You Mingxu could barely move upon entering. Every floor was crowded, but the first-floor atrium was particularly impenetrable, a sea of heads stretching as far as she could see.

In the center stood a massive backdrop displaying book covers and a portrait of someone wearing wire-frame glasses and a dress shirt. You Mingxu looked at the image as if at a stranger: intellectual, scholarly, composed, wise.

Undoubtedly, it was an older photograph.

She tried to see better but was blocked by the crowd. However, this couldn’t stop a detective. After quickly assessing the surroundings and crowd distribution, she chose a spot on the second floor and made her way there.

The crowd was indeed thinner here, and she easily maneuvered to the front row, leaning against the railing to lazily observe the scene below.

She could see the center of attention.

Yin Feng wore the same outfit as in the poster, his hair styled deliberately, and wearing glasses, presumably to appear more mature. But You Mingxu immediately noticed how different his demeanor was from the poster. He was smiling sweetly at the audience, his eyes bright, clearly showing a childlike quality.

Two girls beside You Mingxu were chatting: “Wow, Yin Feng’s smile is so cute!”

“Let me tell you, I’m a longtime fan. Yin Feng used to be such a tough guy, he’s a fitness enthusiast! He even posted photos showing his abs on Weibo! Those muscles, wow… But I never expected he had such an adorable side. Don’t you think he looks so youthful today? I’m completely smitten!”

You Mingxu couldn’t help but smile.

Abs, yes, she recalled. Her mind suddenly flashed to last night’s scene: Yin Feng was barely dressed, his shirt pushed up revealing his toned stomach. The way he’d held her, red-eyed, speaking delirious words of devotion…

You Mingxu’s smile faded, her throat becoming dry and tight as she continued watching from above.

The host spoke up: “Everyone has come from far and wide, many readers traveling from other cities just to see Teacher Yin. Our Teacher Yin cares deeply for his readers – how could there not be a special treat? Can everyone guess what’s coming next?”

“Piano, piano, piano!” the crowd chanted in unison.

A black piano already stood at one side of the stage.

You Mingxu watched Yin Feng, seeing only a handsome young man smiling shyly, his eyes sparkling. Seemingly uncomfortable with his shirt collar, he blushed slightly and tugged at it, undoing one button.

The crowd erupted in excited screams.

He paused, apparently confused by the reaction. Then he looked up, slowly scanning the room, searching for something. You Mingxu startled, reflexively ducking her head into her collar.

When she looked up again, he had settled at the piano, his profile serene. You Mingxu rested her chin on her hand, watching quietly.

He sat perfectly straight. Even though You Mingxu knew nothing about music, she could sense the mastery in his bearing. His hands fell, and light, melodious notes cascaded like starlight through the darkness.

The building erupted in applause before falling silent again as everyone listened to the nationally renowned talent play.

His image reflected hazily on the black piano’s surface. He’d removed his glasses, playing with intense focus. At this moment, he was neither the simple man who constantly pursued You Mingxu nor the shrewd figure from the photograph. Perhaps both versions of him merged in his artistry. Rapid notes flowed from his fingers as he emanated a certain steadfast, refined quality. He looked more mature than Yu English yet purer than the Yin Feng of old.

You Mingxu kept her eyes fixed on his face.

He reached a crescendo, drawing gasps of appreciation from the audience. He seemed pleased, flashing a proud smile.

You Mingxu found herself smiling too.

This proud fool.

Everything happened quietly, naturally, yet inexplicably. After his smile, his expression froze for a moment. Then he slowly raised his head, looking toward the second floor.

With uncanny accuracy and without warning, his gaze found the exact corner where You Mingxu stood.

You Mingxu’s body tensed slightly.

It was too late to hide. Despite her mask and cap leaving only her eyes visible, her figure concealed by the coat, she could feel his gaze meeting hers clearly across the crowded space.

That dry sensation returned to her throat. At that moment, her thoughts slowed as she silently held his gaze.

Then she saw him smile at her. Like sunshine after snow, like spring flowers blooming. The light seemed to illuminate his pure features and white teeth. His hands even stopped playing, dropping to rest between his knees as he looked up at her, just as docile as he was at home.

As the confused crowd tried to follow his gaze, You Mingxu quickly stepped back into the crowd. The girls who had been standing near her excitedly covered their faces, looking around to see who had drawn Yin Feng’s smile.

You Mingxu, feeling her ears burning unexpectedly, pushed through the crowd and hurried out of the building. She thought to herself: Damn it, is he a dog? How could he find her even like this?!

—

As night deepened.

Yin Feng quietly pushed open the door. The living room was dark. You Mingxu’s door was closed, with light showing through the gap.