The next day, Xu Zhinan woke up very early, while Jiang Yue was still asleep.

Lin Qingye had been at her shop last night. Xu Zhinan kept thinking about it, unable to sleep soundly, so she got up early.

Jiang Yue heard the movement and sat up in bed, rubbing her eyes. “Ah Nan, why are you up so early today?”

“Something at the shop.” Xu Zhinan glanced at her. “Did I wake you?”

“No, I was planning to go to the library anyway.”

Xu Zhinan looked at the time. “It’s not even seven o’clock yet. You’re not usually this early. Why don’t you sleep a bit more?”

Jiang Yue shouted “ah ah” a few times, stretched lazily, and reluctantly climbed out of bed, saying: “No pain, no gain.”

Xu Zhinan laughed and patted her shoulder. “Keep it up, future Art Academy graduate student.”

The two finished washing up together and went out, ate breakfast at the cafeteria across from the dormitory building, then parted ways. Jiang Yue went to the library, while Xu Zhinan left through the south gate to go to her shop.

She unlocked the door and entered. The curtain around the workstation had been pulled halfway open, though from her angle she still couldn’t see inside.

She walked a few steps forward, took off her backpack and placed it on the table, then turned her head to look.

Her eyes met Lin Qingye’s dark, intense gaze.

He was already awake, sober now too. That vulnerable state from last night no longer existed; he had returned to his usual self.

He was holding the note Xu Zhinan had written for him last night.

The spare key hadn’t been used, which was good. It saved her from worrying about him coming and going freely with a key.

Xu Zhinan looked away, silently putting the spare key that had been on the table back in its place.

“Do you have water?” he asked hoarsely.

Xu Zhinan paused, poured him a glass of water, and placed it at the edge of the workstation. Without speaking, she walked back to the table and continued with her work.

Lin Qingye tilted his head back and drank the water in one go, his Adam’s apple sliding up and down. She had given him warm water, which felt much better for his burning stomach.

“How did I end up here?” he asked with furrowed brows.

“…”

So he had forgotten everything.

Just like her last time, he had blacked out.

Xu Zhinan recalled what he had said last night, from the harsh “You really think they like you that much, they’re just attracted to your face” to the desolate “Ah Nan, you don’t like me anymore.”

Xu Zhinan shook her head and said, “You came here when you were drunk.”

He raised his hand to press his brow, laughing softly. “Did I disturb you?”

“It’s fine. The last customer had already left by then,” Xu Zhinan said truthfully.

She took a face mask for tattooing from the drawer and gave it to him. “Wear this when you go out.”

It was still early, not many people or cars on the road, so he wouldn’t attract much attention, but it was better to be cautious.

“Now all you do is try to get rid of me,” he said.

Xu Zhinan’s outstretched hand paused as she glanced at him.

Last night she had indeed told him to leave several times. He didn’t remember how he got there, yet he remembered what she had said.

Lin Qingye awkwardly turned his head away, unusually being the first to avert his gaze.

Xu Zhinan understood. Someone who drank as regularly as he did wouldn’t black out completely from beginning to end. He probably felt that last night’s version of himself was too pathetic and embarrassing, so he was pretending not to know.

Xu Zhinan didn’t expose him. After giving him the mask, she didn’t speak again.

She took out the starry sky design draft, made a few more revisions, and after finalizing it, she took out practice synthetic skin, turned on the tattoo machine, and began practicing.

Lin Qingye went to the bathroom in the back room, washed his face, and came out wearing the mask, ready to leave.

“By the way,” Xu Zhinan spoke up.

He stopped, turned sideways to look at her, raising an eyebrow.

“Your back is inflamed. Drink less alcohol and remember to apply the ointment,” she said evenly, as if instructing an ordinary customer.

Lin Qingye gradually stood straighter. He stood against the light, his sideburns cut very short, the angle of his jawline sharp. Even a hangover didn’t affect this.

The Lin Qingye of the past was defined as a youth, casual and free, without the constraints of adult frameworks. But now, while his eyes still held the usual unrestrained boldness, something seemed to have transformed.

That youthful aura now enveloped the contours of a grown man.

Xu Zhinan belatedly realized: that’s right, he had already graduated.

He was no longer Lin Qingye, the senior music student at Pingchuan University, but Lin Qingye the singer.

He looked at her, the corner of his mouth curling up, and obediently responded, “Okay.”

He had promised her.

The tattoo design Xu Zhinan planned for the competition was technically challenging. Due to time constraints, the pattern couldn’t be too large, yet needed to showcase technical skill to impress.

She practiced on synthetic skin for a week, and finally, the day of the competition arrived.

The preliminary competition venue was large, held in Yan City’s gymnasium, where work beds had already been set up.

Walking in, the place was bustling with many people. This competition had created quite a stir in the tattoo community, with many tattoo artists from other cities specially coming to compete.

Inside the venue, tattoo artists and models were present, all with various styles of tattoos on their bodies.

People who favored tattoos generally had a cool, tough style, regardless of gender. Looking around, even hair colors were so varied they could form a complete color palette.

When Xu Zhinan walked into the venue, visually, she was like a pure little deer who had wandered into a tiger’s den.

Black hair, fair skin, without a single tattoo, wearing the simplest t-shirt and denim shorts. The edge of her shorts was folded up once, revealing a lighter denim color, wrapping around those legs that easily caught people’s attention.

She carried her tool bag, surveying the entrance before stepping in. Xu Zhenfan, however, had already spotted a familiar face and called out in his robust voice: “Brother Lu!”

The man he called turned around. “Hey! Zhenfan!”

Xu Zhinan was a bit startled, noticing that the tattoo artist he called was the sleeve-tattooed brother she had met when submitting her work draft earlier.

Only then did Xu Zhinan realize why she had found the tattoos on that sleeve-tattooed brother’s arm familiar when she saw him last time—they probably came from the “same master” as those on Xu Zhenfan’s arm.

Sure enough, the next second, Xu Zhenfan introduced him to her: “Look, this is Lu Xihe. He’s also a tattoo artist. The blue dragon and white tiger on my arm were done by him. He’s also the manager of ‘Assassin.'”

Assassin was the top tattoo shop in Yan City, and all the resident tattoo artists there were top-tier.

Xu Zhinan nodded, following Xu Zhenfan’s lead, politely saying, “Hello, Brother Lu.”

Lu Xihe laughed heartily, slapping his thigh and pointing at Xu Zhinan, telling Xu Zhenfan: “I’ve met this girl before!”

“…”

“What a coincidence.” Xu Zhenfan smacked his forehead. “Ah, how could I forget, you tattoo artists probably all know each other to some extent, right?”

Lu Xihe smiled, not mentioning their previous meeting, but instead asked: “Zhenfan, what brings you here?”

“I’m the model for tattoo artist Ah Nan here.” He patted his chest proudly.

Lu Xihe’s expression immediately became rather peculiar. Although Gu Congwang had already told them she was very skilled last time, no one believed it, assuming it was just a boyfriend trying to flatter his girlfriend.

Not just Lu Xihe, but many tattoo artists at the scene cast appraising glances at her. Xu Zhinan’s appearance was pretty enough to draw attention.

Those gazes were mostly curious and somewhat dismissive; they didn’t consider her a competitor.

“Which group are you in?” Lu Xihe asked.

“Realism.”

Lu Xihe raised an eyebrow. Everyone knew realism tested fundamental skills, and among the four groups, realism had the fewest participants.

“I’m in Totem.”

Xu Zhinan had already guessed this and nodded.

Lu Xihe treated her completely like a child, even making a fist-pumping gesture to cheer her on: “Good luck!”

“Thank you,” Xu Zhinan replied seriously. “You too.”

Lu Xihe burst into laughter. Watching Xu Zhinan go to the registration desk, he put his arm around Xu Zhenfan’s shoulder. “Brother, this little girl is quite cool, huh?”

“She’s working now, taking it seriously.”

Xu Zhinan finished registering her name, received a number tag, and went with Xu Zhenfan to her assigned work bed, organized by group.

Putting down her work bag, Xu Zhinan took out the things she would need and arranged them neatly.

Xu Zhenfan was outgoing by nature and quickly started chatting with several tattoo artists nearby, pointing at Xu Zhinan as he continued introducing her to everyone: “This is tattoo artist Ah Nan. She’s incredibly skilled. She studied art in college—a rare professional background among you tattoo artists.”

His praise became increasingly exaggerated, making Xu Zhinan embarrassed. She tugged at his clothes.

“What’s wrong?”

Xu Zhinan put her index finger to her lips and made a shushing sound. “Stop boasting about me.”

Xu Zhenfan laughed. “How is this boasting? I’m telling the truth. Your skill is truly beyond reproach.”

Xu Zhinan blushed at his compliments. Seeing this, he finally stopped and leaned close to her ear: “Tactics, right? We need to make them underestimate you now.”

“…”

Xu Zhenfan made an “OK” gesture. “Got it.”

“…”

Once everyone had arrived, the organizers went on stage and said a few brief words. Without further ado, the competition began.

Xu Zhenfan’s arms were already fully tattooed, so this time they chose the outer thigh, where the skin is rougher and less sensitive to pain.

However, just fifteen minutes in, Xu Zhinan discovered that Xu Zhenfan’s pain response was first-rate.

Even at a location like the outer thigh, he was still howling in agony. His voice was deep, and each howl immediately drew attention from everyone around.

Xu Zhinan paused, looked at him, and asked softly, “Can you still hold on?”

Xu Zhenfan closed his eyes, steeled himself, and declared: “Just keep tattooing!”

The scene amused everyone around, causing an eruption of laughter.

Xu Zhenfan appeared robust and sturdy, not like someone who would fear pain. Everyone directly attributed the problem to Xu Zhinan—a tattoo artist with poor technique would naturally cause more pain.

Someone laughed and asked Xu Zhenfan: “Brother, is she your sister?”

He gave a thumbs up, genuinely admiring: “An elder brother is like a father!”

Xu Zhinan: “…”

Xu Zhenfan was in too much pain to answer.

She began to feel grateful that she hadn’t chosen a large tattoo design. However, such realistic tattoos required more detailed processing, which meant the tattoo needle had to be applied more densely.

The entire tattooing process lasted 6 hours. Because Xu Zhenfan was howling so miserably, Xu Zhinan deliberately slowed down her pace.

She only completed it right before the deadline.

Xu Zhinan pulled out a tissue from her bag for him. Xu Zhenfan wiped his tears and finally could see the tattoo without tear-blurred vision.

Seeing it clearly, he was even more amazed by Xu Zhinan’s technique.

Blue, purple, and white—three colors that captured the misty light and shadow of the galaxy extremely well, looking more like it had been painted stroke by stroke with a brush.

“So incredible,” Xu Zhenfan said, and after two seconds, he couldn’t help but repeat, “So incredible!”

Soon, the organizers sent staff to take photos, which would later be uploaded to the website for voting and selection.

“But sis,” Xu Zhenfan casually chatted with her before their turn, “when it comes to the selection, I bet ‘Assassin’ will be leading. They have so many clients that they can get lots of support just by posting on social media. You need to know how to campaign for votes.”

Xu Zhinan blinked. “The pamphlet says participants can’t campaign for votes. It would cause unfair competition.”

“Are you eighteen?” Xu Zhenfan laughed. “‘Assassin’ is the most prestigious tattoo shop. With so many staff, even if Lu Xihe doesn’t campaign, there are plenty of people who will do it for him.”

Xu Zhinan hadn’t given this much thought before.

She frowned slightly, then said optimistically: “But Lu Xihe and I aren’t in the same group.”

Xu Zhenfan: “…The others are all the same.”

Xu Zhinan puffed her cheeks. “Then I’ll rely on my skill.”

Xu Zhenfan was at a loss for words, feeling that anything else he might say would only taint this young girl’s pure heart, so he kept quiet.

Soon, a staff member came to their side. “Let’s take photos.” Xu Zhenfan rolled up his loose pants.

Seeing the design, and having noticed the commotion in this area earlier, the staff member couldn’t help but be surprised. They gave Xu Zhinan a long look, took the photo, and said slowly: “Not bad.”

Xu Zhenfan quickly lowered his pants. “Keep it secret. We’re using stillness to control movement.”

After all the photos were taken, everyone packed up and left.

Xu Zhinan was the last to leave. At the exit, she met Lu Xihe again. With a cigarette in his mouth, he looked over, glanced at Xu Zhenfan, and smiled. “You were just as loud as when I tattooed you last time. I could hear you shouting from the other end.”

Xu Zhenfan waved dismissively. “Don’t mention it, don’t mention it. Let me save face.”

“Tattooed on your leg?” Lu Xihe asked.

“Yes.”

“Let me see the handiwork of our future champion,” he joked.

Xu Zhenfan was close with him, and since everyone would see it online soon anyway, he didn’t hide it. But before rolling up his pants, he built some suspense: “Don’t be shocked.”

“Come on, hurry up.”

Xu Zhenfan rolled up his pants, revealing the tattoo.

Lu Xihe was stunned. He took the cigarette from his mouth, finally seeming serious, leaned in for a closer look, then turned to Xu Zhinan: “You did this?”

She nodded. “Yes.”

“I underestimated you.” Lu Xihe examined it more carefully. “How old are you?”

“21.”

“Over twenty, huh? You don’t look it.” Lu Xihe put down his cigarette, stood up, and extended his hand. “Interested in joining our shop?”

“Ah?” Xu Zhinan was taken aback, exchanging a glance with Xu Zhenfan.

“We genuinely need a professional tattoo artist with this style,” Lu Xihe switched attitudes very quickly. “You can name your salary, and you won’t have housing costs either.”

Xu Zhenfan was dumbfounded. “Brother Lu, you’re poaching too quickly!”

“I’m desperately seeking talent. Will you join us, little Ah Nan?”

Xu Zhinan’s shop had already built up some reputation, with people occasionally coming specifically for tattoos, and she had put in a lot of effort.

What Lu Xihe said was true. After eliminating costs, her hourly rate could be higher at his shop, and income-wise, it would certainly be better.

But Xu Zhinan was reluctant to give up her shop just like that, so she seriously declined his offer.

Lu Xihe wasn’t surprised. He gave her a business card. “If you ever change your mind, contact me anytime. You can also find me if you need anything in the future.”

Xu Zhinan took the card and thanked him again.

At that moment, her phone rang. It was Gu Congwang: “Are you finished? I’m waiting for you outside.”

“Why did you come?” Xu Zhinan asked.

Gu Congwang: “It’s so hot today. I can’t let you squeeze onto the subway.”

“The subway station has air conditioning. It’s quite cool,” Xu Zhinan smiled. “Are you outside now?”

“Yes, at exit 2. I see many people coming out already.”

After hanging up, Lu Xihe had already left with his companions. Xu Zhinan asked Xu Zhenfan how he would go back. They had taken a taxi together earlier, and it wouldn’t be right to leave him behind.

Xu Zhenfan had his shop, and its location was on the way to Pingchuan University.

“Why don’t you come with us?” she suggested.

Xu Zhenfan scratched his head. “Won’t I be too much of a third wheel for you and your boyfriend? I’d be a super bright light bulb.”

“He’s not my boyfriend, just a good friend. It’s fine, he has a good personality and would be willing to give you a ride.”

Xu Zhenfan recalled hearing a male voice on the phone earlier, and casually remarked: “Last time when I came to your shop for the crane tattoo, weren’t you on the phone with your boyfriend? Is he too busy to pick you up?”

Xu Zhinan paused, blinked slowly, gave a soft “ah,” and then said: “We broke up. He must be especially busy now.”

Xu Zhenfan stopped in his tracks, quickly recovered, and said with a grin: “Hey, little sis Ah Nan, who would’ve thought, you’re quite heartless, playing with people’s feelings.”

Xu Zhinan looked up at him. Xu Zhenfan quickly averted his gaze uncomfortably.

She realized he had probably said that deliberately to make her feel less awkward.

She smiled. “It’s okay, you don’t need to be so nervous.”

“…” Xu Zhenfan patted her shoulder. “At your age, breakups are normal. Don’t be too sad.”

“It’s fine. I was just sad for a while,” Xu Zhinan pressed her lips together, revealing a faint smile. “Later I even felt like I could finally breathe.”

They exited through gate 2, where Gu Congwang was leaning against the car door waiting.

At the same time, there was suddenly a burst of screaming and shouting outside. Xu Zhinan looked up to see a group of girls standing there holding fan banners.

There were all kinds of banners for different celebrities.

Xu Zhinan caught sight of a familiar face among them.

Lin Qingye didn’t have many photos. The one on the banner was a cutout of his appearance from a TV show.

Three commercial vans drove up one after another, with the program logo for “I Come for Music” pasted on the vehicles.

The vans stopped in front of the stadium. A staff member got out of the lead van, ran to the stadium security, and asked: “Is the venue cleared yet?”

“Just finished, cleaning up now, almost done.”

Soon, people began to exit the commercial vans, with surrounding fans screaming at an ear-splitting volume.

The door of the last van finally opened. First into view was a straight, long leg in black pants, then a white shirt as Lin Qingye emerged from the car.

“Ahhhhhhhhhhh!!! Oh my god!!!”

“I can’t believe I’m seeing Lin Qingye in person!!!!”

“He’s a hundred times more handsome than on TV!!”

“Brother, look at me!”

…

The fans looked so excited they were about to faint, waving their banners and shouting desperately.

Lin Qingye had probably spotted Xu Zhinan from inside the car. As soon as he got out, his gaze swept over to her as if guided.

Their eyes met for a second in midair, but Xu Zhinan was the first to calmly look away.

She recalled the time when he had come to her shop drunk, apparently misunderstanding her relationship with Xu Zhenfan.

Now, Xu Zhinan no longer needed to explain these things to him, but she didn’t want Xu Zhenfan to be misunderstood because of her. So she quickened her pace, went to Gu Congwang’s side, creating some distance from Xu Zhenfan.

Lin Qingye’s gaze penetrated through the banners that stretched between them, his expression growing colder.

He watched as Xu Zhinan tilted her head back to say something to Gu Congwang, who responded with a casual, teasing expression, causing the young girl to lightly slap his arm.

She looked vibrant and beautiful when slightly annoyed, her pink lips slightly pouted, not coquettish yet particularly charming.

Lively, captivating.

Like a small animal with its fur standing on end.

Lin Qingye narrowed his eyes, the long corners of his eyes tracing out a sharp, piercing light.

He recalled how Xu Zhinan had always smiled in front of him before, with her good nature, soft and gentle. He seemed to have never seen this charming side of Xu Zhinan.

His old problem surfaced again.

It was like during high school when he saw Xu Zhinan smiling at other boys from a distance. On the surface, he appeared disdainful, but inside, he was crazy with jealousy, like a voyeur.

Later, Xu Zhinan always smiled at him, satisfying Lin Qingye’s years of obsession.

But now he had started to envy others who could see more of her lively expressions.