With the popularity of the album “Whispers,” Xu Zhinan’s tattoo shop also received unprecedented attention.

Because her shop was also called “Whispers.”

However, no one connected the two. Her shop name had come before Lin Qingye’s album, her name contained “nan,” and “whispers” itself was a common word, so people only thought it was a coincidence.

These days, many young girls who came to her shop mentioned the connection between her shop name and Lin Qingye’s album. Some girls passing by would take photos of her shop sign with their phones—probably Lin Qingye’s fans.

At noon, after the last customer left, everyone ordered boxed meals to eat together.

Li Yan crossed his legs as he sat beside her, casually chatting: “Master, I’ve noticed you’re really lucky.”

“Why?”

“Even the shop name you chose two years ago happens to match the current hot topic. Isn’t that incredibly lucky? I suspect our shop sign is going to become a check-in spot for Lin Qingye’s fans.”

Xu Zhinan smiled and continued eating, not explaining further.

Li Yan continued: “But that Lin Qingye is impressive.”

Xu Zhinan looked up.

Li Yan wasn’t looking at her. He scrolled through his phone while talking: “Many of my old friends are posting about him in their moments now, saying every song in his new album is good. They’re all sharing it. Didn’t he go to prison for causing serious injury to someone before? I wonder what happened.”

Xu Zhinan didn’t know how to explain this incident without revealing her current relationship with Lin Qingye.

Li Yan was just making casual conversation and quickly asked another question: “By the way, Master, doesn’t Lin Qingye also come from Ping University?”

“Mm, yes.”

“So you two are alumni, right?”

Li Yan was young and not a local from Yan City, so he didn’t know that the two had once been legends at Ping Chuan University.

“Yes,” Xu Zhinan said. “He was one year above me, so he’s my senior.”

Li Yan exclaimed, “Really? Then you must have seen him before, right?”

“Of course.”

“Is he handsome? Is he handsome?”

“Yes, he’s handsome.” Xu Zhinan smiled, paused for a moment, and added, “He’s also a very good person. The serious injury incident probably had other reasons behind it.”

Li Yan rarely saw her acknowledge a man’s good looks: “Master, don’t tell me you’re also a fan of Lin Qingye.”

She admitted it quite readily: “Yes, I am.”

At this moment, the recording of “Music Moment” was halfway through, and Lin Qingye had completed his performance stage, singing two songs: the main album track “Whispers” and “Locust Tree.”

The audience’s screams continued for a full minute.

Then came the reporter Q&A session.

The initial questions were normal, such as “What preparations did you make for this comeback,” “What was the creative process for ‘Whispers,'” and “What are your future goals?”

Wang Qi had briefed the reporters, hoping to avoid the most sensitive questions during the first comeback stage, planning to gradually address them later after establishing a foundation.

But unexpectedly, for the last question opportunity, the host pointed to a reporter who suddenly asked: “Everyone knows you left the entertainment industry because you caused serious injury to someone and went to prison. Are you now directly coming back with a new album without any response to this incident or any explanation to your fans?”

When this question came up, the audience suddenly fell silent.

Although fans were angry that the reporter brought up such a sensitive question in this setting, they couldn’t deny they were also curious about the truth behind the incident.

Through Lin Qingye’s earpiece, Wang Qi’s voice came through: “Qingye, just briefly touch on this question, we’ll edit it out in post-production.”

Lin Qingye ignored him, raised the microphone, and remained silent for a moment, seemingly organizing his thoughts.

Wang Qi, watching from the production monitor, felt his hair stand on end, sensing that Lin Qingye was about to do something unpredictable again.

After a moment, he spoke calmly: “I did indeed go to prison for causing serious injury two and a half years ago, and was released last month.” His response was measured and dignified. “I considered making a statement, but because this incident involves other regular people outside the industry, I was concerned about affecting her normal life, so I decided not to explain the details to the public. In the future, I’ll also learn from this and not act impulsively.”

The reporter then asked: “Under what circumstances did you attack the victim? Did they attack you first?”

When Wang Qi’s words did not affect Lin Qingye, he directly told the stage host to end the interview. The host quickly interrupted, announcing the end of the interview.

The new episode of “Music Moment” finished recording.

As Lin Qingye walked backstage, Wang Qi had just hung up a phone call, looking furious.

“What’s wrong?” Lin Qingye asked.

“That reporter was indeed sent by Chen Ran Entertainment. I thought so—I had everything arranged, how could a reporter suddenly appear and cause this trouble?”

Chen Ran Entertainment was a company primarily promoting singers and band groups. When Lin Qingye first emerged, they had already taken notice of him and tried to trip him up early on. Initially, the video of his high school fight being labeled as “school bullying” was Chen Ran Entertainment’s doing behind the scenes.

Unexpectedly, it was them again this time.

The next day, before the new episode of “Music Moment” had aired, a magazine suddenly published a highly provocative headline:

“Boycott Disgraced Artist Lin Qingye’s Return! Two Offenses of School Bullying and Causing Serious Injury Without Reason, Fan Effect Lowers Entertainment Industry Standards”

The article described the final question asked to Lin Qingye during “Music Moment.”

However, it subtly edited and processed some details. For instance, regarding the first question, they removed his statement “In the future, I’ll also learn from this and not act impulsively,” keeping only the first part about refusing to disclose details to the public. For the second question, they changed the host’s interruption and the end of the questioning to Lin Qingye being speechless, labeling him with the crime of “violently attacking an innocent victim when the other party had not initiated any attack.”

Combined with the previous video of Lin Qingye beating up a classmate in high school—though it had already been clarified that this occurred after the other party had insulted a martyr’s child, and he had already apologized for his behavior—the two incidents together firmly reattached the “violent” label to Lin Qingye.

All at once, there was a wave of condemnation online.

The anti-fans, momentarily suppressed by fans, now “fought back more vigorously.”

Chen Ran Entertainment had come prepared, connecting with that newspaper and multiple marketing accounts. Instantly, the trending search list was filled with various negative topics related to Lin Qingye.

Xu Zhinan heard about it from customers at the tattoo shop and only saw it after checking the trending searches.

She clicked into one term after another, finding the comments beneath unbearable to read.

When “Whispers” was first released, there had been many positive reviews online, with sales and download volumes topping real-time charts. It seemed Lin Qingye’s comeback had been very successful, but now the situation appeared to have completely reversed.

This wasn’t entirely accurate. Most of the current comments were also controlled by Chen Ran Entertainment behind the scenes, influencing public perception and attempting to completely undermine Lin Qingye’s public image.

Xu Zhinan grew increasingly anxious as she read, unable to bear looking yet unable to stop.

Even though Lin Qingye had told her not to worry or care, her tolerance for these criticisms was not as good as his, especially when all the malice was directed at Lin Qingye.

She walked outside the tattoo shop, found Lin Qingye’s contact in her phone, but hung up before connecting. Instead, she called Wang Qi.

As soon as Wang Qi answered, he said: “Ah, Miss Xu, what a coincidence. I was just debating whether to contact you.”

Xu Zhinan: “What did you want to see me about?”

“It should be the same reason you’re calling me, right? What else could it be besides Qingye’s situation?”

“I’ve seen what people are saying online. What’s going on now? Why doesn’t Qingye just explain the cause and process of that incident?”

She had thought that if reporters asked during the show, he would explain everything.

“He can be too stubborn sometimes. To put it bluntly, he occasionally has this male chauvinism, wanting to shoulder everything himself without communicating with others.”

Xu Zhinan seemed to understand a bit, and carefully asked: “Is it because of me?”

“Yes. I brought this up with him before. That incident is indeed open to interpretation—he was impulsive and acted without consideration. It’s certainly not praiseworthy, but there were reasons behind it. Whatever the subsequent evaluation, it’s up to the public. You can’t please everyone in the entertainment industry anyway.”

Wang Qi sighed. “But he was worried it would involve you, and maybe he didn’t want you to revisit past events. He disagreed, so I thought it might be better to temporarily suppress the topic. Once we’re more established, it would be easier to kick away the stumbling blocks. Who knew Chen Ran would set us up like this?”

Xu Zhinan looked around to make sure no one was nearby, then asked softly: “What if I come forward to explain this?”

“That would be ideal, but there’s a situation. Fans have already guessed that Qingye’s imprisonment was related to the kidnapper, but currently, they suspect the kidnapper targeted Qingye after seeing the school bullying clarification video. No one has connected it to you. If you step forward, combined with previous events, people will become extremely curious about you. Qingye’s earlier concerns weren’t wrong—it could very likely affect your real life.”

Although Xu Zhinan indeed preferred a quiet life, at a time like this, she couldn’t worry about such things, and quickly said: “It doesn’t matter. Let me explain.”

Wang Qi: “Alright, then I’ll also let Qingye know.”

“Don’t tell him yet, Uncle Wang. He might object, right? Let’s tell him after it’s done.”

“Be careful, he might get angry.”

Xu Zhinan lowered her eyes, saying with resolve: “Then let him be angry.”

Wang Qi was stunned, then laughed: “True. I’m quite curious to see what he looks like when he’s angry with you.”

Wang Qi was impressively efficient, contacting Xu Zhinan to come to the company that afternoon.

She canceled an afternoon appointment in advance, told Li Yan, and left the shop. Li Yan was already used to Xu Zhinan’s busy schedule and didn’t ask where she was going.

She took a car to the Qi Entertainment Company building and was led to Wang Qi’s office.

Wang Qi stood up: “You’re here. Let’s go to the studio. The reporter I invited has already arrived.”

Xu Zhinan followed him.

Along the way, Wang Qi explained some precautions for the interview. The final product would still have voice and image processing to protect her real identity.

The reporter was the same one who had clarified the school bullying incident with Xu Zhinan before.

She suddenly realized that the two major controversies involving Lin Qingye since his debut seemed to be related to her.

He was a person with a mild temperament, unlikely to react extremely to anyone. Just like how so many people online were cursing at him, yet he accepted it calmly and indifferently.

Only when it came to matters involving her did he easily lose his rationality and do those highly controversial things.

It was true for Su Zheng, who had joked about her father in high school, later for Wei Jing, and even for Su Qian.

…

The reporter’s questioning was smooth, and Xu Zhinan naturally explained the cause and effect of the incident following the sequence of questions.

Including how she, as a martyr’s child, was maliciously kidnapped by Su Qian, and how Lin Qingye, in his youthful impetuosity and impulsiveness, committed a serious mistake.

To ensure the credibility of the interview video when it would be released, Xu Zhinan didn’t try to absolve Lin Qingye of wrongdoing. Instead, she completely removed herself from the incident, objectively narrating as an observer.

The interview ended.

Xu Zhinan left the filming studio.

As soon as she stepped out, she saw Lin Qingye leaning against a wall not far away. Somehow, he had learned about this matter and was already waiting for her.

However, his brows were furrowed, the atmosphere around him heavy, making him appear distant and cold.

Wang Qi approached her side, his hand half-cupped, glancing sideways at Lin Qingye, and whispered: “He happened to come to the company, found out, and got furious with me. He’s angry now. Go comfort him.”

Xu Zhinan was startled and looked over again.

Lin Qingye happened to look up at her, his eyes calm and waveless, yet somewhat intimidating. Then he raised his hand, silently beckoning to her.

Xu Zhinan said goodbye to Wang Qi and jogged over to him.

Wang Qi watched their retreating figures, shaking his head.

These two people—who knows which one has truly tamed the other?

“Finished?” Lin Qingye asked calmly, his gaze downcast.

“Mm, just explained the cause and effect of that incident.”

He nodded, silent.

Xu Zhinan was puzzled, unable to guess why he was acting like this. He seemed somewhat angry but hadn’t expressed it towards her.

He glanced at Wang Qi again, then patted Xu Zhinan’s head: “Let’s go home first.”

With that, he turned and walked away, not holding her hand.

He was naturally tall with long legs, walking briskly. Xu Zhinan struggled to follow behind him to the underground parking garage. Even after they got into the car, Lin Qingye hadn’t spoken a word to her.

Xu Zhinan sat in the passenger seat, pouting slightly, feeling a bit wronged.

He didn’t start the car, just sat there, then suddenly turned his head: “Xu Zhinan.”

Using her full name—he rarely called her that.

Usually, when he called her that, it meant he was angry.

Xu Zhinan lowered her head, her long hair falling over her chest, covering her profile. Her voice was muffled: “Mm.”

“Can you please discuss with me before making decisions?”

She didn’t respond, still keeping her head down, like a schoolgirl admitting her mistake.

Lin Qingye’s tone was very calm, without raising his voice at all. But perhaps because she was used to his gentle treatment, that one “Xu Zhinan” made her feel increasingly wronged.

It seemed that when it came to matters related to Lin Qingye, her tear threshold became particularly low.

Tears welled up in her eyes but didn’t fall.

Xu Zhinan pursed her lips, sniffling softly.

Lin Qingye paused, turning to look at her. Her blue hair covered her face, making it impossible to see her expression. He stopped speaking and reached out to tuck her hair behind her ear, only to discover Xu Zhinan’s eyes were red as she stubbornly held back tears.

Lin Qingye instantly couldn’t bring himself to be angry anymore.

“Zhinan, I’m not blaming you.” He softened his tone again.

Xu Zhinan responded with a tearful “Mm.” After his cold tone earlier and now this gentle voice, her nose inexplicably felt even more sour. Tears fell, and she wiped them away, turning to look out the window, avoiding his gaze.

Lin Qingye didn’t dare scold her anymore. He leaned over to embrace her.

Xu Zhinan didn’t want to cry in front of him. She turned her head away, not letting him hug her, her voice choked with sobs: “Don’t touch me. I want to sit by myself.”

She looked utterly pitiful.

Lin Qingye ignored her protests and lifted her directly from the passenger seat onto his lap.

His arm encircled her slender waist, intimately drawing close, his nose brushing against hers, whispering against her ear: “Alright, Zhinan, it’s my fault. I shouldn’t have been harsh with you. Please don’t cry, okay?”

“I was planning to tell you after the interview. This matter is related to me,” she explained through sniffles. “I don’t want them to curse at you like that. They shouldn’t curse at you at all.”

She slowly worked out her logic, then complained: “You say I should discuss decisions with you first, but you also decided to take all the blame yourself without telling me.”

“Mm.” Lin Qingye pecked at her lips. “It’s my fault.”

He intended to comfort her, but to Xu Zhinan it seemed dismissive. She pulled back, softly yet indignantly saying: “Don’t kiss me.”

But she moved too far back and pressed the car horn, filling the spacious parking garage with a sudden blare.

She looked back and saw someone passing in front of their car, looking towards them.

Xu Zhinan jumped in fright, forgetting everything else and burying her face in Lin Qingye’s chest.

Although this was the parking garage under Qi Entertainment, being seen sitting on Lin Qingye’s lap would be utterly indefensible.

Lin Qingye’s palm pressed against the back of her head as the car window rolled down.

Xu Zhinan’s body stiffened completely, holding her breath.

Lin Qingye leaned out slightly, presumably speaking to the person in front of the car: “Nothing wrong. I accidentally hit the horn.”

The footsteps gradually moved away.

Lin Qingye patted her head: “It’s fine now.”

She straightened her back with a red face, her eyelashes wet with tears: “Who was that?”

“Li Cong, another singer from the company.”

“Did he see me?”

“I don’t think so. The lighting is dim here, and the windshield has special treatment. He probably couldn’t see clearly.”

This incident diverted their previous topic.

Lin Qingye held her face, wiping away her tears, then lifted her chin to place a kiss on her eyes: “Be good, don’t cry anymore.”

Xu Zhinan calmed down too, feeling her reaction had indeed been a bit excessive. She rubbed her eyes and said softly: “I want to sit back in my seat now.”

“Let me hold you a bit longer.” He pulled her back into his embrace, his hand smoothing through her long hair.

Now he explained gently: “You don’t understand this industry. With you giving this interview now, people will speculate about my relationship with you, become curious about you, and dig up information about you everywhere. If they uncover something, it will affect your life. I have too many negative labels right now, which would affect you too.”

“Uncle Wang told me about this, but if it can help explain that incident and make fewer people criticize you, I don’t mind.”

“But I mind.” Lin Qingye kissed the tip of her nose. “At my current stage, it’s not appropriate to reveal our relationship to the outside world.”

Xu Zhinan blinked: “Hm?”

“I haven’t established myself yet and can’t truly protect you properly. In recent years, many idol singers have been attacked because their relationships were exposed, with their girlfriends being the ones attacked most viciously. Although I’m not in the idol singer category, before I achieve enough success, public knowledge of you could bring attacks against you.”

With some fanatics, online violence would be the least of it. In recent years, there have been instances of sending terrifying packages or even stalking, endangering personal safety.

That’s why Lin Qingye didn’t dare to disclose the details of that incident to the public. If there was even a small risk that could potentially harm Xu Zhinan, he wasn’t willing to take it.

After listening, Xu Zhinan finally understood why he had been angry earlier.

But she still felt that clearing his name was the most critical thing now. After all, at this crucial moment of his comeback, planning for potential risks wouldn’t help; they needed to overcome the biggest current obstacle.

“But…”

She was about to speak again when she suddenly paused, clenched her teeth, and widened her eyes in disbelief.

Lin Qingye had lowered his head and bitten her chest.

Seeing she didn’t react much, he became even bolder and licked the spot.

This time Xu Zhinan reacted, moving backward, but suddenly remembering how she had hit the horn earlier. She abruptly stopped, reflexively moving forward again, pressing back into Lin Qingye’s embrace, her chest actively colliding with his lips.

It looked like a clumsy attempt at feigned resistance.

“What are you doing?” She couldn’t believe Lin Qingye would do such a thing in an underground parking garage.

She had a gentle temperament and had always been well-behaved since childhood. Even slight transgressions were difficult for her to accept.

But Lin Qingye was completely the opposite, not finding it inappropriate at all, and even wanting to push further.

His gaze moved downward without subtlety.

Xu Zhinan was wearing a plain black tank top today, with a thin plaid shirt over it for sun protection.

From the moment she sat on Lin Qingye’s lap, she had been completely focused on resolving the misunderstanding and not letting either of them feel wronged. She hadn’t even considered how this position accentuated her figure, which Lin Qingye had been eyeing hungrily.

He spoke in a serious tone, asking gravely: “How many pounds have you lost since college?”

Xu Zhinan couldn’t figure out his intention: “Nearly ten pounds, though I’ve gained a few pounds recently.”

“No wonder.” He chuckled softly, his tone frivolous.

From the direction of his gaze, she suddenly realized what he was referring to. During her extremely thin phase, her underwear had indeed become a bit loose, though only slightly. How could he tell just with a glance, as if he had measured it…

She didn’t understand how they had gone from nearly arguing to suddenly jumping to this topic.

“But it’s okay,” he reassured her, drawling, “With some effort from me, they’ll come back.”

“…”

Xu Zhinan had no desire to know what kind of “effort” he was referring to.