Oh my god, I was literally in tears the moment the melody of “Murmuring” started playing!

Me too!!! I can’t explain why I’m crying, but tears just suddenly fell. Lin Qingye’s journey seems so smooth, winning Golden Melody Awards at 18 and 26, but only he and his fans know how hard he’s worked!!!

I’ll love Lin Qingye for a lifetime!!! There’s no way I’ll ever stop being his fan!

Wuwuwu, being a Wild Brothers fan is so wonderful. He never makes fans worry, clarifies rumors himself, and directly slaps haters in the face with his talent.

Lin Qingye deserves this!! He was the king at 18, the king at 26, and he’ll always be the king!!!

…

Xu Zhinan watched the screen, eyes brimming with tears just like the fans.

One comment said only he and his fans knew how hard he’d worked.

Xu Zhinan knew too.

Perhaps she could also be counted among his fans.

She had witnessed everything Lin Qingye had endured.

From his initial vulnerability with her, his struggle between his deceased brother and mother, his stubbornness, fragility, and guilt—all displayed before Xu Zhinan.

Later, during the prime of his youth, he was imprisoned, causing a huge controversy, with various malicious speculations and slander.

Two and a half years later, he returned, starting by carefully producing an album, seriously participating in music shows, and performing at five music festivals.

Until now—the Golden Melody Award, “Murmuring,” Lin Qingye.

Xu Zhinan’s nose tingled as tears flowed. Through teary eyes, she watched Lin Qingye walk onto the stage step by step, the camera never moving away from him.

He had become the focus of the world.

He walked onto the stage and accepted his second trophy of the night.

The real, most prestigious Golden Melody Award trophy.

His second Golden Melody Award trophy.

“Black Locust” and “Murmuring.”

Lin Qingye wore an impeccable suit, his tie and shirt meticulously fitted. He stood on stage as the spotlight shone down from above, casting a circle of light on the floor.

The host asked, “This is your second time winning Song of the Year. How does it feel?”

Lin Qingye smiled leisurely. “It feels good.”

“Did you expect to win Song of the Year again before this?”

“Yes,” Lin Qingye answered frankly. “I think everyone who received a nomination thought the same.”

“Everyone knows you were the youngest winner in Golden Melody Award history when you won at 18. Now at 26, you’re also the youngest dual-award winner,” the host said. “What are your thoughts on these two wins?”

“I’m very grateful for everyone’s support. From 18 to 26, I’ve wasted a lot of time being arrogant about my talent, made many mistakes, accepted punishment, and paid the price. I thank all the fans who were willing to give me another chance. When I left prison, I set a goal for myself—”

For the first time, he actively mentioned prison in public.

“To be honest, it’s a place that consumes one’s confidence and self-esteem. When I first got out, I doubted whether I could still write songs, and whether people would still accept and like my music. So my goal then was just to complete the ‘Murmuring’ album, regardless of sales or reviews. Getting the public’s evaluation would help me feel relieved and regain confidence. So before coming here today, my goal had always been to win Song of the Year.”

Lin Qingye smiled at the camera, lowered his gaze, and raised the trophy in his hand. The light reflected in his eyes with greater intensity.

“I did it,” he said.

All his past hardships and setbacks crowned him in this moment.

When the Golden Melody Awards ceremony ended and the livestream closed, the topics of Lin Qingye winning Song of the Year and Best Male Singer had already reached the first and second spots on the trending list.

As they left, Lin Qingye walked out with Shen Linlin on either side.

“I told you, I shouldn’t have helped you back then,” Shen Linlin joked. “You came to steal my rice bowl. I regret it now.”

Lin Qingye laughed and joked back, “I’ll let you win next year’s Golden Melody Award.”

Shen Linlin laughed at his audacity. “I’ve discovered you take a mile when given an inch.”

As she finished speaking, she looked up and saw Xu Zhinan.

Their exit route differed from the entrance, avoiding fans. Only staff could enter and exit, with various teams and managers waiting outside, and several commercial vehicles parked.

Xu Zhinan stood beside Lin Qingye’s staff, apparently having come in with them.

“Hey,” Shen Linlin raised her chin, gesturing toward Xu Zhinan in the distance. “When do you plan to go public?”

“Soon.”

“That would make you one of the youngest male celebrities to announce a relationship in the industry. Not easy.”

“I’m not that young anymore. After my birthday, I’ll be 27.”

“Most wait until they’re over 30.”

Xu Zhinan finally spotted Lin Qingye and waved energetically at him. Watching the two, Shen Linlin clicked her tongue a few times, said goodbye to Lin Qingye, and left.

Lin Qingye quickly walked over to stand in front of Xu Zhinan, leaving a step between them. Then he opened his arms, a trophy in each hand.

Xu Zhinan paused, looked at him, then stepped into his embrace, nuzzling her head against his chest.

Lin Qingye noticed she seemed different than usual and laughed softly. “What’s wrong?” His voice was gentle.

“Nothing. I just feel like you’re amazing,” Xu Zhinan said softly.

“Just now realizing I’m amazing?” he teased.

Xu Zhinan didn’t say more, just held him, arms around his waist, hands clasped behind his back. He was lean, and she could feel the muscle lines beneath his suit.

She held him like this for a while, then took a deep breath and let go.

As she looked up, she saw Lin Guancheng standing behind Lin Qingye. Lin Guancheng was still smiling slightly, looking as if he had been waiting for a while.

It seemed he was waiting for her to release Lin Qingye…

Xu Zhinan froze, her ears burning, and politely whispered, “Uncle.”

Lin Qingye turned his head. “Dad.”

“Hey,” Lin Guancheng smiled at her, then said to Lin Qingye, “Impressive, winning two awards at once.”

Lin Qingye smiled.

“So are you planning to head back now?” Lin Guancheng asked.

Lin Qingye: “Yes, and you?”

“I’m also planning to go back directly,” Lin Guancheng said. “Next time, when you’re free, bring your girlfriend home. She hasn’t visited yet.”

Lin Qingye smiled. “Alright, got it.”

Lin Guancheng looked at him once more, patted his shoulder, and left.

Other celebrities were also coming out nearby, frequently glancing their way. Xu Zhinan finally noticed and instinctively lowered her head to hide her face.

Lin Qingye took her hand away and led her to the car.

After getting in, Xu Zhinan asked, “Will anyone who saw us earlier say anything?”

“Say what?”

“Well, me hugging you.”

“What’s there to say about that? Can’t I even hug my boyfriend?”

“No, what if there are people who don’t like you? Before, didn’t another company deliberately try to bring you down? What if they start spreading rumors again?”

“They won’t,” Lin Qingye said casually, leaning over to kiss her once and handing her the two trophies. “These are for you too.”

“…”

Lin Qingye had never hidden having a girlfriend in the industry. During “I Sing For You,” while still pursuing Xu Zhinan, he had brought her to program gatherings.

Anyone truly interested could have easily found out.

Besides, after all this, everyone now knew his father was Lin Guancheng. Stars in the entertainment industry would inevitably be wary of capital.

Back home, Xu Zhinan showered first and got into bed before Lin Qingye went to shower.

As water sounds came from the bathroom, Xu Zhinan rolled over, lying on her stomach to check online discussions about the Golden Melody Awards.

Lin Qingye’s fans were all excited as if on steroids, their real-time Weibo filled with various cheers.

Xu Zhinan smiled, resting her chin in her hand. After a while, the bathroom door opened as Lin Qingye finished showering.

She instinctively turned to look.

Her gaze suddenly froze.

Lin Qingye had indeed showered—his hair was wet—but he was still wearing the same suit from earlier, though not as formal as when he was on stage. His shirt collar was wide open, with three buttons undone, exposing a large area of wet chest and collarbone. The collar was disheveled, but somehow conveyed an indescribable allure.

Xu Zhinan blinked. “Didn’t you take pajamas in with you?”

“No.”

“Why didn’t you ask me to bring them in?” She started to get up, intending to get his pajamas.

But just as she was about to stand, Lin Qingye pushed her shoulder, causing her to fall back onto the bed, bouncing slightly. Then, he knelt on the bed with one knee and pressed down on her.

“What are you doing?” Xu Zhinan asked in surprise, hands supporting herself from behind.

“Seducing you.”

“…”

Xu Zhinan’s gaze moved downward, from his collarbone to his abdomen.

She wasn’t sure if he had dried himself after showering—his shirt was completely wet, clinging to his skin at the abdomen, revealing the muscle lines underneath.

Xu Zhinan swallowed hard, her gaze moving back up to his eyes.

Lin Qingye smiled suggestively. “Well?”

“…”

“Were you seduced?”

His questions came one after another, pressing her until Xu Zhinan couldn’t take it anymore. “Stop it.”

“Stop what? I haven’t even touched you, just asking a question.” Lin Qingye switched to a simpler question. “Do I look handsome?”

“…Handsome.”

“Do you like it?”

“…”

Xu Zhinan honestly nodded.

Lin Qingye smiled, somehow seductively mischievous. He brought his other leg onto the bed, straddling her, and slowly removed his suit jacket, dropping it to the floor.

His movements were slow, like slow motion, inch by inch, removing the suit, as if deliberately enchanting her.

Then he began unbuttoning his shirt.

This man was simply…

Though he was the one undressing, Xu Zhinan was the one suffering with a red face and racing heart. She tried to retreat, supporting herself on the bed, but Lin Qingye grabbed her ankle and pulled her back.

He unbuttoned the last button, quickly removed the half-wet shirt, and tossed it aside carelessly.

“How is it?” he asked.

“How is what?”

Lin Qingye took her hand and guided it to his abs. “Didn’t you like this part when you were drunk that time? I’ve been working out properly for you.”

Xu Zhinan’s fingertips touched his burning skin and curled up, but he held her tight, preventing her from escaping. Her face grew increasingly hot, truly uncomfortable—it would be easier if Lin Qingye just got to the point.

Every breath and touch was magnified. She couldn’t take it anymore and finally gritted her teeth, raising her arms to wrap around Lin Qingye’s neck and pulling him down.

Lin Qingye hadn’t expected this reaction and was easily pulled down by her, his arms bracing on either side of her face, his breathing immediately tightening.

He steadied his breath slightly and asked in a low voice with a nasal tone: “Hmm?”

Xu Zhinan was annoyed by his earlier teasing. With downcast eyes, she said softly, “Stop dawdling.”

Lin Qingye was stunned, then laughed, becoming even more presumptuous: “Can’t wait, huh?”

“…”

Xu Zhinan was once again embarrassed by his words: “Lin Qingye!”

He chuckled lightly: “Don’t rush. Your husband will take care of you.”

“…”

An hour later, Xu Zhinan lay exhausted on the bed, her face tense. The tears she had shed were far more than those shed in emotion when Lin Qingye won his award.

She raised her hand to rub her eyes, looking out through the slightly open door to the living room, seeing the two trophies on the table. She had no more strength to feel moved by them, nor any tears left to shed in emotion.

Of course, Lin Qingye quickly proved wrong the part about “no more tears.”

He grabbed Xu Zhinan’s ankle and pulled her over again, bending down.

Soft, shallow sobbing sounds filled the bedroom once more.

After winning his second Golden Melody Award, Lin Qingye had a series of interviews and columns, keeping him busy for a while. When he finally had free time again, he focused on preparing for his album.

This would be his first solo concert.

In the entertainment industry, very few artists hold solo concerts after releasing just one album, and he had held his first concert at the 80,000-capacity Olympic Center.

In early March, Chuanqi Entertainment officially announced that Lin Qingye would hold his first solo concert, immediately capturing fans’ attention. Comments, reposts, and likes skyrocketed.

Ahhhhhhhhh I need to practice my quick reflexes!!!

Even though there are 80,000 tickets, I’m still afraid they’ll sell out. Ahhh, I want front row seats!!!

Forget about front row seats, they’ll be gone in a second.

…

During this period, Lin Qingye trained and rehearsed every day.

Although the “Murmuring” album only had six new songs plus “Black Locust,” not enough to fill a concert, Lin Qingye had written many songs during his time as a bar performer, releasing them as independent singles on music apps.

The final, unreleased new song would be performed by the Black Locust Band together. As the concert date approached, Guan Chi and the others also frequently joined rehearsals.

Xu Zhinan went to watch once and was the first to hear the rock song.

It was beautiful—not extremely electronic or intense rock, but with segments of powerful, dense drumbeats alongside quieter singing parts.

Like a summer thunderstorm, sometimes crashing down with thunder and lightning, sometimes clearing to reveal blue skies and a cool summer breeze.

At 10 AM on March 15, tickets for Lin Qingye’s solo concert officially went on sale.

There were no pre-sales—just direct official sales.

Fans had been waiting early, ready to grab tickets.

As soon as 10 AM hit, they swarmed in.

The ticket-selling app became unstable due to excessive traffic. Many fans cursed the network, unable to even access the purchase page.

In no time, all 80,000 tickets were sold out.

Some rejoiced while others despaired—fans who got tickets celebrated, while those who missed out were heartbroken.

The entire ticket sale broke all records for concerts held at T City’s Olympic Center.

Late April.

Early spring, sunny day.

Lin Qingye’s first solo concert was about to begin.

The concert required numerous instruments and equipment, along with many accompanying staff.

The company even chartered a plane to take them to T City, transporting the equipment and instruments together. Xu Zhinan went along with his staff and the three band members.

Like the previous music festivals, Xu Zhinan had an internal ticket without needing to fight for one—first row with an excellent view.

After the plane landed at T City airport, Xu Zhinan was accompanied by staff with her luggage to the hotel to rest, while Lin Qingye and the three band members went directly to the Olympic Center for a final rehearsal.

The 80,000-person concert venue was enormous. The band couldn’t consist of just the three of them, so there was another professional band of teachers with instruments and backing vocals.

Only for the final highlight would Guan Chi and the others come on stage.

Rehearsals continued until 8 PM. Lin Qingye was drenched in sweat when he returned to the hotel to shower.

After showering, he checked one last time with various staff members responsible for different aspects of the show. Only when everything was confirmed did he lie down with Xu Zhinan in his arms.

“Are you nervous?” Xu Zhinan asked.

“Not really, it’s hard to describe.” Lin Qingye held her, then suddenly laughed. “I feel a bit excited.”

Xu Zhinan also smiled. “Will you be able to sleep tonight?”

“I might not.”

Lin Qingye looked out the window, his gaze landing on a star outside. “At this point, it feels quite surreal. It’s only been half a year.”

Lin Qingye had pushed himself to achieve results quickly over the past half year, experiencing much and gaining many honors, with ups and downs.

He had charged forward with his head down the whole way. It was perfectly normal to feel disoriented and unreal when pausing at this moment.

Half a year ago, he was released from prison.

Then, he released “Murmuring,” faced malicious questions on music shows that triggered public backlash, performed at five music festivals in different cities, and then won Best Male Singer and Song of the Year at the Golden Melody Awards.

And now, he was about to have his first solo concert.

Xu Zhinan paused, hugging him tighter. “You’ll have many more concerts in the future. By then, it won’t feel unreal anymore.”

“Ah Nan,” he called softly, face buried in the crook of her neck.

“Hmm?”

“After the concert, let’s go public.”

Xu Zhinan was startled. “Go public?”

“Yes. I don’t want to always hide with you, unable to be seen together.”

His tone even sounded a bit aggrieved, as if he were the one being forced to hide.

“I’ve won awards, held a concert, and proven my abilities. My fans are quite accepting of me having a girlfriend. I’m confident I can protect you this time.”

Xu Zhinan looked at him quietly.

The man’s eyes were deep, unusually serious.

She paused slightly. “Okay.”

On April 30, Lin Qingye’s first solo concert finally began in T City.

Though the concert was in the evening, many fans had already gathered outside the Olympic Center in the morning for support. Large posters, banners, and standing displays could be seen everywhere.

Lin Qingye’s support color was blue. Fans could visit a super topic big fan to receive a blue glow stick and blue pom-pom with their ticket.

Xu Zhinan went to get one too.

She arrived early, and after getting her glow stick and pom-pom, she walked around the Olympic Center. Many small vendors had come seeking business opportunities, selling Lin Qingye-related merchandise.

Things like pillows, photo albums, phone cases, and so on.

Xu Zhinan had never been a fangirl before, only following Lin Qingye’s news regularly. This was her first time seeing these items, and she was like a country bumpkin visiting the city, finding everything new and wanting to buy it all.

She went from stall to stall, unconsciously buying many items.

She even bought three pillows because she particularly liked the photo of Lin Qingye on them.

After finishing her shopping, she suddenly realized a problem—she was going to attend the concert soon. How would she carry all these packages inside?

After hesitating for a moment, Xu Zhinan had to message Lin Qingye, who was already inside the stadium.

Soon, a staff member located her through real-time location sharing, took the three large bags of merchandise from her, and returned inside.

Ten minutes later, Lin Qingye sent her a message: You bought all this?

“…”

Xu Zhinan crouched at the curb. The sun was a bit strong today, so she placed the venue seating map over her head and slowly replied: Yes.

[Wild Brother: Why buy pillows when you can hug me directly?]

“…”

Ah, that’s true.

Xu Zhinan blinked, feeling she had made an impulse purchase. She had bought three pillows.

[Xu Zhinan: I thought they looked nice when I saw them, so I bought them without thinking much. But I probably can’t return them now.]

She explained in detail, as if caught spending money recklessly.

Lin Qingye sent her a voice message, filled with amusement: “I’m not asking you to return them. Buy whatever you want. At worst—”

The message cut off halfway.

Soon, Lin Qingye sent another voice message. This time the background noise was gone; he had probably moved to a quieter place.

His voice came through, carefree: “At worst, next time when we’re doing it from behind, you can look at my face on the pillow.”

“……………………”

“Clack!” Her phone fell to the ground.

The screen protector shattered.

Xu Zhinan was so flustered by his shameless remark that she could barely breathe. She bent down to pick up her phone and silently found a booth to apply a new screen protector.

After it was applied, the official ticket check and entry began.

Xu Zhinan entered with the crowd. After the staff took her three large bags backstage, she carried very little—many fans were even carrying large light boards.

Her seat was in the front row near the stage.

Soon, everyone was seated. Fans chatted endlessly, all topics naturally revolving around Lin Qingye.

Xu Zhinan joined the conversations, making time pass quickly.

Half an hour later, all the lights in the Olympic Center went out.

The surroundings plunged into darkness.

Then, everyone turned on their glow sticks and light boards.

In an instant, it was as if stars in the night sky were illuminated one by one, transforming from complete darkness to brightness.

Xu Zhinan truly felt the immense scale of an 80,000-person stadium—like a vast ocean, magnificent and spectacular.

Suddenly, a spotlight beamed down from above the stage.

Everyone focused intently.

A silhouette emerged from the light and shadow, initially just an outline, gradually becoming clearer. The large screens on both sides also showed a close-up of Lin Qingye.

The entire venue erupted in screams.

A tsunami of sound.

Sweeping forth.

Lin Qingye stood at the center of the stage, looking down at the audience.

There were no spotlights below the stage, only light boards and the blue glow sticks, clustered together in patches. Individual faces below weren’t clear—all the light here was meant to illuminate him.

Lin Qingye closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

The big screen projected Lin Qingye’s expression at that moment, instantly making the screams below even louder.

He slowly brought the microphone to his lips and said in a deep voice: “Hello everyone, I’m Lin Qingye.”

The first song was “Black Locust.” Lin Qingye emerged from his initial nervous state, returning to his usual ease. During the climax, he even held the microphone toward the audience.

Xu Zhinan sat among them, waving her glow stick with everyone, screaming with everyone, and singing with everyone.

At this moment, she seemed to become one of the countless fans, one of the eighty thousand specks of blue, her heart and eyes full of admiration for Lin Qingye on stage.

Returning from his low point, he was forever radiant.

…

As the concert progressed to the latter half, Lin Qingye was drenched in sweat.

On the big screen, you could see sweat rolling down his facial contours, soaking the front of his clothes.

This was his first concert, and more importantly, his first concert since his comeback.

Everyone was caught up in the emotion, shouting along with him, not caring whether they sang well, more focused on venting their feelings, more like screaming.

The final song, “Murmuring,” ended with an 80,000-person chorus.

Throughout, Lin Qingye hadn’t tried to stir emotions, but somehow, after this song ended, many fans were crying. Xu Zhinan’s eyes were also brimming with tears, and the girl sitting next to her was worse, already sobbing uncontrollably.

Everyone cried, roared, and screamed Lin Qingye’s name.

In the interval after the song, the resounding chants of “Lin Qingye” nearly lifted the roof off the Olympic Center.

Everyone was shouting “Lin Qingye.”

Xu Zhinan also joined in calling his name.

The shouts of 80,000 people struck everyone’s heartstrings, heavy and dull, proud yet bitter.

Though it was difficult to see clearly from the stage, Lin Qingye could feel the emotions through the shouts and could see the tears of fans in the front row.

Instead, he smiled. “Why are you crying?”

With that one sentence, many fans who had been holding back broke down, crying out of overwhelming sympathy.

“Alright, stop crying. There’s still one last song to sing.”

Everyone froze, looking down at their setlists. “Murmuring” was indeed the last song, and besides, he had already sung all his original songs.

Lin Qingye held the microphone. “The final song, a newly written original, premiering today.”

Fans screamed again with tear-choked voices. The girl next to Xu Zhinan, who had been crying terribly, screamed, and her voice cracked.

As the screams subsided, Lin Qingye continued: “Next, please welcome this concert’s special guests.”

Guan Chi, Ji Yan, and Shi Si appeared.

The screen showed close-ups of the three in sequence.

“Let me reintroduce myself.” Lin Qingye put the microphone back into its stand, leaned forward, looked up slightly, and said in a deep voice:

“Hello everyone, I’m from the Black Locust Band, Lin Qingye.”

Instantly, those who had been shouting Lin Qingye’s name now simultaneously and very synchronously began shouting “Black Locust Band.”

The shouts of 80,000 people were certainly heart-stirring.

The three band members stood behind him, equally stunned by this scene, chins slightly raised as they looked up at the big screen, each with a determined expression.

The Black Locust Band was back.

Lin Qingye also enjoyed everyone shouting “Black Locust Band.” After a while, he smiled and casually said: “The Black Locust Band never dies.”

Guan Chi struck a heavy drumbeat, deafening.

Lin Qingye wore a somewhat lazy smile. “A new song, ‘Racing to the Mountains and Seas,’ for all of you, and also for the Black Locust Band.”

As he finished speaking, Lin Qingye pulled the microphone from its stand and walked to another drum set, reinserting the microphone.

He performed this series of actions smoothly, without any awkwardness.

Without warning, he and Guan Chi simultaneously brought down their drumsticks, creating an extremely dense series of drumbeats. The two men’s movements—the speed, height, and frequency of their rising and falling hands—were completely synchronized.

Each beat seemed to strike the heart.

Powerful, passionate.

The completely unadorned, wild rock band style.

Thoroughly igniting the atmosphere of the entire Olympic Center.

Midway through the drum sequence, Ji Yan’s bass and Shi Si’s keyboard also joined in, coordinating with extreme precision.

At the moment when the three instruments merged into one, everyone stood up, raising their light boards high.

No one was screaming or shouting anymore. Even though it was just a melody created by instruments, everyone was listening intently.

After the last heavy drumbeat fell, Lin Qingye directly broke one of his drumsticks. He was drenched in sweat, his hair completely soaked, casually pushed back to reveal his clean forehead.

He pulled out the microphone, and like raindrops, the instrumental sounds receded from thick and heavy to quiet. Lin Qingye’s voice cut in.

It contained a youth’s lonely courage and struggle—”Racing to the Mountains and Seas.”

If the previous song “Murmuring” had made everyone cry out of sympathy for Lin Qingye’s hardships, then this song “Racing to the Mountains and Seas” was opposite.

It seemed to tell everyone that he didn’t need any sympathy or pity.

Even if Lin Qingye was pressed to the bottom, he had enough courage and determination to fight his way back up.

The previous song brought sympathy; this one brought only exhilaration.

Lin Qingye held the microphone in his right hand, raising his left hand high. Below, everyone stood with their left hands raised high as well, as bizarre lights broke through the upper darkness and swept down.

Everyone went crazy, hearts beating violently, thumping in rhythm with the beat, each one moved by Lin Qingye on stage.

A young man in splendid clothes, galloping forth with sword in hand, conquering the world.

For the final segment, after Lin Qingye sang the last line, he bent down to pick up the half-broken drumstick. Without sitting at the drum set, he turned his back to the fans.

The broken drumstick came down heavily, striking the last heavy note.

The music stopped abruptly.

Lin Qingye turned his head, his jawline flowing smoothly and cleanly, declaring the end with this back-turned ending pose.

Xu Zhinan’s chest still heaved violently from the atmosphere created by this song.

It was at this moment that she saw Lin Qingye’s back. His white clothes were completely soaked with sweat, almost transparent, clinging tightly to his back, revealing the large tattoo on his back.

Like a burning flame.