Shortly after Lin Qingye posted that Weibo update, the young women at Xu Zhinan’s shop immediately discovered it, because they had set special notifications for him.

Although these special notifications weren’t particularly useful since Lin Qingye barely posted on Weibo once every few years, they hadn’t expected to receive an update notification this time.

“Pfft—” One of the girls was the first to burst into laughter.

They looked up through the window and saw a car parked outside. The passenger window rolled down, and they could vaguely make out the person inside—it was indeed Lin Qingye.

“Ahhhhhhhh! Is that him? Is that him? Is that him!?”

“So handsome! It must be him!!!”

“Should we go out and take a look?”

The girls discussed for quite a while but ultimately didn’t dare venture outside.

Somehow, even though Lin Qingye was now being called a naive sweetheart by everyone, his aura remained intimidating. There was still quite a distance between him and his fans. They might dare to visit Xu Zhinan, but they didn’t dare simply approach Lin Qingye to say hello.

Xu Zhinan heard their discussion behind her and looked up, then froze.

The customer beside her also turned to look and smiled: “Your boyfriend?”

This public relations announcement had gained considerable attention due to all the unexpected misunderstandings it had caused. Every customer who came to her shop today knew about it.

“Mm-hmm.” Xu Zhinan responded.

“Why don’t you go over for a moment? We can continue later.”

“No need, we’re almost finished here.” Xu Zhinan thought it would be unprofessional to abandon her customer, so she pulled up her mask and continued finishing her work.

“Wow, Nan, you’ve become the woman who dares to keep Lin Qingye waiting.”

The fans behind her burst into laughter.

Xu Zhinan: “…What do you mean by keeping him waiting? He’s just waiting a bit while I finish up. I’ll be done soon.”

With their idol waiting outside, the fans couldn’t contain themselves any longer. After saying goodbye to Xu Zhinan, they jostled each other as they ran out to Lin Qingye’s car.

Xu Zhinan focused on finishing her work. Ten minutes later, she looked up to see the car still parked there, but the fans who had gone out earlier were nowhere to be seen.

Xu Zhinan disposed of her used mask and gloves, washed her hands, then came out to give Li Yan some instructions before preparing to leave.

Li Yan gave her a suggestive look: “Go, go!”

Xu Zhinan got in the car: “What happened to those fans who came out to greet you?”

“They left.” Lin Qingye touched her face. “Are you tired? There were a lot of people coming by today, right? Did they bother you?”

“It was fine. Everyone was quite nice and didn’t linger in my shop. They came in batches, though, so there were always a few fans inside. Fortunately, they didn’t interfere with my work and were quite quiet. Some just looked from outside the door.”

“Mm, I talked to those fans just now about not coming to disturb you.”

Xu Zhinan was surprised: “What did you tell them?”

Lin Qingye raised an eyebrow: “I was direct.”

“…You weren’t mean to them, were you?”

Lin Qingye chuckled: “Am I that frightening?”

“…”

Those fans had been quite reasonable. When Lin Qingye spoke to them, they even apologized and quickly left.

On Weibo today, many people had posted about visiting “Nannan” tattoo shop, but this had also prompted opposition from other fans who urged everyone not to disrupt the normal life of his ordinary girlfriend.

Lin Qingye had gained his first batch of fans at 18 when he won the Golden Melody Award. Now, many of his fans were quite mature, so most of them were quite sensible.

“Why did you suddenly come by today?” Xu Zhinan changed the subject.

“I sent you a message earlier, but you were busy and didn’t see it.”

Xu Zhinan took out her phone and only then noticed Lin Qingye’s message. At the same time, she also saw the special notification from Weibo.

[Lin Qingye V: Picking up my girlfriend after work.]

“…”

Xu Zhinan clicked into Weibo to read the comments. They were all either “Hahahahaha” or “Ahhhhhhh,” or comments teasing Lin Qingye for becoming such a sappy sweetheart since going public with their relationship.

The hashtag #LinQingyePostedOnWeibo# had quickly risen to the top of the trending list.

Xu Zhinan pressed her lips together, reading the comments, and couldn’t help but curl the corners of her mouth. She pressed her lips again, trying to suppress her smile.

“Why did you post that kind of Weibo?”

Lin Qingye turned his head to glance at her phone screen: “I posted because I wanted to. With a girlfriend this beautiful, if I don’t show off, what’s the point of her being beautiful?”

“…”

Xu Zhinan looked at him speechlessly for a while, but eventually couldn’t hold back. She turned her head to look out the window, silently laughing, revealing two shallow dimples.

This public announcement of their relationship had caused quite a sensation.

In the entertainment industry, someone like Lin Qingye, who revealed a relationship just as he reached his peak, was extremely rare. Equally rare was a top celebrity announcing a relationship without their partner being insulted or attacked.

Fans were extremely curious about Xu Zhinan, but also called for everyone not to disturb her at her shop.

By the second day, far fewer people came, and after three days, basically no fans came to bother her anymore. Some would only linger outside the shop to take photos, while others specifically came to get tattoos from her because of her identity.

Life basically returned to how it was before.

However, her appearance was memorable enough that Xu Zhinan was now often recognized when she went out.

But after this revelation, she and Lin Qingye finally didn’t have to hide and worry about being seen or photographed.

On Friday, Xu Zhinan and Lin Qingye went to visit her mother.

Today was the death anniversary of Xu Yuanwen.

As soon as they got out of the car, neighbors from several households stood at their doorways examining them curiously: “Nan, bringing your boyfriend home?”

“Mm-hmm.” Xu Zhinan greeted each of them, while Lin Qingye also nodded in acknowledgment.

Xu’s mother heard the commotion and came out to welcome them, quickly ushering them inside.

“Everyone’s been asking me about you two lately,” Xu’s mother said with a smile. “They’re all wondering how our well-behaved Nan managed to meet such a big star.”

Lin Qingye smiled: “I was the one who pursued her.”

The three of them had lunch together, rested for a while, and then went to Xu Yuanwen’s grave.

This was Lin Qingye’s first visit. In the photo on the tombstone, Xu Yuanwen wore a police uniform, with deep-set eyes and an upright, righteous appearance.

But this wasn’t the first time Lin Qingye had seen Xu Yuanwen. Back when he had first noticed Xu Zhinan, he had seen her with Xu Yuanwen.

The little girl was wearing a high school uniform then, carrying a light blue backpack. She had a very good relationship with her father, skipping alongside him, chatting and laughing.

Xu Yuanwen’s sudden death had indeed traumatized her. She would occasionally dream about the fire scene.

Lin Qingye later recalled that once during their senior year, Xu Zhinan had accidentally fallen asleep at his apartment. That night was the only time they had ever spent the night together.

When she woke up the next morning, Xu Zhinan had been startled awake by a nightmare. When he asked her about it, she said she had dreamed about her father, but Lin Qingye hadn’t inquired further.

He truly had been rather unconcerned back then, with a fairly cold disposition.

Looking back now on how he had treated Xu Zhinan then, he felt regretful and heartbroken.

Xu’s mother stood before the tombstone, talking to Xu Yuanwen. The couple didn’t disturb her, instead going down the steps first to wait at the foot of the mountain.

The resolution of that case had been a relief for both Xu Zhinan and her mother, allowing them to finally move on. Xu’s mother no longer shed tears every time she saw Xu Yuanwen’s photo as she used to.

The young couple waited at the foot of the mountain while Xu’s mother knelt before the tombstone.

“Yuanwen,” she reached out, gently touching the photo on the tombstone, “our Nan has grown up now. Her work is going well, and she’s found a wonderful boyfriend. Everything has been resolved, so you can finally rest in peace up there.”

As she said this, Xu’s mother’s eyes grew moist, her expression gentle. “We haven’t seen each other for over ten years now. I do miss you, but someday we’ll meet again.”

June was getting increasingly hot, with temperatures rising rapidly.

At the beginning of the month, both Lin Qingye and Xu Zhinan received invitations to Pingchuan University’s 80th anniversary celebration.

Usually, for university celebrations, invitations were sent to alumni with some degree of fame. As the most famous graduate from the music department, Lin Qingye was naturally invited.

Xu Zhinan hadn’t expected to receive an invitation as well. Although her tattoo shop was indeed quite renowned in tattoo circles, it didn’t align with her original design major. Perhaps she was benefiting from her connection to Lin Qingye.

Lin Qingye waved the invitation in his hand and asked lazily: “Shall we go?”

“Do you want to go?”

“Let’s go.”

Xu Zhinan paused and looked at him. Lin Qingye wasn’t the type who enjoyed crowds.

How many people would attend the 80th anniversary celebration? The school would probably invite many live streamers and cameras as well.

Lin Qingye knew what she was thinking and gave her a suggestive smile: “Let’s go show off our love.”

“…”

The celebration was in half a month, in mid-June.

Pingchuan University took this 80th anniversary very seriously and had started preparations early. Small flags commemorating the 80th anniversary could be seen throughout the campus.

Xu Zhinan’s tattoo shop was right across from Pingchuan University, so she saw the various preparations for the celebration every day. When the lights came on at night, it looked especially beautiful.

At Lin Qingye’s request, they both wore matching short-sleeved shirts.

Lin Qingye paired his with black pants, while Xu Zhinan wore a summery short skirt.

Both already stood out with their appearances, and dressed this way, they were even more eye-catching.

Lin Qingye drove to Pingchuan University. As soon as they got out of the car, they attracted the attention of many people around them.

When news of the 80th anniversary celebration came out, everyone had been wondering if Lin Qingye and Xu Zhinan would attend. No one expected them to arrive together so openly.

Xu Zhinan still felt somewhat uncomfortable, but Lin Qingye simply took her hand and walked toward the entrance.

Not only were the celebration attendees watching them, but many current students were also paying attention.

“Why so nervous?” Lin Qingye smoothed her shoulders, silently straightening her slightly hunched back.

The celebration wouldn’t start for a while, so they decided to walk around campus first.

Since graduation, neither had returned much. Pingchuan University has renovated many areas over the years, making it quite different from before.

The couple walked hand in hand until they reached a secluded area surrounded by lush trees.

Xu Zhinan was in high spirits, walking with a slight bounce. Suddenly, Lin Qingye pulled her hand. She looked up at him, then followed his gaze to see the entrance of her former dormitory area—and a row of locust trees planted along the winding path beside the dormitory building.

In June, the locust flowers were in full bloom.

Lin Qingye frowned and looked down at her: “Are you uncomfortable?”

He still remembered how, during winter and spring, when they went to fulfill their vow, Xu Zhinan had an allergic reaction to the scent of locust flowers on the way down the mountain.

Xu Zhinan blinked, taking a deep breath, and then answered honestly: “No.”

Lin Qingye still wasn’t reassured: “Let’s take another path.”

“It’s fine. I think I’m better now. Before, even a slight scent would make me very uncomfortable.” As she spoke, she pulled Lin Qingye toward the locust trees.

The locust flowers hung in clusters on the branches, a beautiful intertwining of white and green. The petals were tiny, and many fell scattered on the ground when the wind blew, releasing a rich locust flower fragrance.

Xu Zhinan picked one cluster and smelled it carefully. The sweet fragrance carried the subtle bitterness unique to locust flowers.

She didn’t feel uncomfortable at all anymore.

“Look, I am better! They smell so nice!”

The young woman’s eyes shone brightly with joy. She gently plucked a cluster of locust flowers—a string of white blossoms resting in her palm, like some extravagant umbrella-shaped earring.

Xu Zhinan looked at it for a moment, then reached out, placing the flower beside Lin Qingye’s ear, mischievously saying: “Let me give you an earring.”

She stretched her arm straight out, leaning back to carefully examine Lin Qingye, then smiled: “It looks pretty good.”

Lin Qingye snorted softly, grabbed her wrist and pulled it back, taking the flower and tucking it into her ponytail.

Xu Zhinan tried to remove it but was restrained by him holding her other hand, unable to move.

“Let go,” she struggled with her arms.

Lin Qingye easily held both her wrists, smiling roguishly: “Weren’t you just trying to give me an earring?”

After the two played around for a while, laughter suddenly came from nearby. Lin Qingye looked up.

They were standing on the small path next to the dormitory area, and some students from the nearby dormitory building were peering at them from the corridor windows. Who knows how long they had been watching?

Soon, videos of their playful interaction were posted online.

Lin Qingye and Xu Zhinan now have their own CP (couple pairing) super topic on Weibo—QingNan CP—with an especially large number of fans, ranking first on the CP chart for the same period.

Everyone knew that most entertainment industry CPs were just wishful thinking from fans, with many ending in breakups.

So QingNan CP fans were particularly smug, since they could righteously proclaim “QingNan is real!!”

The video was first posted in the QingNan super topic, quickly attracting everyone’s attention, with many acting overly dramatic in the comments.

Wait, what’s going on? My little sister is being bullied by this bad man?

Report, report! Lin Qingye portrays himself as lovesick for years over Nannan in front of the camera, but behind the scenes, he’s abusive!

Lin Qingye, stop grabbing our Nannan or I’m getting my knife!!

Hahahahahahaha, but has anyone noticed that the flower is a locust flower?

So that’s a locust flower! First time seeing it!! It’s so beautiful!!

How do these two make even the smallest details into something sweet? I thought we were just enjoying their playful banter, but who knew even props could be romantic! Respect!

…

By evening, the 80th anniversary celebration officially began.

More and more alumni cars came and went around campus. The couple followed the signs visible everywhere to the celebration venue.

Besides officially invited alumni, any Pingchuan graduate could attend, along with many current students. The entire hall was bustling.

As they walked inside, they encountered an elderly professor.

“Qingye!” the professor called out.

The couple approached the professor, and Lin Qingye nodded: “Professor Xu.”

Xu Zhinan recognized him as a highly respected elderly professor from Pingchuan’s music department. She also greeted him: “Professor Xu, I’m Xu Zhinan from Pingchuan’s art department.”

Professor Xu smiled kindly: “I know, I know. A few days ago, I was chatting with Professor Chen from your department, and he mentioned you. He said your grades were excellent back then. I never expected you two would end up together—I guess the water stayed in the family field after all.”

The younger Lin Qingye had been somewhat arrogant about his talents, and many teachers disliked his personality. Only Professor Xu was an exception, always particularly appreciating him.

Lin Qingye chatted with him for a while before they took their seats.

Soon after, Jiang Yue and Zhao Qian arrived together, somewhat awkwardly greeting Lin Qingye before sitting next to Xu Zhinan.

“Why are you both so late?” Xu Zhinan asked.

Zhao Qian: “Yueyue went with me for a prenatal checkup today. Seems like there are a lot of pregnant women lately or something—the queue was long.”

“How was the checkup?”

“All good. This little one is quite low-maintenance—no problems at every checkup.”

Now Zhao Qian’s belly was quite big. Xu Zhinan carefully touched it and happened to feel the baby move, like a gentle press against her palm.

Xu Zhinan’s eyes immediately lit up.

Zhao Qian was amused by her reaction: “If you like it so much, you should have one yourself.”

Zhao Qian leaned over to look at Lin Qingye sitting on Xu Zhinan’s other side: “I don’t think our Pingchuan campus heartthrob would refuse your request.”

Lin Qingye was equally shameless: “Gladly.”

Xu Zhinan: “…”

The celebration began with the chancellor’s speech. It was quite formulaic. Xu Zhinan’s left hand was held by Lin Qingye while she chatted quietly with Jiang Yue and Zhao Qian.

The three women hadn’t seen each other for quite some time.

The stage backdrop displayed Pingchuan University’s history on a timeline extending toward the future.

The chancellor spoke for a long time, followed by speeches from several well-known alumni.

Pingchuan University was known for its business school, so most of the speakers were young elites in business attire.

By the time everyone in the audience was nearly bored to sleep, this segment finally ended. Zhao Qian supported her lower back: “Why was that so boring? I’m almost regretting coming with this belly.”

The host came on stage to announce the next segment, which wouldn’t be in the enclosed hall but outside on the field.

Everyone followed the crowd to the field, only to discover that many small tents had already been set up, somewhat like a club recruitment fair.

Pingchuan University’s art departments were famous—dance, music, fine arts, theater and film, directing, and more were all quite accomplished.

Each performance had its tent, with cross-disciplinary collaboration. Everyone performed together, showcasing harmonious and open university life.

Some performed skits and comedy, others solo and group dances, as well as solo and choral singing. The directing majors projected their films onto a central screen in the field.

Everyone walked around, chatting and watching performances.

Each time a performance began, the string lights hanging on the tent would light up. One by one, performances came and went, lights brightening and dimming.

At one solo singing performance, the lead singer was missing. Professor Xu quickly went over to inquire about the situation.

The filming continued around them, being livestreamed on the school’s official Weibo.

The chancellor frowned and said to Professor Xu: “What’s going on?”

“It seems the student in charge ate something bad. My student says it’s quite serious, and they probably can’t handle a normal full performance.”

The chancellor: “With so many people here, we can’t leave a gap. Old Xu, you need to take responsibility for this.”

“Alright, alright, I understand.”

Professor Xu looked around, suddenly took the microphone on stage, and directly called out to the audience: “Lin Qingye!”

Xu Zhinan was startled.

Lin Qingye stood in the crowd and lazily raised his arm, responding in a faint voice: “Here.”

Professor Xu looked over and said directly: “Come up, let’s have a round of applause for Lin Qingye! He’ll sing a song for us!”

Lin Qingye: “…”

The audience didn’t react immediately, with no sound at all.

Professor Xu urged: “Hurry up! Aren’t you also a Pingchuan music department graduate? Now your alma mater needs you to save the day!”

Quicker than anyone’s reaction was the lighting technician. A spotlight swept from the stage, landing on Lin Qingye.

Everyone began to applaud, accompanied by several encouraging whistles.

Lin Qingye stood in place for a while before slowly straightening up. He turned to Xu Zhinan and said: “I’ll go up for a bit.”

“Okay.” She nodded, still somewhat dazed, far less composed than Lin Qingye, who had been suddenly asked to perform.

He walked through the crowd and onto the stage.

The spotlight followed closely behind him.

In a daze, Xu Zhinan felt like he hadn’t changed at all, the same as before.

Handsome appearance, defined features, with a faint smile at the corners of his mouth, looking cool yet slightly roguish.

Lin Qingye reached the stage and negotiated with Professor Xu for a few moments. Soon, people began busily bringing instruments onto the stage.

Within minutes, Lin Qingye had borrowed several student musicians from Professor Xu for accompaniment.

He originally hadn’t planned to sing his song, but when he asked if the students knew any common sheet music, they couldn’t find anything suitable. Finally, when he asked if they knew “Locust Tree,” they all did.

“Then let’s do ‘Locust Tree’,” Lin Qingye decided.

Xu Zhinan looked up at Lin Qingye on the makeshift stage not far away.

There was a breeze on the field, carrying the fresh scent of grass, also ruffling his hair, with some messy strands falling across his forehead.

Lin Qingye took a guitar from someone in the audience, casually strummed a few notes, and a beautiful melody drifted out.

Then he put the guitar on his back, sat on a high stool, one leg bent at the knee, his long legs elegant, with a microphone stand in front of him.

“Pingchuan University Music Department,” he leaned toward the microphone, his voice magnetic and deep, “Lin Qingye, ‘Locust Tree.'”

Zhao Qian, beside Xu Zhinan, let out a mock wail: “Nan! You need to control this! You can’t let him keep releasing such electric charm!”

Many current Pingchuan students in attendance were very supportive. Just like at music festivals in the past, they did not skimp on applause, screams, and cheers.

In the warm, clean night, a few scattered stars hung overhead.

Lin Qingye stood on stage and began to sing, his voice gentle.

Between me and the world You are the gulf, the marsh The abyss that’s sinking deeper You are the fence, the wall The permanent pattern on the shield You are the maiden I am the crawling five-legged monster In the crossroads of night, spring light bursts through You raise your gun, I become your sacrifice …

These were lyrics Lin Qingye had written in his youth.

At that time, when they first met, Lin Qingye was both arrogant and rebellious, while also like a beast in a dark swamp due to trauma from his family, peering at her from a deep cave, retreating at the first sight of light.

This desire consumed him, countless times wanting to drag her into his cave, wanting to pull the bright, beautiful her into hell.

But ultimately, it was just as the lyrics said.

You raise your gun, I become your sacrifice.

During the song, everyone raised their hands, waving to the melody.

But amidst this atmosphere, Xu Zhinan gradually felt a lump in her throat, her eyes growing hot.

Through the ups and downs of life, there were valleys and peaks, but at this moment, Lin Qingye returned to their school days, back to when nothing had happened between them.

Sometimes Xu Zhinan would think, how wonderful it would be if they could have met, known, and fallen in love like most couples in the world, without so much struggle and bitterness, without those painful two and a half years.

How nice it would be if the two Pingchuan legends could simply have a straightforward relationship, and Lin Qingye wouldn’t have had to endure all that suffering.

But sometimes she also thought, perhaps this kind of relationship wasn’t so bad after all.

Till death do us part.

When the song ended, Lin Qingye stood on stage, ran his hand through his hair, revealing his clean, sweat-dampened forehead.

After the performance, he bowed to the audience, and thunderous applause erupted.

But as he was leaving the stage, he suddenly paused, turned back, looked at the audience, and suddenly said: “Nan.”

Xu Zhinan’s heart was seized.

His expression was tender, like he held limitless indulgence. With his chin slightly raised, he stood on stage under everyone’s gaze, looking straight at her with a smile.

“I love you,” he said.

…

The wind blew forcefully, and amid the even more passionate cheering from everyone, Xu Zhinan seemed to return to three years ago.

At that time, Xu Yuanwen’s case had not yet progressed. To cheer her up, Lin Qingye had taken her to the rooftop of an abandoned building, a place where the Locust Band used to frequent.

That day, the wind was gentle, the night quiet, the trees rustling.

She and Lin Qingye lay on their backs on old wooden boards, pressing against their bones.

She looked at the stars, but Lin Qingye turned to embrace her, his breath warm against her neck.

“Nan,” he called softly.

“What is it?”

He didn’t speak. After a few seconds, he chuckled softly: “Nothing.”

“What is it?”

Still no response.

Xu Zhinan turned to look and found he had already closed his eyes, so she continued to look at the stars.

The night breeze felt comfortable, and later she even became drowsy. Half-asleep, she heard Lin Qingye’s gentle voice: “I love you.”

The Lin Qingye from before and the Lin Qingye now, the same “I love you,” converged together.

Xu Zhinan’s heart trembled.

Back then, Xu Zhinan couldn’t sleep night after night because of Xu Yuanwen’s case. Back then, Lin Qingye was also deeply mired in guilt and self-loathing over his mother and brother.

And now, in the height of summer, on a clear night, the radiant Lin Qingye stood on stage open, only telling her “I love you.”

Xu Zhinan smiled, and tears rolled down her face.

Lin Qingye walked off the stage, opened his arms, and reverently embraced her amidst the cheers.

In the past, Xu Zhinan always felt they were people from different worlds. She was conventional, taking life one step at a time, but Lin Qingye was unrestrained and without taboos.

In the past, when she would read a Buddhist scripture, Lin Qingye would tease her with a faint smile, calling her “little nun.”

But now, Lin Qingye is Xu Zhinan’s devotee.

I wanted to drag you to hell, yet I worship you like a deity.