Chapter Fifty-Four: Something Like Love

The young man softly sang a gentle melody reminiscent of an empty valley, as if telling his own story. Some said that a boy’s thoughts should soar to the clouds, impossible to see through or fathom. For Xu Tong, Wang Tao, and the other boys, Xiao Lin’s singing was simply pleasant to hear; they couldn’t detect anything else. But for Tan Linlin, Liu Na, and Kang Yan, whose feelings were more delicate, they had sensed a trace of melancholy in Xiao Lin’s songs before, though that was the extent of it.

“I’ve always been by your side, never far away…” At this moment, Xiao Lin bore none of the imposing air he’d shown when besting Tiger; he’d become a prince of love songs. The soft lighting gently illuminated his fresh, handsome face, and his deep eyes shimmered with a unique light. His dark, pearl-like pupils seemed to be telling a story, drawing you in without realizing it. His lofty nose twitched from time to time, and his alluring lips opened and closed in rhythm. Xiao Lin was not merely singing; he was pouring out his heart.

Wang Yuqing listened quietly, her long lashes fluttering now and then. One delicate hand absentmindedly rubbed the silver pen cap hanging from her neck. Her head tilted slightly as she gazed at the youth who turned the song “Legend” into a poetic vision. Wang Yuqing’s heart was entirely captivated. In that moment, she felt Xiao Lin was not sorrowful; he was sharing a story with her—fragments of his memories. Suddenly, Wang Yuqing recalled the diary she had seen in Xiao Lin’s study.

“April 6th, 2009. Today I met a girl. Only one phrase can describe her: unmatched among flowers, extraordinary in beauty.”

“Just because I glanced at you once in the crowd, I could never forget your face.” That was his feeling when he first met Ma Yunrou.

…The song drifted on, and Wang Yuqing listened intently to the boy’s hidden thoughts.

“When I miss you, you’re at the horizon; when I miss you, you’re before my eyes; when I miss you, you’re in my mind; when I miss you, you’re in my heart…”

“Beijing, Beijing, she’s not there. She’s not at their school. Rou’er, where have you gone?” “She’s not there!” “Still not there.” “She’s gone…”

Hearing this, Wang Yuqing’s heart trembled. At these lines, Xiao Lin’s voice grew noticeably lower. Unconsciously, Wang Yuqing clenched her small fists—Xiao Lin, you can do it! she silently cheered.

“I’ve always been by your side, never far away.” This time, Xiao Lin’s voice grew clear and cheerful. Yet Wang Yuqing didn’t quite understand this line. She lifted her head and met Xiao Lin’s gaze; his deep eyes seemed to be conveying something—nostalgia, perhaps affection, maybe even hesitation. Wang Yuqing’s heart skipped. She thought of all that had happened between her and Xiao Lin lately: from her transfer, their first interactions, helping him, and Xiao Lin’s transformation. From ordinary classmates, to good friends, to the anxious scene yesterday when Xiao Lin rushed to her rescue. The more Wang Yuqing thought, the more her mind filled with images of Xiao Lin past and present, memories weaving together, until finally, what remained was his smiling face.

The music stopped abruptly. Xiao Lin closed his mouth, gently set down the microphone. His eyes shone brighter than ever, his heart clear and free from any sorrow.

“Bravo!” “That was amazing, Xiao Lin, you really should join The Voice of China—you’d win for sure!” Tan Linlin and the other girls clapped enthusiastically, their excitement barely contained.

Meanwhile, Xu Tong and the boys could only sigh in defeat. “Boss Xiao, with your singing, we’re all outclassed. I don’t even dare request a song now,” Xu Tong said, pulling a long face.

“No worries, I’ll sing. I can still perform ‘Under the Bridge by My Door,’” Yuan Weiye replied nonchalantly. No sooner had he spoken than he began to croon, “Under the bridge by my door, a flock of ducks swims by…”

“Get lost!” Several snack bags flew at him from all directions, landing squarely on his mouth and silencing him before he could torture them further.

“Heh, Yuqing, what are you thinking about?” Xiao Lin smiled as he walked over and sat beside Wang Yuqing, noticing her lost in thought.

“Huh? What?” Wang Yuqing had been wrapped up in memories, not hearing his question.

“Wow, was my singing really that good? It even made our Miss Wang Yuqing get lost in it.” Xiao Lin teased her.

“Mm, it was that good. No, it was especially good,” Wang Yuqing replied, her face utterly serious.

Uh… Seeing her so earnest and solemn, Xiao Lin was left speechless.

Looking at the boy before her, Wang Yuqing’s beautiful eyes sparkled. Should I do something? she wondered. This was the boy she’d secretly loved for years, the source of her bittersweet longing. Xiao Lin had just shared his heart—he probably didn’t realize she could understand him. Maybe she should sing for him now. My prince, will you understand my song? At the thought, Wang Yuqing gave Xiao Lin a mischievous glance, leaving him even more puzzled. What was Wang Yuqing up to? Xiao Lin wondered.

“What’s wrong? What’s with my singing? Didn’t you all say I was a karaoke king? I think Xiao Lin did pretty well, but I’m definitely better. Come on, let’s count it out—two, four, six, seven, eight.” Yuan Weiye tore open the snacks that had hit him and began humming again.

Everyone rolled their eyes, beyond help. “Wang Tao, aren’t you going to sing ‘Double Nunchaku’?” Lin Xudong asked.

“I’ll sing it later.” As if! If he sang right now after Xiao Lin’s performance, everyone would compare them and he’d be utterly embarrassed. Wang Tao glanced at Kang Yan and thought to himself.

“So, who’s next?” Lin Xudong asked. Xu Tong turned his head away, pretending not to hear; he wasn’t foolish. Kang Yan and Liu Na remained silent as well.

Only Tan Linlin and Yuan Weiye looked eager to try. But Xu Tong held Yuan Weiye firmly by the shoulder—he couldn’t be allowed to sing again or everyone would go mad. Kang Yan and Liu Na grabbed Tan Linlin’s sleeves; they couldn’t handle her wild rock style either.

“I’ll go next,” Wang Yuqing said softly, finally making up her mind as she stood up.

At once, all eyes turned to her. Everyone, Xiao Lin included, was surprised. Wang Yuqing was usually so quiet; if pressed, she’d sing once out of politeness, but she never volunteered. This didn’t fit her gentle, graceful nature.

“Yuqing, are you sure?” Tan Linlin asked incredulously.

“Hmph, now you’ll see what my singing is like.” Wang Yuqing put on a playful air, turned to the song selection screen, chose a song, then picked up the microphone and walked to the center of the booth. As the intro began, she gently swayed her small hand.

“Wow, she’s really doing it!” Everyone quieted down, ready to listen closely.

Xiao Lin watched, amusement in his eyes, as the girl—her cheeks still slightly flushed—stood boldly in the center. This girl really went up there.

“I’m standing on the rooftop, golden dusk falling, I hear the sound of love arriving…” Wang Yuqing began to sing in her crisp, clear voice.

“Something Like Love,” Xiao Lin murmured softly.