At the end of November, a cold front swept south from the north, enveloping all of China.

Late autumn arrived quietly, its bleak, chilly winds brushing past pedestrians’ cheeks, tousling their hair, urging them to pull their coats tighter against the creeping cold.

For Lin Xuan’s fans, this November was long-awaited.

On November 28, Lin Xuan’s global concert tour kicked off, starting in China’s S City. On November 30, his debut film, Silent, would hit theaters. Though Lin Xuan played only the second male lead, as his first acting role, it drew countless fans.

Silent had captivated audiences since its cast announcement.

Presale tickets went online last week, and two days ago, all tickets for the November 30 premiere sold out. Late-night screenings were the only option left.

The Silent crew’s relentless promotion paid off. They appeared on various variety shows and traveled globally for publicity, boosting the film’s exposure.

Rong Xu, Xiao Zitong, and Lin Xuan interacted online, amplifying hype. Rong Xu, already a hot topic after the Ren Shuzhi scandal, saw his popularity surge, benefiting not just himself but also Lost City and Silent.

Rong fans counted down daily online, eagerly awaiting Silent’s release.

Beyond that, they flooded Rong Xu’s Weibo with tearful comments: [QAQ Rongrong hasn’t posted in a week, no selfies in two! I miss Rongrong, wanna drool over him, wanna kiss, hug, and lift him high!!!]

Yes, while Silent’s variety shows aired, Rong Xu seemed to have vanished.

Since returning to China from the U.S., he hadn’t posted on Weibo or his private fan forum. For other celebrities, a week or two of silence might be normal—maybe just a busy schedule.

But for Rong Xu, it was odd.

His fans, known for their enthusiasm, often interacted with him. Though he couldn’t reply to all, he doted on them, posting fresh photos whenever they clamored for selfies or chats.

Now, he was gone.

Rong fans were heartbroken but kept quiet, diligently joining events by Yingyouhete to snag his signed photos.

[Where’s Rongrong QAQ sob sob sob!]

In just a week, fans were drowning in longing. Unbeknownst to them, on the afternoon of November 26, their beloved idol flew from B City to S City, landing at Hongqiao Airport. Staff whisked him away for concert rehearsals.

By evening, when Rong Xu reached S City Stadium, golden, dreamy sunset clouds streaked the sky. The venue had been sealed for days for Lin Xuan’s concert prep.

As staff led Rong Xu’s group to the venue, Lin Xuan was singing.

From the top of the audience stands, Rong Xu paused, gazing at the baby-faced singer center stage.

Concerts seem simple but involve countless efforts. Lighting, sound, camera, and tuning crews, plus stage design, choreography, and planning teams—hundreds work tirelessly with the star to ensure a flawless show, preventing mishaps.

Rehearsals run through the entire concert process.

It was Luo Zhentao and Luo Xi’s first time at a live rehearsal. Standing at the stands’ peak, they marveled at Lin Xuan. A staff member explained, “They’re on the third-to-last song. Two more, and today’s rehearsal wraps.”

Luo Zhentao and Luo Xi nodded.

Rong Xu watched Lin Xuan thoughtfully, listening to the music, a smile tugging at his lips.

Half an hour later, they met backstage. On stage, the pop prince was all business, but offstage, spotting Rong Xu, he burst into laughter, striding over. “My singing’s pretty great, huh?”

Rong Xu raised a brow, smirking. “Did I ever say it wasn’t?”

Lin Xuan grinned. “My acting’s not as good as yours. Director Xu ragged on me during filming, using you as the gold standard. Rong Xu, leave it all to me this time. Don’t stress. With me here, what’s to worry about? I’ll make sure the concert’s perfect, and we’ll hit the headlines together.”

Rong Xu’s eyes flickered with amusement, quickly fading.

That night, Lin Xuan’s manager treated everyone to dinner at a famous S City seafood restaurant. With the concert in two days, Rong Xu and Lin Xuan ate lightly, no alcohol. Most of the seafood ended up in Luo Xi’s stomach.

Back at the hotel, Lin Xuan generously said, “During tomorrow’s rehearsal, don’t hold back. Tell me any issues.”

Rong Xu smiled. “Don’t worry, I won’t hesitate to bother you.”

Lin Xuan laughed heartily.

Rong Xu understood Lin Xuan’s showboating. During Silent’s filming, Lin Xuan’s acting was solid but lagged behind Rong Xu’s. After two NGs, Director Xu would cite “other people’s kid” Rong Xu, urging him to rehearse with Lin Xuan.

Now, singing was Lin Xuan’s turf.

Lin Xuan had listened to Lost Wings, stunned by it, and raved in Qin Fengfeng’s private group: [Rongrong sings well too, great tone. Listen to Lost Wings, highly recommend!]

But a good voice didn’t guarantee a great concert performance.

Concerts require energizing the crowd. Lin Xuan would handle that, with Rong Xu joining mid-show. Still, Rong Xu’s role wasn’t easy.

To Lin Xuan, Rong Xu, despite his acting prowess, was a concert newbie.

Concerts demand live singing—no lip-syncing. Even the best tuners couldn’t perfect Rong Xu’s voice in such a short time. Plus, he’d face 30,000 spectators.

The next morning, they hit S City Stadium for the final rehearsal day.

The morning was Lin Xuan’s solo practice. Rong Xu, due on stage in the afternoon, observed from backstage, mentally preparing.

Before going up, Lin Xuan flashed a toothy grin. “Rongrong, watch closely. Concerts aren’t like acting. Fans are right there, no camera between you.”

Rong Xu, half-laughing, half-exasperated, said, “Are you rehearsing or not?”

Lin Xuan trotted to the stage.

After lunch, one more song, and it was Rong Xu’s turn.

In the lift, the teen closed his eyes, taking a brief, deep breath. Mechanical whirs filled the small space as the platform rose. Then, it was Rong Xu’s moment.

The afternoon rehearsal flew by. Leaving the stadium for the hotel, Rong Xu sat in the backseat, texting a man. Beside him, the sulky pop prince radiated resentment.

Lin Xuan sneaked a glance. Rong Xu subtly tilted his phone away.

Another glance, another tilt. Again, and again.

On the fourth peek, Rong Xu shut off his phone, pocketing it, and turned, smiling. “So, you’ve looked at me four times. Something to say?”

Lin Xuan blurted, “How’d you nail the rehearsal so smoothly? Director Wang passed you in one take! That’s not normal!”

Rong Xu, calm: “I didn’t mess up, so one take’s enough.” He added, “I did a second run, didn’t I?”

Lin Xuan: “But that was just to get you more comfortable!”

Rong Xu shrugged. “I followed the concert playbook. Any problem?”

Lin Xuan: “…No problem.”

Five minutes later, Qin Fengfeng’s private group exploded with Lin Xuan’s rant:
[Lin Xuan: Rehearsed with Rongrong today, and he didn’t mess up ONCE. Positioning, everything—perfect. Director even praised him QAQ. Comfort me! This guy’s not human. First concert rehearsal, zero errors. I’m not singing with him anymore, waaaah!]

Rong Xu saw it, didn’t reply, and kept chatting with Qin Cheng.

Ten minutes passed, no new group messages.

[Lin Xuan: …Why’s no one comforting me?]
[Lin Xuan: Where is everyone?!]

Finally, replies trickled in.

[Xia Muyan: Filming, just got out of the water.]
[James: Haha, sunbathing. Hawaii’s sun is great today.]
[Chu Qi: So Rong Xu’s really guesting at your concert? I’ll watch the livestream tomorrow, retweet you guys lol.]

They chatted a bit until Wen Xuan popped up.

[Wen Xuan: Huh? Rongrong’s guesting at your concert? How didn’t I know? Lin Xuan, you jerk, why didn’t you say? I wanna go! Now I’m stuck vacationing in Hawaii with James and Hugh. No time to fly back.]

[Lin Xuan: You wanted to see my concert? Didn’t you know last month it’s tomorrow?]

[Wen Xuan: →_→ Who cares about your concert? I wanna see Rongrong. You’ve done tons of concerts. Boring.]

Lin Xuan, reading this: “…”

This was no way to live!!!

A minute later, Rong Xu saw a WeChat notification pop up.

[Your friend “Er Mu” has left the group chat]

Rong Xu: “…”

Twitching his lips, Rong Xu turned to Lin Xuan beside him, surprised. “Why’d you quit the group?”

Lin Xuan huffed, sneering, “These guys went too far. I’ll let them stew for a bit, show them who’s boss, and join back later.”

Rong Xu: “…”

He said “join back later,” but five minutes later, Rong Xu received a group join request from “Er Mu.” Their WeChat group allowed anyone to approve new members. Seeing the request, Rong Xu moved to accept it without thinking, but then!

[Wen Xuan: Lin Xuan’s trying to rejoin? Don’t let him in!]

[James: Yeah, don’t approve! Reject!]

[Chu Qi: Haha, did he storm out to make a point and now wants back in? Don’t let him in +1]

[Jennifer: I’m staying out of this.]

[Hugh: I’m with Chu.]

[Xia Muyan: …You guys are mean. I’m filming, I saw nothing.]

Rong Xu, witnessing this: “…”

In the car, Lin Xuan waved his phone around, asking, “Rong Xu, did you see my join request? It’s been ages, why am I not in? Is the signal bad? Check for me.”

Lips curling slightly, Rong Xu slipped his phone into his pocket, saying calmly, “Didn’t see it. Try applying again. Probably the signal.”

Lin Xuan nodded. “Alright, I’ll check.”

By 9 p.m., after someone applied to rejoin 23 times, the kind-hearted Xia Muyan finally caved and let him in.

Back in the group, Lin Xuan, clueless, boasted: [Next time you want concert tickets, I won’t give you any! @Wen Xuan]

Wen Xuan, getting a spa, smirked, tossed her phone aside, and ignored the oblivious pop prince.

That evening, Rong Xu chatted in the group. Jennifer mentioned possibly collaborating on his next project.

Lin Xuan reacted first: [What? You’re working together? What project, spill!]

Rong Xu, brushing his teeth, froze at the message. After a moment, he typed: [Is it Director Clemens Holt’s new film Three Thousand Two Hundred Miles? Are you playing the female lead? @Jennifer]

Jennifer, whose Chinese was the group’s weakest, took a while to reply: [Yes, that’s it.]

Rong Xu set his toothbrush down: [Passed the audition?]

Typing Chinese was too slow for Jennifer, so she sent a voice message.

With five Chinese members in the group (four before Rong Xu joined), they’d once won a bet, forcing James, Jennifer, and Hugh to use Chinese in the chat, no English. Despite their rebellions, the rule stuck, as mixed-language chats were awkward.

Clicking Jennifer’s voice message, a low, gentle voice filled the hotel room. In crisp English with a slight American accent, Jennifer’s calm, professional tone contrasted Xia Muyan’s softness and Xiao Zitong’s sweetness, like a sharp urban executive.

“I spoke with Clemens yesterday and passed the audition. Excited to work with you, Rong. Our first meeting will be fun. Come to the U.S. next year, and we’ll talk details. The script’s great, I can’t wait.”

Rong Xu thought, then sent a voice reply in English to accommodate Jennifer’s Chinese struggles.

“The script is solid, and your role’s challenging. I’m looking forward to meeting you.”

Others noticed his gesture. Wen Xuan complained first, accusing Rong Xu of favoring Jennifer and ignoring her.

Rong Xu replied calmly: [I recall, Sister Xuan, you’re sunbathing in Hawaii… with James and Hugh?]

Implying: You’re living it up with two escorts.

Wen Xuan shot back: [James and Hugh are lazy. I regret vacationing with them. If I could choose, I’d ditch these bachelors, fly home, and watch your concert.]

[James: …]

[Hugh: …Give us some face, Xuan. We’re still here.]

The group buzzed with lively chatter. Rong Xu joined in briefly before switching to chat with Qin Cheng, noticing Lin Xuan, usually the most active, was absent.

…Maybe he’s busy?

Not overthinking, Rong Xu walked to the window, sat on the tatami, and texted with a smile: [Just chatted with Lin Xuan. Showered yet? What’d you eat tonight?]

Lovers talk about mundane things. When you truly care, even their dinner feels fascinating, never dull.

Qin Cheng replied quickly: [Just some noodles. How was afternoon rehearsal?]

Leaning against the wall, gazing at S City’s lavish nightlife, Rong Xu typed.

They talked for three hours. At 11:30 p.m., Rong Xu blinked, startled by how time flew.

Reluctant but needing rest for tomorrow’s final concert prep, he sent a last message: [Off to bed. After Silent’s premiere, I’m back to B City. Qin Cheng, good night.]

A swift reply: [Good night.]

Rong Xu rose from the tatami, heading to the bed. Halfway, his phone buzzed again. Checking it—

[Qin Cheng: Xiao Xu, remember…]

[Qin Cheng: I love you ^_^]

Heart stirring, the handsome teen’s eyes curved with a smile, staring at the screen. He typed, deleted, retyped, and deleted again, finally sending four simple words—

[Rong Xu: I love you too.]

Soon, Rong Xu climbed into bed, slipping into dreams. Unbeknownst to him, at that moment, Beijing Capital Airport glowed with vibrant neon, crimson light streaming through the windows, illuminating a tall, striking man.

Late at night, the airport was quiet, most passengers dozing in chairs, awaiting early flights.

Wearing a black mask and a wide-brimmed hat, the man walked slowly through the terminal, steps measured, reaching the gate. Removing his mask and hat, he startled a staff member, who glanced around.

No security in sight.

The man looked down, asking softly, “All set?” His low, magnetic voice made the staff blush, fumbling to check his documents. After he left, she squealed to her colleague, “Qin Cheng! It’s Qin Cheng! My God Qin!”

“I saw! God Qin, traveling alone, no assistant! Where’s he going? Let’s see… S City? Vacation?”

For Lin Xuan’s fans, this was just another concert.

Though it was the global tour’s opening night with 30,000 attendees, Lin Xuan had done this before, and fans were ready.

Ticketed fans headed to S City Stadium from homes or hotels that evening; others watched the livestream online.

Lin Xuan, with a seven-to-eight-year career, had a solid fanbase. Unbeknownst to him, many overlapped with Rong Xu’s fans.

One an actor, one a singer—liking both was natural.

Lin Xuan only recently acted in his first film, while Rong Xu sang just Lost Wings, with no further music ventures. Fans could easily support both, eagerly awaiting their joint project, Silent.

Jiang Xiaowan was such a fan.

Her main idol was Rong Xu, with Lin Xuan as a secondary favorite.

Four years ago, she fell for a Lin Xuan song, becoming a fan. She liked him, though not as much, and enjoyed his music, snagging front-row tickets early for this S City concert.

A year ago, after watching Ambush, she became a Rong Xu stan. The fierce, charismatic Colonel Huo stole her heart. She checked in daily on Rong Xu’s Weibo, swooned over his photos, and awaited his new works.

When Lin Xuan was cast as Silent’s second male lead, Jiang Xiaowan was ecstatic. She felt lucky—front-row concert tickets and a spot at Silent’s premiere to see Rong Xu live!

Brimming with excitement, Jiang Xiaowan joined other fans. Their group shared a love for both Lin Xuan and Rong Xu, though some leaned more toward one or the other.

At the concert entrance, the girls giggled and chatted. Suddenly, someone shouted, “Look! That girl’s in a wedding dress! Lin Xuan’s sure to notice her. I should’ve worn one too!”

“It’s late November, so cold in a wedding dress—she’s suffering. No way I’d do that.”

“Haha, I saw someone in a panda costume earlier. So smart—warm and cozy, warmer than our coats. If Lin Xuan spots her, she might even get to chat with him during the interactive part.”

“The panda girl? Holding an LED sign? I saw her too. Genius move, I’m doing that next time!”

Jiang Xiaowan laughed, “I saw her too, but is that really a girl? She’s so tall, like 1.8 meters at least?”

A fan replied, “Probably just the costume. The head’s likely stuffed with cotton.”

They didn’t dwell on it, entering the stadium and finding their seats.

Jiang Xiaowan wondered where the wedding dress girl and panda fan were sitting. Barely five minutes after settling in, she saw a panda clutching an LED sign waddle over and… plop down across two seats!

Jiang Xiaowan: “…”

Hesitating, she said kindly, “Um… miss, you’re taking two seats?”

Panda costumes had their flaws—too bulky for one seat!

Before she could finish, the panda calmly shook its head, pointed at the two seats under its butt, then at itself.

Jiang Xiaowan blinked, confused. “Huh?”

The adorable panda, with its big black-eye circles, tilted its head, gesturing again. After a few tries, a low, muffled male voice came from the costume: “I bought tickets for both seats.”

Jiang Xiaowan: “Oh, I thought…” Her voice trailed off.

Wait, a guy?!!

Lin Xuan’s concert soon began. With years of experience, his catchy songs quickly electrified the crowd. Fans sang along to familiar hits, the stage’s lighting and sound effects dazzling. In the front row, Jiang Xiaowan was swept away.

But during a mid-show blackout when Lin Xuan left the stage, she noticed the panda… guy beside her hadn’t moved once. No singing along either?!

Glancing down, she saw the LED sign in his hands. Since the concert started, he hadn’t raised it or turned it on. Unlit, no one could see its message or design.

Jiang Xiaowan: “…”

Well, the world’s full of oddities. Maybe he’s just here to listen. The sign? Maybe he’s working on arm strength.

Live fans shouted Lin Xuan’s name, awaiting his return. Livestream viewers, during the break, browsed news for fun tidbits and found…

Rongrong posted!!!

[Rong Xu: Give me one song’s time @Lin Xuan [image]]

Fans flooded the post, thrilled Rong Xu had resurfaced. After expressing their joy, they scrutinized the tweet.

“Give me one song’s time” puzzled them. The image was nearly pitch-black, taken somewhere dark, with only a faint glow at the top.

[What’s Rongrong up to? Why one song’s time? And tagging Er Mu~]

[Whatever Rongrong’s doing, one song, two, three—take all the time you need!!!]

[Biggest kiss to Rongrong! Skip the black pic, give us selfies, gorgeous selfies!]

Online, fans watched the concert livestream while scrolling phones. Lin Xuan mattered, but so did Rong Xu~ With the stage dark, they swooned over him.

As fans liked and commented, a thunderous roar erupted from their computers.

Live fans’ ecstatic screams poured through speakers, prompting livestream viewers to look up: Lin Xuan’s back! They replied to Rong Xu, retweeted, and returned to the concert.

Click retweet, comment, like—a quick three or four minutes. But in that time, many froze, eyes wide, staring at their screens in disbelief.

“If, if there’s a tomorrow.”

“Will you be there then?”

Two lines of a cappella ended. Online, fans were stunned; at the venue, silence reigned.

All eyes locked on the stage figure. They watched “Lin Xuan” rise from the lift to center stage.

In past concerts, Lin Xuan had used this gimmick: draped in white gauze, singing soulful lyrics, then, at the climax, fans would blow the gauze off, revealing him. With his baby face, it was stunning.

Now, “Lin Xuan,” veiled like a pure bride, stood on stage, singing Lost Wings.

The voice was clear, each lyric’s end trailing with a tender, emotional lilt, stirring every fan’s heart. The song, a hit from Black Clouds earlier that year, was famous nationwide and beyond.

But this song was Rong Xu’s. This voice… was Rong Xu’s!

In the front row, Jiang Xiaowan’s eyes widened, body trembling. Tears welled, ready to fall with a blink. Like her, countless Rong fans stared at the gauze-draped teen, unwilling to miss a note or moment.

No one noticed the panda guy in the front row quietly switch on his LED sign, stand in the aisle, and raise it high.

Glowing words sparkled like stars against the night: I love you ^_^