After Xiaohan took over Chunan’s guitar, she tucked it away in the farthest corner of her bedroom—a spot that screamed she intended to let it gather dust.

Sadly, it saw daylight again after barely two days.

Hugging the guitar on her bed, Xiaohan fidgeted nervously. "You really want me to play?"

"I just want to hear how good you are," Chunan replied, leaning back in his computer chair, his expression unreadable.

Xiaohan hesitated, then silently positioned the guitar—only to freeze as she realized a critical issue. "...Wait."

Chunan watched as she carefully straightened her back, awkwardly perching her generous curves atop the instrument. She strummed two tentative chords, her voice strained. "This position feels so weird..."

Chunan: "...".

The guitar *was* oversized for Xiaohan’s petite frame now. Worse, her old playing posture had become utterly impractical thanks to her new assets, leaving her flustered.

"Tch. Guess big chests aren’t all they’re cracked up to be," she muttered under her breath.

Chunan stayed silent.

This was uncharted territory for him.

After readjusting for a moment, Xiaohan finally found a workable pose. She glanced up at him again. "Seriously, you want me to play?"

"...Why so many questions? Just play. I won’t laugh," Chunan sighed, rubbing his temples. "I’m just checking your progress. You sacrificed so many holidays learning this—shouldn’t it be useful for something?"

Xiaohan pursed her lips but said nothing.

*She’d originally learned guitar to be a cool, artsy guy who’d charm girls.*

*Now she couldn’t even flirt with girls anymore. What use was it?*

*Snagging sugar daddies?*

*Anyway, her half-baked skills were nowhere near idol material.*

Still, she played a song she’d practiced—a popular love ballad in this world. Chunan knew the tune. Her performance was actually quite good.

But...

"Why aren’t you singing?"

"...Do I have to?"

"What’s the point of playing guitar without singing?"

Xiaohan narrowed her eyes, locking gazes with Chunan.

Then she turned her head away. "No. I’m shy."

"...Shy? *You?*" Chunan snorted. "Since when were you shy at KTV?"

They’d hit karaoke bars often with classmates back then. Xiaohan always grabbed the mic first—and sang brilliantly.

"It’s different!" she insisted stubbornly this time. "Singing here isn’t like KTV. The vibe’s all wrong... and you just *staring* at me while I sing? How is that not embarrassing?"

Chunan swiveled his chair around, facing away. "Fine. I won’t look. Sing."

Xiaohan: "..."

After a long pause, she mumbled, "You really want me to sing?"

"Sing," Chunan said, back still turned. "Nothing to be shy about. I just want to hear how your voice is now. You used to sing great, remember? What’s there to be embarrassed about?"

A faint blush spread across Xiaohan’s cheeks. After steeling herself, she nodded. "Okay."

Silence fell again. Then the guitar strings hummed once more—the same melody, now paired with her voice.

Even as a girl, her singing hadn’t worsened. Quite the opposite—it had blossomed. Her soft, clear vocals wove through the melancholic lyrics, tugging at the heartstrings, drawing the listener into her world.

Until she hit a wrong note.

"Ah! No more singing! That’s enough, right?" Xiaohan seized the excuse, dropping the guitar flustered. "Way too embarrassing. Done."

Chunan turned around, studying her flushed face with a slight frown. "Why are you blushing?"

Xiaohan: "..."

He let it slide. "But seriously—you’re good. With proper training, you could actually become a top idol."

*Tch. No wonder this was his dream girlfriend’s body. That voice was pure magic.*

Xiaohan flopped backward onto the bed. "So you really want me to be an idol? With my half-baked skills?"

Chunan’s gaze lingered for a second on the gap in her skirt before he deliberately looked away. "Don’t worry. I’ll be your manager. Even if you suck, I’ll push you to the top."

Xiaohan rolled over, propping herself up to stare at him. After a thoughtful pause, she blurted, "Did you get some kind of system reward?"

*Why else bring this up out of nowhere?*

Chunan nodded, not denying it. "Sharp."

"...So what’s the plan?"

"Not rushing it," Chunan crossed his legs, smiling. "I’ll handle the groundwork. Just do what I say when the time comes. One more thing—I’m heading to the KR Game Expo in a few days. You in?"

"YES!" Xiaohan bounced off the bed. "You’ll buy me stuff there, right?!"

Chunan considered it, then nodded. "If you behave."

"I’ll be perfect!" She scooted close, beaming up at him. "Brother Chu is my sky! Say east, I go east; say fly, I soar!"

Chunan shot her a sidelong glance. Before he could speak, Xiaohan suddenly yelped, "EXCEPT GRASS!"

"...I meant *practice singing*."

"...Oh."

The KR Game Expo was one of the world’s premier gaming events. Studios showcased new releases, demos, and investment pitches—a must-attend for players and developers alike.

As a single-player game streamer, Chunan couldn’t miss it. This was a rare chance to film vlogs and live outdoor streams—a golden opportunity to grow his audience.

And after unlocking the Library, he had another goal for this expo.

He sensed it: this event might be his first step toward the peak of his life.

Bringing Xiaohan served multiple purposes—company, fan appeal, and a little reward to keep her motivated. He knew she’d obey as his exclusive assistant, but he’d never exploit that bond lightly. Beyond the role, she was his childhood friend.

A decade-long friendship didn’t sour easily. Truth was, Xiaohan was the closest person he’d ever had—across two lifetimes.

He teased her often. Sometimes even used her.

But deep down, that bond had never wavered.

And he’d never let it change.