Su Yu hadn’t expected Luo Xiaoxiao to show up too. Clad in a punk leather jacket and high-top Doc Martens, she revealed snow-white thighs—sexy, fiery, and instantly commanding every gaze on stage.
Meanwhile, he crouched below, drowsy and drained like a withered cabbage. He watched her approach the drum kit—*his* drum kit, the one he’d hauled for ages. It was meant for her act.
Watching a girl play drums was a treat, especially with such electrifying beats. The moment she gripped the sticks, wild energy surged. She played with fierce abandon, lost in rhythm, the world shrinking to just the pounding drums.
Su Yu didn’t recognize the song—probably some Western rock track. When it ended, Luo Xiaoxiao had stolen the spotlight. She seemed born to stand out, the one everyone noticed first.
The rehearsal was impressive, but his stomach growled. Food came first.
He scanned the hall. Gu Chuan was still chatting up a dancer in performance gear, his pale face beaming with unnatural cheer—like a final burst of energy.
Su Yu didn’t call him. He slipped along the shadowy wall while lights held the crowd’s attention. Halfway out, a huddled figure blocked his path. He watched silently as she crouched low, inching forward in the dimness, nearly invisible.
Impatient, he tapped her shoulder. “Can you walk a bit faster?”
“Yikes!”
Her shoulders jerked. She turned slowly. In the dark, her large black eyes gleamed. He couldn’t see her face clearly, but she looked terrified.
“An Zhi?” Su Yu asked, eyebrows raised.
Her voice trembled, still shaken. Timid, pleading. “I’m hungry… Can you just pretend you didn’t see me?”
…
A bowl of rice noodles. A steamed bun. A cup of milk tea.
The small tray overflowed. An Zhi’s face finally softened. She took a tiny bite of the meat bun. Golden oil seeped from the seam, glistening on her cherry-red lips. Her wide eyes widened further, sparkling like stars.
Some girls—seemingly naive—held a sweet obsession with good food. He Muqing was one. An Zhi was another.
“Aren’t you eating?”
Flustered under his gaze, she slowed her chewing. “You… want some? It’s mine. Should I buy you one?”
“Uh… I just meant—you’ve got a good appetite.”
“Mmm…” She blushed, head dipping. “Can’t help it. Military training’s exhausting. My stomach growls fast.”
“After tomorrow’s review, it’ll be over. Going to tonight’s gala?”
“Of course! I promised my roommates.” She nodded eagerly, eyes bright with innocent excitement. “We who helped set up get front-row seats early. Gotta save spots—they said there’ll be lots of handsome guys!”
“You… weren’t tricked into coming, were you?”
He hesitated. With her gentle, shy nature, he doubted she’d volunteered.
“No! I came ‘cause I heard I wouldn’t train. And… it’s not that tiring.”
“You can’t save seats for all of them alone.”
“Huh? Not enough?” Panic flickered in her voice. “Oh no… what do I do?”
“If it doesn’t work out,” Su Yu shrugged, “just say your friends are with me.”
“Aren’t you watching?”
“Gotta prep props on stage.” He sighed, tone unreadable. “But I’ve got a VIP seat—closer than yours. Spot a guy you like? I’ll get his number.”
“Yes! Thank you!” Tears of gratitude shimmered. She looked at him like a savior—she’d bragged to her roommates she’d bring the whole dorm.
“Mm. I’ll scan your QR.”
They exchanged contacts and stepped out. Dusk painted the sky brilliant gold. Students swarmed the cafeteria like locusts. The two of them looked small, alone.
“I need to find my roommates.”
“Bye.”
“Bye.”
She clutched her milk tea, face pinched, pushing through the crowd—timid as an ant.
Su Yu watched a moment, then turned and walked away.
…
The final strike echoed into silence. Luo Xiaoxiao tossed her sticks. Sweat beaded her brow. She wiped it with her wrist, ignored the stares, and leaped down from the meter-high stage.
She’d played with exhilarating freedom. When her mood soared, consequences vanished. Her smoky-eyed gaze swept the room—landed on Gu Chuan, grinning brightly while chatting up dancers in the corner.
She kicked his calf, ignoring the girls. “Just you?”
“Nah. You played well today.”
He brushed his pants, nodded to the girls, and pulled her aside. They’d been close since high school—met over drinks, of course.
“Who else?” She popped a lollipop in her mouth, casual.
“Su Yu…” Gu Chuan scanned the area. “Huh? He’s gone. Was just watching you drum.”
“He saw me… and left before I finished?”
A cold snort. Displeasure flickered. She’d played brilliantly—applause had thundered after the last note.
“Who knows? Not everyone cares.”
Gu Chuan shrugged. “Met some friends. They want your help for their act. Asked me to ask.”
“Not interested. Gotta practice.”
She rolled her eyes, vaulted back onstage. Drums erupted—fiercer, wilder than before. Gu Chuan shook his head below. This time, the rhythm burned hotter.
