Sleep

Ying Huai's mind went completely blank for that instant.

He had no time to react. Instinctively, he rolled up the blanket beside him, quickly shoved Liang Shining's legs onto the bed, and wrapped him up entirely in a bundle of blankets.

His bed was very large, and for some unknown reason, there were actually two thick blankets on it. Burying Liang Shining underneath, there was no trace of anything amiss at all.

Liang Shining: ?

His mind had been entirely occupied with the matter of Ying Huai's Hongyu Jewel Pendant just now, and he hadn't heard the footsteps at the doorway at all.

He instinctively wanted to throw off the blanket, but the next second, he felt Ying Huai's entire body press down on top of him.

'Don't move.'

Ying Huai spoke hurriedly, his body pressed extremely close to his: 'I'll let you out in a bit.'

Liang Shining's body stiffened for a moment.

The force of his struggle loosened slightly. The next second, he heard Ying Fu's slightly cold voice from the doorway: 'Awake?'

Ying Huai sat up slightly from the bed, his eyes curving: 'Yes, Father.'

He opened his mouth to say something more, but the next second, saw Ying Qi walk out from behind Ying Fu, smiling gently at him.

Ying Huai's eyes widened slightly.

He instinctively straightened up: 'Ge?'

'Mm, Xiao Huai's awake.' Ying Qi stepped forward two paces, wanting to sit beside Ying Huai. 'Any discomfort anywhere?'

The spot where Ying Qi was about to sit was exactly where Liang Shining's legs were hidden. Ying Huai's thoughts raced, and the instant Ying Qi approached, he suddenly looked up, smiled at Ying Qi, and lunged straight forward.

Ying Qi was startled.

He hurriedly steadied himself at the bedside, caught the person in one motion, and spoke urgently: 'What's wrong, Xiao Huai? Are you dizzy?'

'No.'

Ying Huai shifted toward the head of the bed without leaving a trace, looked up with a smile: 'I just wanted to see if Ge could still catch me like when we were little.'

Ying Qi was briefly stunned, then suddenly laughed: 'How could I not catch you? No matter how big Xiao Huai gets, I can always catch you.'

He helped Ying Huai sit back properly, looked around the room, and asked with some curiosity: 'Speaking of which, where's Xiao Ning? I thought I saw him come in just now...'

A strange expression flickered across Ying Huai's face. He blocked the bundle of blankets behind him without leaving a trace: 'He... went to the bathroom, he'll be back in a bit.'

Ying Qi said nothing.

He glanced thoughtfully at the bundle of blankets behind Ying Huai, a hint of helplessness crossing his expression.

Ying Huai instinctively shifted his body, blocking Ying Qi's line of sight.

He opened his mouth to say something, but the next second, heard Ying Fu's slightly heavy voice come from in front of him again: 'Ying Huai, what have you done to yourself?'

Ying Huai was slightly stunned. Ying Qi beside him furrowed his brow slightly, looked up at Ying Fu: 'Father.'

Ying Fu, leaning on his Cane, walked step by step to Ying Huai's front.

'You've only been away from the Ying Family for less than two years and you've wrecked your body like this. What have you been doing all this time?'

The smile on Ying Huai's face gradually disappeared.

He opened his mouth to speak, but couldn't help coughing muffledly again.

Ying Fu's expression in front of him darkened, and his voice carried even more anger: 'Tell me clearly what you've actually been doing these past few years, or don't even think about leaving the house...'

Before Ying Fu could finish, he suddenly heard Ying Qi beside him speak softly: 'Before Xiao Huai woke up, Father didn't seem to be saying this, did he?'

Ying Huai turned his head somewhat blankly.

'At the birthday party, it was Father who took the initiative to ask Xiao Huai to come home and rest first.' Ying Qi spoke gently.

That day at the birthday party, after Ying Huai collapsed, Song Si Lan immediately wanted to take him to the Hospital.

'He's been feverish for too long. Ordinary fever-reducing medicine has no effect on him anymore. He needs further treatment.'

But the nearest Hospital was some distance away. Liang Shining, holding the person, was about to rush out directly, when a slightly heavy voice suddenly came from the doorway.

'Go to my house.'

Liang Shining's footsteps paused.

Ying Fu had appeared at the doorway at some unknown point, leaning on his Cane, staring somewhat blankly at the unconscious person in Liang Shining's arms.

Song Si Lan frowned and instinctively refused: 'Ying Huai's physical condition is relatively complicated. He may need certain emergency and examination equipment...'

'I have everything at home.' Ying Fu interrupted him in a heavy voice.

He looked at Ying Huai, seeming to want to step forward, but only moved once, then ultimately stood still again.

When he spoke again, his voice had aged considerably for some reason: 'After last time... I prepared them.'

Liang Shining furrowed his brow.

He said nothing, only looked back at Ying Qi.

Ying Qi's expression shifted slightly.

He stared at Ying Fu for a few seconds, then finally nodded slowly at Liang Shining.

'Let's go to my father's house.'

Ying Qi spoke softly: 'Xiao Huai... won't mind.'

·

The blood pressure monitor beside them emitted a beeping detection sound. Ying Huai suddenly came back to himself.

Ying Qi glanced back, helped Ying Huai put on the blood pressure cuff, and continued unhurriedly: 'So what exactly does Father want to ask... Xiao Huai?'

Ying Fu froze in place.

There was some awkwardness in his expression. He stiffly opened his mouth, but in the end only let out a low 'hmph.'

Ying Qi turned to look at his younger brother. Ying Huai's face was still somewhat pale, sitting dazedly at the bedside, one hand unconsciously stroking the bundle of blankets behind him.

Ying Qi let out a silent sigh.

He pressed the button on the blood pressure monitor, looked up with a smile: 'If Father has nothing to ask, how about I ask on Xiao Huai's behalf?'

Ying Fu frowned: 'What?'

He opened his mouth somewhat displeased: 'What do you mean asking on your brother's behalf? If there's something, let him speak himself...'

'Xiao Huai is still coughing. Talking too much isn't good for his throat.' Ying Qi smiled gently, casually cutting off Ying Fu's words.

He looked around the room: 'When did Father prepare all this equipment?'

Ying Fu's expression stiffened for a moment, but he didn't answer.

In Ying Huai's dizzy mind, clarity gradually returned at last.

He let out a silent sigh, turned his head and smiled at Ying Qi: 'Forget it, I'm fine now, Ge...'

'After the last Ying Corporation annual meeting.'

Before Ying Huai could finish speaking, he suddenly heard Ying Fu speak in a cold voice.

Ying Huai's voice halted.

A flash of disbelief crossed his eyes.

Ying Qi also seemed not to have expected that Ying Fu had prepared so early.

He was briefly stunned, then quickly smiled and said: 'Father prepared so early?'

Ying Fu's hand gripping the Cane tightened. He added somewhat awkwardly: 'Last time I happened to have a checkup, and the doctor recommended it, so I just had a few sets of equipment installed at home.'

'But I see this equipment is mainly for cardiopulmonary treatment,' Ying Qi spoke gently, 'it seems more like Father... looked at some medical record and specially arranged for someone to set it up.'

'You—' Ying Fu raised his head in embarrassment and anger.

But when he met Ying Huai's startled and slightly at-a-loss expression, the words on the tip of his tongue couldn't come out for a moment.

Ying Fu stood rooted for a few seconds, then finally let out a cold snort and turned his head away.

'You don't take care of your own body, and I can't even... worry about you?'

His tone was slightly heavy, and he spoke with a near-complaining awkwardness: 'I really don't know how you've been getting by all this time.'

Ying Qi couldn't help but laugh softly.

A flash of awkwardness crossed Ying Fu's face again.

He took a deep breath and shifted his gaze back to Ying Huai.

Ying Huai's face was still bloodlessly pale, his breathing somewhat rapid from the coughing just now.

He seemed to feel Ying Fu's gaze, and calmly raised his head. Ying Fu abruptly shifted his eyes away.

But he felt a slight relief in his heart.

The day of the birthday party was the first time in all these years, except for when Ying Huai was small, that Ying Fu had seen him fall ill in front of him.

No, according to that cold-faced doctor, this time Ying Huai hadn't had a heart attack—he had simply burned out from fever, his body unable to hold on any longer, and fainted from the heat.

—Ying Fu had never known that Ying Huai's body had reached such a state.

He had been extremely strict with his son when he was young. Even when Ying Huai occasionally felt unwell, he would, as his father demanded, hide his discomfort and push through on his own.

Ying Fu had never seen Ying Huai collapse unconscious before him like that day.

In that instant, Ying Fu's heart was completely panicked.

His first reaction was to bring Ying Huai home immediately.

Ying Huai slept unconscious for two days, and Ying Fu waited in anxious unease for two days.

Ying Qi, Liang Shining, and the others took turns caring for Ying Huai at his side, but Ying Fu hadn't dared enter the room even once.

He kept thinking about what he should say to Ying Huai after he woke up,

But the moment he heard that Ying Huai had woken up, Ying Fu had no time to think and rushed back directly.

Now, having confirmed that Ying Huai was fine, his suspended heart finally fell. He let out a low snort, leaned on his Cane, and turned to walk out directly.

Ying Huai sat at the bedside with lowered eyes. Ying Qi let out a slight sigh and stroked Ying Huai's hair.

'It's fine. Father has... been used to talking like this for all these years.'

Ying Huai shook his head.

He suddenly raised his head: 'Ge, what Chu Hongsheng said that day about my mother...'

'I'll tell you about that in a while, alright, Xiao Huai?'

Before Ying Huai could finish speaking, he heard Ying Qi softly interrupt him.

'You need to rest now. You don't want Dr. Song to forbid Ge from visiting you next time, do you?' Ying Qi spoke as if joking.

Ying Huai knew Ying Qi was changing the subject.

His eyes flickered, but he didn't ask anything more, only curving his eyes into a smile: 'Alright.'

Ying Qi, somewhat heartachefully, pinched Ying Huai's fingertips.

He couldn't help but speak again in a low voice: 'He means well for you, he just used the wrong method. Xiao Huai, give Father a little more time, alright? Dage will help Father change, bit by bit.'

Ying Huai's eyes flickered.

He was quiet for a few seconds, not answering directly, but instead looking up at Ying Qi with a curved smile: 'I'm a little sleepy, Ge.'

Ying Qi didn't say anything more, the corner of his lips curving with a hint of helplessness.

He stood up, helped Ying Huai lean back against the headboard, and let his gaze fall on the bundle of blankets at the foot of the bed.

'Speaking of which, Xiao Ning should be coming out of the bathroom soon, right?' Ying Qi suddenly spoke.

Ying Huai's expression went blank for a moment.

He opened his mouth, barely managing to curve his eyes: 'Mm, should be, Ge.'

The corner of Ying Qi's lips curved.

He suddenly stood up, leisurely walked toward the door, and reached out to press the door handle.

'Then I'll head off first, Xiao Huai. Get some rest.'

Ying Qi said warmly.

Though he said so, his feet didn't move. He only gave the door a light push, closing it with a soft click.

Ying Huai was startled for a moment.

He instinctively reached out to cover the blanket beside him, but the next second, he felt a great force from beneath the blanket, and immediately Liang Shining sat up from inside it.

'Shifu—'

Ying Huai: ........

Liang Shining looked at Ying Huai's stiff expression with some confusion.

'Shifu, what's wrong with you......'

Before he could finish, the next second, he heard a barely-suppressed laugh from the doorway.

'You've worked hard, Xiao Ning.'

Liang Shining's movements froze for an instant.

Ying Huai rubbed his brow with a slight headache.

—It was the first time he realized that his always gentle and refined Dage also had such a mischievous side.

Ying Huai raised his head, caught between laughter and tears: 'You knew already? Ge?'

'Mm, more or less guessed it.' Ying Qi gave a light cough.

He suddenly spoke: 'Do you know........ these past two days, Xiao Ning has been sleeping right beside you?'

Ying Huai's expression froze: 'What?'

A barely-suppressed amusement flickered in Ying Qi's eyes: 'These past two days, you've been running a fever every night. Xiao Ning stayed by your side the whole time, and whenever your temperature rose, he helped bring it down.'

The tips of Ying Huai's ears slowly reddened. He opened his mouth soundlessly: 'How..... did he bring it down?'

'I don't know either, probably the usual physical cooling methods.'

Ying Qi spoke unhurriedly: 'But have you never wondered why there are two blankets on the bed?'

The tips of Ying Huai's ears slowly reddened.

'Next time, you don't need to hide it from me, Xiao Huai.'

Ying Qi reopened the door and walked out leisurely: 'I'll keep it a secret for you with Father.'

Ying Huai: ??

'No, Ge, you misunderstood......'

But before he could finish, he saw Ying Qi lightly make a 'shh' gesture toward him, unhurriedly closing the door.

·

The room's door was gently closed, the smile still lingering at the corner of Ying Qi's lips.

He slowly turned around, only to be startled.

Ying Fu stood at the end of the corridor, no one knew how long he had been waiting.

Ying Qi's expression quickly settled.

He slowly walked forward and gave Ying Fu a slight nod: 'Father.'

'Were you waiting for me, Father?'

Ying Fu looked at Ying Qi in silence. After a long moment, he finally spoke in a low voice: 'What did you just say to your brother?'

'Nothing much, Father, just told him to rest well.' Ying Qi said warmly.

Ying Fu frowned: 'I told you to tell Ying Huai to come home quickly. Why didn't you say that to him just now......'

'I won't persuade Xiao Huai to come home, Father.' Ying Qi said warmly.

'If you want Xiao Huai to come home, you need to tell him yourself.' Ying Qi raised his head.

'You—' A flash of anger crossed Ying Fu's expression.

Before he could say anything, he heard Ying Qi speak first, warmly: 'These instruments and equipment—you were worried that if Xiao Huai really came home, he'd be in danger if his condition flared up, weren't you, Father?'

Ying Fu's expression paused.

Ying Qi looked at Ying Fu's reaction and knew he had guessed right.

He spoke warmly: 'These things, Father needs to tell Xiao Huai himself.'

'If Father can't let Xiao Huai know himself, even if I get Xiao Huai to come home, he'll eventually leave again.'

Ying Fu's expression stiffened.

He watched Ying Qi bow slightly to him and turn to leave, then suddenly spoke again: 'What's going on with that boy from the Liang Family?'

'Hm?' Ying Qi hadn't expected Ying Fu to ask such a question, and for a moment didn't react.

Ying Fu frowned as he looked at Ying Huai's room: 'Liang Shining, right? What is his relationship with Ying Huai? I always feel........'

A strange look crossed Ying Qi's expression.

He gave a light cough and slowly shook his head: 'I'm not sure either.'

'That one, you also need to ask Xiao Huai yourself.'

·

Ying Huai recuperated at the Ying Family for a week, and as soon as he was a little better, he immediately went back to Liang Shining's home.

Ying Fu, for once, did not stop him.

That day, Liang Shining's emotions about the Hongyu Jewel Pendant faded quickly, but Ying Huai still felt that every time Chu Ming came, Liang Shining would always show a faint, elusive hostility.

Ying Huai instinctively wanted to investigate, but Song Si Lan had apparently switched his medication to something new, leaving him barely awake all day.

This state didn't finally improve until a week after he returned home.

The Variety Show still had its last few episodes, but because of the Song Fengyi incident, a replacement couldn't be found in time, and the show had to be put on hold.

This conveniently gave Ying Huai time to go find Mu Heguang.

'Why are you only coming to find me now, Xiao Huai? Your birthday was almost half a month ago, wasn't it?' Though Mu Heguang said so, he still cheerfully let him in.

Ying Huai took off his mask and coughed into his hand.

Probably because the weather had been so cold lately, even after being cared for by Liang Shining for so long, he still had a bit of a cough, and had to wear a mask when going out.

On his birthday, Mu Heguang had happened to be abroad on a sketching trip, and only video-called him across the ocean, excitedly telling him what birthday present he'd bought.

Now, the moment he stepped inside, Ying Huai was immediately stuffed full of all sorts of little trinkets from Mu Heguang.

'Why did you buy me so many, Teacher?' Ying Huai took down an exquisitely crafted plush kitten from the very top of the gift bag, speaking with a mix of laughter and helplessness.

'I'm not a kid anymore.'

'How are you not a kid? Don't you love sleeping while hugging these little things the most?' Mu Heguang said cheerfully.

Liang Shining turned his head in some surprise, and the tips of Ying Huai's ears quickly reddened.

'What are you saying, Teacher.'

'Did I say something wrong?' Mu Heguang said, full of righteous confidence.

'Not coming to see me for so long, and now you complain about what I say. Tch, really breaks this old man's heart.'

'I didn't, and aren't I here now?' Ying Huai coaxed him, caught between laughter and tears. 'Something came up a few days ago, so I didn't have time to come find you.'

Mu Heguang saw straight through Ying Huai's words: 'It's because you were sick that you didn't come, right?'

The smile at the corner of Ying Huai's lips froze.

Mu Heguang immediately knew he had guessed right.

He gave a cold snort, glanced at Liang Shining beside him, and continued: 'Xiao Liang probably waited until your body was completely better before letting you out, right?'

Ying Huai's eyes darted. He immediately stepped forward, putting on a pitiful look as he whispered: 'Right, so it's not my body's problem, he's the one who wouldn't let me out......'

Before Ying Huai could finish, he heard Mu Heguang snort: 'Serves you right!'

Mu Heguang stepped forward and patted Liang Shining's shoulder: 'Well done.'

Ying Huai: ???

Liang Shining couldn't help but let out a soft laugh.

'Teacher, did you listen to that demo?' Ying Huai took a deep breath and quickly changed the subject.

Mu Heguang, also afraid of pushing too far, gave a light cough and finally began to look serious.

'I listened. I think—it's very good.' Mu Heguang said with a smile.

'I've revised a few parts for you. Take a look in a bit to familiarize yourself.'

Mu Heguang said cheerfully: 'I happen to be free today too. In a bit, you can pre-record the song here at my place. I remember this song is meant to be debuted at the Concert at the end of the Variety Show, right?'

Ying Huai looked down at the sheet music and nodded: 'Plan to release and debut it that day.'

Mu Heguang's eyes darted. He suddenly leaned close to Ying Huai: 'Well, releasing one song is releasing, releasing an album is also releasing—'

Alarm bells rang in Ying Huai's heart. He quickly stepped back, speaking warily: 'What are you trying to say, Teacher?'

'There's still plenty of time. Xiao Huai, would you consider just releasing a full album directly?' Mu Heguang said with a smile.

Ying Huai quickly shook his head: 'No, Teacher, I don't have time recently to think about new songs...'

'—I happen to still have a lot of demo segments saved here.' Mu Heguang, as if he had long known what Ying Huai wanted to say, unhurriedly interrupted him.

'I can help you with them.'

Ying Huai was stunned for a moment, and instantly understood what Mu Heguang was trying to do.

Mu Heguang wanted to back him up.

—Using this opportunity to help him return to the public eye.

Ying Huai suddenly raised his head: 'No need, Teacher, I can manage on my own...'

Mu Heguang lightly clicked his tongue, glanced at Liang Shining. Liang Shining, as if realizing something, suddenly spoke: 'I remember Bouquet's cat food is running out. Let's buy some on the way back, Shifu.'

Ying Huai didn't understand how the topic had suddenly jumped here.

He had a gut feeling something was off, but looking at Liang Shining's innocent expression, he hesitated, and finally said: '...Sure?'

The next second, he saw Mu Heguang excitedly clap his hands: 'Good, you agreed.'

Ying Huai: ???

He looked up, half-laughing half-crying, watching Mu Heguang press him straight into the recording studio.

'Good, you take your time with Xiao Liang. Teacher will go make something delicious for you.'

Mu Heguang said cheerfully: 'Oh right, I really love that last demo segment of yours, you could prioritize that one.'

Ying Huai was momentarily caught between laughter and tears.

He watched Mu Heguang cheerfully close the door, took a deep breath, and looked at Liang Shining beside him.

He narrowed his eyes: 'When did you start colluding with Teacher?'

Liang Shining's expression remained innocent: 'I didn't, Shifu.'

'Is that so,' Ying Huai smiled, 'then at dinner later, you keep Teacher company and eat a bit more.'

Liang Shining's expression instantly froze.

He watched Ying Huai turn his head and unhurriedly say: 'Just to have more interaction.'

·

When Song Xingzhou entered Mu Heguang's home, what he saw was this rather peculiar scene.

Mu Heguang was making a complete mess in the kitchen.

Song Xingzhou hesitantly stepped forward a few paces: 'Professor Mu?'

'Ah, Xiao Song's here?' Mu Heguang turned back from a cloud of smoke, cheerfully saying, 'Did you need something? Wait a moment, sit anywhere you like, I'll come over once I finish stir-frying this dish.'

Song Xingzhou nodded.

He was a student Mu Heguang had taught in one of his courses, and he knew Mu Heguang's status and reputation in the industry.

After that course, Song Xingzhou had deliberately kept close to Mu Heguang, finding excuses to drop by Mu Heguang's place.

But after all this time, this was his first visit to Mu Heguang's home. He looked curiously around the room, and his gaze fell on the recording studio nearby.

Song Xingzhou's eyes lit up.

His eyes darted. He glanced back at Mu Heguang in the kitchen, then tiptoed to the door.

Mu Heguang hadn't released new music in many years, but Song Xingzhou had heard from his classmates that Mu Heguang still liked to research novel musical compositions in his spare time, for his own amusement.

But his classmates said Mu Heguang never let anyone casually enter his recording studio.

—I'll just sneak a peek inside, not do anything.

Song Xingzhou thought.

—If I happen to hear something nice, I can brag to my classmates when I get back, and it might even inspire me...

He pressed his hand on the door handle as he thought, but the next second, the door in front of him suddenly opened on its own, and someone walked out from inside.

Song Xingzhou was startled.

He suddenly stepped back, instinctively saying: 'I wasn't doing anything, Professor Mu, I just wanted to take a look...'

The person in front of him was stunned for a moment, stood in place somewhat surprised, and didn't speak for a long while.

Song Xingzhou, halfway through his words, noticed there was no response ahead, and quietly raised his head, only belatedly realizing the person in front of him wasn't Mu Heguang.

A flash of annoyance crossed Song Xingzhou's expression.

The young man in front of him wore a white shirt and black pants, a black mask, arms crossed, half-leaning against the doorframe, watching him with a half-smile in his peach blossom eyes.

—He looked about the same age as him.

Song Xingzhou frowned, the respect in his tone instantly vanishing: 'Who are you? What were you doing in the recording studio?'

Ying Huai raised an eyebrow.

The recording studio was a bit stuffy. He'd been recording for a long time and had started coughing a little, so he came out for some air.

He lowered the hand he'd been about to use to take off his mask, and said with a smile: 'Shouldn't I be the one asking you that?'

'What were you doing standing outside Teacher Mu's recording studio just now?'

Song Xingzhou found Ying Huai vaguely familiar, but with the mask on, he couldn't for the moment remember who he was.

Hearing Ying Huai's words, he instantly jumped up: 'Why can't I stand here? I'm Professor Mu's student, Professor Mu invited me to his home. Any problem with that?'

Ying Huai found it somewhat amusing. He lightly said, 'Oh.'

'What a coincidence, I'm also Teacher Mu's student...'

'You're lying. I never heard that Professor Mu had another student coming today.'

Song Xingzhou warily stepped back.

'What are you really here for? Are you also after Professor Mu's recommendation slot?'

Ying Huai was somewhat bewildered: 'What recommendation slot?'

Song Xingzhou assumed he was just playing dumb.

'Enough, stop pretending. Who in the school doesn't want a professor's recommendation to advance directly to the Singer Competition semifinals?'

He stared at Ying Huai, speaking with disgust: 'Stop acting familiar with Professor Mu here. You didn't sneak into his recording studio while he wasn't looking to steal sheet music...'

Before he could finish, he suddenly heard Mu Heguang's voice from behind: 'Are you done recording? Xiao Huai?'

Song Xingzhou turned around abruptly.

'Professor Mu!'

He rushed to Mu Heguang's side, immediately switching his tone: 'Are you done, Professor Mu? That person just now went into your recording studio, I was about to ask him to come out...'

Ying Huai watched with some surprise as Song Xingzhou's face changed at lightning speed.

He couldn't help but let out a soft laugh, but the next second, frowned and covered his mouth as he coughed.

The next moment, before Song Xingzhou could finish, he saw Mu Heguang step forward, somewhat anxiously catching the person: 'Still coughing? Has your health not recovered yet?'

Song Xingzhou was stunned. Ying Huai shook his head, barely suppressing his cough: 'I'm fine, I just lost my breath for a moment.'

'Enough, we'll record later then. The food's almost ready anyway, call Xiao Liang out to eat together.' Mu Heguang patted Ying Huai's back, speaking with some heartache.

Ying Huai smiled and responded to Mu Heguang.

He turned and pressed the recording studio's door handle, but suddenly remembered something, and turned to smile at Song Xingzhou beside him: 'See you next time, little classmate.'

Song Xingzhou's face was full of disbelief.

The recording studio door was gently closed. Song Xingzhou took a deep breath, and finally remembered his real business.

'Professor Mu!'

'Professor Mu, this time the school is co-hosting a Singer Competition with an agency. Don't you have a professor recommendation slot?'

Song Xingzhou stepped forward, fawningly taking Mu Heguang's arm: 'Can you give me this slot? I'll work very hard, I'll definitely win the Singer Competition championship.'

Each professor only had one recommendation slot. Song Xingzhou took advantage of the moment Ying Huai was in the recording studio to ask first.

Mu Heguang normally didn't pay much attention to school-level competitions. He thought for a moment before remembering what Song Xingzhou was talking about.

He turned his head somewhat curiously: 'Isn't there a school-wide audition? Can't you just sign up for that directly?'

With a professor's recommendation, one could skip the first round of auditions and advance directly to the second round of school preliminaries.

'There are professional exams during the audition days, I'm afraid the timing will conflict.' Song Xingzhou had his excuse ready long ago.

But the next second, Mu Heguang spoke again: 'But I see plenty of people signing up for the audition directly, aren't they afraid it'll affect their professional exams?'

Song Xingzhou was momentarily speechless.

He clenched his teeth and put on a wronged expression.

'Professor Mu, the main thing is my health hasn't been great recently, I still have to make time to go to the Hospital for checkups, but I really take this competition seriously, so...'

Mu Heguang had only asked casually in the first place.

Most of his students were already famous and didn't need this slot. He didn't particularly care who to give it to, but felt Song Xingzhou was a bit too calculating.

But hearing Song Xingzhou's words, he instinctively thought of Ying Huai's health condition.

Mu Heguang couldn't help but soften a little: 'I see, alright then. Take care of your health too, Xiao Song.'

Song Xingzhou instantly smiled: 'Thank you, Professor Mu! I'll write up the recommendation letter template and send it for your review!'

Mu Heguang cheerfully walked back into the kitchen: 'Oh right, Xiao Song, would you like to stay for dinner? I happened to make a lot of dishes.'

Song Xingzhou smelled the burnt scent from the kitchen, and a flash of disdain crossed his eyes.

But he still said with a smile: 'No need, Professor Mu, I have something at school later, I'll head back first.'

Mu Heguang didn't mind, just focused on the dish in front of him: 'Oh, alright then, be careful on the road.'

Song Xingzhou smiled and acknowledged.

He glanced at the recording studio again as he walked toward the door, and finally couldn't help asking: 'Professor Mu, who is that person?'

'Hmm?' Mu Heguang turned his head.

He instantly realized Song Xingzhou hadn't recognized who Ying Huai was.

Mu Heguang didn't point it out either, just said cheerfully: 'Oh him, my disciple.'

Song Xingzhou's eyes suddenly widened.

A flash of disappointment crossed his expression.

'When did you... take a disciple?'

—He had always assumed he could apprentice under Mu Heguang after graduation.

"That was a long time ago, let me tell you..."

Mu Heguang had long wanted to announce to the world that Ying Huai was his disciple.

But the moment he started to speak, he suddenly thought of something, and his tone instantly deflated.

"Forget it, I'll tell you when there's a chance."

Song Xingzhou was somewhat bewildered.

He stared at the recording studio for a few seconds, a flash of mockery passing through his eyes.

—Forget it, even as Mu Heguang's disciple, he still didn't get this sole recommendation slot.

—He can just slowly endure through the auditions himself.

Song Xingzhou nodded at Mu Heguang, then suddenly remembered something and placed a document on the table.

"By the way, Professor Mu, for this competition, the school hopes to invite you to serve as a judge. I brought the invitation letter and documents over for you."

"I'm not going. How long has this old man been retired? They still send me this invitation every year." Mu Heguang refused directly without hesitation.

Song Xingzhou seemed to have known Mu Heguang would say this.

But he still spoke up somewhat unwillingly: "Are you really not going? If you were a judge, I might not be so nervous..."

"This competition relies on your own ability, Xiao Song." Mu Heguang interrupted him unhurriedly. "Whether I'm a judge or not, it's the same."

Song Xingzhou clenched his teeth, but still said with a smile: "I understand, Teacher Mu."

He glanced at the tightly closed recording studio again, turned to leave the room, but the next second, heard Mu Heguang suddenly call out to him.

"Wait a moment."

Mu Heguang stared at the document thoughtfully for a few seconds, then slowly said: "Leave the document here first, I'll consider it."

Song Xingzhou's expression brightened.

Afraid Mu Heguang might change his mind, he quickly placed the document on the table and immediately ran out.

Mu Heguang picked up the document and quickly flipped through it a few times. Hearing the recording studio door click softly, the smile at his lips gradually widened.

Ying Huai had just walked out of the recording studio and met Mu Heguang's amused gaze head-on.

Ying Huai was startled: "Teacher?"

He had an inexplicable ominous premonition in his heart. The next second, he saw Mu Heguang smile at him.

"Xiao Huai, I remember your Variety Show starts in half a month, right?"

"I found something fun for you,"

Ying Huai: ?

·

"Teacher wants me to be a judge?" Ying Huai said, caught between tears and laughter.

"Can I not go?"

"No." Mu Heguang said seriously.

"As a school professor, I have the right to recommend judges, and I just looked at the documents. You meet all the qualifications."

Mu Heguang said cheerfully: "So you're definitely going."

For the first time, Ying Huai felt that Liang Shining should have just kept him locked up at home.

He sighed silently, his eyes rolled, and suddenly changed his tone: "Can I really not go, Teacher? My health isn't good, what if I can't hold up..."

"The school's second round of preliminary selection is only three days. After that, you'll be recording the Variety Show for the finals. You don't need to worry about it."

Mu Heguang interrupted him slowly, "Don't worry, it won't tire you out."

Ying Huai: ...?

"And how long has it been since you actively engaged with the outside world, Xiao Huai."

Mu Heguang suddenly said softly: "You're a singer. You were born to stand on stage. You can't be afraid of these things."

Ying Huai was startled.

He instantly understood something, his face paling slightly: "How did you know, Teacher..."

"I guessed it from watching your show that time." Mu Heguang said softly.

"Just go once for your teacher's sake, alright?"

Ying Huai was stunned for a moment.

He closed his eyes, and after a long while, gently sighed: "Alright."

·

Ying Huai didn't expect Mu Heguang to sign him up the very next day.

And three days later, he received the judge's invitation letter from the school.

So now, Ying Huai stood in the center of the school auditorium, looking at the sea of students before him, and sighed somewhat helplessly.

Because this was jointly held with a major entertainment company, the school attached great importance to this Singer Competition and specially arranged a centralized training session for the recommended students.

As a judge, Ying Huai was also one of the main lecturers.

Ying Huai sat in the farthest corner of the classroom wearing a mask, taking a soft breath.

—He still wasn't quite used to places with so many people.

The next second, a slightly deep voice sounded from behind: "Why are you here?"

Ying Huai looked up.

Su Xin walked over frowning, holding a folder.

Ying Huai was also somewhat surprised.

He raised his eyebrows, his gaze falling on the badge on Su Xin's neck.

"Shixiong is the main training teacher this time." Ying Huai looked up, his eyes curving, "Congratulations, Shixiong."

Since Su Xin had retreated behind the scenes, he had begun to engage in music education, occasionally teaching a class or two at P University Music Department.

Su Xin's brow remained tightly furrowed: "So why exactly are you here? Are you trying to deliberately compete with me again..."

"Why doesn't Shixiong look at the document?"

Ying Huai yawned, his gaze falling on the training schedule in Su Xin's hand.

Su Xin instinctively lowered his head.

He quickly scanned the document, a flash of disbelief crossing his expression: "You're a judge this time?"

"Mm." Ying Huai's eyes curved.

"Shixiong, please take good care of me later."

Su Xin's brow twitched.

He was just about to say something, but the next second, heard another disbelieving voice from behind.

"Why are you here?"

Ying Huai sighed helplessly.

—If he'd known everyone would be so surprised by his presence, he shouldn't have agreed to Mu Heguang.

Song Xingzhou walked up beside Ying Huai, looked him up and down, and asked frowning: "Where did you get your slot?"

Before going to Mu Heguang, he had asked around all the professors with slots, and only Mu Heguang still had one.

Ying Huai sat there propping up his chin, and said with a smile: "Guess?"

Song Xingzhou was momentarily speechless.

A flash of anger crossed his expression.

He had taken an instant dislike to Ying Huai at Mu Heguang's home before.

He knew that anyone who could enter Mu Heguang's recording studio must have considerable skill. He had originally thought Ying Huai would still have to struggle in the auditions, but unexpectedly, he was sitting in the same classroom as him.

Song Xingzhou stared at Ying Huai for a few seconds, then suddenly laughed coldly: "I know."

"You forged a slot under Professor Mu's name."

Ying Huai raised his eyebrows, watching the person before him with interest, and said nothing.

"What do you think would happen if I told Professor Mu about this?" Song Xingzhou stepped forward with a cold laugh.

"Would he get very angry at you and expel you from his tutelage directly?"

Ying Huai stared at him for a few seconds, then laughed lightly: "So what do you want me to do?"

"Withdraw from the competition now and leave immediately, and I'll consider whether or not to tell Professor Mu." Song Xingzhou crossed his arms.

Su Xin beside them sensed something was wrong. He opened his mouth to say something, but saw Ying Huai suddenly yawn.

"Leave here, you say—alright." Ying Huai smiled at him.

He slowly stood up and walked straight toward the front door.

But halfway there, he seemed to remember something, turned to look at Su Xin: "Isn't it time for class, Shixiong?"

Su Xin nodded.

Song Xingzhou, who had been feeling triumphant beside them, was stunned.

He watched Ying Huai nod, then suddenly turn and walk straight toward the podium.

"Hello everyone, my name is Ying Huai."

The young man, half-leaning on the podium, took off his mask and said with a smile: "I'm the main lecturer for your first class—and also a judge this time."

Song Xingzhou's eyes suddenly widened.

"So I'm sorry, but I'll probably have to finish this class first—before I leave."

Ying Huai curved his eyes at Song Xingzhou.

Song Xingzhou's hand on his leg suddenly clenched.

He stood up directly and walked toward the door.

The next second, he heard the person on the podium speak lazily again.

"Of course, I also don't want any students to leave early."

Song Xingzhou's footsteps paused.