Chapter 23 – Snow

Xiang Ning got out of the car and walked a few steps, only then realizing he should have worn a scarf. The temperature wasn’t low, but the wind was strong, like a prelude to the biting cold, less powerful but still piercing.

He tightened his coat, and the assistant immediately noticed, taking out a scarf from the bag and offering it. Xiang Ning hesitated for a moment and accepted it, his gaze falling on the program’s staff.

“Teacher Xiang,” the staff member greeted with a smile, “It suddenly got colder, and we didn’t think to inform you.”

Xiang Ning smiled and shook his head, shaking hands with her. She introduced herself, “I’m Tang. If you need anything, just let me know.”

She didn’t say more, quickly helping everyone into the minivan and heading to the hotel.

After two transfers, Xiang Ning, who had been energetic, was now tired. Tang and Assistant Zhu Li discussed the schedule in the back seat, noticing Xiang Ning and gradually quieting down.

Xiang Ning dozed off and woke up as the car stopped at the hotel entrance.

Zhou Yi, wearing a mask and hat, was hiding in the lobby. When Xiang Ning checked in, he sneaked out, removing his mask and smiling brightly.

“I thought you’d arrive in the evening,” Zhou Yi said, relieved when Zhu Li took the room key and led Xiang Ning upstairs. “I’m glad it’s you. I was worried it might be a singer from our company, and Director Lin came to discuss it with me.”

“You know I can only sing. My songs aren’t good. If I had to perform, I’d probably be last.”

Xiang Ning let him ramble, following the elevator upstairs. Zhou Yi’s excitement made his curly hair bounce. As they reached the room, the door opposite suddenly opened.

Xiang Ning instinctively looked over and saw Ye Wu.

Logically, such a big star should stay on the top floor. Xiang Ning thought for a moment but didn’t care where others stayed.

Zhou Yi also looked over, and the excited child instantly became serious, bowing to Ye Wu, “Teacher Ye.”

Ye Wu nodded coldly, his eyes scanning Xiang Ning, and they exchanged greetings before passing each other.

Xiang Ning felt a bit uncomfortable under his gaze, pursing his lips and refocusing, following Zhou Yi into the room.

“President He let you stay away for two weeks?” Zhou Yi rummaged through the cabinet, pulling out the snacks he had hidden, piling them on the bed, and whispered, “Don’t tell anyone.”

Xiang Ning knew he had a sweet tooth but needed to manage his figure, so his agent never let him eat much.

He opened a bag of chips and offered it to Zhou Yi.

“I told him,” Xiang Ning smiled, thinking of He Rong, and then asked about Zhou Yi, “How are you doing here?”

“Fine,” Zhou Yi opened several bags of snacks, stuffing his mouth like a hamster, “I’m always worried about being eliminated. Making it to the finals was a surprise.” Not just to him, but probably to the audience too.

Xiang Ning looked at him seriously, “Your singing is beautiful.”

“Hehe,” Zhou Yi smiled, his face turning red, leaning in and mumbling, “Actually, Teacher Ye praised me before, saying I sing well.”

“Why isn’t he staying on the top floor?” Xiang Ning suddenly remembered and asked.

“I don’t know,” Zhou Yi shook his head and started talking about the competition in two weeks, “I just hope I don’t come in last. The others can sing and write songs, but I…”

“Do you think your singing isn’t good?” Xiang Ning interrupted him, waving his phone in front of him.

Zhou Yi shook his head.

“So you think the songs I write don’t sound good anymore.” Xiang Ning patted his curly hair, and his phone buzzed. He looked down and suddenly remembered he hadn’t checked in with He Rong.

Zhou Yi leaned over to take a look, teasing, “President He is checking up on you.”

Xiang Ning’s face turned red as he pushed him away, walked to the side, and put on his headphones to answer the video call.

“Ning Ning?” He Rong’s voice, laced with amusement, came through the earphones. Xiang Ning pressed his lips together, feeling a tingling sensation.

He squinted his eyes in response.

“Have you arrived? Are you feeling unwell?” He Rong held his phone a bit further away, and Xiang Ning watched him walk, hearing the background meows.

He shook his head and typed in the chat window: “It’s a bit cold here, but luckily Brother Li brought extra clothes.”

“Don’t get sick, wear more clothes.” He Rong’s voice softened, and he hissed, commanding, “Sit down.”

Xiang Ning watched as He Rong fed three little kittens. The kittens, being kittens, didn’t listen and swatted at He Rong’s leg with a paw.

He Rong had to put down his phone, pick up the third one by the scruff of its neck, and place it on the cat tree.

After a while, he finished and his handsome face softened when he faced the camera. He smiled and asked, “Ning Ning, have you eaten?”

Xiang Ning shook his head and pointed to the bag of chips in his lap, indicating he wasn’t hungry yet.

“Snacks are fine, but you still need to eat a proper meal.” He Rong rambled on, then laughed and tilted his head, asking, “Do you find me nagging?”

Xiang Ning quickly shook his head, hesitated for a moment, and sneakily glanced at Zhou Yi, who was lying on the bed playing with his phone, completely oblivious. He quickly typed and sent: “I like listening to you talk.”

He Rong’s eyes softened even more, making Xiang Ning’s face heat up. He touched the screen and sighed, “I shouldn’t have let you go.”

Without facing He Rong, Xiang Ning felt bolder. He blinked and typed another message: “I miss you too.”

“Good boy, Ning Ning.” He Rong leaned back slightly, ignoring the stirring below, and said, “Kiss me.”

Xiang Ning stared, not understanding what was so special about kissing a phone screen.

“Good boy.” He Rong coaxed, his voice leaving no room for refusal. He repeated, “Kiss me.”

Xiang Ning pressed his lips together, glanced at Zhou Yi, who was munching on beef jerky, and, with a beet-red face, kissed the camera.

He Rong sighed again, lowering his voice, “I’ll come see you in a couple of days.” Without waiting for Xiang Ning’s response, he abruptly ended the call.

Xiang Ning was still dazed, using his cool hand to soothe his flushed cheeks.

On the other side, He Rong got up briskly, ignoring the three well-fed kittens who were unusually affectionate, and shut the door with a click.

——

The final competition was scheduled to air around Christmas, with the theme being “Snow.” Xiang Ning found an existing score and made some adjustments. After some thought, he showed it to Zhou Yi for his opinion.

“Pretty good,” Zhou Yi said. He trusted Xiang Ning blindly, but Xiang Ning added, “This is just the general style. I’ll work on the specifics later.”

Zhou Yi then whispered, “I think they might all go for a melancholic and cold tone. If we do the same, won’t we clash?”

Xiang Ning thought about it and agreed, but he wasn’t used to writing upbeat songs. He nodded and locked himself in the practice room for two days, only coming out to eat. Zhu Li, worried he would overwork himself, secretly informed He Rong.

He Rong received the message during a meeting, and his aura immediately turned icy. Assistant Yuan subtly pushed a cup of hot tea towards him, bringing him back to the present.

He Rong coldly glanced at the marketing manager who was presenting, and with a stern face, tapped the table.

The marketing manager immediately fell silent, standing still without daring to breathe.

“Prepare a detailed plan within a week,” He Rong waved his hand. “That’s all for today.”

He stood up first, pushed open the door, and hurriedly left.

When Xiang Ning emerged with his freshly written score, Zhu Li was just leading He Rong to the practice room door.

He opened his mouth, seeing He Rong’s stern face, and glared at Zhu Li, who was hiding behind him. He obediently put his hands behind his back and gave a slightly ingratiating smile.