The next night, Incheon Airport was still bustling with activity. Fans, having learned of the itinerary, had gathered early. Ouyang Guang and Zhang Yixing, dressed in simple casual clothes, swiftly passed through the aisle, flanked by staff and security, smiling and waving in the direction of the screams.

It wasn't until he boarded the first-class flight to Shenzhen, the roar of the engine replacing the din of the ground, the soft seat enveloping his body, that Ouyang Guang truly felt a sense of detachment. He had been temporarily removed from the high-intensity assembly line for a day.

Zhang Yixing sat down in the seat next to him and handed him an eye mask: "Get some sleep."

He took the eye mask but didn't put it on immediately. Instead, he tilted his head to look out the window at the cotton candy-like sea of ​​clouds. The scent of his hometown seemed to waft faintly through the ten thousand meters of air and the heavy cabin.

The black luxury car that came to pick me up slid silently in front of me, and a strange face got out. It seemed to be my father's new personal assistant.

"Young Master." The assistant took the luggage and blocked off all possible sight.

Without much greeting, the car drove smoothly towards the villa.

…

the next day.

The coming-of-age ceremony was not complicated, but it was full of an unmistakable regularity and solemnity that belonged to their class.

The dinner was held in a private banquet hall at a top-tier hotel, attended only by close family members and a few veterans of the group. The cuisine was exquisite, and the etiquette was attentive. Ouyang Guang, dressed in a tailored dark suit and meticulously coiffed, sat at the head of the table, his back straight. He addressed the elders' inquiries and instructions with measured manners and humble demeanor, like a perfectly programmed young gentleman.

After the meal, the real highlight took place in the study.

The heavy mahogany door was closed, shutting out the outside world. The study was filled with the mixed scent of cigars and old books. Ouyang Zhenhua sat behind a large desk, his expression as serious as ever. Peng Xiuhuan sat on a sofa beside him, her posture elegant.

The lawyer was already waiting nearby, dressed in a suit and tie, his expression professional. He opened his briefcase, spread out the documents on the desk, and explained the terms clearly in a calm and steady voice.

"...This is a transfer agreement for 2% of the group's shares. According to the agreement, it will officially take effect on the day Mr. Ouyang Guang reaches eighteen years old. The relevant rights and obligations are as follows..."

Dad picked up a pen that looked heavy, uncapped it, and signed his name where it was needed. The tip of the pen scraped across the paper, making a soft, rustling sound that was particularly clear in the overly quiet study.

Then he looked at Ouyang Guang and handed him the pen.

Ouyangguang stood up and walked over. He took the heavy pen, his fingertips feeling the cool touch of the metal and the lingering warmth of his father's hand. He leaned over and, stroke by stroke, signed his own name next to his father's, on the document symbolizing immense wealth and responsibility.

"European Sunshine".

The three characters were written neatly, with force that penetrated through the paper.

There was no applause, no cheering. Only the lawyer's calm confirmation: "Alright," and then the subtle sound of papers being gathered.

His father looked at him with a deep gaze, filled with a complex emotion that was difficult to interpret. In the end, it turned into a brief exhortation: "Grow up. In the future, you must be more responsible."

"Yes, Dad. I will." Ouyang Guang responded in a low voice and gently put the pen back on the table.

His mother came over, hugged him gently, and said with emotion: "Our Manzai has finally grown up." Her hug was short and restrained, with the familiar scent of jasmine.

The ceremony was over. It was heavy, quiet, even a little oppressive, but it was like a formal seal, leaving an indelible mark on the document of his life.

Back in the room, the invisible pressure seemed to dissipate slightly. Ouyangguang pulled off his tie, unbuttoned the top button of his shirt, and let out a long sigh.

Knock...knock...there was a knock on the door outside.

"Come in."

Zhang Yixing walked in, handed him a glass of water, looked at him with a smile, and said in a more relaxed tone: "Xiaoguang, I knew your family background was not ordinary, but I didn't expect it to be so extraordinary! You won't be returning home to inherit the family business in the future, right?"

Ouyang Guang took the water cup and twitched the corner of his mouth at his words. The tense feeling of pretending to be mature finally dissipated: "Brother, stop making fun of me."

"I'm not kidding, it's the truth." Zhang Yixing patted his shoulder and said in a more serious tone, "Do you feel a heavy responsibility?"

Ouyangguang looked down at the water in the cup and shook it. The surface rippled and then calmed down. He hummed, his voice complicated, "It's a little heavier than I thought...

His phone vibrated in his pocket. He took it out and saw it was a message from Kim Ji-won.

"Guangxi, did your coming-of-age ceremony go smoothly? I hope you had a very meaningful day today ^ ^"

It was followed by a small birthday cake emoji.

He looked at the message, then looked up at the luxurious yet deserted house, at his only friend from that world of flashing lights. Outside the window was Shenzhen's dazzling, bustling nightscape, yet separated from his current mood by a layer of glass.

An indescribable complex emotion welled up in his heart. Yes, he had become an adult, possessing wealth and status that many could never achieve in their lifetime. But this gift of "adulthood" was cold and heavy, more like a milestone that separated him further from any ordinary warmth.

He lowered his head and typed a reply.

"Yeah, it's over. It went smoothly. Thanks for the blessing."