Chapter 20

Time is the calmest doctor and the most silent lobbyist.

The story of Feng Ling and Qi Qi seemed to end on that afternoon, as autumn leaves drifted down. The initial anger and heartbreak were real and intense, like a high fever that consumed her. She deleted all chats and unfollowed his social media accounts, trying to erase every trace. But memories could not be erased; those warm moments kept sneaking back to her in the dead of night.

However, Feng Ling wasn't a love-sick person after all. As the intense emotions receded like the tide, the sands of reason gradually emerged. She began to calmly reflect on Qiqi's words, those frank words about the gap, the future, and the responsibility. She had to admit that his decision, while cruel, was carefully considered, the most straightforward and helpless choice between adults. It wasn't that he no longer loved her, but in an almost heroic way, he was seeking a possible solution to the seemingly unsolvable reality between them.

"Then let's just do as he said and live our respective lives."

When this thought surfaced, her heart still ached, but without the tearing despair. She sealed that deep feeling, along with that resolute figure, in a soft corner of her heart. Life went on, and studies, internships, and future plans filled her time. She pushed forward, never looking back.

***

Just as Feng Ling was gradually getting over her heartbreak and pouring her energy into the busy schedule before graduation, the landscape of domestic entertainment was suddenly rewritten by an unprecedented storm.

This year was dubbed the "Year of Idols" by the media and fans alike. The unrivaled boy band, "BOW" (Beasts of World), burst onto the scene with unstoppable force!

Six distinct yet equally exceptional young men, like six precisely polished diamonds, instantly captured the attention of all young people. Online, they dominated the trending search charts on major social platforms; on the music charts, their debut single "Awakening" exploded with unstoppable momentum, surpassing millions and tens of millions of plays in just one week, well on its way to reaching the 100 million mark! The comments and barrage of comments were completely overwhelmed, flooding the air with cheers of all kinds. The biggest and most frenzied outbursts centered around one name:

Nyan.

The boy who serves as the main dancer and ACE (ace member) in the team.

[Nyan's mom loves you!! Ahhhh!]

[Nyan, kill me! Fishing God!]

[Completely tearing apart the manga man! ! ! 】

[Nyan is the true soul of the team! Only Nyan reigns supreme!]

[Dance leader C position, everyone is electrified! ]

[This waist, this leg, this sticking point! The ceiling of human body control! ]

…

He's not the team leader, but his impeccable skills and unique charisma have made him the team's most popular member. He boasts a perfect model figure at 184cm tall, with broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and long legs. Every dance move is measured, imbued with power and beauty. But his most captivating feature is his impeccable face—delicate features, a high nose bridge, and tightly pursed lips. Together, they create a uniquely cool and somber aura, a kind of aloofness that invites approach yet deters profanity. His dancing skills have been praised as "unique in the Chinese entertainment industry" and "comparable to the lead dancers of top Korean boy bands."

And this super star Nyan, who is standing under the spotlight, enjoying thousands of adorations and screams, is none other than the taciturn and gloomy boy An Hesu who practiced alone in the corner of the dance club in Feng Ling's memory.

Feng Ling, a journalism and communications major, had the opportunity to intern at a renowned 4A advertising and media company during her senior year. She crisscrossed the brightly lit office building, participating in project discussions and compiling marketing materials. The "BOW" boy band was undoubtedly the hottest topic of the moment. News of their commercial performance invitations and endorsement offers were always first reported in these places.

The conference room's whiteboard was covered with BOW promotional posters and data analysis; on colleagues' computer screens, their music videos and live stage footage played. Feng Ling would always inadvertently see that infinitely enlarged, beautifully printed poster. Ankhsu—no, Nyan—was wearing exquisite stage makeup, his eyes cold and deep, piercing the camera, as if staring at everyone who met his gaze.

Feng Ling looked at the familiar yet unfamiliar face on the poster, feeling a mixture of emotions, as if she were in another world.

The boy who would be uncomfortable with a bottle of water, who would endure a back injury, who would silently stand behind her and offer silent support, has truly grown up. He has embarked on the path he once talked about, and he has walked so brilliantly and successfully.

She was genuinely happy for him.

***

During lunch break one day, a colleague's loudspeaker blasted a Douyin livestream featuring the boy band BOW. The online viewership was impressively in the millions, and the popularity was skyrocketing. On the screen, several youthful, yet still somewhat immature teenagers sat together, being interviewed by the host. The atmosphere was lively.

"Then let's ask all the young people in BOW, what is your biggest dream now?" the host asked with a smile.

The team members gave standard and cute answers:

“I hope to be a role model for my fans and bring positive energy to everyone!”

"I want to hold a super grand concert!"

"Well... I hope to try my hand in various fields and develop well-roundedly."

When it was Ankhsu's turn, the camera gave him a close-up. He still had that expressionless, cool look, his long eyelashes drooping, casting a small shadow on his eyelids. He raised his eyes and looked at the camera, and a voice came through the speaker lightly but clearly:

"Grow up quickly."

The host was visibly stunned for a moment, then jokingly smoothed things over: "Grow up quickly? Hahaha, our Nyan is really... what a cute answer! Do you hope to become more mature?"

An Hesu did not explain any further, but just pursed his lips very lightly.

Only Feng Ling, upon hearing those four words, tightened her grip on the water glass. A bitter, complex warmth suddenly surged through her heart. She seemed to... understand the unspoken second half of his sentence.

Grow up quickly, become stronger quickly. Strong enough to break free from all constraints, strong enough to match any light, strong enough to... be able to stand proudly by that person's side again.

The livestream's comments were once again flooded with comments due to his "unconventional" response. Fans fondly interpreted his "contrasting cuteness," imagining they were the ones who could make him express his unique emotions. They loved his cold, aloof, seemingly indifferent demeanor, but they didn't know that beneath that icy mask lay a burning, unwavering heart that had been buried deep since youth.

A new storm has arrived, and the old chapter has quietly turned. The era of BOW, and Nyan's shining moment, has officially begun.