Chapter 81
Preparations for Ling Yao's first solo concert in China have entered their final and most intense sprint. With overwhelming publicity and tickets selling out in seconds, the attention of all fans and media is focused on this one, and the pressure is unimaginable.
Under this pressure, Ling Yao made a decision. He officially reported his relationship with Su Rui to his agent and company executives. This wasn't a request for their blessing, but more of a risk warning and a gesture of deliberation. To his surprise, the company's response was unusually calm, even indifferent.
After listening, her agent simply pushed up her glasses and spoke in a businesslike tone, "Ling Yao, you're a mature artist now. In principle, the company won't interfere with your private life, but the premise is—absolutely, absolutely no evidence can be left behind. You can't be photographed, and you can't let anyone else catch you. You should be aware of what this means for your career in the current environment." She paused, then added, "Handle it properly and don't let it become a 'scandal' that requires crisis PR."
There was no objection, no dissuasion, only a cold warning with the subtext of "stay out of trouble." This reaction made Ling Yao feel relieved, but also a sense of inexplicable irritation and... the coldness of being objectified. But he quickly shook off the emotion. At least, he no longer had to hide it at the company level.
Pressure needs an outlet, and the only person he wants to share all his emotions with is Su Rui.
On a rare night when both of them could catch their breath, Ling Yao hugged Su Rui, her chin resting on the top of his head, and suddenly spoke, with a subtle hint of excitement and solemnity in his voice:
"Rui Rui, you must come to my first concert in mainland China."
Su Rui nodded gently in his arms: "Of course I will go." He will definitely wait in the audience, like countless times in the past, and be his most secret audience.
Ling Yao tightened his grip, his tone becoming more mysterious and gentle. "You'll hear all the songs on this new album. But... there's one," he paused, as if sharing a precious secret, "there's a song I wrote especially for you. I actually started preparing it after returning from the south of France."
Su Rui's body stiffened slightly, and she raised her head in surprise, trying to see Ling Yao's expression in the dim light.
Ling Yao's eyes were deep, gleaming with a fiery and sincere light. He continued in a low voice, "The lyrics...are all what I want to say to you. The melody is also based on your style." He lowered his head, resting his forehead against Su Rui's, breathing deeply. "When the time comes, I'll sing for you on stage. Only for you."
Although there were thousands of cheers and shouts from the audience, at that moment, he only wanted to dedicate that song to the person hidden in the vast crowd.
These words were like a huge rock dropped into the lake of Su Rui's heart, stirring up a huge wave. All the grievances, insecurities, and the subtle stings brought on by the deliberately ignored desire for control seemed to be washed away by this sudden and extremely thoughtful romantic promise.
A song. Written for him. To be sung just for him, on a stage watched by all.
This was the ultimate open secret, a grand codeword between the two of them.
Su Rui's heart was filled with a huge, aching feeling of happiness. He could even feel his eyes warming. He hugged Ling Yao tightly back, his voice choked with sobs: "...Okay. I will...will definitely listen carefully."
He seemed to be able to see the dazzling sea of stars and hear the deafening cheers, and the person in the center of the stage, penetrating all the noise, fixed his eyes only on him, singing a melody that belonged only to them.
At that moment, all the obstacles and worries of reality seemed to fade away. All that remained was the endless anticipation for the upcoming concert and the solemnly promised, one-of-a-kind gift. In his superstar style, Ling Yao once again enclosed Su Rui in his love and the glory of the stage. And Su Rui willingly indulged herself in it.
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