Chapter 24
Feng Ling juggled two roles, like a spinning top. After finishing rehearsals for her duet with Ankhsu, she also had to fulfill her duties as an intern, shuttling between rehearsal rooms, checking in on the progress of other performances, and coordinating trivial matters. By the time she finally opened the door to the BOW rehearsal room, legs feeling like they were filled with lead, it was already late at night.
The vast space was lit only by a few dim lights. The music had long since stopped, leaving it empty and silent. In the dim light, she saw a figure lying quietly on its side on the polished floor, its head resting on a cushioned pillow it had found somewhere. The curled-up figure looked particularly lonely in the empty space.
It's Ankhsu.
Hearing the sound of the door opening, the figure on the floor moved and slowly opened his eyes. His sight was still a little hazy, but he accurately focused on her. His voice was hoarse from just waking up and had a subtle hint of dependence:
"I'm back."
Feng Ling was a little surprised. She closed the door gently and walked over: "Why haven't you left yet? They...just left you here alone?" She couldn't imagine that this top idol who was the focus of everyone's attention would sleep alone on the cold floor.
An Hesu propped up his upper body with his arms, rubbed his eyes, and spoke with a nasal tone of just waking up, sounding a bit childish and aggrieved: "I'm not a child anymore. Do I need them to watch over me and send me home all the time?"
These words, in stark contrast to his usual stern image, instantly softened Feng Ling's heart. She walked over to him and, imitating his casual manner, sat down on the floor, glancing at him from the side. "So, where are you living now? Is it the dormitory arranged by the company?"
"No," he shook his head and ruffled his messy hair. "I rented an apartment by myself. I need some...private space that's completely my own."
"Oh..." Feng Ling responded, unsure of what to say next. Silence spread between the two of them, but it didn't seem awkward. Instead, it felt like a peaceful after-hours retreat.
"The official performance will be in two days," An Hesu suddenly spoke softly, breaking the silence, with a subtle concern in his voice. "Are you nervous?"
Mentioning this, Feng Ling's shoulders immediately slumped, her face full of worry: "Alas... of course I'm nervous. After all, it's such a formal and grand occasion, the audience is full of people, and there are so many... fans following you." She could almost imagine the thunderous cheers at that time, and she was going to stand next to him and bear some of the focused attention, which made her feel even more stressed.
"You..." An Hesu turned his head and stared at her deeply in the dim light. His eyes, which were always cold, seemed to contain a vortex. "Are you afraid?"
Feng Ling met his gaze, her heart skipping a beat. She vaguely understood that he wasn't just asking about the stage. He was asking if she would be afraid of standing beside him, facing the attention, discussion, and even criticism that might follow.
She opened her mouth, but found she couldn't find a clear answer. She didn't know.
Just as her thoughts were in turmoil, Anhesu's voice rang out again, deep but with a resolute determination that penetrated the darkness and reached her heart:
"I will protect you."
There were no flowery words, no frivolous promises, just a simple sentence, as heavy and reliable as a rock. The deep affection and determination in his eyes were undisguised, as if the strength accumulated over the years finally broke through the ice at this moment, allowing her to clearly feel the torrent of emotions he had been holding back but had long since deeply rooted in his heart.
Feng Ling's heart was completely disturbed.
In the past, with Qiqi by her side, he had protected her from the wind and rain, but in her eyes, An Hesu was more of a stubborn and lonely younger brother. She had never thought of seriously examining the emotions and demands hidden behind his eyes.
But now, things are different.
Qiqi had already left, and the Ankhsu before her was no longer the gloomy young man who needed her care and comfort. He was a man, a man with immense strength and boundless starlight, yet he revealed his vulnerability and persistence in front of her. He had always waited for her, silently accompanying her in his own way. He had once said, "Don't forget me," and now he said, "I will protect you"...
These realizations flooded into my mind like a tide, bringing with them shock and a hint of helplessness.
Feng Ling didn't dare to think any further, as if thinking about it for even a second longer would completely crumble some solid barrier. She suddenly interrupted her thoughts and stressed in her heart: He is my younger brother, yes, my younger brother, the younger brother who always needs her care!
"It's getting late!" She stood up hastily, using a brisk tone to mask her inner turmoil. "Let's go! If you stay up late and don't get enough rest, your face will be swollen tomorrow, and you won't look good on camera!"
She almost fled towards her backpack, not daring to look him in the eye again.
An Hesu watched her obviously evasive figure, a hint of disappointment and understanding flashing across his eyes, and he sighed almost inaudibly. But he didn't force her. He simply stood up obediently, straightened his clothes, and silently followed her out of the rehearsal room and into the dark night.
However, those words, "I will protect you," were like a boulder thrown into a still lake, stirring up ripples that had already begun to spread through Feng Ling's heart, becoming difficult to calm. Cracks had already appeared in the ice.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com