Chapter 8
In the KTV room, dazzling lights swirled and music blared. The atmosphere was quickly lit up by the lively couple, Xiaodi and Feifei, who rushed to request songs, expertly opened drinks and snacks, and noisily began playing dice. Feng Ling, newly honored as "Sister Ling," naturally followed Qiqi around, distributing drinks and arranging fruit plates like a meticulous butler.
And Ankhsu, as always, chose the position in the corner, hidden at the intersection of light and shadow, as if he had a "keep away from strangers" barrier, looking at the screen quietly, out of tune with the surrounding hustle and bustle.
After a few rounds of enthusiastic singing, Tiantian suddenly picked up the microphone and announced loudly, "Next song! Qiqi and I!" Without hesitation, she shoved the other microphone into Qiqi's hand. A soulful duet of love between a man and a woman appeared on the screen. Xiaodi and Jiezi immediately started to boo, and a wave of ambiguous boos echoed from the private room.
A subtle hint of embarrassment crossed Qiqi's face, and her eyes subconsciously flicked to Feng Ling, who was handing Ah Wei a drink. Feng Ling simply looked up, smiled, and clapped along with the others, his expression expressionless. Qiqi had no choice but to take the microphone and bravely join in. Tiantian sang with utter passion, her eyes practically glued to Qiqi, each transition tinged with tenderness, drawing the attention of Xiaodi and the others from below.
Feng Ling listened, her mind wandering. She hadn't expected Qiqi to sing so well. His voice was deep and captivating, unlike his sunny, energetic dancing style. He possessed a unique allure that captivated everyone. "He's truly an all-rounder, a true singer and dancer..." she secretly admired.
"Sister Ling! Don't just watch, let's sing a song too!" Xiaodi came over and handed over the song-ordering screen with a smile.
"Me?" Feng Ling waved her hands quickly. "Let me be clear, my singing is pretty average. I'm lucky to be able to sing along."
"What are you afraid of! It's not an audition for 'The Voice of China', just have fun!" Feifei chimed in.
"Alright!" Feng Ling, moved by their enthusiasm, chose a lively pop song with Xiao Di. Her voice was clear and crisp, though not particularly skilled, but possessed a natural and melodious quality, like the gentle sway of wind chimes on a summer morning. The two of them led the entire audience in a chorus, instantly bringing the atmosphere to a climax.
Qiqi leaned against the jukebox, looking at Feng Ling who was a little shy but trying hard to sing along under the light, and the corners of her mouth unconsciously raised a gentle arc.
After some fun, Feifei suggested a game of "rock-paper-scissors," with the loser taking a long gulp of a drink. Feng Ling's luck seemed to be running out tonight, with consecutive losses. She rarely drank carbonated drinks, and her stomach felt like it was about to burst from the bubbles. After another loss, she quietly pressed her hand against her aching stomach while no one was paying attention, forcing herself to continue the game.
At that moment, Ankhsu suddenly stood up, wordlessly walked to the karaoke counter, and quickly requested a song. An ethereal, soulful prelude rang out, drowning out the clamor. Everyone fell silent, their eyes fixed on Ankhsu. He still had his head bowed, his hat brim obscuring most of his face, but the moment he opened his mouth, the entire room seemed enchanted. His voice was clear and crisp, his low croon flowing like moonlight, and his rich emotions carried a piercing power. Everyone held their breath, terrified that even a single noise would mar the perfect moment.
"As expected of someone who will debut in the future..." Feng Ling thought to herself. Even the pain in her stomach seemed to be temporarily relieved by such a moving song.
Qiqi came in after answering the phone. Seeing An Hesu singing, he raised an eyebrow in surprise before quietly sitting down on the edge of the sofa. His eyes quickly fell on the several empty bottles of drinks in front of Feng Ling, and her hand still unconsciously pressing on her stomach, and his brows furrowed.
The song ended, its lingering sound lingering in the air. Several seconds passed before everyone erupted in heartfelt applause and admiration. "Keep going!" Xiao Di, still unsatisfied, wanted to restart the game.
"Alright everyone," Qiqi stood up and clapped her hands, "It's getting late. Minors need to go home early, otherwise their parents will come to me, the 'boss', to hold them accountable."
"Tsk--!" Tiantian, Xiaodi and others booed in dissatisfaction, but since Qiqi had spoken, they had no choice but to start packing up their things obediently.
As the crowd moved out, Qiqi walked up to Anhesu, gently bumped him with her shoulder, and said with a low laugh, "You've been very supportive today. It's rare for you to speak." Anhesu didn't show any expression, he just bumped back with the same force, which was a unique response of some kind.
Leaving the KTV, the night breeze was slightly cool. Everyone said goodbye to each other and dispersed in twos and threes. "Feng Ling, wait a moment." Feng Ling had just taken a few steps when he heard Qi Qi's voice behind him and turned back in confusion.
"Let's go to the pharmacy." Qiqi didn't wait for her to answer. She naturally held her wrist gently and led her to the 24-hour pharmacy on the side of the road.
Feng Ling followed him, confused. She hadn't said anything. "Why are you going to the pharmacy? Are you feeling unwell?" she asked in a low voice.
Qiqi didn't answer. He walked straight into the pharmacy and said to the clerk, "Please give me a box of Daxi, thank you." He quickly paid, took the medicine, opened the package, turned around and put a piece of aluminum foil into Feng Ling's hand. "Take one, your stomach will feel better."
"Ah?" Feng Ling was completely stunned and looked at him stupidly.
"It would be strange if it didn't hurt after drinking so much ice soda." His tone was unquestionable.
"Oh..." It turned out that he had noticed it a long time ago. Feng Ling felt warm in her heart and obediently took out a pill and put it in her mouth.
"Oh, by the way! I should give you the money for the medicine..." She hurriedly took out her cell phone.
"Let's talk about it when we get home. How are you leaving?"
"Bus, No. 43."
"Come on, I'll take you to the station."
"No, no, no," Feng Ling waved her hands quickly, "I'm an adult, it's fine!"
Qiqi looked at her serious expression, and finally revealed her familiar bright smile. She asked with a hint of joking: "Then can you give me a ride? I want to take the car too."
"Hehe, that's fine." Feng Ling was amused by him and nodded embarrassedly.
The two walked side by side on the night street. As they walked, Feng Ling suddenly stopped and opened his eyes wide as if he suddenly realized something: "Ah! Could it be that you... are actually underage?!"
Qiqi turned around and looked at her amusedly: "What do you think?"
"Really?!" Feng Ling covered her mouth in shock. "You're young and promising! You're afraid others will find out and disobey you, right? Don't worry, I'll keep it a secret!" She immediately made a closure gesture, then straightened her back and acted like an older sister. "I'll take care of you from now on!"
The smile in Qiqi's eyes deepened, as if filled with stars. "Okay," he agreed with her, "then you must take good care of me from now on."
Feng Ling nodded solemnly. Seeing her like this, Qiqi couldn't help but reach out and gently ruffle her hair, the action natural and intimate. "The car is here, let's go."
Feng Ling turned around and saw the bus slowly approaching the station. She quickly ran towards the door, waving back as she ran: "Bye! Be careful too!"
Qiqi stood at the platform, following her through the window with a gentle gaze until the train drove away. Feng Ling found a seat and sat down, looking back through the window at the shrinking figure, her heart filled with a warm and full emotion.
On the way, she took out her phone and sent a message to Qiqi: "How much is the stomach medicine? I'll transfer it to you."
Soon, the screen lit up: "No thanks. Just consider it hush money."
Feng Ling smiled and sent a cute "shut up" emoji in return. The neon lights outside the window passed over her face, illuminating the faint smile in her eyes that she couldn't hide.
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