novelraw Chapter 807: Our Song
Chapter 807: Our Song
In the quiet living room of the Large Flats apartment.
Outside the window was the vast, boundless expanse of Shencheng Bay, the sea surface dyed a flowing gold by the setting sun.
But at this moment, this magnificent scenery of heaven and earth seemed to exist only as a backdrop for the woman standing before the window.
She stood at the window, motionless.
The setting sun fell upon her shoulders, like a layer of light so thin it was almost nonexistent.
For a moment, Zhang Yan was not even sure.
Was she seeing a person, or a phantom refracted by the light?
Noble, distant, untouchable. She even forgot to breathe.
She stood there dumbly, the lingering resonance of the line from "Ode to the Goddess of the Luo River" in her mind not yet faded, when the shock of reality washed over her like a tidal wave, completely submerging her.
Su Yu.That was Su Yu.
It was the household name, the radiant, dazzling diva superstar Su Yu.
"Miss Zhang Yan?"
Cheng Xiaoxi by her side seemed to notice her lapse in composure, tilting her head slightly and softly reminding her.
This gentle voice was like a needle, gently pricking through Zhang Yan's frozen thoughts.
She jolted awake, a wave of unprecedented dizziness and awkwardness instantly sweeping over her.
At the same time, Wen Ruan's words, spoken with that subtle tone, echoed like a curse in her ears: "She and Tang Song... also have a very special relationship."
Su Yu and Tang Song?
These two names seemed completely unrelated, existing in two separate worlds.
How could they possibly be connected in such a way?
Had she misunderstood?
But... why would Sister Wen Ruan specifically emphasize it?
She looked at the figure ahead.
Her cheeks, ears, even her neck rapidly burned with heat. Subconsciously, she clenched the hem of her clothes tightly, the soft cotton fabric crumpling into a wrinkled ball in her grasp.
For a moment, she completely lost the ability to speak and act, not knowing whether she should step forward, greet her, or do something.
Inferiority, embarrassment, at a loss.
In contrast, Lulu's reaction beside her was more direct and more genuine.
Her eyes widened like copper bells, she covered her mouth hard, and a strange sound escaped her throat: "Huh?!"
The sound wasn't loud, but in the silent living room, it seemed exceptionally sharp and piercing.
Her face instantly flushed crimson, her body trembling uncontrollably.
Right at that moment.
The figure by the window began to move.
Soft footsteps sounded.
She wore a pair of minimalist-designed transparent crystal slippers, crystal clear, making her feet appear even more flawlessly fair.
With each step she took, the moon-white silk spaghetti-strap maxi dress clung intimately to the curves of her body like flowing mercury, moving, swaying, rising and falling.
Light and shadow slid across her form.
The posture of each step, the sway of her skirt, were all like a long movie shot, breathtakingly elegant.
She stopped a mere two steps away from Zhang Yan.
She tilted her head slightly, her eyes unblinking as she looked at Zhang Yan, who wore a pink-gray hoodie and casual sweatpants.
Her gaze was very serious, carrying a focus akin to artistic appreciation.
From Zhang Yan's eyes, trembling slightly with nervousness, her delicate eyebrows, her small nose, her slightly pursed lips, finally sweeping past her flushed earlobes and the pair of iris diamond studs on them.
Then, the corners of her petal-like lips curved upward into an indescribable arc.
"Hello, Classmate Zhang Yan." She spoke, her voice even clearer, softer, and more mellow than heard on TV or in movies, with a hint of sexy huskiness.
"!!!"
Zhang Yan dumbly raised her head.
Their gazes met.
"Su... Su... Su..." Her lips trembled, that familiar name swirling on the tip of her tongue, yet she couldn't utter it completely.
"Hehe." Su Yu lightly covered her mouth with her fingertips, letting out an extremely soft laugh. "I thought Wen Ruan had mentioned me to you in advance. It seems she didn't give any spoilers."
"I... I..." Zhang Yan's cheeks instantly burned even hotter.
"It's alright." Su Yu's voice became even gentler, as if comforting a frightened little animal. "This is fine too. Our first meeting is actually more interesting and more memorable this way."
As her words fell, she lightly stepped forward and extended her hand. "Let me formally introduce myself. I am Su Yu. It's an honor to meet you."
Zhang Yan looked at that jade-like, luminous hand, dumbly raised her own hand, and lightly touched it. "H-hello..."
Su Yu didn't let go immediately. Instead, she enveloped Zhang Yan's slightly cool fingers with her palm, giving them a firm shake.
Lulu beside them was completely stunned by this scene.
She wasn't surprised that Su Yu knew Director Wen.
Because Tang Entertainment had always been a shareholder of Nebula International Group.
But she couldn't understand at all why this lofty national goddess would use a word like "honor" for Zhang Yan?!
This was completely beyond her realm of comprehension.
Zhang Yan also belatedly realized this, her mind going blank again.
The warm sensation on her hand persisted, making her heart race wildly while also giving her a feeling of being locked in place.
"I was working in Paris recently. Hearing him mention you, I've been wanting to meet you ever since I returned. I hope this sudden invitation doesn't feel too abrupt." Su Yu paused, her expression suddenly taking on a hint of playfulness. "I couldn't help it. I really, really wanted to see you."
Zhang Yan felt like she was in a dream, just following instinct, shaking her head in a flurry, her voice as faint as a mosquito's hum. "N-no, not abrupt at all... It's my honor..."
Su Yu smiled and then turned her gaze to Zhang Lu beside them, smiling. "Lulu, right?"
"Ah! Ah! Y-yes, yes! I'm Zhang Lu!" Lulu was like a switch had been flipped, instantly jolting out of her stupor, so excited she was incoherent. "Miss Su Yu! I... I can't believe it..."
"We'll get familiar slowly in the future. For now, please rest in the living room and have some tea." Su Yu gave Lulu a gentle nod, then turned to Cheng Xiaoxi, who had been quietly standing by. "Xiaoxi, please take care of Lulu. I'll take Zhang Yan to see the room."
"Understood, Sister Yu." Cheng Xiaoxi immediately bowed in acknowledgment, offering Lulu a professional yet warm smile. "Miss Lulu, please come this way."
Led by Cheng Xiaoxi, Lulu walked dizzily towards the lounge area on one side of the living room, her brain still in a state of information overload, not even knowing how to move her limbs properly.
Su Yu, still gently holding Zhang Yan's hand, shifted her steps slightly, leading her towards the corridor on the other side of the living room that led to the bedroom area.
Her voice was soft, as if sharing a little secret:
"Wen Ruan said you came this time to choose a room? Come on, I'll take you to see. She actually already picked one out for you long ago. I think it's especially suitable for you, and I even took the liberty of doing some simple decorating for you... Come see if you like it."
Her speech and demeanor were natural and familiar, exuding a friend-like intimacy and care, which made Zhang Yan feel even more overwhelmed with favor, her mind buzzing.
Soon.
Zhang Yan followed her through a simple white wooden door.
It was a room with a wide bay window, excellent lighting, and an area even larger than the entire rented apartment she once lived in back in Yangcheng.
Outside the window wasn't a noisy main street, but the tranquil scenery of the community garden.
The room's main color palette was beige, light gray, and natural wood tones, creating a serene and soothing atmosphere.
The bay window was padded with thick cushions and several soft throw pillows, with a simply designed floor reading lamp standing beside it.
Against the wall was a wide solid wood desk, already adorned with a pot of fresh greenery and a set of exquisite stationery.
Next to it was a bookshelf built into the wall, already neatly arranged with some Tang and Song poetry, classical literature, clearly carefully selected.
On the bed were soft, light apricot-colored cotton bedding, its texture like clouds.
A classic-style aromatherapy humidifier emitted a soothing, elegant fragrance.
Peaceful, warm, full of a sense of belonging and security born from meticulous care.
Zhang Yan stood awkwardly in the center of the room, looking at all this beauty prepared for her, her lips unconsciously pressed tightly together.
"Do you like it?" Su Yu released her hand, gracefully spread her arms, and lightly spun a circle in the room, her moon-white skirt rippling like waves. "Most of the hard furnishings and furniture were arranged by Wen Ruan. As for me, I just secretly added a few little decorations based on what I guessed your preferences might be."
She added with a smile, "After all, Wen Ruan said you're the kind of girl who even when stargazing, finds a quiet corner and sits there holding a teacup, lost in thought for a long time."
Zhang Yan felt her heart race again. "I... like it."
"You blush so easily, your cheeks are all rosy," Su Yu came before her again, naturally reaching out to gently ruffle Zhang Yan's soft, chestnut-black collarbone-length hair. "Indeed... almost exactly as I imagined."
Zhang Yan instinctively shrank her neck. "I... I..."
"No need to be so nervous, Classmate Zhang Yan." Su Yu's smile deepened a little, her fingertips lightly brushing past Zhang Yan's bangs as she leaned forward slightly. "You should know about my relationship with Tang Song, right?"
"Sister Wen... Wen Ruan mentioned a little... I'm not too clear about the specifics..." Zhang Yan's voice was practically trembling.
"It seems Wen Ruan really does have a bit of a mischievous streak." Su Yu looked directly into her eyes. "Well, let me tell you personally now. I am indeed Tang Song's woman."
Zhang Yan was completely stunned. Her gaze, already lowered due to awkwardness, now seemed fixed by an invisible lock onto Su Yu's exquisitely beautiful face.
Being this close, she could witness the national goddess's appearance more completely and clearly.
Her features were flawlessly exquisite, with superior bone structure, a kind of divinely beautiful face that seemed naturally formed.
Her skin, under the light, had an almost translucent, delicate matte texture, crystal clear and flawless.
She wore no makeup, or rather, wore the most minimal nude makeup, only highlighting those amber-colored eyes—
Clear to the bottom, bright as stars, like the only candle lit on a snowy night.
This was a beauty that transcended all screen images and magazine photos, a beauty that directly impacted the soul.
In the face of such pure and magnificent beauty, any woman would inevitably experience a moment of dazedness and self-consciousness, let alone Zhang Yan, who was already insecure.
When the name "Su Yu" was linked with "Tang Song"...
This feeling of self-consciousness instantly reached its peak.
She subconsciously looked down at herself.
Ordinary pink-gray hoodie, sweatpants, a thin figure...
Compared to this radiant goddess before her, she was like a weed by the roadside.
"Surprised? About me and Tang Song." Su Yu's voice pulled her back from her thoughts.
Zhang Yan pursed her lips, shook her head, then nodded.
She was gradually coming to her senses.
Actually... this made sense.
The Tang Song of today was no longer the passionate or silent youth from her memories.
He was the global CEO of Xuanji Optical World, a big shot who could speak with Ms. Ouyang, who had girlfriends like Wen Ruan and Liu Qingning.
For someone so dazzling to know Su Yu, to win Su Yu's affection... seemed only logical.
All the sense of unreality stemmed from the fact that in her eyes, Tang Song was still that "deskmate" who needed her words to warm him.
Seeing her hanging her head in silence, looking like a bullied child.
Su Yu gently hugged her shoulders, deliberately putting on a stern face, her tone carrying a teasing threat:
"Don't make such a pitiful expression. If Tang Song found out, he'd think I bullied you. His... punishments... can be quite fierce."
This was an obviously suggestive little joke.
Zhang Yan's face instantly exploded with redness. She waved her hands repeatedly, stammering, "N-no! S-sorry..."
"Why apologize to me?" Su Yu raised an eyebrow.
"I... I..." Zhang Yan struggled for a moment, couldn't think of a reason, and finally habitually mumbled like a mosquito, "Sorry..."
"Pfft—"
Su Yu finally couldn't hold back, laughing out loud, her laughter shaking her shoulders, making her vivid and animated.
"You're too adorable, Classmate Zhang Yan."
The laughter held no sense of celebrity distance, just like a triumphant little girl.
The next second, she leaned in and lightly touched Zhang Yan's cheek with her lips.
"!!"
Zhang Yan instantly petrified, as if under a spell. She subconsciously raised her hand to cover the kissed spot, her clear almond-shaped eyes wide open.
She... was kissed by Su Yu?!
"Alright, sealed with a kiss. We're good friends from now on." Su Yu straightened up nonchalantly, elegantly clapping her hands. "So, let's settle on this room. Living here is actually quite nice. You can walk to the seaside. And Nebula International Group is about to lease a new regional headquarters office in Shen City soon, right in that 'Spring Bamboo Shoot' building not far away. Your commute will be very convenient in the future."
As she spoke, Su Yu naturally took Zhang Yan's still-stiff hand again, leading her on a slow walk around the room, enthusiastically introducing those little decorations.
Her words were gentle, detailed, full of attention to detail and respect and care for Zhang Yan's personal habits.
Watching this celestial, radiant national goddess naturally holding her hand, using her unique voice to chatter about this space that was about to become her "home."
The sense of "distance" and "unreachability" in Zhang Yan's mind was slowly dissolving in a peculiar way.
Replacing it was a heart-warming stream of warmth.
By the time the room introduction was finished, the sky had completely darkened.
Outside the huge floor-to-ceiling window, the night view of Shencheng Bay was like a dazzling, colorful painting, intertwined with the neon lights of the skyline.
Dinner wasn't eaten out. It was a private chef's customized meal delivered by a dedicated person.
Exquisite Cantonese fusion dishes covered the table, each dish as meticulous as a work of art.
Yet Su Yu had none of the airs of a big star.
She very naturally used serving chopsticks to place food on the plate of Zhang Yan beside her, softly inquired about her taste preferences, and even shared some lighthearted and interesting behind-the-scenes filming anecdotes, her words full of consideration and care.
At the same time, she also attentively noticed Lulu's nervousness and excitement, subtly guiding the conversation, gently inviting her to join the chat, ensuring she didn't feel neglected or ignored.
For Lulu sitting across the table, this was probably the most surreal and precious meal of her life.
The chopsticks in her hand trembled slightly, and she hardly dared to look directly at the national goddess elegantly dining across from her.
Whenever Su Yu smiled gently and casually asked, "Does this dish suit your taste?" she would instantly straighten her back like a student called on in class, stammering, "G-good! Very delicious! Especially delicious!"
She spent the entire evening immersed in an unbelievable mix of excitement and restraint, both thrilled and extremely cautious.
Around eight in the evening.
After Lulu, having finished her meal, finished touring the room, Su Yu signaled to Cheng Xiaoxi, who was standing by, to arrange for the driver to take Lulu back to the hotel first.
As Lulu reluctantly left, the vast luxury residence was brightly lit, yet only the two of them remained.
The atmosphere instantly became more private and tranquil, so quiet it seemed you could hear each other's faint breathing.
Just as Zhang Yan felt at a loss again, not knowing what to do, Su Yu once again took the initiative to take her hand, bringing her and her suitcase into the bedroom specially arranged for her.
She even personally took out the clothes from the suitcase one by one.
Sorted them into categories, neatly placing them into the spacious walk-in closet.
As she put them away, she patiently introduced the zoning layout of the closet, the smart lighting controls.
Her movements were skilled and natural, her tone calm and sincere, like an older sister genuinely taking care of a younger sister leaving home for the first time.
Gentle, thorough, full of reassuring patience.
Finally, she pulled her to sit before the vanity, checked her skin type, and said that after Zhang Yan returned to Shen City in a few days, she would gift her a set of skincare products suitable for her skin, all brands she endorsed.
She said this very casually, but Zhang Yan still saw her glance at herself after speaking—
As if checking whether this would make her feel pressured.
That invisible barrier gradually dissolved amidst these trivial yet warm little things.
The channel for emotions was completely opened.
Finally, Zhang Yan's face no longer held only pure tension, but showed a shy yet relaxed smile.
In the following time, Su Yu didn't rush to leave. Instead, she pulled Zhang Yan to sit on the soft cushions of the bay window.
The two chatted about many things.
Su Yu was an excellent listener, always able to respond at the most appropriate moments.
As they chatted, the topic naturally shifted to Zhang Yan's favorite ancient-style themes and literature.
Right at that moment, Cheng Xiaoxi returned, carrying a large dust-proof bag.
"Sister Yu, I've brought the item."
Su Yu stood up, took it, and unzipped the bag. Inside was an extremely intricately crafted, shimmering moon-white ancient-style costume.
Zhang Yan's eyes instantly widened.
Su Yu held the garment up against herself, smiling.
"While eating earlier, didn't you mention you loved that ancient costume film I starred in, 'Moonfall and Stars Sink' the most? You said you especially liked the styling of 'Ling Yue' in it. Coincidentally, I kept an original copy of this costume, stored at my home in Shen City's Swan Castle, very close by. So I had Xiaoxi go fetch it."
She gently shook out the moon-white, magnificent garment. The sleeves fluttered gracefully, dreamlike. "Would you like to try it on?"
"N-no, no need..."
Zhang Yan was truly frightened this time, her face instantly flushing crimson.
She felt Su Yu was being excessively kind to her, far exceeding the boundaries of goodwill she could comprehend and accept, making her apprehensive and uneasy.
"Worried about the size not fitting?" Su Yu's tone remained gentle, patiently explaining. "Actually, this is a costume adapted from the design of the Tang Dynasty high-waisted skirt. It's quite accommodating in design. Even if it's a bit large, it can be adjusted very well with the ties after wearing."
"I... I really don't need to..." Zhang Yan waved both hands, her voice carrying a clear note of pleading.
Seeing Zhang Yan's refusal, Su Yu smiled gently. "Alright then. I heard from Wen Ruan that you actually like Hanfu too. I've already had someone custom-make this costume according to your measurements. When it's ready, I'll give it to you as a formal gift, okay?"
Zhang Yan was stunned, momentarily not knowing how to respond.
"Alright, don't overthink it. It's just a costume, not something particularly valuable." Su Yu seemed to see through her thoughts, reassuring her. Then she revealed a mysterious smile. "Don't move for now, wait here for me. I'll go get a real meeting gift prepared for you."
Before Zhang Yan could speak, Su Yu had already risen lightly and left the room.
Leaving Zhang Yan alone, standing in the center of this new space enveloped in orange lamplight and a warm atmosphere.
She looked around somewhat dazedly at the books selected for her, the soft throw pillows, the aromatherapy...
Even though this was her first time stepping into this room, and the air still carried an unfamiliar scent.
A sense of warmth and belonging akin to "home" was slowly enveloping her.
This feeling was so precious to her, yet so unfamiliar.
Since childhood, a growth environment filled with lack and neglect had long engraved inferiority, timidity, and a lack of love into her bones.
Becoming the difficult-to-shed background color of her life.
And today, this national diva who descended from the heavens, radiant and dazzling.
Somehow gave her a feeling of family.
Safe, protective, nurturing, healing.
A thin layer of moisture quickly blurred her vision, turning this warm scene before her into a shimmering, searing dream.
Zhang Yan quickly raised her hand, using her sleeve to frantically wipe her eyes and the tip of her nose, trying to suppress the uncontrollable ache.
Then she walked to the bed and sat down awkwardly.
Hanging her head, her hands tightly clenched together.
Like a small blade of grass trying hard to curl up.
An unknown amount of time passed.
The room held only the fading lights outside the window and Zhang Yan's own shallow breathing.
Soft footsteps sounded again, approaching from afar. Zhang Yan hurriedly stood up from the bed.
When she saw who it was, her expression froze once more.
Su Yu had returned.
She was now wearing that moon-white ancient-style costume she had just shown.
It was as if "Ling Yue," her favorite character from the movie, had appeared before her.
Like a celestial being.
In her arms, she held a wooden guitar with a warm, lustrous finish. In her other hand, she carried a notebook.
She walked directly to the soft, long-pile wool carpet in front of Zhang Yan and, without a care, knelt down, spreading her long skirt, and casually sat cross-legged.
The hem of her skirt spread out on the carpet like a lily quietly blooming in the night.
"After chatting for so long, would you like to hear me sing a song?"
Su Yu slightly lifted her breathtakingly beautiful face, looking at Zhang Yan, who sat somewhat awkwardly on the edge of the bed. The corners of her eyes curved, carrying an infectiously gentle smile.
"...Yes." Zhang Yan sniffled, mustering her courage to nod.
Hearing her response, Su Yu lowered her head to adjust the guitar strings slightly, then her fingertips began to gently strum.
The intro began.
It was a light, nostalgic, and slightly bittersweet folk melody, very much like the continuous rainy season of a southern town.
Then, Su Yu began to sing.
Her voice was even clearer, softer, and more magnetic than when she spoke, carrying a deep affection as if chatting under the eaves:
"Hiding behind the light, tracing your profile..."
"Back then, your bicycle, gliding through the summer..."
As the lyrics flowed out line by line.
Zhang Yan, sitting on the bed, completely stiffened.
This... this is...?
The middle school classroom, the deskmate's profile, the bicycle, the waiting, those words never dared to be spoken...
Every word, every line, seemed plucked from her memories.
This was clearly her story, her humble, prolonged youth.
Su Yu closed her eyes, immersed in the melody.
A divine-level voice vividly portrayed the sourness, caution, and hopeless persistence within those girlish sentiments.
Zhang Yan stared dumbly at Su Yu, who was singing with such focus, her mind completely blank.
The song ended.
The final guitar note slowly dissipated in the quiet room, its resonance lingering.
Su Yu pressed the strings to mute them, raised her head, her amber eyes glistening with crystal tears.
She gently placed the lyric notebook in her hand on the bed, pushing it towards Zhang Yan, her gaze soft.
"I was in Paris when Tang Song told me your story. That day outside the Louvre, I was so moved I cried for a long time."
"This is a song I wrote from your perspective. But... the lyrics here are still quite rushed."
"Zhang Yan, I know you majored in Chinese Language and Literature. I also know you wrote many essays for Tang Song. The delicate emotions contained in that kind of writing are something I cannot even imagine."
"So, I want to ask you to help me revise the lyrics."
"This song, I will release it as my opening single for 2024 on Valentine's Day. And you will be one of the lyricists for this song."
Hearing this, Zhang Yan flinched back as if pricked by a needle.
It was the immense shame of being seen through, and extreme lack of confidence.
She shook her head and waved her hands frantically, her voice trembling.
"N-no, no, no! I can't! Miss Su Yu, I... I only write some messy, unrefined things... I... how could I... how could I revise lyrics for you..."
She shook her head like a rattle-drum, her whole body almost curling into a ball.
Her sense of inferiority peaked at this moment.
Having her innermost feelings sung out by Su Yu's beautiful voice, while beautiful, also made her feel an instinctive fear and disorientation from being completely exposed under a spotlight.
Su Yu seemed to have anticipated her reaction.
"Zhang Yan, you must understand that this feeling of yours is itself the most beautiful love song in the world."
"But..." Zhang Yan's voice was as faint as a mosquito's.
"Now, look at me." Su Yu leaned forward slightly, placing her hands lightly on her crossed knees, her gaze firmly locking onto Zhang Yan. "Let me ask you a question."
Zhang Yan obediently raised her head, looking into those clear amber eyes.
"If Tang Song weren't as wealthy as he is now, if his life were mediocre, ordinary, if his future was even not so good, would you be willing to step forward, to take care of him, to bring light to his life?"
Zhang Yan was stunned for a moment, then bit her lip and cautiously nodded once.
"I knew it." Su Yu looked at her, tears quickly welling up in her eyes, sliding down her flawless, smooth cheeks. "So... I am incredibly grateful to you. Because I know that even if he weren't as he is now, he would still find happiness in the future."
Zhang Yan was somewhat bewildered. She couldn't fully understand Su Yu's somewhat profound words.
But she could see the tears before her.
That national diva, standing at the pinnacle of the stage, admired by countless people, was now crying uncontrollably before her.
Tears trailed down that face so perfect it seemed unreal.
She instinctively reached out to wipe the tears for her, but her hand froze mid-air, not daring to rashly touch that face.
But Su Yu didn't mind at all.
She suddenly leaned forward, her forehead lightly touching Zhang Yan's forehead.
Very lightly.
Yet it made Zhang Yan instantly hold her breath.
Their breaths mingled, the salty scent of tears permeating the extremely close distance.
"You might... not understand. But you just need to know that I, like you, like Liu Qingning, we all love that Tang Song from your memories, the most authentic one."
"That's why I specifically came to see you. I sincerely thank you... for loving him so much, for silently waiting for him, watching him for so many years in places he couldn't see."
She pulled back a little, looking into Zhang Yan's almond-shaped eyes filled with bewilderment.
"So, please help me complete it, okay?"
The air fell quiet.
Zhang Yan remained silent for a very, very long time.
That sudden recognition, that emotional resonance, struck her like tidal waves.
Finally, she reached out a trembling hand.
Her fingertips lightly touched the notebook, as if confirming this wasn't a dream.
Then, she nodded firmly.
Su Yu's face blossomed into a smile. "The name for this song, I've already thought of it. It's called—"
"'Our Song'."