Song of the Heart

At the time he transmigrated, the name Chu Qingchan was already known by everyone—without exception. She was the most popular singer in the country, unmatched by any other. Her voice was versatile, her style ever-changing, and every lyric and melody was her own original work. She was truly an all-round, powerful performer. Although she hadn’t received official recognition, most people had already begun calling her the “Ice Queen.” She was, if he recalled, only thirty-one that year.

But her age wasn’t what made her story remarkable. What was even more astounding was that, just a few years prior, she’d been a much-maligned actress—famous only for her looks, cast endlessly as the frosty beauty or the cold-faced CEO. After enduring two years of criticism, she chose to withdraw from the industry. She rested for three years, then reappeared on a television show as a singer, and, despite widespread skepticism, fought her way to the very top.

He wasn’t her fan, nor did he care much for variety shows, but he genuinely liked her music. After all, he was half a musician himself—the sort who would post awkward singing videos online for fun.

At this point in time, it must be right after she was harshly criticized and chose to retreat from the public eye. No wonder her mental state seemed so poor.

Still, he didn’t go over and ask; instead, he pretended not to know anything, sat down, poured her a cup of tea, and set out some snacks.

“Have a little something first. Grandpa, go start cooking, will you?”

“Alright.” The old man got up and headed to the backyard. Xu Lin stood as well, intending to help, but his grandmother called him back.

“What is it?”

“Do your parents know about this?”

“Grandma, know about what?”

The old lady shot him a look, then patted Chu Qingchan’s hands affectionately. Xu Lin suddenly understood—she’d gotten the wrong idea!

“She’s not my girlfriend, Grandma, you’ve misunderstood completely.”

“Not your girlfriend?” Grandmother was taken aback. She’d never wanted him to find a girlfriend too early, but the moment this young woman appeared—with her fairy-like beauty—she was instantly smitten. Though she seemed a few years older than her grandson, her elegant looks and good family background made her an appealing match. If the two got along well, three years’ difference was nothing—sometimes, an older woman was considered a treasure.

They’d barely exchanged a few words; Chu Qingchan’s poise and character were impressive, and the old lady had immediately decided she would make a fine granddaughter-in-law.

But before she could get too excited, her grandson told her flatly that they weren’t a couple. The old lady found that hard to accept.

“Grandma, you’re mistaken. I’m really not his girlfriend. We just met on the road, to be honest—I don’t even know his name.”

Chu Qingchan, having caught on, added her own clarification. The smile faded a little from the old lady’s face.

“Oh, it’s nothing, nothing. I just thought, with someone as excellent as you, it’d be a waste to date this rascal. Sit tight, I’ll go make a few dishes. Do you have any dietary restrictions?”

“Nothing in particular, but please, don’t trouble yourself. Anything is fine.”

“It’s just home-cooking.” With that, the old lady shot Xu Lin a look and hurried to the kitchen.

“Miss Chu, you didn’t notice my grandmother’s misunderstanding just now, did you?”

“By the way, talking with your grandmother just now, I heard you’re still in high school. You don’t look it.”

“Why does it matter what I look like? You tricked my grandma—how do you explain that?”

“Should I pretend to be your girlfriend as compensation?” she retorted, her tone playful, but her expression remained cool and indifferent.

“Forget it. Having a celebrity as my girlfriend would be too much pressure.”

“So you recognized me?”

“You’re too beautiful—it’s almost unreal. If I didn’t recognize you, I wouldn’t deserve these eyes.”

“Thank you for the compliment, Mr. Xu.”

“Such an emotionless thank you. Maybe you should just put your mask back on.”

“Oh.”

“I’m just joking.”

“So am I.”

Xu Lin stared at her icy goddess face. With that expression, who could tell she was joking?

“The truth is, Mr. Xu, your grandmother was so enthusiastic—I simply couldn’t bear to disappoint her.”

“Don’t mind her. Despite her age, my grandma is a sucker for good looks. Every time she sees someone pretty, she wants them as her granddaughter-in-law. My mother was won over by her enthusiasm in much the same way.”

“Is that so? It must be nice to be ordinary…” She seemed to think of something, murmuring softly.

“Aren’t you still an ordinary person?” Xu Lin didn’t ignore her words. “If you weren’t, if it were like in those dramas, you wouldn’t feel all this pain.”

“They say I only ever recite lines with a straight face, but sometimes, I envy the version of me in those dramas—so strong, so capable.”

“So, are you planning to rest for a while?”

Seeing her brow furrow again, Xu Lin changed the subject.

“Yes. I’ve left the industry. After leaving the hospital, I didn’t tell anyone I was coming here. My company matters are all settled.”

“No one will disturb you here, and it’s a nice environment—a good place to recover.”

“Have you no other plans? Just staying here, in this little town, this tiny village?”

“What’s wrong with that? I used to live in the big city, but I was just another struggler, and even with the money I made, I couldn’t afford a home.”

“But here, I can buy a house of my own. If I want peace and quiet, I can renovate this old place and live as an ordinary person. Maybe that’s not so bad.”

“Still, have you considered—your acting career might be struggling, but you could try singing. You might be suited for it.”

“I do like singing, but I’m nowhere near professional.”

“How would you know if you never try? I have a song—would you like to give it a go?”

“Mr. Xu, you’re just a high school student, but you’re really quite multi-talented.”

Xu Lin immediately understood why she called him “Mr. Xu.” It was a title meant for adults. She was older, and by using it, she was subtly calling him a kid. She looked delicate and aloof, but maybe she was actually a bit sly.

“You’re right. Sometimes I think I really am too talented for my own good. I’ve never acted, but maybe, if I tried, I’d be just a tiny bit better than Miss Chu.”

“…,” Chu Qingchan was momentarily taken aback. Clearly, she couldn’t treat him as just a kid—his tongue was as sharp as anyone’s. Good thing she was used to criticism.

“The tea will get cold soon. Drink up. I’ll take your luggage to your room. After lunch, I’ll find someone to clean up for you. According to the forecast, it should stop raining this afternoon.”

“Alright. By the way, can I see that song?”

“I haven’t written it down, but I can sing it for you. There’s a guitar in the old house.”

With that, Xu Lin bounded inside. Chu Qingchan sipped her tea, wondering how she should comfort him if his singing was terrible—or, more likely, how to mock him.

But as she was thinking, a gentle guitar melody drifted through the air, soothing her restless heart in an instant.

He walked out slowly, smiling at her, and parted his lips. His voice was clear, with a hint of depth, and it floated softly to her.

“If I embraced the world that day, would you still have chosen to say goodbye…”

She was stunned. The song was beautiful—not just his voice, but the song itself.

Xu Lin didn’t pause at her astonishment. He kept singing, drawing closer with every step. The lyrics were simple, but the melody lent them a unique power. Far from ordinary, the song struck a chord within her.

On the surface, it was a sad love song about parting, but it felt like it held more than that.

As the song came to an end and only the guitar remained, Xu Lin knelt gently by her side, looking at her tenderly. The song faded into silence.

“That was short.”

“I sang the part I’m good at.”

“What’s it called…?”

“If I Never Embraced the World.”

“A love song?”

“Not a love song, but a song that speaks the truth of my heart. That’s all.”