Prologue – Year 2027
Inside the Champion magazine studio, Wu Suo Wei stood beneath the bright lights, drawing curious glances from the assistants nearby.
He wore a white YSL overcoat over a blue-and-white striped T-shirt, paired with ripped jeans. His sharp features and easy confidence made him look every bit the idol he never claimed to be.
"OMG, the dazzling snow prince looks so handsome today," one assistant whispered. "I can't stop staring."
The interviewer, Linda, adjusted her cue cards. The shoot began.
"Mr. Wu, you just broke the world record for the fastest reverse triple axel — and with the highest vertical height. On top of that, your five-spin quad last night broke another record. How do you feel?"
"I'm very grateful to my coach and mentors," Wu Suo Wei said, polite as ever. "It's all thanks to their combined effort."
"Come on, don't be so humble," Linda teased. "At just twenty-five, you've already made history. What's next for you?"
"There's only one goal left — Olympic gold."
"Your videos went viral after your free skate performance. Everyone was talking about your song and choreography. What inspired that?"
"I wanted to try something darker, more mysterious. It felt right for this tournament."
"It was breathtaking. You scored the highest that night."
He nodded slightly. "Thank you."
"Alright, let's do a quick-fire round! Most searched questions about you — five seconds each."
He smiled faintly. "Let's go."
"Are you single?""Hehe… yes."
"Favorite movie?""Your Name, by Makoto Shinkai."
"Favorite music genre?""Classical — sometimes pop."
"Most cherished career moment?""Winning nationals."
"Favorite food?""Spicy shrimp noodle soup. And chive pancakes."
"Wow. Okay, last question — do you have someone special in your life?"
For a second, his smile faded.
A face appeared in his mind — sharp eyes, a small mole by the nose, and a quiet voice whispering, 'Weiwei, I'll always believe in you.'
"Yes," he said softly. "I think I do."
Linda blinked. "Huh? Are you two together?"
"Not at the moment."
Her excitement dimmed a little, but she kept the smile. "Then… what's the best moment of your life so far?"
"Skating for the first time with my mom in Harbin Park." His eyes softened. "That day's still clear in my mind."
"Aww, that's beautiful." Linda grinned. "Alright, we're done! You nailed it, Mr. Wu even won the rapid-fire round. Here's your gift basket from Champion magazine. Thank you for joining us."
"Thank you."
He smiled for the cameras, shook her hand, and left with his manager, Ling Bui, who carried the gift basket. They had a flight to catch to Tokyo where Wu Suo Wei currently resides.
"Some of those questions were kind of inappropriate, don't you think?" Wu muttered as they walked through the hall.
"Yes," Ling replied, tapping his iPad. "You're an athlete, not an influencer. I'll screen the scripts better next time."
"Thanks. I just want a quiet life."
"I know. But rumors travel faster than results these days."
Wu snorted. "Now they're calling me a nepo kid dating some fashion influencer? Unbelievable. Did you fire the person who leaked my gym location?"
"I did. And I've increased your security. I thought Seoul would be safer, but who knew?"
"Thanks, Ling."
He took off his YSL coat, slipped into his plain black hoodie — his usual comfort armor.
"Here, drink some water," Ling said. "You've worked hard."
They stepped into the parking garage, the echo of their footsteps bouncing off the concrete walls.
Inside the car, Wu Suo Wei leaned back, exhaustion pulling at his muscles. Day three of the press tour — finally, a breath of quiet.
The radio hummed softly, playing an old song: 'Small love big city.'
College days came rushing back with every note.
His heartbeat quickened.
In his mind flashed that same face again sharp, handsome, always in black. The tiny mole by the nose. The cigarette held loosely between long fingers. The snake coiled lazily on his wrist.
Stop thinking about him.
Wu clenched his fists, but the lyrics about first love made the memories flood in anyway.
He thought of that day — the first time he'd stumbled into that man's house, the chaos, the embarrassment, the spark that changed everything.
Despite himself, Wu Suo Wei smiled.
"Chi Cheng… Happy Mid-Autumn Festival. I hope you're doing well."
"Mr. Wu?" Ling's voice broke through his thoughts. "Should I RSVP you for the sponsorship gala next month? The Olympic team will be honored there."
"It's mandatory?"
"Yes."
"Alright. I'll go."
"I'll book your flight to Beijing."
"Thanks…"
Wu's eyes closed as the car sped down the Tokyo highway, city lights fading into streaks. Sleep came quietly — but his dreams carried him somewhere far older, back to the boy he once was, and the man who had once believed in him.