Su Yuqing's appearance was like a pebble thrown into stagnant water, creating ripples in Lin Chen's tranquil heart. He kept that simple business card hidden in the gap between his phone case and battery, a corner even Amy wouldn't easily touch during her routine checks. Whenever the night was quiet, enveloped by immense loneliness and oppression, he couldn't help but stroke his phone case, as if he could feel the faint connection to the outside world represented by that business card through the cold plastic.
However, the pressure of reality didn't lessen with this small ripple. After losing the advertising endorsement, the company's "cold treatment" of him continued. His schedule was reduced to only some insignificant appearances and internal training, his exposure plummeting. Online discussions about him were also rapidly fading, replaced by other newcomers launched by Xingyao Entertainment. He felt himself being "marginalized" in a slow but resolute way, like a product deemed "unqualified" after trial use, about to be returned to the warehouse, or even… destroyed.
This silent, suffocating feeling was more terrifying than open suppression. He knew he couldn't just sit and wait to die. He thought of Chen Kai, the "musical veteran" who had guided him during his most confused time. He had to find a way to contact him.
An opportunity arose one afternoon. Amy informed him that the company had arranged a charity campus music sharing session for him at a university in the city. "It's not a large-scale event, but it'll help build a positive image for you," Amy instructed businessily. "Just prepare one or two songs, share your musical insights, and be careful with your words. I'll give you the script in advance."
Campus! This meant a relatively relaxed environment, and… a brief respite from the tight surveillance.
On the day of the sharing session, everything went as usual. Amy and the driver took him to the university auditorium. The event was organized by the university and student organizations, and the process was simple. Lin Chen completed his sharing according to the script, singing a positive and uplifting pop song chosen by the company. The enthusiastic reaction of the young students in the audience allowed him to feel a long-lost warmth of the stage.
After the event, as is customary, there was a group interview with the media and an interaction with fans. However, Lin Chen noticed that there were very few media present, and most of the fans were students who had come in groups. Amy and the staff also seemed less focused than usual.
Just as Amy was pulled aside for a conversation with a school official, Lin Chen excused himself to go to the restroom and quickly slipped away from the main area. He didn't go to the restroom, but instead, relying on the memory he had secretly rummaged through on his old phone, he circled around to the back of the auditorium and slipped out through a side door.
The university campus was lush and green, filled with youthful energy and a sense of freedom. Lin Chen pulled his hat down low, blending into the crowd of students, his heart pounding with nervousness and excitement. He found a quiet corner and, using his hidden old phone, dialed Chen Kai's studio number.
The phone rang several times before being answered. Chen Kai's familiar, slightly hoarse voice came through: "Hello?"
"Professor Chen! It's me, Lin Chen!" he said urgently, lowering his voice.
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, then Chen Kai's voice became serious and worried: "Lin Chen? How are you? Your number..."
"I changed my number, it was arranged by the company. Mr. Chen, to make a long story short, I'm not available right now," Lin Chen said quickly. "I signed with Xingyao."
"...I guessed it." Chen Kai sighed, his tone complicated. "I knew it from your sudden change in social media style and your sudden silence. Child, you..."