{PS: Everyone is still wondering whether the protagonist will write a song for Murphy or when he’ll write it. Don’t worry—he definitely will, but it won’t be on the first album, nor in these few chapters. After all, Murphy’s new album is still climbing the charts! Even if she starts preparing a new album, there needs to be a buffer period... Xiaohan likes to write plots that differ from other novels. Whether it’s writing songs or the upcoming scandal, the story’s trajectory will definitely not be what you expect. If it were like other novels, jumping straight into clichés and dazzling brilliance, where’s the fun in that? So, keep a calm mindset and watch the story unfold! Anyway, Xiaohan won’t write a tragedy—everything, everything, is for a better future!}
“Sister Murphy, please wait a moment!” Just as she stepped out of her recording studio, Murphy was stopped by someone.
Turning around, she saw a male star with a boyish, pretty-boy look. His hair was heavily styled with gel, the fixed hairstyle stiff and sharp, with a clear, straight part, but it lacked any natural flow.
“Ju Jie, what’s up?” Murphy recognized him, of course, though they weren’t close.
Back when Murphy was still the top star, Ju Jie was just a trainee at the company, completely unknown. But in the past two years, he’d become the company’s rising star, developing well and climbing into the ranks of third-tier male celebrities. He’d even released a decently successful album, with promising prospects.
What stood out to Murphy was that at last month’s company meeting, Sister Ling had specifically asked Murphy to give Ju Jie some extra support.
However, Murphy wasn’t the type of celebrity who was good at networking. Her connections were already shallow, and now she could barely keep herself afloat, so when it came to mentoring juniors, she felt both willing and powerless.
Seeing Ju Jie, Murphy felt a twinge of guilt, and for once, she dropped her usual aloof demeanor.
“It’s like this, Sister Murphy. You’re my senior, you’ve been to many events, and you have plenty of experience. The company’s sending me to an awards ceremony hosted by Southern Media, and I wanted to ask you about some things I should watch out for.” A strange glint flashed in Ju Jie’s eyes as he deliberately moved closer, speaking eagerly.
Murphy frowned slightly. She wasn’t comfortable with this closeness, but because of her guilt, she couldn’t act too distant. Forcing herself to endure the discomfort, she began to explain: “When attending an awards ceremony, you need to find a female companion...”
Ju Jie seemed to be listening attentively, head bowed, but in reality, his peripheral vision was fixed on something else. Spotting a hand gesture from the side, the corner of his mouth curled up slightly.
“Sister Murphy, I know you’re busy. How about we talk while we walk? Let me carry your bag!” Ju Jie acted eagerly, reaching out, and as if flustered, his hand accidentally brushed against Murphy’s slender fingers.
Murphy instinctively pulled her hand back. Her brows furrowed, and her face turned cold, but she held back her anger, not lashing out. “No need, Ju Jie.”
Ju Jie awkwardly withdrew his hand. Thick-skinned as he was, he grinned and said, “Sorry, Sister Murphy, I was just too eager to impress. Maybe I was a bit abrupt—please forgive me!”
Since he’d apologized like that, could Murphy really put on airs? She forced a smile, so fake it even felt uncomfortable to her, and said, “It’s fine. Where was I?”
Murphy actually had things to do, so they switched to walking and talking. She found the scent of Ju Jie’s cologne unpleasant and wrinkled her nose, stepping forward a few paces.
But Murphy didn’t notice that while she was focusing on sharing her experience, Ju Jie wasn’t really listening. He pretended to walk steadily, but his right arm lifted, hovering behind her as if to rest on her shoulder.
“...That’s about it. Did you remember everything?” Murphy had earnestly explained a lot before turning to look at Ju Jie.
Ju Jie had already casually lowered his arm, covering it up by scratching his hair. He smiled ingratiatingly and said, “Got it, Sister Murphy. You’re amazing! Thanks for your help! How about I treat you to dinner tonight?”
Murphy shook her head. She felt uncomfortable just being near Ju Jie, and for some reason, a strong sense of repulsion churned inside her.
“No need. I have plans tonight,” Murphy said coolly, which was her version of a polite refusal.
Ju Jie gave an awkward smile and didn’t press further. After all, today’s gains were enough!
Murphy didn’t actually have much to do that night—just dropping Xixi off at her father’s place. Starting tomorrow, she’d be flying all over the world for the final week of her new album’s promotional tour, with the company arranging a packed schedule for a last push.
Of course, she also missed the food Yang Yi cooked.
Compared to that, Murphy would much rather eat at Yang Yi’s place—quiet, peaceful, and delicious. Who would want to dine with a pretty boy drenched in cologne?
Murphy had her own personality; she wasn’t about to fake pleasantries.
...
“If we part at the final stop / Some say there’ll be news of reunion / If I think of you at the final stop / One day, we’ll surely meet again...”
Yang Yi sat cross-armed behind his bar counter, eyes closed, quietly listening to the widely popular old song “The Final Stop.”
It was indeed an old song, with a slow-paced charm reminiscent of the 1970s in his past life. It required closing your eyes to savor it deeply, and played through surround-sound, high-fidelity equipment, it always brought a sense of peace.
But a ringtone broke the calm. Yang Yi frowned, but seeing it was Murphy’s call, he quickly paused the music and answered.
“Daddy!” Xixi’s crisp voice came through, and Yang Yi couldn’t help but smile.
“Yeah, Daddy’s here.”
“Xixi is coming to Daddy’s place! Is Daddy happy?” The little girl giggled. She was now turning the tables, asking her father questions!
“Of course, I’m happy!”
“And Mommy too!” Xixi laughed. “Mommy said she wants to eat Daddy’s cooking, together with Xixi and Daddy!”
Yang Yi heard Murphy’s flustered, indignant shout from the other end: “Yang Xiaoxi!”
“No problem. Daddy will make you both something delicious!” Yang Yi said softly.
“Yay!” Xixi cheered happily.
After the little girl chatted with her dad for a bit, Murphy snatched the phone. She sounded a bit embarrassed, trying to act nonchalant: “Don’t listen to Xixi’s nonsense. I’m bringing her over now. No need to pick us up—Xiaojuan has time. Just take care of Xixi for a bit. I have to go on a business trip tomorrow.”
“Oh, and about dinner, if you still have ingredients in the fridge, I can make do with something. If it’s inconvenient, I’ll treat you to a meal at a restaurant outside!” Murphy said, pretending to be casual. “Consider it repaying you for a meal—we’ll be even!”
Yang Yi was a bit annoyed by Murphy’s attitude. If it were anyone else, he wouldn’t bother responding, but since it was Murphy, he let it slide. He also pretended to be casual: “Why go to a restaurant? Those chefs can’t cook as well as I can. Anyway, I’m used to making extra portions, so when you come, it’ll just mean nothing goes to waste.”
Ha, let’s see who can act more indifferent!
Murphy gritted her teeth in frustration and said curtly, “That’s not enough—Xiaojuan is here too.”
Mo Xiaojuan, who was driving, quickly chimed in, “No, no, sis, I’ve got something to do later. I have a dinner engagement, so I won’t come up.”
She was lying, of course—she just didn’t want to. Last time in Shanghai, she’d seen how these two were patching things up. Rather than go up and watch them flirt and feel like a third wheel, she’d rather drive around and maybe run into a handsome guy on campus.