Chapter Eight: Recognition
... "Now, let us welcome the final performer of the evening—Ms. Xi Zheng! She will be presenting ‘Everyone Knows I Love You.’ Please give her a warm round of applause." The host introduced her.
Applause erupted from the audience, all eagerly awaiting Leng Zheng's performance.
"It began with a flutter of the heart, and ended with heartache. Perhaps only at 13th month, 32nd day, 25:61:61... would you truly belong to me."
"But... there is no 13th month, no 32nd day, no 25th hour, and certainly no 61:61... So, you have never belonged to me..."
"Wishing you a bright future sounds too insincere. Instead, I wish you endless admirers but not a single genuine heart. I want you to remember me—my kindness—day and night..."
"As you wished..."
"A prosperous era needs the embellishment of beauty; a chaotic world... needs beauties to bear the blame..."
"The sun shines brilliantly, the wind passes through the treetops, and at that moment, they were young."
"Heaven bestows its blessings, nothing is forbidden."
"At sixteen or seventeen, sometimes you don’t even know what you’re holding on to, nor can you see the road ahead clearly."
"Thick fog rises, hiding secrets—I love you where no one can see; when the fog clears, everyone knows I love you."
...
"x equals the unknown, and you are the one in my heart."
"So, it means my future is uncertain, but one thing is clear... my heart is yours alone." Leng Zheng, dressed in a beautiful white dress, spoke as she played the piano. Her appearance gave the impression of an obedient, gentle girl.
Leng Zheng’s beauty was truly striking, perhaps as dazzling as Yang Yuhuan of the Tang Dynasty.
"Miss, have we met somewhere before? You look a bit familiar," Cheng Yunting stared at Xi Zheng on stage, unable to help himself from thinking of that mischievous girl who disappeared without taking the exam.
"Alright. At the request of the fans, may I ask, Xi Zheng, would you be willing to show your face?" The host glanced at Leng Zheng, then at Cheng Yunting, and posed the question.
With a dark expression, Cheng Yunting led Leng Zheng off the stage, taking her to the presidential suite of a nearby hotel.
"Hmm? The little troublemaker is out causing mischief? The great Xi Zheng?" Cheng Yunting pressed her gently against (not quite) the wall, smiling as he asked.
"No... mm..." Leng Zheng was about to explain, but Cheng Yunting sealed her lips, leaving her unable to speak.
"The little one's first kiss is mine now. I'll take responsibility." After a while, Cheng Yunting released Leng Zheng, carrying her to the sofa.
Leng Zheng was still a bit dazed, quietly curling up in Cheng Yunting’s arms.
"If people outside saw you—usually so cold and aloof—now nestled pitifully in my arms, what would they think?" Seeing her unresponsive, Cheng Yunting continued to tease her.
"Cheng Yunting!" Leng Zheng suddenly punched him, making him wince in pain, though he couldn’t shake his mischievous ways.
"Ah! Someone's getting shy," Cheng Yunting teased again.
"You!" Leng Zheng went to hit him again, but Cheng Yunting silenced her once more.
When he finally let go, Leng Zheng was breathing heavily. But Cheng Yunting was relentless, leaving a tiny mark on her neck.
"Little Zheng, you are mine," Cheng Yunting held her waist tightly, concealing the crimson gleam in his eyes. "Forever and ever."
"Yes, forever yours," Leng Zheng nodded, gradually falling asleep in his embrace.
"The little one’s had a long day. I won’t bother her anymore," Cheng Yunting smiled softly.
...
"You be good and rest here. I’ll go check on the event," Cheng Yunting glanced at the time, gently touched Leng Zheng’s head, and spoke.
Leng Zheng woke about half an hour later but remained lying on the bed.
"Alright, go ahead," she nodded. Suddenly, her right eyelid twitched, and an unsettling premonition crept into her heart.
"Mm, just rest," Cheng Yunting doted on her, then left.
Once Cheng Yunting was gone, Leng Zheng sat up and addressed someone lurking in the shadows with a cold voice, "Have you seen enough? If you’re done, come out."