Chapter 72: You Are the Girl I Desire Most

Three days later, a sensational piece of news exploded online—Lin Chuan had signed a contract.

Once this was confirmed, the entire internet was swept into a frenzy. For Lin Chuan’s fans, this was wonderful news, but for entertainment agencies, it was nothing short of a catastrophe. After all, he was a prodigiously talented singer, gifted in both composing and performing, with a dazzling future ahead. Whichever company managed to sign him would treasure him as their crown jewel.

Yet, the background of this company remained shrouded in mystery, leaving everyone baffled.

Still, that did nothing to curb the wild speculations and imaginings of netizens. Amid heated debates, this ‘mysterious’ agency was ascribed various identities in rumor after rumor.

Some believed that, to secure Lin Chuan, the company must have offered him benefits he simply couldn’t refuse.

Others thought the agency had to be a giant within the industry—otherwise, how could it possibly have won Lin Chuan’s heart?

Later, whispers even tied this enigmatic company directly to the state, and countless versions swirled about, blurring the line between truth and fiction.

But some netizens remained deeply skeptical about the whole affair, refusing to believe it unless Lin Chuan himself confirmed it publicly.

This view garnered its own following.

...

As autumn arrived, a coolness swept away the lingering summer heat.

On Qiantai Mountain, a tall and a small figure chased each other across the yellowing grass, their laughter drifting far over the modest slopes.

“Dad, kick the ball to me!” Lin Yiyang shouted, delighted.

Lin Chuan smiled, flicked the ball lightly with his foot, and sent it rolling to his son. Although he hadn’t used much force, Lin Yiyang still missed it, and had to scamper after it for a few steps before finally catching it.

Just as he was about to pass it back, another figure appeared in their line of sight.

“Sister Xiaoyue!” Lin Yiyang called out with glee.

“Yiyang, play by yourself for a bit, but don’t wander off. I want to have a few words with Sister Xiaoyue,” Lin Chuan instructed, then turned and walked over.

“Okay!” Lin Yiyang agreed, running off to play on his own.

As Lin Chuan approached Wang Yue, he noticed that she looked different today—her face was touched with a hint of makeup, and she wore a beige trench coat that accentuated her tall, slender figure.

“I heard you’re leaving?” Wang Yue spoke first, before Lin Chuan could say anything.

“Yes, I leave tomorrow,” he nodded.

After a brief pause, Wang Yue asked quietly, “Will you come back?”

“Of course I will. This is my home,” Lin Chuan replied with a smile.

“Oh.”

For a moment, silence fell between them. They watched as Lin Yiyang chased his ball across the grass, neither speaking.

A cool breeze suddenly swept by, and Wang Yue drew her coat tighter around her.

“The wind is strong up here. Why don’t we head down?” Lin Chuan suggested softly.

“How about you sing me a song—as a keepsake?” Wang Yue shook her head, a faint smile curving her lips.

He had known her for so long, and it was rare to see her smile.

Lin Chuan was momentarily taken aback.

“Is that not allowed?” Wang Yue’s brows knitted slightly.

“It’s a pity I didn’t bring my guitar today. But I can sing you something a cappella—what would you like to hear?”

“Anything is fine, as long as it’s from you…”

“Ah, then I’ll sing. Hey, why are you taking out your phone? Are you going to record me?”

“Is that a problem?”

“Uh… whatever makes you happy.”

He began to sing, his voice gentle:

“The breeze softly tousles your hair undone, I can’t help but wish to say what’s in my heart. So many times I’ve gathered the courage, but the words falter on my lips. I think of your gentle ways, your gaze always lowered. How I wish the evening glow would burn forever bright, never setting, your faint smile and softly closed eyes—how deeply, hopelessly I’ve fallen for you…”

“What’s this song called? Did you just write it?” Wang Yue asked.

“It’s called ‘You’re the Girl I Want Most of All’. Can you not interrupt? Save your questions until I finish…”

For reasons unknown, when Lin Chuan said the song’s title, Wang Yue lowered her head and gently nodded. Had anyone seen her face at that moment, they would have been astonished to find it tinged with a blush…

Lin Chuan composed himself and continued:

“Is there a more beautiful fairy tale? You are the source of all my joy. For you I grieve, for you I fret—you’re the girl I want most of all… Is there a more wonderful life? You are my sweetest treasure. For you I pray, for you I linger—you’re the girl I want most of all…”

As the final notes faded, the soccer ball came rolling to a stop at Lin Chuan and Wang Yue’s feet.

“Dad, can you kick the ball over?” Lin Yiyang called, grinning.

“Come on, I’ll play with you,” Lin Chuan said, picking up the ball and heading toward his son.

“What, you expect me to just stand by and watch? This time I’m on Yiyang’s team—you have to try and steal the ball from us!” Wang Yue suddenly snatched the ball away and ran to Lin Yiyang’s side.

Lin Chuan was momentarily stunned. Today, Wang Yue seemed like a different person—smiling more, her demeanor brighter.

Perhaps, he thought, it was a good sign.

“Dad, come on! I’ve got the ball, hee hee…”

As Lin Chuan rushed to Wang Yue’s side, she passed the ball to the other end. Panting, Lin Chuan glanced at his son, then dashed off again.

And so the three of them played joyfully on the grass. Whenever Lin Chuan managed to steal the ball, he would soon be besieged by both Lin Yiyang and Wang Yue—one clinging to his legs, the other locking his upper body in a tight hold. The ball, newly in his possession, would be snatched away again in an instant.

Time slipped by, and the setting sun painted the sky gold.

After a day of play, the little one was worn out. He lay on his father’s back and fell asleep.

Wang Yue walked alongside them as they made their way down the mountain.

“That song—did you write it for your girlfriend?” Wang Yue suddenly asked, out of nowhere.

“What song?” Lin Chuan was momentarily puzzled.

“‘You’re the Girl I Want Most of All’.”

“Oh, I just wrote it for fun. I don’t have a girlfriend right now,” Lin Chuan replied with a wide, carefree grin.

Wang Yue showed no reaction, but in her heart she felt a mix of joy and disappointment. She couldn’t quite explain why.

“So, have you thought about finding a girlfriend?” Wang Yue’s voice was barely audible.

Lin Chuan stopped, turned to look at her, and if not for his sharp hearing, he might not have caught her words at all.

“No, I haven’t. I’m a single father now—who would want someone like me?” he replied simply.

“But… what if someone did?” Wang Yue asked, lowering her head as she spoke.

Lin Chuan acted as if he hadn’t noticed, his gaze drifting off into the distance. Then, with a teasing tone, he said, “Well, I’d have to ask my son first. If he agrees, then so do I!”

Wang Yue was left speechless.

“That song was lovely. Once I’ve learned it, maybe I’ll sing it even better than you.”

“You can sing? How come I never knew?”

“Didn’t Yiyang ever tell you what I do at the kindergarten?”

“Uh… no, he didn’t. What do you teach?”

“…”

“Well, I can’t really blame myself—Yiyang never tells me anything.”

“Dad, you never asked me what Sister Xiaoyue teaches,” came Lin Yiyang’s sleepy voice, though he had seemed to be fast asleep.

Lin Chuan nearly jumped. “So tell me now—what does she teach?”

“Hee hee, I’m not telling you…”

“You little rascal!”

With Lin Yiyang awake, the conversation grew lighter and more cheerful, laughter trailing behind them as they walked.

It had to be said: with Lin Yiyang around, there was never a shortage of joy. This little five-year-old charmer was like a bundle of happiness, able to scatter all worries in an instant.

That evening, Lin Chuan treated Wang Yue to a simple dinner.

From the time they’d met until now, this cool and reticent girl had helped him many times. Lin Chuan had always felt deeply grateful for that.

Meanwhile, Yuan Ye hurried back to Quancheng on an intercity bus, eager to present Lin Chuan’s proposed dating show to the old man for discussion.

At first, Yuan Ye had dismissed the idea as a joke—‘dating shows’ existed only in ancient times, as far as he was concerned. But when Lin Chuan described the details, his perspective changed entirely. If such a show were to air on Quancheng TV, he was certain the ratings would be impressive.

At the same time, Gao Mingyuan was utterly elated. Signing Lin Chuan, this immensely talented singer, was a monumental achievement for his small company.

“Dad, when are you coming home? Mom’s been talking about you every day—I’m going crazy,” came a girl’s voice on the phone, full of exasperation.

“Heh, tell your mother I’ll be home tomorrow—and I’m bringing a big surprise!” Gao Mingyuan replied energetically.

“What kind of surprise? Dad, did you win the lottery or something?” his daughter teased.

“Win the lottery? This is even better! You’ll see tomorrow… Oh, and have someone get the other house ready—I’ll need it.”

“What? Dad, that’s my dowry! I’m moving in this week—what are you doing?” she shrieked.

“It’s just temporary. Once the company is back on its feet, I’ll give it back to you. Isn’t that fair?” Gao Mingyuan’s tone grew stern.

There was a long silence before his daughter spoke again, her voice tinged with resignation. “Dad, remember—your daughter gave up her house for your career. If you ever make it big, don’t you dare forget me…”