Chapter 85: I’m Going to Find Him

Abbott’s retort left Jason’s face ashen, the words on his lips forced back down his throat. The truth was there for all to see—Lin Chuan had already conquered everyone present with his strength. Any further attempts to slander or replace him were now impossible.

With a cold snort, Jason didn’t bother to say goodbye, but turned and stalked toward his car.

Director Abbott exchanged a smile with the woman; neither took Jason’s departure to heart.

When Lin Chuan returned from his second run, Miss Zhao had already left. As he watched her alluring silhouette fade away, his brows furrowed slightly. A vague sense of familiarity swept over him, leaving him momentarily dazed.

From there, things became much simpler. Not only did Lin Chuan’s performance earn Director Abbott’s full approval, but he also learned from this foreigner that the executives at Cardi Company held him in high esteem.

Barring any surprises, Lin Chuan was all but confirmed as Cardi’s first brand ambassador in China.

Uncle Gao could hardly contain his delight. Securing such a major endorsement was a tremendous boon for Tiandi Culture. At the same time, his understanding of Lin Chuan deepened. This single father, not yet thirty, was not only a talented singer but also gifted at sports.

It was beyond mere “talent”—it was almost monstrous.

Hearing such high praise, Lin Chuan could only smile helplessly. He was growing more and more intrigued by the strange visions that occasionally flashed through his mind. Especially this time—after finishing the advertisement shoot, he found his head aching, as if something inside was furiously churning.

Though not severe, it was worrisome. He made a mental note to have a thorough check-up when he had time.

It might even be necessary to get a full hospital examination—especially of his brain: CT, MRI, EEG, everything. He needed to know what was hidden in there...

Beining City.

October’s days darkened earlier and earlier, the setting sun bathing the sky in a golden glow.

Wang Yue sat by the window, eyes vacant, staring at the scenery outside in a daze.

Tang Qinru, meanwhile, was at her computer, her fingers dancing across the keyboard, a smile occasionally lighting her face.

“Xiao Yue, what shall we have for dinner tonight? Should we order from the same place as yesterday?”

Wang Yue didn’t answer, still gazing absently out the window. Tang Qinru frowned, typed a few more lines, then stood and walked over.

“Xiao Yue, I’m talking to you—what are we having for dinner?”

“Ah? Oh, whatever you’d like, I’ll make it for you,” Wang Yue replied, snapping out of her trance, her voice listless.

Tang Qinru sighed. “Xiao Yue, what’s going on with you these days? Whenever you come back from the kindergarten, you just sit here and zone out. What are you thinking about?”

“Nothing, really,” Wang Yue replied, her tone evasive and quiet.

How could such behavior escape the sharp-eyed Tang Qinru? She grinned mischievously, leaning over Wang Yue’s shoulder to whisper, “It’s been about half a month since Brother Chuan left, hasn’t it? Not a single phone call. If we want to know how he’s doing, we have to look him up online. Seems he’s forgotten all about his friends here…”

Wang Yue shot her a glare, shrugging her shoulder in protest but saying nothing.

Tang Qinru pouted, continuing to complain, “And that little rascal Yangyang—if Brother Chuan doesn’t call, couldn’t he at least? I mean, I get it if he forgets me, but what about you, Teacher Xiao Yue? You were always so good to him at kindergarten…”

“He’s just a kid, how could he call?” Wang Yue retorted, almost without thinking.

“True, Yangyang is too young. But still, he could ask Brother Chuan to call, right? Doesn’t he miss you at all? If it were me, I’d have called long ago. How heartless,” Tang Qinru said.

Only then did Wang Yue realize her friend was teasing her, every word circling back to her and Lin Chuan.

In that instant, Wang Yue felt her face flush hot. To hide her embarrassment, she hurriedly stood and mumbled, “What do you want to eat? I’ll make something for you.”

Tang Qinru sighed theatrically. “Nothing tastes good these days. If only I could hear Brother Chuan’s voice—even just a word—then even plain porridge and pickles would be delicious.” Her tone grew heavier with the last lines.

Wang Yue could no longer sit still, her cheeks burning, wishing she could disappear into the floor. It was obvious that Tang Qinru’s words were aimed straight at her.

Seeing her friend’s predicament, Tang Qinru finally burst out laughing. “Xiao Yue, seriously, if you miss him, just call him. Even if you’re just friends, it’s okay to check in.”

“I don’t… miss him,” Wang Yue protested feebly.

“Xiao Yue, when it comes to feelings, you have to be brave. Don’t let fear hold you back. If you’re sure about someone, seize the chance—or you’ll regret it one day,” Tang Qinru said earnestly.

Wang Yue was taken aback. She looked up, studying her friend. In all the years they’d known each other, she’d rarely seen Tang Qinru so serious. When was the last time? She couldn’t recall.

“Call him—ask how Brother Chuan is. Actually, I miss him a bit myself. Or should I make the call for you?” Tang Qinru returned to her playful self.

“Qinru… Didn’t you used to tell me to keep my distance from him? He’s a celebrity now, but I…” Wang Yue murmured, remembering Tang Qinru’s previous advice.

She was right—Lin Chuan was a star now. There was a vast gulf between them. No matter what had been before, now and in the future, there would always be all kinds of women around him: stunning beauties, talented women, even powerful figures in their own right. Compared to them, Wang Yue felt plain—neither outstanding in looks nor talent.

What right did she have to be with Lin Chuan? He was so talented, his singing so beautiful—could she really be worthy of him?

For the first time, the usually proud Wang Yue doubted herself. When Lin Chuan was still in Beining, she had always maintained a distant, frosty facade. Yet, somewhere along the way, she had quietly developed feelings for that stubbly man.

Tang Qinru smiled, her tone grave. “Xiao Yue, I stopped you because I was afraid you’d get hurt. Brother Chuan’s a public figure—he’s under a spotlight, and if you really want to be with him, you’ll have to keep it a secret. I don’t want that for you, so I advised you not to… And there’s another thing—Brother Chuan isn’t alone. He has a child. Are you sure your parents would accept a man with a child?”

Yes, Lin Chuan wasn’t alone—he had a son. As well-behaved and lovable as Lin Yiyang was, would her parents accept them?

It was a practical concern, especially since Wang Yue’s family held traditional values. Would they accept Lin Chuan and his son?

Wang Yue fell silent, staring out the window, her heart in turmoil. For her, love was sacred; once she committed, she would never waver.

When Lin Chuan was still in Beining, she hadn’t realized her true feelings. It was only after he left, when she thought they might never meet again, that she understood she’d fallen for him.

Now, faced with these feelings, she hesitated, unsure how to move forward.

With a soft sigh, Wang Yue buried her head in her knees. In that moment, she wanted to cry—wanted nothing more than to weep and ask the heavens what she should do.

“Xiao Yue, call him. Even just to hear his voice—ask how he’s getting on. It’s better than bottling it all up inside. At least if your spirits lift, you can make me a good dinner. Honestly, I’m tired of takeout. Nothing tastes as good as your cooking,” Tang Qinru said, handing her the phone.

Wang Yue couldn’t help but laugh. She looked up, studying Tang Qinru’s face before slowly asking, “Really… should I call?”

“Of course! Don’t you want to know how little Yiyang’s doing? Whether he misses you? And if he’s started kindergarten in the capital? How’s his new school?” Tang Qinru grinned.

“Yes, I should ask. I’m more concerned about Yiyang…” Wang Yue nodded emphatically—grateful for the perfect excuse.

The call connected after five or six rings. At last, a familiar man’s voice came through—deep, slightly raspy, magnetic. At the sound, Wang Yue’s body trembled, nearly dropping the phone.

It took her a long moment to speak. “Hello, Lin Chuan?”

“Teacher Xiao Yue? What made you call? Is something wrong?” His tone was as polite as ever, devoid of any obvious emotion.

Wang Yue felt a pang of disappointment, sighing inwardly. She asked softly, “How’s Yiyang? Has he started school yet?”

“Oh, Yiyang? Not yet. Things have been busy—I haven’t found a suitable kindergarten. But it won’t be long. I just finished shooting an ad; I’ll take him to look in the next couple of days,” he replied briskly.

“Good. Then I’m relieved.” Before the call, she’d had so much she wanted to say, but now, not a word would come.

An awkward silence stretched between them, until he spoke again. “Teacher Xiao Yue, how have you been? Is everything going well? Yiyang mentioned you last night—he misses you.”

“Yiyang misses me, and… what about you?” The last two words were barely audible. Even so, she had mustered all her courage to say them.

But—

“Oh, sorry, Teacher Xiao Yue, something’s come up here. We’ll talk another time—I’ll call you when I’m free. Goodbye.” The line went dead.

Wang Yue put down the phone, feeling utterly drained.

Tang Qinru, seeing her friend’s disappointment, wanted to offer comfort. But before she could, Wang Yue looked up, her tone more resolute than ever: “I’ve decided. I’m quitting my job and going to the capital. I’m going to find him…”