Chapter 85: Lingering Fear

Afterwards, Lin Qihua borrowed a guitar and performed “The You of the Past” on the spot, finally satisfying the fans and, after much persuasion, they gradually dispersed.

“Whew,” Ma Xiaoqian pressed her hand to her chest, exhaling heavily.

Shen Manni was also shaken. “My goodness, it felt like they were about to tear us apart.”

“Haven’t you worked as an agent for top celebrities? You should have experience with this sort of thing,” Lin Qihua asked, puzzled.

“You think they’re all as easygoing as you? That they’d just agree to go shopping with me?” Shen Manni replied helplessly. “We’d always go out with bodyguards clearing the way, never anywhere crowded, and clothes were bought exclusively at high-end boutiques or custom-made.”

“Oh, looks like we underestimated things,” Lin Qihua laughed.

“It’s because you became famous so quickly. You’re not a top star, but at least in this city, your popularity is no less than theirs. We really didn’t expect it,” Shen Manni was frustrated, feeling it was a lapse in her professional judgment. “When we get back, I’ll apply to the company for a bodyguard. If this happens again, we might not be so lucky.”

“It’s not that dramatic, really. Just herd mentality,” Lin Qihua reassured her.

As if to prove his point, the three wandered through the mall. Though some people followed and took photos, no one crowded around them anymore, and their outing was relatively undisturbed.

Still, the experience dampened the girls’ mood for shopping. They hurried Lin Qihua to leave after a brief stroll, afraid the crowd might gather again.

Even back at the hotel, Ma Xiaoqian kept glancing around, as if expecting another mob to spring from some corner.

“Haha, Xiaoqian, don’t worry. That won’t happen again,” Shen Manni laughed. “Qihua isn’t a superstar yet, hasn’t reached that level where someone’s always following or journalists are snapping pictures.”

“So you’re saying I’m not famous enough?” Lin Qihua chuckled. “Honestly, it’s nothing. The more you fear it, the more it happens. If you treat it casually, it becomes normal. The more you go out, the more people get used to it; it won’t matter anymore.”

“That’s true, but I wouldn’t dare go out,” Ma Xiaoqian said softly. “Being surrounded was terrifying.”

“Come on, Xiaoqian, you’re just timid. With your looks, you’d attract attention anywhere. You need to get used to it and use it as motivation to stand out even more—understand?” Shen Manni smiled.

“If you like it, you go. I don’t want that,” Xiaoqian refused.

“Haha, get some rest. Tonight we’ll have a good meal. Don’t worry, nothing will happen. I’ll make arrangements,” Lin Qihua said with a smile.

“Alright then.”

“Rest today, tomorrow we record the show, and the day after, we’ll officially enter the rhythm of the second round. No slacking off,” Shen Manni said seriously.

“Don’t worry, I know what to do,” Lin Qihua replied with a smile.

He returned to his room and pulled out Su Jianhao’s number, dialing it. The other party answered after a while.

“Qihua, what’s up?”

“Nothing much, just need your help booking a private room at a restaurant. Went out this morning and got surrounded, scared my agent and assistant half to death.”

“Haha, they weren’t prepared, huh?” Su Jianhao laughed. “That’s a good sign, means you’re famous—really famous!”

“Alright, can you arrange it?”

“No problem, leave it to me. Let’s do it at the most famous Jade Screen Pavilion. I’ll book the room and send you the address; you can just go straight there.”

“Great, thanks.”

“No need to thank me. How about I treat you all?” Su Jianhao offered.

“No need, you’re busy. We’ll handle it ourselves this time. Next time, I’ll invite you to dinner.”

“Alright.” Su Jianhao really did have a show tonight and didn’t insist.

That evening, the three arrived at the Jade Screen Pavilion as per Su Jianhao’s instructions. He’d done a great job—the private room was beautifully decorated, with a view of the garden outside.

“He’s really thoughtful,” Shen Manni remarked.

“Yeah, lucky we have him. Otherwise, who knows where we’d end up?” Lin Qihua laughed.

After a short wait, the door opened and He Li entered with Chang Yan and others.

“Wow, idol, you’re amazing!” Chang Yan immediately rushed to Lin Qihua’s side, grabbing him excitedly.

“Haha, I wasn’t trying to hide it from you,” Lin Qihua said once she calmed down. “It really was top secret—only a handful at the company knew.”

“It’s fine,” Chang Yan waved her hand. “As long as you succeed, we’re all happy for you.”

“That’s good,” Lin Qihua breathed a sigh of relief. He’d worried about dampening the “Morning Star” fans’ spirits.

“Congratulations, truly incredible,” He Yanlin smiled. “We watched the live broadcast and were stunned, then the girls cried their eyes out.”

“As if you didn’t cry!” Chang Yan protested. “You were the first!”

“Yes, yes, it was me,” He Yanlin replied helplessly, at a loss with her friend.

“Zixuan stayed behind; the rest of us came,” Lin Yu reported proactively. “We brought the main team, and before coming, we contacted the local organizers. We can arrange for some fans to attend the program recording.”

“Good work. Manni can coordinate the details with them later. For now, let’s eat,” Lin Qihua nodded with a smile, asking the waiter to serve the dishes.

Soon, spicy chicken, shredded tripe, braised pork knuckle, mushroom soup, and other local specialties were brought out, and everyone ate with gusto.

“It’s really not easy,” He Li, sitting beside Lin Qihua, sighed. “When you first joined Galaxy, I wondered why Sister Qin valued you so highly. I thought you’d only make it to Level Three at best. Turns out I was wrong.”

“Well, that was true, wasn’t it?” Lin Qihua laughed. “Honestly, I never imagined I’d join the ‘Singers’ competition. When we made the plan, it felt wildly ambitious, almost impossible. I never thought it would actually happen.”

“Not only happened, but succeeded spectacularly—that’s what matters most,” He Li smiled comfortingly. “Do you know how happy Sister Qin was? She jumped like a little girl, blowing kisses at your image on TV. You can imagine how excited she was.”

Lin Qihua pictured Yu Fengqin blowing kisses at the television and couldn’t help but laugh. “To get her that excited—it’s no easy feat.”

“Exactly. Your success means Starlight Entertainment can no longer suppress us. That’s what matters most. Our artists benefit greatly—calls have been nonstop since this morning, even if not to work with you, other artists are being considered. You can imagine how big the impact is.”

“This is wonderful—truly fantastic.”