Chapter 46 You Don't Even Know the Name of the Song You Sang?!

“Slow down! I’ll go with you, alright?”

From the mountain’s far side down to the shore, Ji Ya watched Lin Yu, his arms spread wide, facing the sea. At this moment, he was completely relaxed; the carefree, sunny smile had returned to his lips, and his profile radiated an irresistible charm.

For a moment, Ji Ya found herself lost in thought, her gaze lingering on him until, meeting his eyes, she let her own drift to the distant line where sea and sky met.

It was already sunset. Only half the sun remained above the endless expanse of ocean, bathing the waves in a dreamy hue of orange. The shimmering surface reflected the dying light, while a few seagulls skimmed the water in formation.

It was an enchanting scene.

The sea breeze swept over them, and Lin Yu, unable to resist, softly hummed a tune: “If the sea could carry away my sorrow, just as it carries every river away…”

“If the memories of deep affection are no longer cherished, let them drift away with the wind…”

Ji Ya unconsciously echoed a line or two, glancing at Lin Yu now and then, unable to discern the sorrow hidden in his heart.

“Is that a new song you wrote?”

Lin Yu smiled faintly and sat down on the sand, a gentle smile playing on his lips. “I’m just making it up.”

What? Even your random tunes sound so polished? Are you kidding me?

Ji Ya didn’t believe a word of his nonsense, and in her heart, she was sure this had to be another of his original songs. He just wouldn’t admit it, and how could she force him? Perhaps he was keeping it secret for a surprise performance on the show?

As long as Lin Yu kept striving, seeking attention and popularity, she would let him do as he pleased.

“‘Decent’ is ready for recording. I’ve already negotiated the copyright with OO Music. Pick a time to record, and once it’s done, it can go online.”

“As for the revenue split, we’ll discuss it with the OO Music rep after the song is released.”

Receiving no response, she glanced over at him. Of course—he hadn’t been listening at all, busy instead digging in the sand as if playing with mud.

“Playing with mud at ten years old, happy as a clam?”

Ji Ya recalled an online joke and couldn’t help but laugh at herself.

“Don’t bother me,” Lin Yu muttered, pursing his lips.

She hadn’t noticed when he’d brought some salt along, but he poured it into a small hole in the sand. Soon, a slender bit of flesh shot out, leaving Ji Ya dumbfounded.

With swift precision, Lin Yu pinched the exposed flesh and pulled. The creature, unmistakably phallic in appearance, made Ji Ya gasp and cover her eyes in shock.

See no evil, see no evil! What on earth is that thing? Why does it look so bizarre?

As Ji Ya shrieked, Lin Yu had already handed the creature to the staff.

“This big a razor clam must be worth a fair bit, right?”

A voice came through the staff’s earpiece—it was Lin Jia.

“Two Love Cards.”

Returning with the cards, Lin Yu’s face was full of pride. Even a casual stroll turned into a way to earn money—this was his unique talent.

Impressive, right?

Seeing his smug expression, Ji Ya rolled her eyes and waved her hand. “Let’s go back.”

This guy is more of a capitalist than I am, she thought. All he cares about is making money, completely ignoring her work updates as if she didn’t exist…

Lin Yu followed her back to the villa area, then resumed practicing his tai chi.

It wasn’t until the aroma of food drifted out that he went to wash up and then headed downstairs for dinner.

The food was delicious, a feast for the senses. Lin Yu couldn’t help but smack his lips and give a thumbs up. “Brother Qiu, your cooking is on par with a five-star chef!”

The praise was sincere. Qiu Shishang, despite being a leading actor with a busy career, had still mastered top-notch culinary skills—a rare feat indeed.

Handsome, wealthy, and a great cook: the perfect man.

A glimmer of pride flashed in Lin Yun Yue’s eyes, quickly masked by a look of indifference, though her heart swelled—this was her man, after all.

Xu Mengbai looked on in awe at the acclaimed actor. A man like this was rare even with a lantern to search by. She knew countless handsome men, but few stood so high and remained so humble.

But she was aware of her own standing—just a newcomer in the industry, far from being a match for the likes of him. Admiration was all she dared to feel.

Ji Ya nudged Lin Yu’s arm in exasperation, signaling him to mind his manners. Eating so ravenously—what would people think? Couldn’t he at least pay attention to his image?

But seeing how much he enjoyed the food, she couldn’t help but wonder if she should learn to cook herself. After all, they say a woman who can cook is more likely to win a man’s heart.

Ji Ya lightly slapped her own forehead. But wait—she was a privileged heiress; cooking was hardly something for her to do. If anyone should cook, it ought to be Lin Yu.

After dinner, the atmosphere among the group became noticeably warmer. Having completed tasks and activities together, everyone now had a grasp of each other’s personalities and preferences.

Jokes were shared, and the conversation turned to trivial daily matters.

Lin Jia descended the stairs, a smile on her lips. “I’m glad you’ve all become such a lively group.”

“May I have your attention, please? I’m about to announce the scores and rankings from yesterday’s solo performances.”

…

The previously relaxed mood instantly grew heavier at her words, and everyone fell silent.

This first solo competition—whoever scored lowest would surely feel embarrassed.

Lin Jia glanced at the app, a flicker of surprise in her eyes before her expression returned to calm. Her voice was utterly neutral: “Lin Yu took first place in last night’s solo round, with a score of 80.”

Lin Yu was a bit surprised. He’d expected not to come last, but hadn’t thought he’d win the top spot.

Still, the piece he’d performed was an award-winner in its year in his previous life. While he wouldn’t call it perfect justice, compared to the current music scene, it was certainly ahead of its time.

Though pleased by the win, he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt for taking honors that truly belonged to another creator of the future.

Whoever took first place would inevitably attract the envy of the other performers. It meant not just ranking, but also current popularity and attention.

Everyone around was fiercely envious. Lin Yu, the newest among them, had taken the prize on the very first round. For these seasoned veterans, it was hard not to feel a sting of defeat.

No one felt it more keenly than Si Shaozhe. As the reigning star, he’d thought every award was his for the taking—his confidence now shattered, his face dark with displeasure.

Ji Ya was glowing with excitement, shooting Lin Yu a look of approval—this kid had made her proud!

Qiu Shishang immediately led the applause, his big brother image firmly established, and the others quickly followed suit.

The announcement itself was unusual: after first place came last. Some rejoiced, others despaired, all in the same fateful moment.