Chapter 68: Promises Under the Stars

The moment the words ‘flyer’ left his lips, Lily puffed up like a startled kitten.

She stammered, “Ah? What flyer?! Oh,” then awkwardly grinned and looked away. “Oh, you mean that flyer? I just grabbed it randomly on the street.”

Her eyes casually drifted to a group of singing girls chatting in the distance. Some glanced over, waving or covering their mouths to giggle.

Their looks were like those of classmates playing matchmaker, whispering encouragements like ‘Go for it!’

Lily turned back to Lin Zheng Ran, mustering her courage. “Let me ask you one question first. Answer it, and I’ll tell you everything!”

Lin Zheng Ran eyed her steadily.

Lily’s voice trembled as she spoke. “You big idiot, am I really important to you? Or am I just your simple childhood friend? Would you even miss me if I vanished from your life?”

She clenched her fists on her lap. “I know you won’t lie to me, so I want your honest answer.”

Lin Zheng Ran watched Lily, who stared back at him nervously.

“Is that one question? It feels like three, and wasn’t I the one supposed to ask? How did it flip?”

“Who cares how many it is! Or who asked who!” Lily shouted, eyes shut and face flushed. “Don’t change the subject at a time like this!”

Lin Zheng Ran looked at the tense Lily. He knew his next words meant a lot to her, so he’d stick to the truth without exaggeration.

“Most of what you’re asking is nonsense. Whether it’s you, Heqing, or anyone else important to me, you’re all significant. And what’s this about a ‘simple childhood friend?”

We’ve known each other for seven years. For seven years, we’ve been together almost every day. Sure, you’re loud and annoying sometimes, but if you suddenly disappeared

Lin Zheng Ran fixed his gaze on Lily. By now, her heart raced, and her clenched fingers trembled slightly.

Lin Zheng Ran continued, “I’d worry about you a lot. It has nothing to do with how long I’ve taught you music. It’s because you’re the one who grew up with me—all those years, just you.”

Lily’s eyes sparkled as she covered her lips with her hand, her voice soft while her face burned with shyness.

“I kind of guessed you’d say something I didn’t expect, but… I had no idea I meant that much to you? You big idiot.”

She finished and joyfully closed her eyes, pounding his arm with her fists. Inside, her heart fluttered wildly. “You big idiot! Who told you to say things that make a girl blush? It’s so embarrassing! How can you just say that?”

Lin Zheng Ran watched her fists lightly massage his arm and sighed. “Are you crazy? You’re the one who asked, so I answered. And how is this corny anyway?”

Lily spotted a passing girl sneaking a laugh, clearly having overheard part of it. Mortified, she yelled, “This isn’t corny?! Then what would be? I can’t stand you!”

She rummaged through her pocket in embarrassment.

She found the folded flyer, unfolded it, took a deep breath, and held it up in front of him with both hands. “Since you answered me, I won’t be shy anymore. This is what I wanted to show you yesterday. There’s a new zoo in our city, and I want to go with you.”

Lin Zheng Ran took the flyer. “A zoo? All this buildup was just for this? Well, emmm, I’m not really interested.”

Lily clenched her fists and shot back, “How could you not be? I checked online—it’s got tigers, lions, and all that. You probably never went to a zoo as a kid, right? Let’s go together. You won’t have to spend a dime; I still have plenty of my New Year’s money left.”

Lin Zheng Ran realized that while she’d grown up with him, she didn’t know much about his past experiences.

For instance, he’d visited zoos many times in his previous life.

Lin Zheng Ran asked, “You want to go?”

Lily blushed. “Yeah… more accurately, I want to go with you.”

Oh my god, what am I saying? I’m losing it! But… oh well, if I’m going down, so be it. After what you said, a little recklessness is fine—like dying for love.

Lin Zheng Ran handed the flyer back to her. Lily blinked in surprise.

Then she heard him say, “Sure, I can go, but you know I’m busy. If you win the town competition next year, I’ll come with you.”

Lin Zheng Ran added, “And we can catch a movie too. Last time you fell asleep and regretted it, going on about it for days. This way, we can make up for it.”

Lily was so thrilled she could barely sit still. She jumped up, grinning widely. “Really? You big idiot, you’re actually offering to take me to a movie?! And you’re the one inviting me! Let me think about it.” She tilted her head back, pretending to ponder.

Lin Zheng Ran said softly, “If you don’t want to, that’s fine anyway—”

But before he finished, Lily cut in quickly, “I do! Who said I don’t? I’ve decided—we’re going! It’s just a little town championship, right?”

She patted her chest proudly.

“You big idiot, let me tell you, after all your years of teaching and with my amazing talent, I’m the top one in the studio!

I was just being modest before when I said I was good. If I really go for it, with you by my side, I’ll win for sure!”

Lin Zheng Ran saw her brimming with confidence, her words lively, her twin tails bouncing side to side.

Just then, the recording engineer called out, “Lily, everyone’s done recording. Are you rested?”

Lily turned and replied, “Oh! Yeah, I’m good! Just give me a second to grab some water!”

She smiled at Lin Zheng Ran. “Let me show you what I’ve been working on. As the star you personally trained, I won’t lose to anyone!”

She dashed off, twisted open a bottle of mineral water, took a quick sip to soothe her throat, then hurried to the recording booth.

Grabbing the microphone, she took a deep breath. Her joyful mood fueled endless energy.

She belted out the song she’d perform on stage next year.

Lin Zheng Ran stood with his arms crossed, watching her. Soon, a smile crept onto his face.

Lily’s talent was indeed stronger than most. With his guidance, she now dominated the studio.

The other singers in the studio were captivated by her voice, marveling at her smooth, upbeat performance and the clear gap in skill.

The studio’s female boss had just finished her work outside and stepped in through the door.

Hearing Lily’s singing, she paused, smiling with satisfaction. “It’s been years since I’ve seen a girl with such talent.”

As Lily sang, her eyes stayed locked on Lin Zheng Ran.

The last line of the song was ‘You are my forever star.’ Her cheeks flushed as she sang it to him, then closed her eyes with a contented smile.

You big idiot, with what you said earlier, I won’t be afraid anymore.

You’ll be mine, and no one will take you away. Lily will win this!