Chapter 24: Childhood Ties

Before heading home, Han Wenwen teased Heqing with a few more playful jabs.

Heqing blushed with embarrassment then pretended to be angry, but Han Wenwen just laughed and coaxed her back.

“Oh, right, Heqing, what’s the name of the school you’re planning to apply to? My uncle’s taking me on a trip north this year, and I thought I’d check it out.”

“I haven’t asked yet. I’ll find out tonight and let him know.”

“Great, tell me once you know the name. See you tomorrow, bye Heqing.”

“Bye, Wenwen.”

As night deepened, Heqing barely tasted her dinner before wolfing it down and grabbing her mom’s phone to head to the bedroom for a call.

By sheer coincidence, Lily happened to be at Lin Zheng Ran’s house right then.

And just as she was about to leave, she caught sight of Lin’s aunt answering the phone with a surprised expression: “Hello? Is that Qingqing? Zheng Ran is…”

Lin Xiao Li watched Lily head for the door, then glanced at her son and smiled helplessly: “Zheng Ran, it’s Qingqing calling.”

“Oh, tell her to wait a minute. I’ll walk Lily downstairs and call her back.” He said it casually, a stark contrast to his mom’s awkward face.

Lin Xiao Li nodded: “Alright, I’ll let Qingqing know.” She relayed her son’s words exactly, and since Heqing had such a fun day, she didn’t overthink it and happily replied: “Okay, Aunt, I’ll wait for him.”

Lin Zheng Ran stepped out and saw Lily zoning out: “Come on, Lily, I’ll walk you downstairs and we can chat about the enrollment stuff on the way.”

Lily glanced at the aunt talking to that mysterious girl, then agreed and followed Lin Zheng Ran.

She grew even more curious about who that girl was and why she called the big idiot so often.

It had been over a year since that fourth-grade drama.

After Heqing left, Lin Zheng Ran had fewer strange encounters these years—fate worked that way. Then, out of nowhere, this singing-loving Jiang girl showed up in his life.

So, about a year ago, when he learned Lily loved singing but was hitting a music roadblock, Lin Zheng Ran asked her: “You’re stuck learning this badly—want me to teach you?”

Lily was stunned and burst out laughing, clutching her stomach: “Teach me what? Do you even sing?”

Lin Zheng Ran didn’t say more and performed a song in music class that day. It wasn’t pro-level, but as a transmigrator, he’d picked up some skills in his past life. Even the teacher praised his voice and technique, calling it talented.

That simple move shocked Lily and made Lin Zheng Ran a minor celebrity in a few classes.

After class, Lily found him, eyes wide: “I had no idea you could sing that well—I never knew!”

“There’s a lot you don’t know,” Lin Zheng Ran reminded her. “So, do you want to learn from me? Just nod if yes—that means you’ll follow me from now on. If not, no pressure.”

Lily caught the key point: “Follow you?” Her face turned red, and without her usual sass, she nodded—she really loved singing. “Alright, if you’ve got the real deal, teach me! I’ll stick with you for life!”

Like Heqing had years ago, she held out her pinky finger, and Lin Zheng Ran hooked it with his.

The system’s voice chimed in right after.

[You’ve successfully bound fate with Miss Jiang. From now on, when she cultivates, you’ll get double the cultivation feedback. Plus, thanks to your level 20 skill, when you teach her methods, she’ll gain double the cultivation speed.]

After binding fate, Lin Zheng Ran spent the next year or so teaching Lily how to sing better and create songs during his free time, breaks, after school, and on weekends.

They didn’t bother hiding it anyway—the rumors were already everywhere.

With the system’s feedback, every step Lily advanced, Lin Zheng Ran doubled his gains. And whenever she hit a snag, he gave her the exact guidance she needed.

This left Lily amazed and secretly developing a reluctant admiration: “I had no idea you knew music this well. If I’d met you earlier, I might be a star by now. Learning from you has me improving by leaps and bounds…”

Lin Zheng Ran flicked her forehead, and as she winced in protest, he said:

“It’s not too late. I checked and found a child star studio in our small town. You can apply once you’re over twelve, like in junior high. It’s all legit with agents and everything. If you really want to get into this, sign up and try.”

Lily realized he had everything planned out—that line from back then, ‘I think you can do it,’ wasn’t just a joke.

So that day, her face flushing with excitement, she asked the same question: “I do love this path, but are you sure I can make it as a singer? They say it’s tough—do you really think I can, you big idiot?!”

Lin Zheng Ran replied confidently: “Why not? Even if you can’t on your own, I’ve got your back teaching you.”

He didn’t realize how impactful those words were—Lily felt like she’d be stuck with this idiot for life hearing that.

Telling a girl things like that made her wonder how she’d ever like anyone else growing up.

Time moved to a year later, which is today.

Winter days were short, and the streetlights were already on.

Lily’s ponytail bounced with each step as she followed Lin Zheng Ran downstairs.

Lin Zheng Ran said: “In half a year, we’ll be in junior high. I checked that studio’s posts—they’re scouting for child stars in various schools and sometimes attend school events. Our new junior high is on their list, so the first freshman talent show there will be your perfect stage.”

He glanced back at her: “Your parents aren’t against you doing music anyway, so if they invite you, they’ll definitely agree.”

“Yeah!”

As they walked under the neighborhood lights, Lin Zheng Ran added: “For the next half year, I won’t teach you new tricks—just focus on building your stage presence and solidifying what you’ve learned. For a kid, not getting nervous and having real energy is a huge plus.”

“Okay.”

Suddenly, a vein popped on Lin Zheng Ran’s forehead, and he turned to smack Lily’s forehead hard.

“Okay? What okay! Stop spacing out—did you hear what I said?!”

Lily rubbed her head, indignant: “I heard it! I’ll study seriously, I always do!”

“Then what’s with that face?” He shot her a disdainful look, noticing her jealous stare.

Lily’s cheeks puffed up in annoyance, and she turned away with a huff: “Nothing much, just wondering who that girl was who called you. Is her name Qingqing? Why does she call you so often anyway?”

Lin Zheng Ran answered honestly: “She’s my childhood friend. She moved away but we still keep in touch.”

“Huh?!” She was baffled: “Childhood friend? I thought that was me! I’ve known you since first grade!”