The agency had been unusually lively that afternoon. Schedules overlapped, assistants moved briskly through the halls, and voices echoed faintly from meeting rooms.
Lin Su and the girls had just finished reviewing their weekly plans when Xu Yan suddenly froze mid-sentence. "Wait… is that—"
Liu Wen turned toward the entrance, and her expression softened almost immediately.
Wen Jinhai stood by the doorway, hands casually in his pockets, looking as composed as ever. Beside him was Jian, equally calm, his presence quiet but steady.
Xu Yan's eyes widened. "Oh wow… look who decided to show up."
Lin Su tried to remain composed, but the small smile that tugged at her lips betrayed her. "What are you two doing here?"
Wen Jinhai stepped closer, his gaze lingering on her for a brief moment before answering, "We had meetings nearby. Thought we'd stop by."
Jian added simply, "And it's been a while."
Mei Lin, who had been quietly observing from the side, crossed her arms lightly. "Convenient timing."
Jian glanced at her. "You make it sound suspicious."
"It usually is," Mei Lin replied calmly, though there was a faint hint of amusement in her eyes.
Xu Yan clapped her hands suddenly. "Okay! Since everyone is here, we're going out. No arguments."
Liu Wen blinked. "Out where?"
Xu Yan grinned. "Karaoke. We deserve a break."
Mei Lin tilted her head slightly. "That sounds chaotic."
"That's the point," Xu Yan said proudly.
Lin Su looked at Wen Jinhai. "You okay with that?"
He nodded. "I'll follow."
Jian added, "Same here."
Mei Lin gave a small shrug. "Then I suppose I'll supervise the chaos."
—
The karaoke bar was tucked away in a quieter part of the city, dimly lit with soft neon lights and private rooms that guaranteed discretion.
That was important.
In an industry as watchful and chaotic as theirs, relationships weren't something you displayed openly. Every glance could be interpreted, every moment twisted into speculation. So they kept things simple—meeting in groups, blending laughter with normalcy, hiding sincerity behind casual interactions.
Inside the room, Xu Yan immediately grabbed the microphone. "Alright! First song goes to me!"
Jian leaned back against the couch. "Of course it does."
Xu Yan shot him a look. "Don't be jealous."
"I'm not," he replied calmly. "I'm concerned."
Mei Lin let out a soft scoff. "Concerned is the right word."
Everyone laughed.
After a few songs and a lot of off-key enthusiasm from Xu Yan, the mood settled into something softer.
"Liu Wen," Xu Yan suddenly said, pointing the mic at her. "Your turn."
Liu Wen shook her head lightly. "I'll pass."
"No, you won't," Xu Yan insisted. "I know you can sing."
Lin Su looked at her, curious. "You never told us that."
Jian's gaze shifted toward Liu Wen, something quiet passing through his expression. "She's good."
Mei Lin added calmly, "Very good. She just doesn't show it."
That was enough.
Liu Wen sighed softly before standing, taking the microphone. "Just… don't laugh."
"No promises," Xu Yan muttered.
The music started.
Soft. Familiar.
Liu Wen closed her eyes briefly, then began to sing.
"I'm bulletproof, nothing to lose
Fire away, fire away
Ricochet, you take your aim
Fire away, fire away
You shoot me down, but I won't fall
I am titanium…"
Her voice filled the room—clear, controlled, and unexpectedly powerful.
The laughter faded.
Even Xu Yan went silent.
Lin Su blinked, visibly surprised.
Mei Lin's expression didn't change much, but her gaze sharpened slightly, clearly impressed.
Jian watched Liu Wen quietly, something unspoken in his eyes.
Wen Jinhai leaned back slightly, glancing at Lin Su. "She's been holding out on you."
Lin Su nodded slowly. "Clearly."
When the song ended, the room stayed quiet for a moment.
Then—
Xu Yan screamed. "WHAT WAS THAT?!"
Liu Wen blinked. "What?"
"That was insane!" Xu Yan jumped to her feet. "Why are you even acting? Your passion is clearly music!"
Mei Lin nodded once. "She's right. That didn't sound like a hobby."
Liu Wen laughed softly, sitting down. "It's just something I've always liked."
Jian shook his head slightly. "It's more than that."
Lin Su leaned forward. "Why didn't you ever tell us?"
Liu Wen shrugged lightly. "I didn't think it mattered. Acting was what brought us together."
Wen Jinhai added calmly, "Doesn't mean it's where you have to stay."
That lingered in the air.
Xu Yan quickly waved her hands. "Okay! Before this turns into a deep life discussion—let's address something important."
Mei Lin raised a brow. "Which is?"
Xu Yan pointed dramatically. "You two." She pointed at Lin Su and Wen Jinhai. "And you two." She pointed at Liu Wen and Jian.
Lin Su sighed. "Xu Yan…"
"What?" Xu Yan said defensively. "I'm just stating facts!"
Mei Lin smirked faintly. "You sound bitter."
"I am bitter," Xu Yan admitted immediately. "Everyone is pairing up and I'm here… alone."
Jian said dryly, "That sounds like a personal issue."
"Rude," Xu Yan shot back, then muttered, "I need to get a boyfriend before summer. This is getting embarrassing."
Liu Wen laughed. "You'll find someone."
"Better be soon," Xu Yan said dramatically.
Lin Su shook her head, smiling.
Beside her, Wen Jinhai leaned slightly closer, his voice low. "You okay?"
She nodded. "Yeah… I like this."
"Me too," he replied.
On the other side, Jian quietly handed Liu Wen a drink. Their fingers brushed briefly.
Mei Lin watched the interactions silently, then said, "Just make sure none of you get caught. The industry doesn't forgive easily."
Xu Yan groaned. "There she goes again. Miss Reality Check."
Mei Lin shrugged. "Someone has to say it."
The night carried on with more songs, more laughter, and moments that felt almost too normal for people living under constant scrutiny.
For a few hours, they weren't rising stars.
They were just themselves.
And somehow—
that was enough.