Focus

【Is it fate, emotion, innocence, or mere coincidence?

With tears, flaws, effort, and endurance...】

Liu Muye's captivating voice soon drew students from other classes, and the circle on the field grew larger—yet no one made a sound, as even the slightest noise would drown out his singing.

Everyone sat on the grass, quietly listening to Liu Muye’s performance.

Han Juyou picked up her phone, turned on the flashlight, and swayed her arm to the rhythm of the song. Others quickly followed her lead, pulling out their phones and switching on their rear lights.

When Liu Muye finished singing Lover and opened his eyes, the sight before him brought sudden moisture to his eyes.

Throughout his four years at Sunan University, he had lived like an unnoticed background character. But now, in his own story, he was finally the protagonist.

A wave of complex emotions surged within him—was it gratitude or melancholy? He couldn’t tell. Glancing at Han Juyou again, he felt a flicker of relief. Her mischief had pushed him to be brave.

Han Juyou held up her phone, offering him a subtle smile. Under the glow of the flashlight, her face seemed as flawless as polished jade, her expression radiant and heart-stirring.

Tonight, there were no stars in the sky—because they were all on the ground. From above, the scattered phone lights resembled tiny constellations, shimmering across the field.

The crisp autumn air, the bright moon, the sparse stars—this military training night became an unforgettable prologue to their university youth, leaving an indelible mark on the summer campus.

......

“Which class was that guy who sang just now?”

“I think he’s from Finance Class One?”

“His voice is amazing.”

“Tall, long legs, and handsome too.”

“He seemed a little unsure of himself, though—singing with his eyes closed and head lowered.”

“If Young Master Nangong weren’t around, I’d crown him ‘Freshman Heartthrob’!”

“Rumor has it he’s the son of the school’s board chairman. The entire Siliya Academy belongs to his family—probably on par with the Nangong Family’s influence.”

“So our freshman year has two top-tier rich heirs?”

“Hey, I heard he and Young Master Nangong are roommates—apparently, they’re even friends.”

“Ladies, you can have Young Master Nangong. That singer is mine.”

“Don’t bother—he already left with Young Master Nangong. Two girls were with them too. You’re all out of luck…”

“......”

After Liu Muye left, the field buzzed only with discussions about him. Tonight’s singing session had become his dazzling debut at Siliya Academy.

Nangong Ye gave him a once-over. “Didn’t expect you to sing so well.”

Liu Muye scratched his head sheepishly. “I just like this song—listened to it a lot. I’d embarrass myself with anything else.”

Shangguan Yurou, standing beside Nangong Ye, chimed in, “I love Lover too! If I’d gone up, I’d have picked the same song.”

“Oh… really?” Liu Muye forced a smile, thinking to himself, You were supposed to be the one singing it tonight!

“Why the long face?” Han Juyou caught his bitter expression and mistook it for displeasure. “You should thank me. Without me, you wouldn’t have had this moment.”

“Thank you? More like curse you.” Liu Muye rolled his eyes. “Admit it—did you trip me when I stood up?”

Han Juyou blinked, feigning innocence. “What are you talking about?”

Her acting was flawless—if Liu Muye didn’t know her tricks, he might’ve believed her.

“Keep pretending. No one does it better.” He crossed his arms. “Disappointed I didn’t mess up?”

“Why would I be?” She frowned. “You did great. I’m happy for you.”

Her words left Liu Muye baffled. Wasn’t she trying to embarrass me? Then why push me to perform? Unless… she knows my secret?

As he puzzled over it, Han Juyou’s lips curled imperceptibly.

Truth was, Liu Muye wasn’t wrong. She had sensed his desire to sing—and his hesitation to step forward.

How did she understand him so well?

Because she was the same.

She, too, had once dreamed of shining under the spotlight, of being the center of attention.

So she recognized the longing in his eyes.

Liu Muye struck her as odd. Like Nangong Ye, he was a wealthy heir—yet he carried an inexplicable insecurity. Handsome, yet he walked with his head down. Talented, yet too shy to perform.

If I had his advantages, I’d be unstoppable. What’s he so insecure about?

......

[I used to think wealth brought confidence. Later, I realized—those raised in self-doubt only see their flaws, magnifying them until they forget their strengths. —Liu Muye’s Notes]

......

The fourteen-day military training was cut short—seven days of sick leave, two lost to rain. Liu Muye and his friends only endured five actual days.

On Friday afternoon, the skies finally cleared after two days of downpour.

The post-rain air carried a crisp freshness, and the gentle sunlight bathed the track. After the parade, the university president delivered the closing speech.

While he droned on, the instructors quietly boarded buses and left. By the time the speech ended, they were already on the highway.

As always, a few tearful girls lamented the instructors’ departure, begging for their return.

Liu Muye had witnessed this at Sunan University. Seeing it again at Siliya Academy only deepened his exasperation.

Han Juyou muttered beside him, “Elementary school—crush on the class monitor. Middle school—bad boys. High school—jocks. Military training—instructors. University—advisors. Driving lessons—coaches. Work—bosses. Dining—waiters. Haircuts—stylists. Even poodles aren’t this indiscriminate. What a bunch of lunatics.”

“Brilliant,” Liu Muye grinned, giving her a thumbs-up.

After transmigrating into the book for so long, Han Juyou finally said something that Liu Muye loved to hear.

"Hmm?"

Seeing Liu Muye give her a thumbs-up, Han Juyou froze for a moment before they exchanged a knowing smile.

...