Chapter 8: The Brightest Star in the Night Sky

“It may look glamorous on the outside, but who knows what risks might be hidden inside?”
“There’s nobody looking out for you, all those rules and restrictions—what if something else goes wrong…”
As the conversation grew more pointed, the words were about to touch on Su Chen’s sore spot.
Wu Xiu Hua, under the table, slapped his stomach.
But she said nothing; clearly, she shared the same opinion.
“Dad, what do you know? The entertainment industry isn’t just about celebrities—there are plenty of people working behind the scenes: lyricists, composers, directors, planners, and so on.”
“It’s just like any ordinary job. What risk is there?”
Su Chen echoed, “That’s right, just like that!”
Tang Wei Dong was still unwilling to give up, continuing, “If you ask me, it’s best to live a safe and peaceful life.”
“What’s the point in chasing after all those things?”
“Your uncle may not be very capable, but he does have some connections.”
“Our factory is short-staffed, and you’re a college graduate. If I swallow my pride and talk to the leadership, I can arrange a good job for you.”
“You might not make a fortune, but it’ll be steady and secure.”
“You’re a college graduate; you’ll be valued…”
Tang Jia Yi, unable to listen any longer, protested with a pout, “Dad, you don’t understand anything!”
Tang Wei Dong slapped the table, “Adults are talking—children shouldn’t interrupt!”
Tang Jia Yi pursed her lips, sulking by the side.
Su Chen quietly squeezed Tang Jia Yi’s hand, indicating he didn’t mind.
How could he mind? He was moved beyond words!
This was the purest, most genuine emotion, untouched by any ulterior motive.
Tang Wei Dong and Wu Xiu Hua weren’t educated, their thinking rather old-fashioned. To them, working near home and living safely was the best life.
In their eyes, “work” meant the factory; all those celebrities and the entertainment industry were worlds away from them.
They’d made a special meal today, partly to celebrate his graduation,
but more importantly, to help him find his path forward.
There was no other way—Su Chen’s recent behavior had been far too aimless.
Of course, they knew nothing about Su Chen and Xi Si Yuan, nor about him being forced to drink.
He had only told them that drinking had ruined his voice, that he’d been terminated by the entertainment company, and had to pay a large compensation.
After that, he’d become withdrawn and silent.
They thought he was unable to move past his parents’ death, and that this wasn’t sustainable.
Hence, this whole scene tonight.
What a lovely family.
Looking at it now, his predecessor truly was foolish—after his parents died, he clung to Xi Si Yuan as his only lifeline,
yet neglected all those who cared for him.
“Uncle Tang, the little one is right. Working behind the scenes is just like working in a factory.”
“We clock in and clock out like everyone else!”
“How about this: I’ll give it a try first. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll come back and ask you to pull some strings for me, all right?”
“I’m not hung up on the past anymore. Don’t you believe in me?”
At this, Tang Wei Dong and Wu Xiu Hua’s eyes lit up, and even Tang Jia Yi’s gaze sparkled.
Su Chen nodded vigorously, confirming their hopes.
“No wonder, no wonder Xiao Chen seems different today—I hadn’t dared to ask.”

“To move on—yes, yes, that’s wonderful!”
“Old Su and his wife’s spirits in heaven can finally rest.”
“It’s just, all these years, we haven’t taken good care of the child. We feel guilty!”
As she spoke, Wu Xiu Hua suddenly wiped away tears.
Tang Wei Dong, meanwhile, was elated, as if he’d won the lottery. He poured drinks for himself and Su Chen.
“Come, let uncle drink first!”
“Now that things are settled, let’s roll up our sleeves and work hard!”
“As for work, I’ll follow your lead, but if anything comes up, come back and talk to us!”
“Uncle may not be educated—maybe I can’t help much, but at least you’ll have someone to consult, right?”
Su Chen smiled and nodded, raising his glass and draining it in one gulp.
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In a world of grey mist.
On a twisted stage.
“Su Chen, I’m sorry, I can’t let you pass!”
“To be frank, while singing skills are important, appearance matters even more.”
“With your looks, you’ll never be famous!”
…
A blurry audition scene.
“What are you here for?”
“Audition? Get out, get out!”
“Take a look in the mirror—see what you really look like.”
…
A cramped, dimly lit rental room.
The floor littered with crumpled paper balls.
An ordinary-looking boy with dark circles under his eyes,
scratching his head as he writes songs.
…
A stranger’s bathroom.
The boy reaches up to fix his hair,
then practices his facial expressions over and over.
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A screech of brakes.
The projection of a handsome middle-aged couple drifts upward,
until it vanishes in the distance.
Then a ponytailed girl’s face appears before his eyes,
slowly… slowly fading.
“Dad! Mom!”
“Si Yuan… Si Yuan!”
“Don’t leave me!”
In desperate cries, the scene flashes to a neon-lit bar.

“You brat, you dare mess with our boss? You must be tired of living!”
“Drink!”
A few burly men forcibly restrain a handsome boy, prying open his mouth and pouring strong liquor down his throat.
“Cough… cough, cough, cough, cough!”
The handsome boy coughs violently, then spits out a pool of blood.
Someone nearby whispers, “Boss!”
“Chen Shao said before not to let things get out of hand!”
A fierce, tattooed bald man waves his hand, and everyone stops instantly.
The handsome boy lies on the floor like a pile of mud.
“Consider yourself lucky. Next time, be smarter!”
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Whoosh!
Su Chen shot up from his bed.
He gasped for breath,
his body drenched in sweat.
Once he calmed down and the sweat cooled, he felt every pore tingling,
incredibly comfortable.
Ever since he’d crossed over to the party that night, he’d felt this body was extremely weak, surviving only on sheer willpower.
After drinking and passing out, he’d slept soundly, but now he woke up full of energy, feeling healthier than ever before.
Even his mind was crystal clear.
If the song “You’re So Poisonous” had been recalled from his previous life only by deliberate effort, then now…
He could remember any song he’d ever heard or seen in his past life, any detail of anything.
What was this? A golden finger triggered by fully fused memories?
Or perhaps a special reward for a transmigrator?
But he wasn’t in the mood to think about that now, for he also realized the discomfort in his throat had vanished.
Could it be…
He urgently wanted to test his theory. He checked his phone—it was a bit past eleven at night.
He’d only slept for about two hours; the timing was perfect.
He got up, went to his room, took down the guitar hanging on the wall, brushed off the dust, and headed to the rooftop.
The bright moon hung in the sky, with a few scattered stars twinkling in the deep blue night.
All around was open and empty; downstairs was quiet.
He gently strummed the guitar, caressing it like a lover.
“The brightest star in the night sky,
can you hear
the loneliness and sighs
in the heart of the one gazing up at you…”
As soon as he began singing, he knew—the familiar feeling had returned…
Even better than before!