Chapter 32: Traveling Together Once More

Qin Ruolin, without any pretense, pressed the direct pass button, catching everyone off guard. Even Lin Feng, standing on stage, was stunned. He couldn’t fathom Qin Ruolin’s intentions. Although outsiders might not know the true nature of their relationship, both of them understood it well. From Lin Feng’s perspective, there was no need for Qin Ruolin to give him a direct pass; by doing so, she was only providing fodder for gossip.

“See, Quan’er, I told you it was hopeless,” Liu Hua said with a grin, clearly enjoying the drama.

Hu Jiangquan shrugged helplessly and turned to Qin Ruolin. “Ruolin, I’d really like to know why you gave out the direct pass.”

“I think what you really want to ask is whether I did it for personal reasons,” Qin Ruolin replied bluntly. “Well, I admit, I do have a little personal bias...”

The audience immediately burst into laughter at her half-finished confession.

Qin Ruolin quickly raised her voice. “But it’s not what you’re all thinking! Lin Feng and I may know each other well, but as a mentor on this show, fairness is always my top priority. My personal bias is simply because I’m a fan of Lin Feng—I’ve always admired him on the court!”

“And even if I put aside that tiny bit of personal bias, Lin Feng’s performance fully deserves a direct pass. ‘Smiling Eyes’ is my favorite among all the original works I’ve heard this season.”

“Oh, by the way, Lin Feng, does your song still have its rights? I think this song would suit a female vocalist even better, and my new album is in need of a lead single.” Qin Ruolin asked with complete seriousness.

“Uh...” Lin Feng hadn’t expected this question. “Yes, the rights are still available.”

“Good, then I’m claiming it,” Qin Ruolin said with a charming smile. “As for the price, we’ll talk more about it when you join my team. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you’re well compensated.”

“Ruolin, you want both the song and the person—isn’t that a bit greedy?” Hu Jiangquan joked, his words carrying a double meaning.

“All women are greedy by nature,” Qin Ruolin replied matter-of-factly. Then she looked at Lin Feng and said, “Hurry up and make your choice, so Quan’er can give up hope already!”

“It really is time to decide,” Liu Hua said, his smile fading as he addressed Lin Feng with gravity. “What’s your final choice?”

Lin Feng took a deep breath, glanced at the four mentors before him, and slowly began, “My choice is...”

“Wait!” Just as Lin Feng was about to announce his decision, Qin Ruolin suddenly called out, standing up from her mentor’s chair. With one hand on her hip and the other pointing at Lin Feng in mock threat, she said, “If you don’t pick me, you’re dead!”

The audience erupted in cheers at her playful outburst. Some even began chanting Qin Ruolin’s name, clearly rooting for a “lovers united” outcome.

“Looks like there’s no suspense left,” Liu Hua remarked with a smile.

At that moment, all eyes were on Lin Feng, awaiting his final decision.

“Thank you to all the mentors for your recognition, and thank you for liking ‘Smiling Eyes’. I’m especially grateful to Quan’er and Ruolin for giving me the direct pass...” Lin Feng paused, glancing at Qin Ruolin. In truth, if not for the recent scandal, he would have chosen her without hesitation. But under these circumstances, knowing his own character, Lin Feng couldn’t bring himself to pick Qin Ruolin—he didn’t want anyone to say he’d gotten ahead by relying on a woman.

“My choice is... Mentor Hu Jiangquan!”

A collective gasp rippled through the audience as Lin Feng revealed his decision. Everyone had assumed he would pick Qin Ruolin, but he surprised them all by choosing Hu Jiangquan instead.

“Yes!” Hu Jiangquan leapt to his feet, pumping his fist in excitement. “I knew you’d pick me!”

“Lin Feng! You’re dead meat!” Qin Ruolin shouted in mock anger, drawing another round of laughter from the crowd.

“This is truly an unexpected turn,” Liu Hua said with a chuckle.

“If I’d known you weren’t picking Ruolin, I would’ve given you a direct pass too! And I’m great at acting cute—pick me, pick me, pick me!” Hassan chimed in, his antics sending the audience into fresh peals of laughter.

Lin Feng jogged to the mentors’ table, first embracing Hu Jiangquan, then politely hugging Hassan and Liu Hua in turn.

Finally, it was Qin Ruolin’s turn.

According to the custom of the show, whenever a contestant was chosen by a mentor, they would hug all four mentors. But as Lin Feng approached Qin Ruolin, the atmosphere grew a little awkward. Not only were they rumored to be a couple, but he had just rejected her invitation and she was clearly still miffed.

“Hug! Hug! Hug!” The audience began to chant as Lin Feng hesitated in front of Qin Ruolin.

Qin Ruolin, undaunted, opened her arms wide. Seeing the diva so proactive, Lin Feng didn’t hold back either, embracing her.

“Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!” The crowd, seeing the “couple” hug, quickly escalated their demands.

Qin Ruolin’s cheeks flushed at the chants, and she quickly let go of Lin Feng.

Lin Feng, a bit embarrassed, rubbed his hands together and hurried off stage.

The recording ended.

Lin Feng checked the time—it was almost four o’clock, three and a half hours before tonight’s match.

Time was tight, but manageable. Lin Feng returned to the dressing room to retrieve his luggage, then hurried out of the Central TV broadcasting building, planning to take a taxi straight to North City. As he was hailing a cab at the station entrance, his phone rang with an unfamiliar number.

He answered and heard Qin Ruolin’s voice: “Where are you?”

“I’m at the TV station entrance,” Lin Feng replied honestly.

“Wait for me.”

With those words, she hung up. While Lin Feng was still puzzled, a red SUV drove out from the TV station and stopped at his side.

The window rolled down, revealing Qin Ruolin’s charming face.

“Get in.”

“I’m headed to North City,” Lin Feng said.

“Of course I know you’re going there!” Qin Ruolin pouted. “I’m going to watch the game, you’re going to play—we’re on the same route!”

“That’s perfect, I was just worried about finding a ride,” Lin Feng said, tossing his luggage in the trunk and getting in.

“Hold on tight!” Qin Ruolin said as she floored the gas pedal, the car shooting forward and startling Lin Feng.

“Female drivers really are fierce...” Lin Feng thought to himself.

“Why didn’t you pick me just now?” After driving for a while, Qin Ruolin asked with a hint of irritation.

Lin Feng scratched his head sheepishly. “I felt Quan’er was a better fit for me.”

“You’re just afraid of people gossiping, aren’t you?” Qin Ruolin hit the nail on the head.

“Alright, that’s definitely part of it,” Lin Feng admitted.

“That song, ‘Smiling Eyes’—did you write it for your ex-girlfriend?” Qin Ruolin pressed.

“In a way, yes,” Lin Feng replied.

“If there’s a chance, introduce me sometime. I’m really curious to see what kind of girl would dump a superstar like you,” Qin Ruolin said with genuine interest.

“She’s not as pretty as you,” Lin Feng complimented.

“I know!” Qin Ruolin replied with satisfaction.

Lin Feng was speechless—this diva’s confidence truly knew no bounds.

…