The twenty-sixth day of the twelfth lunar month, River City.
This massive city, known as the "thoroughfare of nine provinces," gradually became less crowded as the Spring Festival approached. Bright red lanterns hung throughout the streets and alleys, while the air carried a festive scent of impending reunions mixed with gunpowder from firecrackers—even though they were banned, someone always set them off in secret.
For Su Bai, this was also a temporary comma in his life as a tycoon in River City.
In the underground parking lot of the Qintai Grand Theatre, a black Land Rover Defender sat quietly in a VIP space.
The heater was turned up high inside the car.
"Boss... how long will you be gone?"
In the passenger seat, Lin Qingyu curled up in Su Bai's arms like a clingy kitten. She was not wearing her practice clothes today, having changed into an off-white down jacket and wrapped herself in a red scarf. She looked festive and gentle.
Over the past few days, with Su Bai's daily "special therapy" and the arrival of that expert team from Magic City, Lin Qingyu's physical condition had become absurdly good. Her waist no longer ached, her legs no longer hurt, and even her skin carried a rosy softness, as though it had been thoroughly nourished.
"About half a month."
Su Bai played with her long, fair hands—hands that had suffered countless hardships for the sake of art. "I'll be back after the New Year. While I'm gone, lead those girls and practice properly. When I return, I'll inspect the results."
"Mm, I understand."
Lin Qingyu nodded obediently, then looked up. Her usually cool eyes were full of reluctance. "But... half a month is so long. What if... what if I miss you?"
"Miss me?"
Su Bai smiled and pointed