Chapter 43

After getting back on the bus, Han Dong took over driving, while Wei Da rested. Wei Da then narrated Song Haowen’s heroic deeds to the passengers. Suddenly, all the passengers on the bus began to admire Song Haowen, praising him and asking for details.

This made Song Haowen extremely embarrassed, constantly explaining to everyone that it was just a small matter, not worth mentioning, and something anyone would do.

Some passengers noticed Song Haowen’s age and found it hard to believe that such a young person could defeat four armed criminals.

Some even secretly questioned whether Wei Da’s description was too exaggerated.

With the topic of Song Haowen’s heroic act, the journey became less monotonous, and the related discussions kept everyone engaged. However, the more timid passengers added a hint of worry.

During the lunch break, some passengers voluntarily approached Song Haowen to greet him and strike up a conversation.

Not wanting to be impolite, he chatted with everyone about various topics, but he intentionally avoided mentioning his identity at Beijing University and the commune his family lived in.

In the afternoon, many passengers were still excited, as if they, and not Song Haowen, had achieved something great. A few young people even sat on Song Haowen’s berth, chatting away and making it hard for him to rest.

Unknowingly, another day passed. The next morning, driver Han Dong woke up the still drowsy Song Haowen and, along with Wei Da, went to freshen up and prepare for breakfast.

After finishing, while walking towards the dining hall, someone suddenly shouted, “Song Haowen.”

Song Haowen turned to look, seeing a stranger, a seventeen or eighteen-year-old girl, calling him. Curious, he asked, “Do you know me?”

The girl stared at Song Haowen for a moment, then her face lit up with surprise. She rushed over to him.

“You really are Song Haowen, it’s true.”

Han Dong and Wei Da looked at Song Haowen and asked, “Do you know her?”

Song Haowen shook his head, not having spoken yet, when the girl tightly embraced him, trembling with excitement. This startled him, and he quickly pushed her away.

The girl released her hold on Song Haowen’s arm and quickly pulled out a pen, pleading, “Big celebrity, my idol, I didn’t bring a notebook, can you give me an autograph on my clothes?”

By now, more passengers had gathered around, and Song Haowen felt a bit overwhelmed. He said, “Miss, you’ve mistaken me for someone else. I’m not a big celebrity.”

Han Dong and Wei Da also tried to explain to the girl, “Young man here is just a passenger on our bus, not your ‘big celebrity.’ You’ve got it wrong.”

The girl was so upset that she seemed on the verge of tears. With a teary voice, she said to the surrounding passengers, “I won’t mistake someone. Please, everyone, take a closer look. Isn’t he the singer, Song Haowen, who sang ‘Morning in the Campus,’ ‘Grandma’s Penghu Bay,’ ‘Meeting at the Obo,’ and ‘Heart Rain’ together with the superstar singer Tian Nana, as featured in newspapers and magazines?”

The surrounding passengers were shocked and somewhat disbelieving. After a moment, a passenger suddenly exclaimed, “Yes, it’s really is Song Haowen.” His loud voice attracted all the passengers resting during the break, creating a crowded scene around Song Haowen.

“Come and see! The big star Song Haowen is here!”

“I want the big star’s autograph. Who can lend me a pen and paper?”

“Does anyone have a camera? I want to take a photo with the big star.”

Proudly, the girl turned to the stunned Han Dong and Wei Da, saying, “Now do you believe me?”

Han Dong stammered, “Brother Song, is she telling the truth?”

The passengers traveling with Song Haowen were also astonished. They never dreamed that a celebrity would be on their bus, let alone share accommodations for two nights.

However, what made everyone even more proud was that this big star turned out to be from their hometown, from the same county.

With the situation reaching this point, Song Haowen had no choice but to admit it. He reluctantly took the pen handed to him by the girl and signed his name on her cotton jacket. The girl was instantly overcome with excitement and teared up.

Countless pens and papers were quickly handed over. While signing autographs, Song Haowen thought about how to make his exit. If the crowd continued to grow, it could become a problem.

It was not only about him being unable to leave; there was also a risk of a stampede, which could lead to injuries among the fans. He sought help from Han Dong and Wei Da, saying, “Could you please help maintain order? I’d like to get back to the bus.”

Han Dong and Wei Da promptly invited the passengers on the bus to form two human walls by holding hands. This allowed Song Haowen to squeeze through the crowd and return to the bus. They quickly closed the door.

Faced with hundreds of fans surrounding the bus, Song Haowen thought of a solution. He opened a window and began signing autographs to attract the attention of the fans. Meanwhile, the passengers on the bus tried to find ways to get to the door, intending to board. Once everyone was on board, they quickly drive away.