Chapter 4: High Note

In the narrow alley of Si Shui, steam billowed at the street corner, curling into lively white clouds. A few children hopped on their toes, reaching out to grab the mist, scattering it in distorted swirls.

Chen Shu Yin took a taxi home from work. A few kids pressed against the car window, refusing to leave, excitedly slapping the door as they played. Seeing no other option, she stepped out from the other side.

Before she could even steady herself, a familiar hand grasped her wrist and tugged her away.

“Eh?”

By the time she regained her balance, Grandma Fang was already standing in front of her, hands on her hips, smirking triumphantly.

“Grandma, what are you doing?” Chen Shu Yin clutched her chest in surprise, thinking someone was trying to rob her on the street.

The elderly woman raised a white plastic bag in her hand, steam clinging to the paper wrapper of roasted chestnuts, their fresh, sweet aroma lingering.

Chen Shu Yin’s morning exhaustion vanished instantly. She took her grandmother’s arm and asked, “How did you know I’d be coming today? You even bought roasted chestnuts!”

Grandma Fang’s response was unexpected. “I didn’t know. I was at the market buying groceries when I ran into Xiao Pei. He gave them to me.”

“Xiao Pei?” Chen Shu Yin straightened. “Pei Yu?”

“Yes! I hadn’t seen him for months, and that boy looks even more handsome now. His parents sure knew how to have kids,” Grandma Fang said animatedly. “Look at him—he was your classmate, and now he’s a big star. But he hasn’t forgotten his roots, still thoughtful enough to bring me something.”

She sighed. “And you? I told you so many times—on holidays, you should visit his family, return the favor. But no, you just bury yourself in your little world. How do you expect to get anywhere like that?”

The more Grandma Fang talked, the more she got into it. Meanwhile, Chen Shu Yin clutched her head in frustration and bolted upstairs.

Damn Pei Yu.

How could someone be so manipulative? He had infiltrated enemy territory, targeting her last line of defense—her own grandmother.

He played the perfect grandson, erasing all evidence of how he used to bully her at school.

A master of deception—perfect for an actor.

Cursing Pei Yu the entire way, Chen Shu Yin stormed into her room, slammed the door shut, and leaned against it, arms crossed, scowling.

Right on cue, Grandma Fang knocked. “Are you mad again? The moment I mention Xiao Pei, you blow up. Your mother made a bad choice in men, and now you’re doing the same thing? Pei Yu is a great kid. Even if you don’t end up together, at least be friends!”

Chen Shu Yin groaned. Every time she had a rough day, she instinctively came to her grandmother’s for comfort, only to be ambushed like this. “Grandma, how many times do I have to say it? I’ve never liked him. You’re just fooled by his looks!”

“Not liking handsome ones—what, do you prefer ugly ones?” Grandma Fang quipped. “Wash your hands and help me cook. You haven’t eaten yet, have you?”

The room fell silent. Then, the door cracked open, and Chen Shu Yin stuck her head out with a deadpan look before reluctantly heading into the kitchen.

“Yin Yin.” Grandma Fang sorted vegetables, her voice unusually serious. “Have those two ungrateful people contacted you lately?”

“Who?” Chen Shu Yin asked absentmindedly while rinsing the greens.

“Your parents.”

She answered without care, “No. Why are you asking about them all of a sudden?”

Grandma Fang shook her head, looking at her with pity. She sighed. “If they do reach out, don’t waver. Hold your ground, you hear me?”

Chen Shu Yin rubbed her ear and wiped away water droplets from her face, her eyes clear and indifferent. “Got it.”

“You don’t even cry,” Grandma Fang muttered, switching topics abruptly. “Look at Liu Yiran—she’s cried over several boyfriends already, and you’re still single!”

“Ms. Fang Youyou, can you not compare me to others?” Chen Shu Yin protested, tearing apart lettuce leaves with exaggerated determination. “Disappear, disappear, disappear…”

“Why don’t you give Pei Yu a chance?” Grandma Fang scooted closer, her sparse black-and-white hair styled like a trendy curtain fringe, barely covering her wrinkled skin.

A moment ago, Chen Shu Yin had felt bad for her. Now, she found her grandmother downright infuriating.

If only Pei Yu had never existed in her life.

She threw the last piece of lettuce into the basket with a perfect shot and muttered, “Disappear.”

After quickly stir-frying the dishes, she brought them to the dining table.

On TV, a drama starring Pei Yu was playing on Tanchu Satellite Channel.

A fantasy costume drama—his comeback project during his senior year. He played a prodigious young warrior with a tragic past, seeking enlightenment, gathering allies, slaying demons, and ultimately restoring peace.

At that moment, he descended from the sky in flowing white robes, sword in hand, heroically rescuing the heroine.

Grandma Fang, captivated, waved Chen Shu Yin aside. “Move over.”

Chen Shu Yin sat with her back to the screen, stuffing rice into her mouth, her expression dark.

She never watched Pei Yu’s dramas—past or present. The real him was too different from his on-screen persona.

Recently, clips from the show had gone viral. Despite having no kissing scenes, the chemistry between Pei Yu and the female lead was undeniable, and fans were obsessed.

“The finale is coming, and they still haven’t kissed!” Netizens wailed.

Chen Shu Yin recalled something Pei Yu’s assistant had mentioned—he was probably filming a kiss scene right now.

Grandma Fang, finally tearing her eyes away from the screen, called out, “Take that bag of sweet potatoes to Pei Yu later.”

“…What?”

“Send him a message, give him a call—figure it out yourself. If you don’t, then return everything he gave me.”

Knowing she had no choice, Chen Shu Yin begrudgingly pulled out her phone.

[Dancing Notes on a Tree]: Still breathing?

Pei Yu replied instantly.

[Py]: Apologies, but I’m very much alive.

[Dancing Notes on a Tree]: Why did you send my grandma something without asking me?

[Py]: Do I need your permission?

Chen Shu Yin nearly choked.

Another message popped up.

[Py]: If I asked, would your grandma have gotten anything at all?

Was he selectively reading messages?

Annoyed, she typed: [Dancing Notes on a Tree]: Whatever. Grandma wants me to bring you sweet potatoes. Where should I leave them?

[Py]: In my hands, of course. Or better yet, peel and cook them for me—I’d be even happier.

[Dancing Notes on a Tree]: Dream on.

[Py]: I thought that was the whole point of you bringing them.

Boring conversation.

She ignored him and booked a car. Another message arrived.

[Py]: Film crew. Shooting across Si Shui River. The bridge is closed, so take the main road.

[Dancing Notes on a Tree]: Not coming. I don’t want to watch you shoot a kiss scene.

[Py]: ?

[Py]: Who said I’m filming a kiss scene?

[Dancing Notes on a Tree]: The internet.

[Py]: You’re the type to fall for health supplement scams when you’re old.

Excuse me?!

Just as she was about to fire back, a breaking news alert flashed across her phone—

“Fire at Si Shui River filming site. Actor Pei Yu missing.”

Her mind went blank.